Every smartphone owner is familiar with the situation of needing to connect a new device to the home network or sharing access with a guest, but has forgotten the password. Android, and in particular in shells MIUI And HyperOS from the company XiaomiThis problem is easily solved thanks to built-in security features. You don't need to search for the router box or remember complex combinations of characters you invented a year ago.
Modern versions of the operating system allow you to retrieve saved access keys without using third-party software or obtaining superuser rights. QR code generation mechanism has become the de facto standard for quick authorization. However, if you need a text-based password for manual entry, the procedure will differ slightly depending on the software version. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods available to users. Redmi And Poco.
It is worth noting that the menu interface may vary slightly depending on the regional firmware (Global, China, EEA) and the specific version AndroidDespite the visual differences, the system's operating logic remains the same. We'll look at both standard tools and specialized utilities that can help restore access to wireless network settings in the shortest possible time.
Using the QR code feature in MIUI settings
The easiest and most secure way to find a forgotten access key is to use the built-in QR code generation feature. This option was added to the shell. MIUI 11 and has been preserved in newer versions, including HyperOSIt allows you to not only connect another device by scanning but also view the password in plain text. First, you need to access the Wi-Fi connection management menu.
Go to Settings your smartphone and select the item Wi-FiIn the list of available networks that opens, find the one you're already connected to (it will be marked with a blue icon or the word "Connected"). Click on the network name or the arrow to the right of it to expand its options. This is where the functionality we need is located.
In the window that opens, you'll see a large QR code. Below it, you'll usually see text in small print like "Password: 12345678." If the text is hidden by asterisks, simply click the eye icon or tap the password field itself. The system will ask you to confirm your identity using biometric unlocking (fingerprint, Face ID) or entering a screen unlock PIN.
- 📱 Open Wi-Fi settings from the home screen.
- 🔗 Click on an active network to view details.
- 👁️ Tap the eye icon or copy the text below the QR code.
- 🔐 Complete the security verification (Face ID or Touch ID).
It's important to understand that this feature only works for the network your phone is currently connected to or for networks saved in your user profile. If you're trying to view the password for a guest network or a network to which the connection has been removed, this method may not work without additional steps.
View passwords using Google Password Manager
If built-in tools Xiaomi For some reason, the text password is not displayed (for example, in older firmware versions), the native password manager from GoogleThis service synchronizes your account data. Google Account and stores access keys for Wi-Fi networks if the corresponding backup option has been enabled.
To access this data, open Settings smartphone, scroll down to the section Google and select the item Autofill. Next, go to Google Autocomplete and click on Google Password ManagerIn the list of saved data, find the "Passwords" or "Saved Passwords" section.
The list will show all websites and apps, as well as Wi-Fi networks for which data is saved. Find your network name (SSID) in the list. When you click it, the system will ask you to confirm your identity again. After successful authorization, you will see a password field, which you can expand by clicking the eye icon and copy to the clipboard.
⚠️ Attention: Google Password Manager only displays networks that have been successfully synced with the cloud. If you recently reset your phone or haven't enabled syncing, the password you need may not be listed.
This method is especially convenient because you can access your passwords not only from your phone, but also from any computer by going to passwords.google.com. This makes Google Password Manager a universal tool for managing access to wireless networks within the ecosystem Android.
Search for a password in system files (Requires root access)
For advanced users whose devices have an unlocked bootloader and superuser rights installed (Root rights), there is direct access to system data storage. In the operating system Android All saved Wi-Fi networks and their passwords are stored in a special configuration file. However, access to it is restricted for security purposes.
The file we need is called wpa_supplicant.confIt is located along the way. /data/misc/wifi/To read it, you will need a file manager with root access support, for example, Root Explorer, Solid Explorer or MT ManagerAfter launching such a manager, you need to grant it superuser rights.
/data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confOpening the file in a text editor will show you a list of all networks ever saved. Each network is described by a block beginning with network={Inside this block, look for the lines ssid (network name) and psk (password). The value in the string psk and there is the desired access key in open form.
| Parameter | Description | Example of meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ssid | Wireless network name (SSID) | "Home_WiFi" |
| psk | Security key (password) | "SuperSecret123" |
| key_mgmt | Encryption type | WPA-PSK |
| priority | Connection priority | 1 |
Using this method requires caution. Accidentally changing the file syntax or deleting important lines can cause the Wi-Fi module to stop working correctly, and the phone to stop detecting networks altogether. Therefore, before attempting any manipulations, Be sure to create a backup copy of the file.
