How to view the WiFi password on a Xiaomi Redmi Note 9

Smartphone users Xiaomi Often face a situation where you need to connect a new device to your home network, but the password itself is forgotten or written down somewhere. Owners of the model Redmi Note 9 are no exception, as this device remains popular due to its balance of price and quality. Fortunately, the operating system Android in the shell MIUI Allows you to easily manage saved networks if you have permission to access the settings.

The process of recovering lost data does not require complex technical knowledge or installation of third-party software. Modern firmware versions from Xiaomi They provide built-in functionality for generating QR codes and viewing text security keys. This makes the process extremely simple, even for inexperienced users who want to quickly resolve access issues.

In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all the available methods for obtaining security key information on your device. We'll cover standard methods through the settings menu, as well as alternatives in case the interface differs. We'll also address security issues and why storing passwords in plaintext can be risky.

The standard method is through MIUI settings.

The easiest and most secure way to find the access key is to use the built-in wireless connections menu. In current versions of the shell MIUI, which is installed on Redmi Note 9This functionality is implemented quite conveniently. You don't need to be a system administrator to perform these actions; simply follow the interface logic.

To begin, you need to unlock your smartphone screen and go to the main menu. Find the icon Settings, which usually looks like a gear. In the list that opens, look for the section responsible for wireless connections. It may be called Wi-Fi or be inside a category Connections and Sharing, depending on your firmware version and region.

Once you enter the menu, you'll see a list of available networks. If your phone is already connected to the router, you'll see a lock or arrow icon next to the active network. This is where the information we need is hidden. Click on the network name or the arrow to the right of it to reveal additional connection options.

In the window that opens, you'll see a QR code for quickly connecting other devices. Below this code is often a text string labeled "Password." If the text is obscured by dots, try tapping the eye icon next to the input field. The system may request identification via a fingerprint scanner, pattern lock, or Face ID to ensure data security.

⚠️ Attention: If the password doesn't appear in text after tapping the QR code, but only generates an image, use another phone's camera to scan it. Many camera apps or built-in code scanners can capture the data and display it as text on the reader's screen.

Using QR code to extract data

QR code technology has become a standard in the mobile device industry, and Xiaomi actively implements it into its products. On the model Redmi Note 9 This code is generated instantly when you attempt to share network access. It's a convenient way to transfer data without having to dictate complex characters, but it also allows you to "read" the password if you have a second device.

Once you've generated a QR code in the Wi-Fi menu, take a screenshot or simply point the camera of another device at it. There are specialized scanner apps that not only connect to the network but also display the contents of the encoded string. In the format string WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:MyPassword;; the key you are looking for will be after the symbol P:.

Some users prefer not to install unnecessary apps. In this case, you can use online image decoding services. Upload a screenshot of the QR code to such a site, and it will display a text string. From this string, you can easily extract the desired combination of characters between the markers. P: And ;;.

• 📱 Take a screenshot of the QR code on your Redmi Note 9.
• 📷 Open the image using any online decoder or scanner app on another device.
• 🔍 Find in the recognized text a fragment starting with P:.
• 📝 Copy the characters up to the next colon or semicolon - this is your password.

This method is especially useful if the MIUI interface on your version of the firmware hides the text password with asterisks, making it impossible to view. The QR code contains raw data that can be extracted using technical means. This is a workaround that works on almost all Android smartphones.

Verification via Google account and synchronization

operating system Android has deep integration with Google services. If your Redmi Note 9 If syncing is enabled, saved Wi-Fi passwords can be accessed through the account's web interface. This doesn't work equally on all Android versions, but it's becoming more common with newer updates.

To test this feature, go to your computer or another phone and go to your Google account management page. You'll need to find the section related to autofill or password manager. This is where you'll find all the data you've saved on devices linked to this account.

In the list of saved items, look for the name of your wireless network. If you find the entry, click it. The system will require re-authorization to confirm that you are the one requesting access to the data. After successful verification, you can view the password in plain text by clicking the corresponding eye icon.

Why might my password not sync?

Wi-Fi password syncing via Google depends on your Android version and manufacturer settings. On older versions of MIUI or if Google Autofill is disabled, data may not be transferred to the cloud and will remain only in the device's memory.

This method is good because it allows you to access data even if the phone itself Xiaomi The battery is dead or unavailable. It's important to remember your Google account login and password. This emphasizes the importance of using secure accounts for storing critical information.

Using root rights and file managers

For advanced users who have received superuser rights (Root) on your own Redmi Note 9, additional capabilities are unlocked. Standard Android security prevents apps and users from reading system files where security keys are stored. However, root access removes these restrictions.

