You have connected yours Xiaomi to a Wi-Fi network, but forgot the password—and now you need to connect another device? This situation is familiar to many. Luckily, on phones running Android (including Redmi, POCO and other models Xiaomi) There are several ways to retrieve a saved password from a network to which the device is already connected. The main thing is to proceed carefully to avoid disrupting the system.
In this article we will look at 5 proven methods, including standard settings, using the file manager and even hidden functions MIUIImportant: Not all methods work on the latest versions. Android 13/14 due to stricter security policies. But for most devices Xiaomi (from Redmi Note 8 to Xiaomi 13) at least one of them will definitely work.
We warn you right away: if on your phone no superuser rights (root), some methods will be unavailable. However, we will focus on solutions that work. no root required and no loss of warrantyAlso keep in mind that passwords for public networks (such as those in cafes or airports) are often encrypted differently, making them more difficult to extract.
1. The standard method via Xiaomi settings (MIUI 12–14)
The easiest method is to use built-in tools MIUIIt works on most modern devices. Xiaomi, if your phone is already connected to the desired network. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Open Settings on your phone (gear icon in the applications menu).
- Go to the section
Wi-Fi(orConnections → Wi-Fion new versions). - Find the required network in the list and tap on its name (not by switch!).
- In the window that opens, click on
Share(orSharein English firmware). - The system will ask for confirmation. PIN code, fingerprint or pattern.
- After authorization you will see QR code and a text password underneath it.
This method works on MIUI 12–14 (including Android 11–14), but there are nuances:
- 🔹 On some firmware versions the item
Sharemay be absent - it depends on the regional version MIUI. - 🔹 If the network is public (for example, with a captive portal), the password may be displayed as a set of characters like
. - 🔹 On older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1) This method may not work due to the stripped down shell.
☑️ What should I do if there is no "Share" button?
⚠️ Attention: If you use Xiaomi With guest mode or work profile (for example, through Android for Work), access to Wi-Fi passwords may be blocked by the device administrator.
2. Viewing the password via a file wpa_supplicant.conf (without root)
On phones Xiaomi (as well as on others Android-devices) Wi-Fi passwords are stored in a system file wpa_supplicant.confPreviously, it could be read through any file manager, but with the release Android 10+ Access to system folders has been restricted. However, there is a workaround:
- Install file manager with access to root folders, For example:
- FX File Explorer (enable "Show hidden files" and "Root access" in the settings)
- Solid Explorer (needs to be activated)
Root accessin the settings)
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/
or (on older versions Android):
/data/misc/wifi/
wpa_supplicant.conf and open it with a text editor.network={ssid="Network_Name"
psk="your_password"
key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}
Where psk - this is the password.
The problem is that Android 11+ folder /data/ By default, it is not even readable. Solutions:
- 🔧 Use ADB commands (section 4 of this article).
- 🔧 Connect your phone to PC and use Android Studio or Platform Tools.
- 🔧 On some firmware versions MIUI the file can be copied via
adb pull(see below).
⚠️ Attention: Do not edit the file wpa_supplicant.conf manually! This may lead to loss of all saved networks or a Wi-Fi module failure. If you need to make changes, use the phone's default settings.
3. Using ADB commands (for advanced users)
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) — is a debugging tool that allows you to execute commands on your phone from your computer. It can be used to extract a Wi-Fi password, even if the file wpa_supplicant.conf Not accessible via file manager. Instructions:
- Enable USB debugging on the phone:
- Go to
Settings → About phone. - Tap the item 7 times
MIUI versionto activate developer mode. - Return to
Settings → Advanced → For developers. - Activate
USB debugging.
- Go to
adb devices
(your device should be displayed)
adb shellsu
cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.conf
If the team su doesn't work (no root), try an alternative path:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.conf C:\temp\
This command will copy the file to your computer where you can open it.
| Android version | Access to wpa_supplicant.conf |
Do you need root rights? |
|---|---|---|
| Android 9 and below | Yes, through the file manager | No |
| Android 10 | Restricted (read only) | Partially |
| Android 11–12 | Only via ADB | No (but Platform Tools are required) |
| Android 13–14 | Closed by default | Yes (or workarounds) |
4. Wi-Fi Password Viewer Apps (with caveats)
IN Google Play There are dozens of apps that promise to reveal saved Wi-Fi passwords. However, most of them either require root rights, or they only work on older versions AndroidWe tested several and identified those that at least functioned somewhat. Xiaomi:
- 📱 WiFi Password Viewer - shows passwords on Android 9 and below, but often gives the error "No access" on new firmware.
- 📱 WiFi Key Recovery — works through
ADB, but requires connection to a PC. - 📱 Network Info II — displays information about networks, but hides passwords with asterisks (you can try copying and pasting into notepad).