What happens if I delete the wpa_supplicant.conf file?
The system will create a new empty file the next time you reboot the Wi-Fi module, but all saved passwords will be lost. You'll have to re-enter passwords for all networks.
Using third-party recovery applications
In the store Google Play There are many apps that promise to reveal saved passwords. Most of them work by creating shortcuts to system settings or using APIs. Android to extract data. However, it's important to understand that without root access, no application will be able to simply extract the password from the system storage due to security restrictions. Android.
Apps that work without root usually simply copy the same QR code available in the settings or redirect you to the router settings menu. Root-enabled apps (e.g., WiFi Password Viewer) act similarly to the file manager method: they read the file wpa_supplicant.conf and display data in a user-friendly interface.
- 📲 Download a trusted app (for example, WiFi Password Viewer).
- 🔓 Grant the app root rights when prompted by the system.
- 📋 Find your network in the list and copy the password.
- 🛡️ Delete the app after use for safety.
⚠️ Attention: Be extremely cautious with free apps from unknown sources. Many may contain adware or collect data about your connections. Use only software with high ratings and numerous reviews.
An alternative option is to use QR code scanning apps if you previously took a screenshot of the connection code. Some QR code readers can even recognize the password from a screenshot if the image contains the corresponding code.
Login to the router's web interface
If none of the software methods on your phone help, there's always the "hardware" method - accessing the router's settings. Since your phone Xiaomi Already connected to the network, it has full access to the device's local network. You'll need a browser (Chrome, Mi Browser) and the default gateway address.
First of all, find out the IP address of your router. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi, click on the active network and look for the "Gateway" or "Router" line. This is usually an address like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Enter this address into the address bar of your browser.
Next, the system will ask for your username and password to access the control panel. If you haven't changed them, they are often listed on a sticker on the bottom of the router (the default is admin/admin). Once in the interface, look for the section Wireless, Wi-Fi Settings or Wireless modeThere in the field Wireless Password or PSK password The current key will be indicated.
☑️ Steps to log into your router
This method is useful because it allows you not only to find out the password but also to change it to a more complex one if you suspect someone has connected to your network. After changing the password, all devices will require reconnection.
Resetting network settings as a last resort
In rare cases, when the system MIUI If your network crashes and doesn't display the password, and other methods are unavailable, you can reset your network settings. This won't delete your personal files, photos, or apps, but it will clear all saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth settings, and mobile network names (APNs).
To perform a reset, go to Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and BluetoothConfirm the action. After rebooting, your phone will be "clean" in terms of network connections. You'll need to re-enter your home network password. If you don't remember it, this method will only work if you can view the password on another, already connected device, or use the QR code method on another phone that knows the password.
A reset often resolves issues with persistent connection drops or the inability to obtain an IP address. Therefore, if your goal is not only to find the password but also to fix connection errors, this step can be helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to view the Wi-Fi password on a Xiaomi device without root access?
Yes, you can do this using the built-in QR code generator in the Wi-Fi settings. Tap the active network, and the password will often appear below the code, or you can copy it by scanning the code with another device's camera.
Where is the wpa_supplicant.conf password file physically located?
The file is located at /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf. Access to this directory is only possible with superuser (Root) rights, as it is a system folder with high security privileges.
Why isn't the password text displayed in the Wi-Fi settings?
On some MIUI versions or certain models, the password text may be hidden behind asterisks and cannot be revealed. In this case, use the "Share" feature (QR code) and scan it with any QR scanner app that can decrypt the connection string.
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Apps that require root access are technically safe as long as they don't contain malicious code. However, non-rooted apps that promise to "hack" or reveal passwords are most often fakes or advertising platforms. Use only trusted tools.
What should I do if I forgot my router admin password?
If the default admin/admin passwords don't work, and you haven't changed the password yourself, try checking the sticker on the inside of the router. If the password has been changed and forgotten, a full reset of the router to factory settings using the Reset button will help.