It's quite common to need to connect a new laptop, tablet, or guest smartphone to your home network but have forgotten the Wi-Fi password. Device owners Xiaomi, Redmi And POCO are in a better position than users of many other brands due to the flexibility of the shell MIUI and new HyperOSThe system allows you to extract the access key directly from the settings, without requiring complex manipulations with superuser rights or third-party software.
Previously, to perform this operation, it was necessary to install specialized applications or have root rights, which often resulted in warranty voiding and unstable device operation. Android security algorithms now allow authorized users to view encryption keys for networks to which the phone has already been successfully connected. This is a built-in feature available on most current models.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at standard methods for recovering lost data, explore working with QR codes, and touch on the specifics of different firmware versions. You'll learn how to quickly find the information you need in the menu. Settings and securely transfer data to other devices. Understanding these processes will help you effectively manage your home network without unnecessary headaches.
Using the QR Code Feature in MIUI and HyperOS
The easiest and fastest way to find your access key is to use the built-in QR code generator. This feature was added to the shell. MIUI 11 and has been preserved in all subsequent versions, including the latest one HyperOSIt doesn't require an internet connection and works instantly. Just go to the menu. Settings → Wi-Fi and click on the name of the active network or on the arrow icon next to it.
After opening the network card, the system will prompt you to share the connection. A square code will appear on the screen, containing encrypted information about the SSID and password. Depending on the operating system version, the password text may be displayed directly below the code or hidden by asterisks. If you can see the text, the task is solved—simply rewrite it.
In cases where the password is hidden behind symbols, the scanning function can help. Take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code or have someone else take a photo of it with another phone. Then, open the default Camera or Scanner app on your Xiaomi phone and select the saved image from your gallery. The system will recognize the code and display the hidden data in plain text.
⚠️ Warning: The QR code contains the full access key in clear text. Never send screenshots of this screen to strangers or post them on social media, as this is tantamount to sharing your network password with others.
Finding your password through the Android settings menu
Since version Android 10Google has implemented a mechanism for storing passwords in a system vault, accessible to the device owner. On smartphones Xiaomi This path may vary slightly depending on your regional firmware (Global, EEA, China). The standard algorithm is as follows: log in Settings, select a section Wi-Fi, then click on the desired network.
If there's no direct "Share" button, try tapping the gear icon or the right-facing arrow. In the menu that opens, look for the "Share" or "QR code" option. Some interface versions require tapping the three dots in the corner of the screen or selecting "More." The system may require you to verify your identity via PIN code, pattern key or fingerprint for security.
After successful authorization, you'll see a screen with a QR code. At the bottom of the screen, just below the signal graph, you'll often see the text "Password." If you can't see it, use the "Copy Password" feature if available, or scan the screen again with Google Lens or the built-in scanner.
Verification via Google Password Manager
Account Google syncs saved passwords across all of the user's devices. This means that the Wi-Fi key entered on the phone Xiaomi, can be accessed through a browser on a computer or tablet. To check, go to your Google account settings. This is a universal method that works regardless of the version. MIUI.
Open any browser and go to passwords.google.com or go to your phone settings through the section Google → Manage your Google account → Security → Password managerIn the list of saved data, find your wireless network name (SSID). Clicking it will prompt you to confirm your identity, after which a password field will open.
This method is especially useful if your phone's interface is locked or the touchscreen is damaged, but the device is still on. You can access your data from any other device where you're signed in to your account. Just remember your Google account master password.
| Method | Necessary rights | Complexity | Works without internet |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code in MIUI | No | Low | Yes |
| Google Account | Network access | Average | No |
| Router (Web interface) | Access to the router | High | No |
| Applications (Root) | Root rights | High | Yes |
Restoring via the router's web interface
If your phone can't display the password due to software errors, there's always a reliable option: configuring the router itself. To do this, the device must be connected to a Wi-Fi network (even without internet) or via LAN cableYou will need to find out the gateway IP address, which is usually indicated on a sticker under the router case (often it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
Enter the address in the address bar of your phone's browser. The system will ask for your administrator login and password. If you haven't changed them, they are also listed on the device sticker (the default pairs are admin/admin). Once in the control panel, find the section Wireless or Wireless modeThere in the field Wireless Password or Security key Your password will be displayed.
In this menu, you can not only view but also change the password to a more complex or easier to remember one. After saving the settings, the router will reboot, and all devices will need to be reconnected using the new password. This is a good way to secure your network if you suspect the password has been compromised.
⚠️ Note: Router interfaces from different manufacturers (TP-Link, Asus, Keenetic, MikroTik) vary significantly. If you're unsure about changing WAN or DHCP settings, it's best to limit yourself to viewing the password field to avoid disrupting your home network.
☑️ Checking access to the router
Third-party applications and root rights
There is a category of applications such as WiFi Password Viewer or WiFi Key Recovery, which promise to show saved keys. However, on modern versions Android (starting from 6.0 and above) these programs are useless without superuser rights (Root). The system blocks access to the system file. wpa_supplicant.conf, where all connection data is stored.
Obtaining Root rights (via Magisk or SuperSU) gives complete control over the system, allowing you to read any files. However, this action voids the device's warranty. Xiaomi, unlocks the bootloader (which requires waiting 168 hours) and makes the phone vulnerable to viruses. Furthermore, banking apps and services like Google Pay may stop working.
Using such methods is only advisable for experienced users who understand the risks. For routine viewing of your home Wi-Fi password, Redmi or POCO It's much safer and easier to use the built-in QR code or router login described above. There's no point in turning a simple smartphone into a potentially vulnerable system just for the sake of one feature.
Why don't apps work without Root?
The Android system stores Wi-Fi passwords in the protected system folder /data/misc/wifi/. Only the root user has access to this directory. Regular apps run in a sandbox and cannot read files from other apps or the system, ensuring basic security for user data.
Common problems and their solutions
Users may encounter a situation where a QR code isn't generated and there's no password in the settings. This is often related to corporate networks or networks with specific security types. EAP, where extended authentication is used. In such cases, the password may not be displayed explicitly because a certificate or dynamic key is used.
Another reason is bugs in a specific firmware version. MIUIIn some builds, the Wi-Fi settings interface may be glitchy. Clearing the settings cache or resetting network settings may help. It's also worth checking that the phone's date isn't set to the past or future, as this affects the security certificates.
If all else fails, a final, but effective, method is to physically inspect the router. The default password is often listed on the factory sticker (unless you've changed it). If you've changed it but forgotten it, you can reset the router to factory settings by holding down the button. Reset on the case for 10-15 seconds. After this, the network will operate using the factory password on the sticker.
Is it possible to view a Wi-Fi password if the phone is not connected to it?
No, using standard Android and MIUI tools, you can only view the password for a network to which the phone was previously connected and has saved data. If the network is deleted ("Forgotten"), the key is erased from memory. It can only be restored through the router or on another device currently connected to that network.
Are password recovery apps safe to use?
Google Play apps that require root access are potentially dangerous because they grant full access to your system. They can read not only Wi-Fi passwords but also other sensitive information. It's best to use Xiaomi's proven system methods.
What should I do if the QR code does not appear on the screen?
Try refreshing the Wi-Fi settings page by toggling the wireless module off and on. Make sure you're tapping the active network or the dedicated "Share" button. In some older versions of MIUI, this feature might have a different name or might not be available.
Where is the Wi-Fi password file located on Android?
The file is called wpa_supplicant.conf and is located along the way /data/misc/wifi/Access to this directory is only possible with superuser (Root) privileges. Without these privileges, the system blocks reading of the file for security reasons.