The file in which the system stores all Wi-Fi passwords ever entered is usually called wpa_supplicant.conf. It is located in the directory /data/misc/wifi/To access it, you will need a file manager with root access, for example, Root Explorer or MT Manager.

When you open this file in a text editor, you will see a list of all networks in the following format:

network={
ssid="Network_Name"
psk="Your_Password"
}

There is a field here psk Contains the required key in its pure form. Use extreme caution when working with system files. Accidentally changing or deleting other lines in configuration files may lead to instability of the Wi-Fi module or the entire operating system.

⚠️ Attention: Rooting your device will void your official warranty. XiaomiFurthermore, this creates a potential security vulnerability, as malware could gain complete control of the phone.

Unless you're an experienced user, it's best to avoid this method. The risks associated with compromising system integrity outweigh the convenience of a one-time password view. Use this method only in extreme cases when other methods are unavailable.

Specifics of different MIUI firmware versions

Company Xiaomi regularly updates the software of its devices, including the popular Redmi Note 9The interface and layout of elements may vary significantly between versions. MIUI Global, MIUI China and custom builds. This affects where to look for the necessary settings.

In some versions (for example, MIUI 12 or 13) the path may be direct: Settings → Wi-Fi → Tap on the network nameIn older or specific builds (MIUI 11 or early betas of MIUI 14), this functionality may be hidden or absent. Switching the region in the phone settings can sometimes help, but it's not a guaranteed solution.

Below is a table showing possible differences in access paths depending on the software version:

If you can't find the options described above, check for system updates. Password viewing functionality is often added in more recent security patches. Also, keep in mind that in Chinese firmware versions, some menu items may have different names or be located in unusual places.

Restoring access by resetting the router

If none of the software methods on the phone itself Redmi Note 9 If that doesn't help, the only other option is to reset the router to factory settings. This is a drastic measure that will return the password to the value printed on the sticker on the bottom of the device.

To do this, find the button on the router body. ResetIt's usually recessed into the housing to prevent accidental pressing. You'll need a thin object, such as a paperclip or toothpick. Press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the lights flash simultaneously.

After rebooting the router, the network will be named as indicated on the factory label (for example, Xiaomi_1234), and the password will correspond to the value printed there (often indicated as Key or Password). Once connected, you can set a new, more complex password through the router's web interface.

• 🔌 Find the reset button on the back or bottom of the router.
• 📌 Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the indicators reboot.
• 📄 Look for the factory password on the sticker under the device.
• 📡 Connect to the network using these details.

This method is universal and doesn't depend on your phone model or Android version. However, it requires physical access to the device and briefly interrupts internet access for all connected devices. Be prepared to reconfigure your network name and security settings.

Security questions and expert advice

Storing passwords in plain text on your phone is convenient, but it carries certain risks. If your Redmi Note 9 If your device falls into the wrong hands, an attacker can easily gain access not only to your home network but also to other devices on it. Therefore, it's important to ensure your screen lock and biometric security are secure.

Using third-party apps from unofficial sources to hack or view passwords often results in malware infection. Many such apps require suspicious permissions and can steal personal data. Trust only built-in MIUI features or trusted system utilities.

It's recommended to change your Wi-Fi passwords regularly, especially if you frequently grant access to guests. Use complex character combinations that are difficult to brute-force. Write down new passwords in a secure place, such as a paper notepad or a password manager protected by a master password.

⚠️ Attention: Operating system interfaces and features may change with updates. If the described paths don't match your screen, please refer to the official Xiaomi documentation or the help section in your phone's settings for the most up-to-date instructions.

Understanding how security works in Android and MIUI helps you better protect your data. Don't neglect system updates, as they often contain patches that fix vulnerabilities that could theoretically allow access to stored keys.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to view the Wi-Fi password on a Redmi Note 9 without root access?

Yes, this is possible through the standard Wi-Fi settings menu in MIUI. If your phone is already connected to a network, tap its name or the gear icon to see a QR code and, often, a text password underneath it after authorization.

What should I do if I only see dots instead of a password?

Try tapping the eye icon next to the input field. If that doesn't work, use the QR code generator and scan it with another device's camera or a scanner app to view the data in text format.

Where is the Wi-Fi password file located on Android?

The system file is called wpa_supplicant.conf and is located along the way /data/misc/wifi/However, access to this directory is only possible with root rights (superuser rights).

Are password recovery apps safe to use?

Most of these apps require root access and can pose a security risk. It's better to use built-in MIUI tools or the QR code method, as they don't require installing questionable software.

Will the Wi-Fi password be reset when updating MIUI firmware?

Normally, a system update preserves settings and saved passwords. However, when upgrading to the global version from the Chinese version or performing a hard reset, all data, including Wi-Fi passwords, will be deleted.