Having friends over or needing to connect a new gadget to your home network but having forgotten your Wi-Fi password is a familiar situation for every smartphone owner. This problem is especially common among users of the iOS ecosystem. Xiaomi, where the MIUI and HyperOS interfaces are constantly changing, confusing inexperienced users. Fortunately, modern versions of Android make it easy to extract saved access keys without the use of complex hacking tools.
Previously, in order to find out the WiFi password, required root privileges or access to the router's admin panel. Now, Google's security system and the manufacturer's proprietary add-ons make this possible using built-in tools. You don't need to be a programmer or network engineer to perform this simple yet important operation.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all the current methods for recovering lost data. We'll cover the built-in QR code generation features, syncing options via Mi Cloud, and more complex but effective methods for advanced users. The key to all methods is having administrator rights on the device itself, which is already connected to the network.
Using a QR code to view data
The easiest and fastest method, available on 95% of modern smartphones Redmi And Poco, built directly into the settings menu. Android 10 and later natively supports generating QR codes for sharing networks, and the key you need is encrypted in this image.
To get started, open your phone's settings and go to the section Wi-FiFind the network you want to find the password for in the list and click the arrow to the right of its name or the gear icon. In the menu that opens, select Share or QR code.
The system will ask you to verify your identity using screen unlock, fingerprint, or Face ID. After successful authentication, a square code will appear on the screen. The password itself is usually written in small print underneath it. If there is no text underneath the code, simply take a screenshot.
Next, you can use any QR code scanner app or the built-in Google Lens feature in your gallery. Point the camera at the image, and the system will display a string like this: WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:12345678;;. The desired numbers after the symbol P: and there is your password.
Synchronization via Mi account and cloud
Device owners Xiaomi have a unique advantage: deep integration with their own cloud service. If you're logged into the same account on your phone and another device (tablet or laptop), Mi account, Wi-Fi passwords can be synced automatically.
This feature is especially useful when you need to enter a password on a device without a QR code scanning screen, such as a smart speaker or printer. However, please note that Wi-Fi sync must be enabled in your cloud settings for this feature to work.
You can check the settings by following the path Settings → Mi Account → Xiaomi Cloud → SyncMake sure the switch next to "Wi-Fi" is enabled. If it was disabled, the data may not have been saved, and this method, unfortunately, won't work for old connections.
⚠️ Please note: Password syncing is not available in all regions and depends on the firmware version (Global, China, EEA). In some cases, data can only be transferred between devices within the same ecosystem.
If syncing worked, you can find your saved networks in the cloud. Go to i.mi.com on your computer, log in, and go to the Wi-Fi settings section. A list of trusted networks may be displayed there, although direct viewing of passwords in the web interface is sometimes hidden for security reasons.
Checking via the router's web interface
If your phone doesn't display the password directly and there's no QR code, the most secure "old-fashioned" method is to access the router's settings. Since your phone Redmi already connected to the network, it has all the rights to access the router's administrative panel.
Open any browser on your phone (Chrome, Yandex Browser) and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address, as well as the login and password for entry, are usually written on a sticker on the bottom of the device itself.
After entering your administrator credentials (often admin/admin), find the section Wireless or Wireless networkIn the subdivision Wireless Security there will be a field WPA/WPA2 PasswordThere you can not only see your current password but also change it to a more complex one.
| Router brand | Standard IP | Default login | Default password |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
| Asus | 192.168.1.1 | admin | admin |
| Xiaomi Mi Router | 192.168.31.1 | - | Set during setup |
| Zyxel | 192.168.1.1 | admin | 1234 |
| Tenda | 192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
To do this, you need to press and hold the small button on the router body for 10-15 seconds.
☑️ Steps to follow when logging into your router
Using third-party applications
In the store Google Play There are many apps that promise to reveal saved passwords. However, most of them only work on phones with root access. Without root access, the app will only show you a QR code, which, as we discovered, the phone itself can generate.
Popular utilities like WiFi Password Viewer or WiFi Key Recovery require deep access to the system. If on your Xiaomi If you unlock the bootloader and gain root access (for example, via Magisk), these programs will instantly display all the networks ever saved in a list.
Without root access, such apps often simply redirect you to Wi-Fi settings or display ads. Be extremely careful when installing such software: many of them collect data about your connections and geolocation.
⚠️ Warning: Installing apps from unknown sources or programs with a dubious reputation can lead to data theft. Check the permissions an app requests before installing.
If you do decide to use third-party software, choose only proven solutions with high ratings and numerous reviews. It's better to spend time manually searching through the settings than to risk your account security.
What are Root rights?
Root (superuser) privileges are similar to administrator privileges in Windows. They grant complete control over the Android system, allowing you to modify system files, remove built-in apps, and access protected data like WiFi passwords. Rooting a Xiaomi device requires unlocking the bootloader, which may void the warranty.
Restoring access via computer
If you have a Windows laptop that's previously connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can use it to find the password and then enter it on your phone. This method is often overlooked, although it's one of the most reliable.
On a Windows 10 or 11 computer, right-click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray and select "Network & Internet Settings." Go to "Network and Sharing Center" (or simply "Properties" for your active network in newer versions).
In the wireless network status window, click the button Wireless Network Properties. Go to the tab "Safety" and check the box next to the item "Show input characters"The password will immediately appear in the "Network Security Key" field.
Now when you see a combination of characters on your monitor screen, simply enter it on your RedmiThis method doesn't require any special knowledge and works even if the phone isn't currently connected to a network, as long as the computer remembers the network.
Problems and common mistakes
Sometimes users encounter problems with the QR code not being generated, and the password in the settings is hidden behind asterisks. This may be due to limitations in the Android version or specific security settings on corporate networks.
On some versions of MIUI (especially Chinese versions), the interface may differ. If you can't find the "Share" button, try tapping the eye icon next to the password field if it's editable. Switching the system language to English can also help, as translations sometimes obscure the function buttons.
Another common issue is when a network is marked as "Saved, but no internet access." In this case, the phone may be blocking the display of connection details. Try forgetting the network and reconnecting using the password retrieved in a different way.
⚠️ Note: MIUI and HyperOS interfaces are frequently updated. The layout of menu items may change depending on the firmware version. If you don't find the item you're looking for, use the settings search.
Don't despair if one method doesn't work. Combine methods: try finding the password through the router if the QR code doesn't work. In 99% of cases, network access can be restored using legal methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the phone has never been connected to this network?
No, that's impossible. A phone physically can't know the password for a network it's never connected to and whose data hasn't been synced via the cloud. You'll need access to the router or another device that already knows the password.
Are password recovery apps safe to use?
Using such apps on non-rooted devices is generally safe, but not beneficial. Rooted apps require full system trust, which is potentially risky. It's better to use native Android methods.
What to do if the QR code does not scan?
Try increasing your screen brightness, wiping the camera, or using a different scanning device. You can also take a screenshot and open it in Google Photos using Lens's text recognition feature.
Will the router password be reset if I restart my phone?
No, reboot the phone Xiaomi or any other device doesn't affect your router settings in any way. The password will remain the same unless you specifically change it in the router settings.