It's extremely common for smartphone owners to need to connect a new device to the network but forget the password. Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco People often wonder how to quickly and easily restore access to saved network data. Modern versions of the operating system Android provide built-in tools to solve this problem, making the process as simple as possible for the average user.
Unlike older firmware versions, which required complex manipulations or superuser rights, now all you need is access to the main settings menu. However, it's important to keep in mind that the interface MIUI And HyperOS The process may vary slightly depending on the OS version and device's regional settings. We'll cover all current methods, from standard ones to specialized software.
Before you begin, make sure your phone is actually connected to the desired network or has been connected to it previously. Security system Android won't allow you to extract data about networks the device has never interacted with. It's also worth remembering that some methods may require the screen to be stable and the device to be unblocked by the administrator if it's a corporate device.
Using the QR code feature in Settings
The easiest and safest way, which doesn't require installing third-party software, is to generate a QR code through the system menu. Starting with Android 10, this feature is built into the shell. MIUI by default. You need to go to the section Settings → Wi-Fi and click on the gear icon or arrow next to the name of the active network.
On the screen that opens, you'll see a QR code, which is designed to quickly connect other guests. Below this image, you'll typically see the phrase "Password: [your_password]" written in small print. If the text is obscured by dots or asterisks, you can take a screenshot and open it in your gallery, where the password often becomes legible, or use the "Recognize Text" feature (Google Lens) directly on the screenshot.
This method is ideal because it doesn't void the warranty and doesn't require deep system access. However, if the password text is hidden and the scanner can't read it, you'll have to resort to alternative methods. It's important to note that on some global firmware versions, the password text may be hidden for privacy reasons, and in such cases, the QR code only serves for automatic connection.
⚠️ Attention: Don't share screenshots of the QR code with anyone else. Anyone who scans the code will be able to instantly connect to your network without entering any characters, creating a security breach.
View via Google menu and sync
If the standard interface Xiaomi hides the text value of the password, you can use the Google ecosystem. Smartphones Android automatically sync saved Wi-Fi networks with your Google account. To view the data, go to Settings → Google → Autofill → Autofill from Google.
In the menu that opens, select "Passwords" or "Saved Passwords." This will display a list of all websites and networks whose data is stored in the cloud. Find your Wi-Fi network name in the list. When you tap it, the system will ask you to verify your identity using your fingerprint, Face ID, or pattern.
After successful authentication, you'll see your login and password in plain text. This method is especially useful if you've reset your phone to factory settings but restored a backup, or if you need to find the password on a tablet without a SIM card but still log in to the same account.
- 🔐 Safety: Data is transmitted over a secure Google encryption channel.
- 🔄 Availability: The information is available from any device where you are logged into your account.
- 📱 Versatility: Works on all smartphones with Google Play services, regardless of the MIUI version.
Using the Mi Router app
Owners of routers of this brand Xiaomi or Mi WiFi have a unique advantage - the ability to manage the network through the official application Mi WiFi (or Mi Home). If your router supports this feature and is linked to an account, you can change network settings directly.
Launch the app and select your router from the list of devices. Go to the Wi-Fi settings section. The current network name and password are displayed here. Note that in this interface, the password is often shown in plain text, as the app has administrative rights over the device.
If you change your password through the app, it will automatically update on all connected devices in the ecosystem. MIoTThis is a convenient way not only to find out but also to centrally manage access. However, it's important to remember that this method only works with hardware. Xiaomi And Redmi.
Password recovery software (without root)
There are a number of applications in Google Play, which are marketed as password recovery tools. It's important to understand how they work: on modern versions of Android (starting with version 10), they can't "hack" a password out of nowhere due to system security limitations.
Such programs, for example, WiFi Password Viewer or similar programs actually read data from system files with restricted access. If you don't have permission Root, these apps can only show the password of the network you are currently connected to, using system APIs to generate a QR code or copy data to the clipboard.
The effectiveness of such snails depends on the specific model. Xiaomi and firmware versions. Some manufacturers even block access to these APIs for third-party apps. Therefore, before installing, it's important to carefully read reviews and check compatibility with your version. Android.
| Application name | Root availability | Functional | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi Password Viewer | Not required | Show current network | High |
| Instabridge | Not required | Common password database | Average |
| WiFi Map | Not required | Maps and sharing | Average |
| ES File Explorer (older versions) | Required | View system files | Low (lots of ads) |
Method using Root rights
For advanced users who have received superuser rights (Root) on your own Xiaomi, provides full access to the file system. This is the only way to guarantee access to passwords for all networks ever saved, even if the phone is not currently connected to them.
You need to install a file manager with Root support, for example, Root Explorer or RE ManagerAfter activating access rights in the application, follow this path: /data/misc/wifi/. This directory contains the file WifiConfigStore.xml (on new Androids) or wpa_supplicant.conf (on older versions).
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlOpening this file with a text editor will display a list of all networks in XML format. Find the tag SSID with the name of your network, and immediately below it there will be a tag PreSharedKey, containing the password in cleartext. This method requires caution: accidentally changing other parameters in system files may render the Wi-Fi module inoperable.
⚠️ Attention: Obtaining root rights on devices Xiaomi Requires unlocking the bootloader, which results in a complete reset of the phone. Furthermore, after this procedure, banking apps and Google Pay (Mir Pay) services will no longer work without further intervention.
Risks of unlocking the bootloader
Unlocking the bootloader makes the device vulnerable to physical access. If the phone falls into the wrong hands while it's turned off, data can be extracted more easily. It also voids the manufacturer's warranty.
Restoring access via the router's web interface
If none of the software methods help, there's always the hardware option: checking the router's settings. To do this, your phone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network (even without internet). Open your browser and enter the router's IP address in the address bar.
Most often it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address, as well as the login and password for accessing the admin panel, are usually written on a sticker on the bottom of the device. If you've changed this information previously and forgotten it, you'll have to reset the router using the reset button. Reset.
Once in the settings menu, go to the section Wireless or Wi-Fi SettingsThere in the field Wireless Password, WPA Pre-Shared Key The current password will be displayed. You can copy it or change it to something easier to remember.
- 🌐 Access: It works even if the password has not been saved on the phone, the main thing is to be connected.
- 🛠 Versatility: The method is suitable for routers of any brand (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, D-Link).
- 🔒 Reliability: Allows you not only to find out, but also to change the password, disabling unauthorized users.
☑️ Checking access to the router
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out a neighbor's Wi-Fi password using a Xiaomi phone?
No, it's impossible to find out someone else's private network password using legal methods. Apps that promise this either contain viruses, use leaked password databases, or only work if someone in your contacts already has access to the network and has shared it. Hacking someone else's network is illegal.
What should I do if the Share button or QR code doesn't show the password?
In some versions MIUI And Android The password text may be hidden behind asterisks, even in the menu. In this case, take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code, then open Google Photos or Google Lens, select the screenshot, and click "Search by image" or "Text." The system will recognize the text under the code and display the password.
Will the password on my phone be reset if I change it on the router?
Yes, if you change the password in the router settings or through the app, all connected devices, including yours Xiaomi, will lose the connection. The phone will try to connect with the old password, but it will be rejected, and you'll have to re-enter the new information in the Wi-Fi menu.
Where are Wi-Fi passwords physically stored on Android?
Passwords are stored in a secure system partition at the path /data/misc/wifi/. Files WifiConfigStore.xml or wpa_supplicant.conf Contains configuration. Access to this section for non-root (superuser) apps is restricted by Android security policies.