Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones running on the shell MIUI or new HyperOS, have advanced network connection management functionality. Users often forget passwords for home or office networks, but a device already connected to the router stores this data in its memory. This makes it easy to restore access for other devices without having to access the router's settings.
In older firmware versions, this feature was hidden or required root access, which was unsafe and difficult for beginners. However, starting with Android 10 and corresponding MIUI versions (usually 11 and above), the system allows you to view saved access keys or generate QR codes for quick guest connection. Knowing how to retrieve this information saves time and eliminates the need to reset the router.
In this guide, we'll cover all the current methods for viewing passwords, including methods for different interface versions. You'll learn not only how to read data but also how to properly manage your list of saved networks, ensuring the security of your device.
The standard method is via QR code in MIUI
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 any third-party software and works on most modern Xiaomi devices. To get started, open the default app. Settings and go to the section Wi-FiHere you'll see a list of available networks, with the one you're currently connected to at the top.
Click on the name of the active network or the arrow to the right of it to expand the details. In the menu that opens, find the button QR code or a square with stripes icon. The system will generate an image containing an encrypted connection string. The password is often displayed in text directly below the code image, making the task trivial.
⚠️ Note: If the QR code doesn't contain a text password, use another smartphone's camera to scan it. Many modern cameras (including the default MIUI Camera) can recognize the code's contents and display the password in a notification.
In some cases, especially on older versions of MIUI, the actual text may be hidden. In this case, you'll need to scan the code with another phone. After scanning, a line like this will appear on the screen. WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyNetwork;P:12345678;;The key you are looking for is located after the symbol P: and before the double colon ;;.
Viewing via the Share menu and system settings
An alternative way to access the same information is through the quick access menu. In the upper right corner of the Wi-Fi settings screen, you'll often see a pencil icon or three dots that open additional options. Select Share or ShareThe system will prompt you to select a data transfer method, and it is in this window that the QR code is often generated, allowing you to view a text version of the password.
If you have the global firmware version installed, the interface may offer several options: send via Mi Drop, copy the link, or show the code. Selecting "Show QR code" is a universal solution. For owners of devices with HyperOS It's worth paying attention to the network widget on your desktop—long-pressing it can also bring up a menu with the option to view connection details.
- 🔍 Click the eye icon next to the password field if it appears as dots (not available on all models).
- 📱 Use the "Mi Share" feature to transfer network data to another Xiaomi phone without entering a key.
- 📋 Copy the password text to the clipboard if the interface allows you to do this via the context menu.
It's worth noting that for security reasons, Android doesn't allow apps to read files containing system passwords without special permissions. This is why MIUI's built-in methods are preferred. They bypass these restrictions by providing legitimate access to data already authorized by the system.
Using Google Password Manager
The Google ecosystem is deeply integrated into Android, and Xiaomi is no exception. If you enable syncing with your Google account on your device, all saved Wi-Fi passwords are automatically backed up to the cloud. This is a convenient way to retrieve data if the phone itself is unavailable or the screen is broken, but you can access your account from a PC.
To find your saved keys, go to Settings → Google → Autofill → Google Autocomplete. Select an item Passwords or PasswordsIn the list that opens, protected by biometrics or a PIN code, you'll find an entry with the name of your Wi-Fi network. Clicking on it will reveal the login (often the word "WIFI" or the network name) and password in plain text.
| Parameter | Description | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Network name (SSID) | The name of your Wi-Fi hotspot | The top of the password card |
| Encryption type | Security protocol (WPA2/WPA3) | Connection details in the status |
| Password | Network access key | Hidden by dots, opens by clicking on the eye |
| Save date | When the password was added | At the bottom of the account card |
The advantage of this method is its cross-platform compatibility. You can view the password not only on your phone, but also through a browser on your computer by accessing your Google account settings. This is especially useful if you need to connect a laptop and only have one phone handy.
What to do if sync is disabled?
If password syncing has been disabled, your data will not be transferred to the Google cloud. In this case, you'll have to use the local MIUI methods described in the first section or remember your password manually.
Third-party network analysis applications
For users who need advanced functionality, there are specialized utilities from Google PlayApplications like WiFi Key Viewer or WiFi Password Viewer They claim to be able to display saved keys. However, their functionality depends directly on the Android version.
On Android 10 and above, Google has blocked third-party apps from accessing system files. wpa_supplicant.conf, where passwords are stored. Therefore, most of these programs will either show you the same QR code that's already in the system or require root access. Without superuser access, their functionality is often limited to simply displaying what's already visible in the settings.
⚠️ Caution: Be careful when installing apps that require root access. Granting these rights to third-party software can reduce the overall security of your device and allow access to your personal data.
However, there are useful diagnostic utilities that do not require root but help manage connections. For example, WiFi Analyzer It helps select the least congested channel, which indirectly affects connection stability, although it doesn't reveal passwords for other networks. To view your saved data, it's best to stay within the MIUI system tools.
☑️ Application Security Check
Advanced Methods (ADB and Root)
If standard methods don't work or you need to extract the password programmatically (for example, for an automation script), you can use USB debugging (ADB). This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and installing ADB drivers. It allows you to extract the system configuration file without gaining full root privileges, but requires enabling developer mode.
First, activate Settings → About the phone → Click 7 times MIUI version. Then in the advanced settings, enable USB debuggingConnect your phone to your PC and run the command to backup your Wi-Fi settings. The command may look complicated, but it's effective:
adb backup -noapk com.android.providers.settings -f wifi_backup.abThe resulting file wifi_backup.ab You need to convert it to a tar archive, then unzip it and find the XML file with the settings inside. It will contain all the SSIDs and their corresponding passwords in clear text. This method is universal for all Android versions, but requires some technical savvy.
Common problems and their solutions
When attempting to view a password, users may encounter a number of limitations. For example, the QR code button may be disabled if the system has data restrictions or airplane mode enabled. Also, some enterprise networks use complex authentication protocols that aren't displayed as a plain-text password.
Another common issue is forgetting the password for your Mi or Google account, which is required to verify your identity before revealing saved data. In this case, restoring access to the account is a priority. Without unlocking the account, the system will not release sensitive information.
- 🔄 Restart your router if your phone displays "Authentication Error" when trying to reconnect.
- 📡 Make sure you are trying to view the password for the network to which your phone is currently connected or was previously connected.
- 🔐 Check if the user profile has the "Guest Mode" restriction, which hides system settings.
If all else fails, the only option left is to reset the network settings. This will delete all saved passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and VPN settings, returning the network module to its default state. You can then enter a new password if you remember it or find it on the router's sticker.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to find out someone else's Wi-Fi password using MIUI?
No, this is impossible. MIUI, like any modern OS, only displays passwords for networks to which the phone has previously connected with the user's consent. Hacking into other people's networks is illegal and is technically blocked by WPA2/WPA3 encryption protocols.
Where is the password file physically located on Xiaomi?
The system file is usually located at the path /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confAccess to this directory is restricted for regular users and non-rooted applications for security reasons.
What to do if the QR code does not scan?
Try increasing or decreasing the screen brightness. Also, make sure the other device's camera is at the correct distance and focus. If the code is corrupted software-wise, viewing it through Google Password Manager or resetting the router will help.
Does this method work on HyperOS?
Yes, the HyperOS interface retains MIUI functionality in this regard. The interface may look slightly different (icons, menu layout), but the logic for working with QR codes and saved networks remains the same.