It's quite common for smartphone owners to need to connect a new device to their home network but lose or forget the password. Xiaomi And Redmi People often wonder if it's possible to restore access to key data directly from their phone. Fortunately, the operating system Android In the latest versions, it provides convenient tools for network management.
Modern shells MIUI And HyperOS Not only do they allow you to automatically connect to known hotspots, but they can also be shared. This means that if your phone has ever connected to the desired network, its information is securely stored in memory. You don't need to search for a piece of paper or call your provider.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all legal password recovery methods. We'll cover the system's built-in features, QR code scanning capabilities, and methods for accessing the router control panel. Understanding these processes will help you stay online without any complications.
Using a QR code to display a password
The easiest and fastest way to find out your saved password Redmi — This is a QR code generation feature. Starting with Android 10, this option is built into the system settings. You don't need to install third-party apps that may request unnecessary permissions.
To get started, go to the section Settings → Wi-FiFind a network you're already connected to or saved in the list. Click the arrow to the right of the name or simply tap the network name to open the detailed menu.
A QR code will appear on the screen. The password is usually written directly underneath it. If there's no text, take a screenshot or simply point another phone's camera (or Google Lens) at the code. The system will recognize the data and display a connection string in the following format:
WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:MyPassword;;
Here MyPassword — this is the access key you are looking for. Please note that on some versions MIUI The password may be hidden behind asterisks, but when pointed at with another device's camera, it will definitely be displayed in clear text.
Viewing through router settings
If your phone isn't connected to the network right now, but you're within range, you can use the router's web interface. To do this, Redmi must be connected to Wi-Fi (even without internet) or connected to a router via OTG cable and LAN adapter.
You need to find out the gateway IP address. Go to your Wi-Fi settings, click on your active network, and find the "Gateway" or "Router" field. This is usually the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Enter this address in your browser (Chrome, Mi Browser).
After entering your address, you'll be prompted to log in. If you've never changed your default credentials, try these combinations:
- 🔑 Login:
admin, Password:admin - 🔑 Login:
admin, Password:password - 🔑 Login:
user, Password:user - 🔑 Login:
admin, Password: (empty field)
After successful login, find the section Wireless or Wireless modeThere will be a subsection inside. Wireless SecurityRight there in the field WPA/WPA2 Passphrase Your password is shown. You can copy it or change it to a more complex one.
⚠️ Note: If the default passwords don't work, it means the data has been changed previously. In this case, without the current administrator password, you won't be able to access the settings, and you'll have to reset the router.
☑️ Checking access to the router
Synchronization with Google account and Mi Cloud
Ecosystem Google And Xiaomi It can save Wi-Fi passwords to the cloud. This is convenient for restoring access when you buy a new phone. If your Redmi Synchronization is enabled, data can be accessed through a browser on a computer.
To check with Google, go to passwords.google.com (you must be logged in to the same account as on your phone). You can find saved networks in the "Passwords" section. However, Google often hides full Wi-Fi network data, focusing on websites and apps.
A more effective method is through Mi Cloud or application Mi Router (if the router is also from Xiaomi). In the app Mi Home or Mi WiFi When linking a router to an account, the password is often displayed on the device card. This allows for remote network management.
It's important to understand the difference between synchronizing website passwords and system settings. Wi-Fi passwords in Android 10-14 are stored locally in encrypted form and are not always synced with Google's cloud password storage as clearly as website logins.
Using ADB for Advanced Users
For those who are not afraid of the command line, there is a method via USB debugging (ADB). This method allows you to extract the system configuration file where all saved networks are stored. The method works on most models. Redmi without root access, but requires enabling developer mode.
First, enable developer mode. To do this, quickly tap the build number in the menu seven times. About the phoneThen, enable "USB debugging" in the advanced settings. Connect your phone to the PC using a cable.
On a computer with installed ADB Run the command to get a list of networks:
adb shell dumpsys wifi | grep "mConfiguredNetworks"
However, a more reliable method is to try extracting the configuration file (this does not work on all Android versions due to security enhancements):
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml
In the resulting file, look for the tag <SSID> with the name of your network and a tag next to it <PreSharedKey>. The password will be displayed in clear text. If the system returns an access error, then your version MIUI There are security restrictions in place and this method will not work without root rights.
Why might ADB not work?
Modern versions of Android (11, 12, 13, 14) significantly restrict access to system files, even via ADB. The WifiConfigStore.xml file is often only accessible by system processes. If the command returns "Permission denied," the protection is working correctly.
Comparison of access recovery methods
The method you choose depends on your situation: whether you're currently connected to the internet, whether you have a router nearby, and your level of technical experience. Below is a table to help you choose the best option.
| Method | Do you need network access? | Complexity | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code in settings | No (needs saving) | Low | High (Android 10+) |
| Router panel | Yes (or cable) | Average | High |
| ADB commands | No | High | Average (depending on OS version) |
| Resetting the router | Physical access | Low | 100% (but it resets the settings) |
As the table shows, a QR code is the most convenient method for modern smartphones. The router control panel method is good because it allows you to not only find out, but also change password, securing the network.
Resetting the router as a last resort
If none of the software methods help, the only solution is to physically reset the router. This will return the device to its factory settings. The password will revert to the one written on the sticker on the bottom of the device.
Find the button on the router body Reset (It's often recessed into the case). Press it with a paperclip or toothpick and hold for 10-15 seconds until the indicators flash. After rebooting, the network will be named as indicated on the sticker (for example, Xiaomi_5G_1234), and the password will match the factory one.
⚠️ Note: After resetting your router, you'll need to reconfigure your internet connection (PPPoE, L2TP, or static IP) if your ISP requires authorization. Make sure you have your ISP contract handy.
Once access is restored, be sure to go to your router settings and set a new, complex password. Use a combination of letters and numbers to prevent your neighbors from accessing your data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the phone has never connected to it?
No, it's impossible to programmatically find out the password for a network your device has never connected to and whose data isn't stored. WPA2/WPA3 encryption protocols reliably protect data transmission. The only other option is physical access to the router or knowledge of the password for the provider's admin panel.
Why doesn't the password appear under the QR code on Redmi?
In some versions of the shell MIUI Or on older versions of Android (below 10), the password text may be hidden for security purposes. In this case, use a second smartphone with a camera and the Google Lens app (or just the camera) to scan the QR code. The password text will be displayed in a notification or search bar.
Is it safe to use WiFi Password Viewer apps from Play Market?
Most of these apps require root access to operate, as the system password file is protected. If an app doesn't require root access, it likely simply displays networks already known to the system (like a standard QR code) or is a scam. Be careful: these apps often collect data about your networks.
What should I do if the router gave me a password, but the Internet doesn't work?
This means the Wi-Fi password (access point) is correct, but there's no connection to the ISP. Check if the WAN/Internet light on the router is lit. Your account may be empty, or your PPPoE connection settings may be corrupted, especially if you reset the router.