Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco smartphones often find themselves in a situation where they need to connect a new device to the network but have forgotten the Wi-Fi password. MIUI 12, based on Android 10, introduced significant security changes that impacted how users can view saved access keys. The process is now more transparent for the average user thanks to the QR code generation feature, but the old methods via system files still require special permissions.
Earlier to find out saved password, required root access or the use of complex adb commands, which was beyond the reach of most users. With the release of Android 10 and subsequent updates, MIUIXiaomi has implemented a native connection sharing mechanism. This allows not only for access sharing with guests but also for visually displaying key information hidden behind the asterisks in the standard interface.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all the current methods for obtaining network data. We'll cover standard methods that work on most devices, as well as more complex technical solutions for advanced users. It's important to understand that the menu interface may vary slightly depending on the specific smartphone model and firmware version (Global, EU or China).
The standard method is via a QR code in the settings
The easiest and most secure way to find your access key is to use the built-in QR code generator. This method doesn't require installing third-party software or gaining root access. Simply go to the Wi-Fi settings menu, where a list of available networks is displayed. Find the network you're already connected to and click the arrow to the right of its name or the gear icon itself.
In the window that opens (details), you will see a square QR code. MIUI 12 The cleartext password is often (but not always) displayed beneath this code. If the text is hidden by dots or asterisks, take a screenshot or simply note the placement of the characters. QR code contains all the necessary information for connection, including SSID and encryption key.
If the text under the code is not visible, you can use any third-party QR code scanner or a built-in camera analyzer. Point the camera at the screenshot you took or at the screen of another phone. The scan will return a string like this: WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:MyPassword123;;. Here the value after P: and before; is the password you are looking for.
⚠️ Warning: Do not publish screenshots of QR codes in public sources. Anyone with such an image will be able to connect to your network without your knowledge.
Using the Mi Router menu for advanced data
In some firmware versions MIUI 12 an application or system module is present Mi Router, which allows you to manage connected devices. This method works if your router is also a Xiaomi brand or supports the cloud management protocol. Go to Wi-Fi settings and select "Router Management" or launch the dedicated app.
The management interface often displays a list of clients and the current network's settings. While directly viewing the password is rare, this method helps ensure you're connected to the correct gateway. If you have access to the router's web interface via a browser on your phone (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), you can try accessing the wireless network settings there.
To log into your router, you'll need administrator credentials. If you haven't changed them, they're often found on a sticker underneath the device. In the section Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings you can find the field Wireless Password, where the key is displayed in text form. This is a universal method, independent of Android version.
Browsing through the file system (requires Root)
For users with rights Root (full system access), there is a direct way to obtain passwords from system files. This method is the most secure, as it extracts data directly from the operating system's storage. However, it requires an unlocked bootloader and the installed utility. Magisk.
You will need a file manager that supports superuser rights, for example, Root Explorer or MiXplorer. Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/. This directory contains the file WifiConfigStore.xml (in older versions of Android wpa_supplicant.conf). This file stores all networks ever saved.
Open the file in a text editor and find the block <Network> with what you need SSID (network name). Inside this block there will be a tag <PreSharedKey>, containing the password in cleartext. Be careful when editing this file: any change to the syntax may reset all network settings.
Risks when working with system files
Incorrectly editing files in the /data folder can cause your device to reboot in a loop (bootloop). Always make a backup before editing.
Specifics of different MIUI firmware versions
Interface MIUI 12 may behave differently depending on the regional version. Global firmware (Global) often have stricter security restrictions compared to Chinese (China) or European (EU). In some cases, the function of displaying a password under a QR code may be hidden by the manufacturer's software.
Users of custom builds such as Xiaomi.eu, often have expanded features in the standard menu. The developers of these builds sometimes restore functionality that was curtailed in the official versions. If your device doesn't have a text duplicate under the QR code, try updating the Security app or system interface components through the store. GetApps.
It is also worth considering the version of Android on which the shell is based. Android 10 And Android 11 They handle app requests to the password vault differently. Scanner apps running on Android 9 may not be able to access the clipboard or the system on newer versions without special permissions.
| Method | Root is required | Complexity | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code in settings | No | Low | High |
| QR scanner (screenshot) | No | Average | High |
| WifiConfigStore file | Yes | High | Maximum |
| Router web interface | No | Average | Depends on the router |
Alternative methods and applications
There are many applications in Google Play, which promise to reveal passwords. However, most of them don't work as well on newer versions of Android due to system security limitations. Apps like WiFi Password Viewer often require Root, otherwise they just show the same QR codes as the standard menu.
One of the methods that works without Root is to use the "Share" function through the ecosystem Google Home or specific scripts. If you have an Android device with an older OS version, you can try connecting it via QR code and then view the saved network on the old device, where passwords may be displayed in the settings.
You can also use the command adb (Android Debug Bridge) from a computer if USB debugging is enabled on the phone. Command adb shell dumpsys wifi It can provide detailed information about the current connection, including IP addresses and sometimes keys, if the system doesn't hide them in the memory dump. This method is for advanced users.
☑️ Check before searching for a password
Security issues and data protection
The ability to easily view your password creates certain risks. If your phone falls into the wrong hands, an attacker could quickly gain access not only to your Wi-Fi, but also to your local network (printers, NAS, smart home). Therefore, it is crucial to use screen lock (PIN code, fingerprint, FaceID).
IN MIUI 12 App isolation mechanisms have been strengthened. Apps can't simply read the list of networks without your permission. When you first launch a Wi-Fi scanner or app, the system requests location permission, as network scanning is considered geolocation.
⚠️ Note: Interfaces and settings may change with software updates. If you don't see the item described, check the official documentation or the latest manuals for your device model.
It's recommended to change your Wi-Fi router password periodically, especially if you've been granting access to guests. It's best to create a separate guest network for guests that doesn't have access to your personal files on the local network. This is a standard feature of almost every modern router.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password without rooting on MIUI 12?
Yes, this is possible using the QR code feature in the Wi-Fi settings. If the password isn't written in plain text underneath the code, it can be scanned with any QR code scanner by scanning the screen.
Why isn't the password text displayed under the QR code?
It depends on the firmware version and regional settings. In some builds MIUI The text is hidden for security purposes. In this case, use a third-party QR code scanner on the same or a different phone.
Where is the WiFi password file located on Android?
File WifiConfigStore.xml located in the system folder /data/misc/wifi/Access to this folder is only possible with superuser (Root) rights.
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Most of these apps require unnecessary permissions. It's safer to use built-in system tools or QR code scanners from trusted developers without granting them access to your storage.