It's a common situation for smartphone owners to need to connect a new device to an existing network but forget the password. Xiaomi And Redmi Note often find themselves in the position of custodian of access keys, since their devices are already successfully authorized on the home or office Wi-Fi network. Fortunately, modern versions of the shell MIUI and operating system Android provide built-in mechanisms for viewing this data without the need to reset the router or use complex computer programs.
Previously, in Android versions below 10, accessing the text form of a password required root rights, which allowed access to system configuration files. However, with the release of newer versions of the operating system, Google introduced a QR code generation feature for quickly connecting guests, which also allows viewing the password in plain text. This makes the process of recovering forgotten data as simple and secure as possible for the average user.
In this article, we will examine in detail all the current methods for extracting saved passwords on smartphones of the line Redmi NoteWe will look at the system's built-in tools and cloud synchronization capabilities. Google, as well as specific features of different firmware versions MIUIUnderstanding these mechanisms will help you quickly restore network access and share it with friends or new gadgets.
Using a QR code in Android settings
The easiest and fastest way, which doesn't require installing any additional software, is to use the built-in QR code generation function. This method works on the vast majority of modern models. Xiaomi, including series Redmi Note 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and newer, provided that the current version is installed Android (10 and above). You don't need access to the router's admin panel.
To begin, you need to go to the main settings menu of your device. Find the section responsible for wireless connections, which, depending on the version MIUI It may be called "Wi-Fi" or "Connections and Sharing." A list of available networks will be displayed here, with the currently active connection marked with an icon or highlighted in color.
- 📱 Click on the name of the active network or on the arrow to the right of it to expand the details.
- 👁️ In the window that opens, find the button or icon that says "Share" or has a QR code symbol.
- 🔓 Complete biometric verification (Face ID or fingerprint) or enter your screen unlock pattern to confirm your identity.
After successful identification, a large QR code will appear on the screen. Below it, in small print, is typically a line like "Password: 12345678." This is the required access key. If the text is too small or obscured, you can take a screenshot and open it in any QR code scanner app or through Google Lens, which will instantly decrypt the data and display the password in plain text.
⚠️ Note: On some custom MIUI builds, the password text under the QR code may be hidden by asterisks. In this case, use a screenshot and a third-party scanner, or use the Google account method described below.
It's important to note that this feature only works if your phone is already connected to a network or has been connected to one previously and the data is stored in memory. This method is not applicable to networks to which the device has never connected.
View passwords using your Google account
operating system Android has a powerful built-in password manager that syncs saved data across your account GoogleThis is especially convenient if you want to see the password not only for the current network, but also for any other one you've ever connected to with this smartphone. Redmi NoteThe data is stored in encrypted form on the corporation's servers.
To use this method, open your phone's standard "Settings." Scroll down to the "Google" section and tap it. In the services menu, select "Autofill," then "Autofill by Google." Here, select "Google Password Manager."
In the list that opens, you'll see all saved logins and passwords, from websites to apps. To find Wi-Fi keys:
- Use the search bar at the top of the screen and enter the name of your Wi-Fi network.
- If the network is found, click on it in the list.
- The system will require you to confirm your identity using a PIN, fingerprint, or face.
- After confirmation, click on the "eye" icon to reveal the hidden password.
This method is universal and works the same on all devices with Google Play services, regardless of the version. MIUIIt also allows you to copy the password to the clipboard with one click, eliminating errors when manually entering complex characters.
⚠️ Note: Sync must be enabled in your account settings. If you recently reset your phone or haven't signed in to your Google account, your data may be missing from the cloud.
Checking via the router's web interface
If your smartphone's built-in tools don't display the password for some reason (for example, on older versions of Android without root access), the most secure method remains logging into the router's control panel. Since your Xiaomi already connected to Wi-Fi, it has direct access to the local network and can open the router settings page.
Open any browser on your phone (Chrome, Yandex Browser, Mi Browser). In the address bar, enter the gateway IP address. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address can be found in the Wi-Fi connection settings, in the "Gateway" or "Router" field.
After entering the address, an authorization form will appear. You will need your administrator login and password. By default, they are often set to admin/admin, but they may have been changed during the initial setup of the equipment. If you didn't change them, try the default combinations.
After successful login, the interface may differ depending on the router manufacturer (TP-Link, Asus, D-Link, Keenetic). You need to find the section related to wireless networking. It may be called "Wireless," "Wi-Fi," "Wireless Mode," or "WLAN." Inside, look for a subsection called "Security" or "Wireless Network Settings."
| Router manufacturer | Typical entry address | Settings section | Password field |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wireless -> Wireless Security | Wireless Password |
| Asus | 192.168.1.1 | Wireless Network -> General | Authentication Method / WPA Key |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | Wi-Fi -> Security Settings | PSK encryption key |
| Keenetic | 192.168.1.1 | My Networks and Wi-Fi -> Home Network | Password |
| Tenda | 192.168.0.1 | Wireless Settings -> Wireless Security | Wireless Password |
Once you find the corresponding field, you'll be able to see the password. In some interfaces, it's hidden behind dots, but there's often a "Show Password" checkbox nearby, making the text readable. If there's no such checkbox, you can simply erase the existing characters and enter your own, then click "Save." However, this will change the password for all devices on the network.