The problem with such applications:
- 🚫 On MIUI 13/14 they almost always ask root.
- 🚫 Many contain advertising or subscriptions.
- 🚫 Some may be unsafe (data collection, viruses).
⚠️ Attention: Don't install apps that offer to hack Wi-Fi or reveal passwords other people's networksThis is not only illegal (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), but can also lead to your account being blocked. MAC addresses in the router.
Why don't apps work on new Xiaomi phones?
Starting from Android 10, Google has tightened its security policy. Applications are prohibited from reading system files (including wpa_supplicant.conf) without root rights. Xiaomi additionally closed these loopholes in MIUI 12+, so most password viewers became useless.
5. Alternative methods (if nothing helps)
If standard methods don't work, try these options:
Method A: Connecting to the router via the web interface
If you have access to router, the easiest way is to go to its settings:
- Find out Router IP address (usually
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). - Open a browser on your phone or PC and enter this address.
- Enter login/password (usually
admin/adminor indicated on the router sticker). - Go to the section
Wi-Fi(orWireless network) and find the fieldPassword.
Method B: Resetting the router settings
The last resort is to reset the router to factory settings (using the button) Reset on the back panel), and then set it up again. Minus: All devices on the network will be disabled, and you will have to enter a password on each of them.
Method B: Using another device
If you have another phone, tablet, or PC, which is already connected to this network, extract the password from it. For example, on Windows This is done via the command line:
netsh wlan show profile name="Network_Name" key=clear
Security: What Not to Do When Retrieving a Password
When trying to find out a Wi-Fi password, users often make mistakes that can:
- 🔴 Disrupt the phone's operation (for example, by deleting system files).
- 🔴 Compromise security (by installing malware).
- 🔴 Break the law (if we are talking about someone else’s network).
What to avoid:
- ❌ Installing Wi-Fi Hackers from unverified sources. Such programs often contain Trojans.
- ❌ Editing system files manually (for example,
wpa_supplicant.conf) without backup. - ❌ Using root Just for the sake of a Wi-Fi password, it voids the warranty and opens up vulnerabilities.
- ❌ Connecting to other people's networks without permission (even if you “just want to know the password”).
If you really need the password from own network, but none of the methods worked, consider:
- 🔄 Resetting the router (followed by setting a new password).
- 📞 Contacting your provider (they may have a backup copy of the settings).
- 🔧 Using a backup copy (if you made a backup via Mi Cloud or Google Drive).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi passwords on Xiaomi
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on a Xiaomi device without rooting?
Yes, but with some reservations:
- On Android 9 and below — via file manager (
wpa_supplicant.conf). - On Android 10–12 - through ADB or the standard "Share" menu.
- On Android 13/14 - only if the phone is already connected to the network and there is a button
Share.
On new firmware MIUI Without root, it is almost impossible to extract the password.
Why in the file wpa_supplicant.conf my network is not there?
Possible reasons:
- The phone is connected to the network via WPS or Enterprise method (for example, in offices).
- The network is saved in guest profile (for example, through Android for Work).
- The file was cleared after the update MIUI.
Try connecting to the network again and check the file again.
Is it possible to find out the password for someone else's Wi-Fi that my Xiaomi is connected to?
Technically - yes (if the phone saved the password). Legally - No. Using someone else's network without permission is considered unauthorized access (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation), even if you “just looked at the password.”
If the network is public (for example, in a cafe), the password is usually legally provided (on the receipt or from the administrator). In other cases, ask the owner for permission.
What should I do if Wi-Fi stops working after retrieving the password?
You have probably damaged the file. wpa_supplicant.confSolutions:
- Restart your phone.
- Delete the network in your Wi-Fi settings and reconnect.
- If Wi-Fi doesn't turn on at all, do the following: reset network settings (
Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings).
As a last resort, you will have to reset your phone to factory settings (but this will delete all data!).
Do these methods work on POCO and Redmi?
Yes, POCO And Redmi - these are sub-brands Xiaomi, and they run on the same firmware MIUI (or its modifications like POCO Launcher). All described methods are applicable to:
- Redmi Note 10/11/12,
- POCO X3/X4/X5,
- Redmi 9/10/11,
- POCO F3/F4/F5.
The exception is models on Android One (For example, Mi A2/A3), where instead of MIUI "Pure" Android is used. Only universal methods (ADB, file manager) work on them.
If none of the methods worked, check:
- 🔍 Is the firmware updated? MIUI to the latest version (sometimes bugs are fixed in patches).
- 🔍 Is it not turned on? guest mode in the Wi-Fi settings.
- 🔍 Doesn't it block? antivirus (For example, Avast or 360 Security) access to system files.