How to View WiFi Password on Android Redmi: A Complete Guide

A situation when a new gadget or a friend's laptop needs to be connected to the home network, but the password Wi-Fi completely forgotten, familiar to many smartphone owners Xiaomi And Redmi. Fortunately, the operating system Android in conjunction with the shell MIUI provides several built-in mechanisms to solve this problem without having to hack the device or delve into complex router settings.

In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for retrieving saved access keys, from the simplest QR code scanning available to anyone to advanced methods for experienced users. You'll learn how to securely manage your network data and understand where exactly the operating system stores critical connection information.

Before you take any action, it's important to understand that the security of your data directly depends on the firmware version installed. In newer updates, MIUI And HyperOS The privacy policy has been tightened, so some paths may differ slightly, but the basic principles remain the same.

⚠️ Important: All methods described below are intended solely for restoring access to your own networks or networks you are officially authorized to manage. Unauthorized access to other people's Wi-Fi networks is prohibited by law.

Using a QR code to view a password

The easiest and fastest way to find out a forgotten password on smartphones Redmi — is a QR code generation feature built directly into the settings interface. This method doesn't require installing third-party software or gaining superuser rights, making it ideal for the average user.

First, you need to go to the device settings menu. Find the section Wi-Fi and click on it. You'll see a list of available networks, with the one you're currently connected to marked with an icon or highlighted in color. Click on the name of the active network or the arrow to the right of it to expand its options.

In the window that opens, you'll see a large QR code. The password text is usually displayed below it in plain text. If the text is hidden behind asterisks, simply point the camera of another smartphone with a scanner app or the built-in camera scanner at the code.

• 📱 Open Wi-Fi settings on the connected Redmi.
• 🔍 Click on the name of the active network to expand the menu.
• 📸 Take a screenshot of the screen containing the QR code or scan it with another device.
• 📝 Read the password in the text below the code or in the scan results.

It is worth noting that in some versions MIUI The password may not be displayed in plain text below the code for security reasons. In this case, scanning the code with another device's camera will allow you to instantly connect to the network and possibly later view the password in the second device's settings.

View saved networks through system settings

shell MIUI Stores a history of all connections, even when you're outside the router's range. This allows you to manage passwords and delete old profiles. However, you can't simply browse this list and see passwords for all networks—the system requires authorization for each specific access.

To view data from a network you are not currently connected to but that is stored in memory, go to Settings → Wi-FiAt the top of the screen, there is often a "Saved Networks" button or a similar menu item, depending on the firmware version. This displays all known networks. Redmi access points.

Tap the desired network. The system will ask you to verify your identity using a screen unlock PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition. This is a security mechanism. Android, which prevents data theft by unauthorized persons who gain access to an unlocked phone.

After successful authorization, the network card will open, where you can again generate a QR code or see a text field with an access key. If the field is hidden, tap the eye icon to make the characters visible.

Using ADB to Extract Data Without Root

For more advanced users who do not want to gain full superuser rights (Root), but need access to system configuration files, there is a method using the debug bridge Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method allows you to upload a file. wifi_config.xml, in which all passwords are stored.

The method involves granting the application temporary privileges via a computer. You'll need a PC, a USB cable, and installed drivers. ADBYou need to enable developer mode on your phone. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly tap on the build number seven times (MIUI Version).

Then in the menu Additional → For developers turn on the item USB debuggingConnect your smartphone to your computer and enter the confirmation command on the phone's screen. Then, using the console on your PC, run the following command to backup your Wi-Fi configuration:

adb backup -noapk com.android.providers.settings

The resulting file will need to be converted from tar to XML format to read the contents. Inside, you'll find tags. SSID And PreSharedKey, where the password you're looking for will be stored in clear text. This method is more complicated, but it works even on older versions of Android that didn't yet support QR codes.

What to do if the computer doesn’t see the phone?

Make sure the original cable is installed, the ADB drivers are up to date, and "USB debugging" is enabled in Developer Options. Also, try switching the USB connection mode in the notification shade to "File transfer."

Login to the router control panel

If none of the methods through the phone interface helped, there is always the "hardware" option - logging into the web interface of the router itself. Since your Redmi already connected to Wi-Fi (or you can connect it via cable through an OTG adapter), you have access to the device's local network.

Open any browser on your smartphone and enter the gateway IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address can be found in the Wi-Fi settings on your phone in the "Gateway" or "Router" field.

You'll need your login and password to access the admin panel. If you haven't changed them, they'll be on the sticker on the bottom of the router. Default combinations are often admin/admin or admin/passwordOnce inside, find the section Wireless or Wireless mode, then Wireless SecurityThere will be a field with the current password.

⚠️ Note: Router interfaces from different manufacturers (TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic, Xiaomi) vary significantly. Look for sections labeled "Security," "WLAN," or "Wireless."

This method also allows you not only to view but also to change your password to a more complex one if you suspect your neighbors have connected to your network. After changing the settings, be sure to reconnect all your devices.

Working with the file system with root rights

Rights holders Root have complete control over the system AndroidFor them, obtaining a password turns into a simple matter of navigating through system folders. However, it's important to remember that gaining superuser rights voids the warranty and can be dangerous for inexperienced users.

You will need a file manager with root access support, such as Root Explorer or MT Manager. Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/. The file is located here. WifiConfigStore.xml (or wpa_supplicant.conf on older versions of Android).

Open this file as text. You will see a list of all networks ever connected. Find the tag SSID with the name of your network. There will be a tag next to it. PreSharedKey or simply psk, the value of which is your password. If the password is encrypted (which is rare in this file), it will be provided as a hash.

• 📂 Open the root file system using Root Manager.
• 📂 Go to the folder /data/misc/wifi/.
• 📄 Open the XML or CONF configuration file.
• 🔍 Find your network by name and copy the key value.

This method is especially useful if the MIUI interface is damaged or glitchy, but the system itself is functional. Directly reading files provides the most accurate information about what the phone knows.

Resetting your router as a last resort

When the password is lost, changed by an unknown person, and you need to connect urgently, and none of the software methods worked, there remains a radical but effective way - a complete reset of the router to factory settings (Reset).

There is a small hole with an inscription on the router body. Reset or DefaultTake a paperclip or needle, press the button inside the hole, and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the lights blink simultaneously. This will reset the device to factory settings, including the Wi-Fi password found on the sticker.

After this, the router will function as new, without your network name or password. You'll need to reconfigure your internet connection (enter your ISP login and password) and configure new wireless network settings. This is the only way to reliably block all unauthorized users from your network.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting your router, your internet may stop working if your ISP uses MAC address binding or requires specific PPPoE/L2TP settings. Make sure you have your contract with your ISP handy.

Use this method only as a last resort, when other options have been exhausted. For normal password viewing situations, the operating system's capabilities are sufficient. Redmi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to view the Wi-Fi password on a Redmi without connecting to that network?

Yes, if the network was previously saved. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Saved Networks, select the desired network, and log in. If the network has never been connected to this phone, you won't be able to find the password programmatically through the phone.

Is it safe to use Wi-Fi hacking apps from the Play Store?

Most of these apps are either fakes or security auditing tools that require root access. They can't "magically" crack the password to a secure WPA2/WPA3 network. Be careful when installing questionable software.

Where is the password file physically located on Android?

The system file is stored at /data/misc/wifi/. Access to this directory without superuser (root) privileges is blocked by the operating system for security reasons.

What to do if the QR code does not scan?

Try increasing your screen brightness, cleaning the camera, adjusting the distance from the code, or using a third-party scanner app. You can also take a screenshot and scan the code using Google Lens.