How to view saved WiFi passwords on MIUI

It's extremely common for smartphone owners to need to connect a new device to an existing wireless network but forget the password. Xiaomi, Redmi And POCO are in a particularly advantageous position thanks to the shell's functionality MIUIUnlike many other manufacturers, the Chinese company has implemented a user-friendly network management system that allows not only sharing access via QR code but also visually displaying the symbol combination itself.

Previously, this operation required superuser privileges or third-party applications, which was unsafe. Today, built-in system tools allow you to accomplish this task in a few clicks. The key point The most important thing is to have the latest firmware version, as the interface may differ in older builds. We'll cover current methods that work on most modern devices from this brand.

Restoring network access isn't just a convenience, it's a necessity in the smart home era, where you need to connect lights, outlets, and cameras to your router. Understanding where your data is stored network keys in the Android system will help you feel more confident when setting up peripherals. Let's move on to the practical part and look at the steps for different scenarios.

Standard method of viewing through network settings

The easiest and most reliable way to find a forgotten password is to use the system's built-in functionality. There's no need to download questionable software. Make sure your smartphone is currently connected to the network whose password you want to find out, or has been connected to it before.

Go to the main settings menu of your device. Find the section Wi-Fi and click on it. A list of available networks will open, with the currently active connection displayed at the top. Note the arrow or gear icon next to your network name—click it to access details.

In the network properties window that opens, you will see a large button or icon with the inscription Share or a QR code image. The system will ask you to confirm your identity using a fingerprint, facial recognition, or a pattern. This is a standard measure. biometric security, protecting data from outsiders.

After successful authorization, a QR code will appear on the screen for quick connection of guests. However, we are not interested in the image, but in the text underneath it. In most versions MIUI And HyperOS The password is displayed directly below the QR code in plain text. If the text is hidden by asterisks, simply tap the code area or the eye icon to reveal the symbols.

⚠️ Note: On some global firmware versions, the password text may be hidden by default. In this case, take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code and open it in the Google Lens app or any QR scanner – they will automatically recognize and display the password text string.

Using QR code to extract data

Sometimes the shell interface doesn't display the password in plain text directly below the graph, especially on custom builds or in specific regions. In this case, QR coding technology comes to the rescue. This is a universal standard that allows for the encoding of various types of data, including Wi-Fi connection strings.

Generate a QR code using the sharing menu in Wi-Fi settings, as described in the previous section. Save the image to your gallery. Now you'll need a QR code reader. On smartphones Xiaomi There is often a scanner built into the app Scanner, which can also read codes from the gallery.

Upload the saved image to the scanner. Instead of clicking a link or connecting, the app will display the raw data contained in the code. The string format typically looks like this: WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyNetwork;P:MyPassword;;We are interested in the part after P: and up to the double sign ;; at the end - this is your password.

This method is good because it works regardless of the Android version or specific interface modification. Even if the developers Xiaomi If they decide to hide the password text in future updates, the QR code structure will remain standard. This makes the image-based data extraction method the most universal solution for any situation.

Viewing through the router menu on a smartphone

If standard methods don't work for some reason, you can try the opposite: accessing the router's settings. Since you're already connected to the network, your smartphone has direct access to the router's web interface. This allows you to not only view the password but also change it if necessary.

Open any browser on your phone (Chrome, Mi Browser). In the address bar, enter the router's IP address. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address is often written on a sticker on the bottom of the device or specified in the Wi-Fi connection properties in the "Gateway" line.

The system will ask for your username and password to access the admin panel. If you haven't changed them, try the standard combinations: admin/admin or admin/password. If you've changed the details and forgot them, this method won't work without resetting the router. Once inside, find the section Wireless or Wireless network.

In the wireless network security settings (Security) there will be a field Wireless Password or PSK PasswordThere you can see the current combination. The advantage of this method is that you have access to all network parameters, including channel and bandwidth selection.

Working with Configuration Files (Advanced)

For users comfortable with the command line and familiar with Android's file system structure, there's a more in-depth method. Wi-Fi passwords in Android are stored in a special configuration file. However, access to it is restricted by system permissions.

The file in which the data is stored is called wpa_supplicant.confIt is located along the way. /data/misc/wifi/To read it, you need root (superuser) rights. Without root rights, you can't access the folder. /data/ closed even for file managers with advanced features.

If your device is rooted, you can use a file manager with root access (such as Root Explorer or MiXplorer with superuser rights). Open the specified file with a text editor. Inside, you will see blocks network, containing ssid (network name) and psk (password in clear text).

⚠️ Warning: Modifying system files without proper training may result in unstable Wi-Fi operation. Do not edit the file. wpa_supplicant.conf, if your goal is just browsing. Any change in syntax may make the network unavailable.

It's worth noting that in modern versions of Android (starting with 10), the password storage mechanism has become more complex and encrypted to improve security. Therefore, even with root access, you may see hashes instead of readable text unless you use special decryptors.

Synchronization via Google account

The Google ecosystem offers another elegant way to recover passwords that works cross-platform. If your smartphone Xiaomi If password synchronization with your Google account is enabled, all saved Wi-Fi networks are automatically copied to the cloud.

This means you can view your password not only on your phone, but also from any other device signed in to your Google account. This is especially convenient if your phone's screen is broken or the device is completely inaccessible, but you need to connect a laptop, for example.

Go to Google Settings on any Android device or via a browser on your PC. Go to the section Security -> Password managerIn the list of saved data, find the "Wi-Fi" tab or filter (or simply search by network name). Google will display the network name and allow you to view the saved password after re-authentication.

The main advantage of this method is that it's independent of the smartphone manufacturer. It doesn't matter what version you have. MIUI or have you upgraded to HyperOS or not. If synchronization was active, the data is securely stored in the cloud. backup channel access that is often forgotten.

Common problems and their solutions

Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users may encounter a number of difficulties. Interfaces are updated, and the layout of elements may change. Furthermore, there are specific firmware bugs that can block the QR code from displaying.

One common issue is that the "Share" button is inactive or missing. This often happens if you're trying to view the password for a guest network or a network connected via a corporate certificate (WPA2-Enterprise). In such cases, the system won't display the password in plaintext for organizational security reasons.

It's also worth keeping in mind that on very old devices running Android 9 and below, functionality may be limited. If standard methods don't work, resetting network settings is always an option. However, keep in mind that this will delete all saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings, so use it as a last resort.

The table below lists the main symptoms and how to treat them:

Is it possible to find out the password if the phone is not currently connected to this network?

Yes, if you've connected to it before. In the list of networks in the Wi-Fi settings, tap the network name (or the arrow next to it), even if the status is "Not connected." If the network is saved, the system will generate a QR code and display the password, just like with an active connection.

Is it safe to use third-party password viewer apps?

Most apps from the Play Market that require root access to view passwords are safe, but they do allow access to system files. Non-root apps that promise to "hack" or reveal passwords are often scams and may contain ads or viruses. Use only the built-in MIUI tools.

What if the QR code cannot be scanned by another phone?

Make sure the screen brightness is set to maximum and there's no glare on the screen protector. If the issue persists, try the manual entry method by copying the password from the QR code on the first device. Also, check that the temporary guest network hasn't expired, if that's what you were using.

Does the password change when you reset network settings?

No, resetting your phone's network settings only deletes saved connection records on the device itself. The router password remains the same. You'll have to re-enter it each time you connect, but the internet access key itself won't change.