☑️ Checking access to the router
Using recovery apps
In the store Google Play There are many apps that promise to reveal saved Wi-Fi passwords. However, it's important to understand how they work. On modern versions of Android (10+), without root access (root) no application has direct access to the system file wpa_supplicant.conf, where the keys are stored.
Most of these programs (for example, WiFi Password Viewer, InstaWifi) work according to one of two scenarios:
- 📲 They duplicate the QR code creation function we discussed in the first section, simply providing a more user-friendly interface.
- 💾 They show passwords that were previously saved to the cloud by the application itself when it was first launched.
If your phone does not have root rightsInstalling such apps is often pointless, as they won't be able to read system keys. Moreover, many of them are filled with ads. Using apps with root access requires unlocking the bootloader, which is required on phones. Xiaomi may void your warranty and reset your data.
Risks of using third-party software
By installing apps with a dubious reputation for "hacking" or viewing passwords, you risk sharing your network data with third parties. Many free utilities collect connection statistics. Always check the permissions an app requests.
There are specialized utilities that work via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) with a computer connection, but this is a complex method for advanced users. For most owners Redmi Note The standard Android functionality remains optimal.
Features of different versions of MIUI and Android
The interface and availability of password viewing functions may vary significantly depending on the version of the firmware installed. MIUI (Global, China, EEA) and base operating system versions Android.
On devices with Android 9 and below (for example, old ones) Redmi Note 5, 6, 7(which haven't received updates) the default QR code generation feature with password display may be missing. In this case, the system may simply prompt you to scan the code but won't display the text string. Owners of such devices will have to log in through the router's web interface or use a Google account if syncing was enabled previously.
In new versions MIUI 13, 14 And HyperOS at the base Android 12-14 The security mechanism has been strengthened. Biometric authentication is now required to view a password or generate a QR code. This is to protect against data theft if the phone falls into the hands of an intruder, even if the screen is unlocked.
Regional peculiarities should also be taken into account. In Chinese firmware versions (China ROM) Some interface elements may differ, and security features may work differently due to the lack of certified Google services by default. In such cases, the QR code method often works even more reliably than on global versions.
Security and Access Recovery
Understanding how easy it is to view the password on a connected device highlights the importance of your smartphone's physical security. Anyone who gains access to an unlocked device Xiaomi, will be able to instantly learn the keys to all networks. Therefore, using a secure PIN, pattern, or biometrics is critical.
If you changed the password on your router, but your phone Redmi Note If you try to connect with the old key and it fails, the system will prompt you to "Forget the network." You'll then need to enter a new password. If you've forgotten the new password and can't connect any devices, you'll need to perform a hard reset of the router using the button on the case, which will reset the password to the one on the sticker.
For maximum safety, it is recommended:
- 🔒 Change your Wi-Fi passwords regularly, especially if you have many guests connecting to the network.
- 📱 Do not store screenshots with passwords in the shared gallery without protection.
- 🛡️ Use WPA2/WPA3 encryption, which is supported by modern Redmi Note.
⚠️ Note: Settings interfaces and menu layouts may change with MIUI firmware updates. If you don't find the described options, search your phone's settings by entering "Wi-Fi" or "Password."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on a Xiaomi device without root access?
Yes, on modern versions of Android (10 and above), this can be done using native tools by generating a QR code in the Wi-Fi settings or via Google Password Manager. Root access is only required to view system files directly on older versions of the OS.
Where is the Wi-Fi password file located on Android?
The system file that stores passwords is called wpa_supplicant.conf and is located in the directory /data/misc/wifi/Access to this folder without superuser (root) rights is prohibited for system security reasons.
What should I do if the QR code does not show the password text?
Take a screenshot of the screen containing the QR code. Then, open the Google Lens app (or any QR scanner) and select the screenshot from your gallery. The app will recognize the code and display the password in text format.
Why is there no Wi-Fi share button on my Redmi Note?
This may be due to an outdated version of Android (below 10) or a specific MIUI build. In this case, try accessing the router settings through a browser or using a Google account to view saved data.
Will resetting my phone reset my Wi-Fi password?
When you perform a hard reset, all saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords will be deleted from the device's memory. You'll have to re-enter them. However, if you enabled Google sync, your passwords may be restored after signing in to your account.