It's a common situation for smartphone owners to need to connect a new device to an existing wireless network but have forgotten or lost the password. Xiaomi, Redmi And POCO Often face the need to quickly restore access to data without being able to physically approach the router or look at the contract with the provider.
Fortunately, the operating system Android, on the basis of which the shell works MIUI or HyperOS, provides built-in tools for managing saved networks. You don't need to be an advanced user or have root access to see the hidden passkey characters.
In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for recovering lost data in detail: from standard system functions to specialized computer software. You'll learn how to safely retrieve information and transfer it to other devices without any complications.
Using the built-in QR code function
The easiest and fastest way, available on most modern versions of the shell MIUI — this is the generation of a QR code. The Android system can encode connection parameters into a pattern, which contains not only the network name (SSID) but also the password itself in clear text.
To implement this method, you need to go to the wireless settings menu. Find the section Wi-Fi and click on the name of the network you're currently connected to, or on the arrow to the right of it. The window that opens will often display a "Share" button or a QR code icon.
After activating the feature, the system will ask you to confirm your identity. This is a standard measure. security, which requires entering a screen unlock pattern, PIN code, or fingerprint scanning. Without this authorization, viewing sensitive data is not possible.
⚠️ Attention: The QR code screenshot contains full access information. Do not send this screenshot to strangers or publish it publicly, as anyone can scan the code and connect to your internet.
If the screen only displays a graphic code without a text string, take a screenshot. Then open the Gallery, select the image, and click the Recognize or Google Lens button. The system will analyze the image and display the text, with the tag P: The password you are looking for will be indicated.
- 📱 Open Wi-Fi settings from the home screen.
- 🔑 Click on the active network to enter the control menu.
- 👁️ Complete biometric or digital authentication.
- 📸 Take a screenshot or use built-in text recognition.
Viewing through the Google Passwords menu
Owners of devices running stock Android or synced with a Google account can use the built-in password manager. This feature, introduced in more recent versions of the operating system, allows you to centrally manage all your saved access keys.
To find the data you need, go to your smartphone's general settings and select "Google." In the menu that opens, find the "Autofill" section and select "Autofill by Google." Then tap "Passwords."
Find your wireless network name in the list of saved entries. After logging into the network card, you'll be asked to verify your identity again. Unlike the QR code method, the password is often displayed directly in the text field, hidden by asterisks. Click the eye icon to reveal the symbols.
This method is especially convenient because it allows you not only to view but also to copy the password to the clipboard for quick pasting on another device. Synchronization ensures access to your data even if you completely lose your phone, as long as you log in to your account from another device.
Logging into the router's web interface from your phone
If your smartphone's software methods fail, you can turn directly to the internet source—the router. Most modern routers allow you to manage settings through a browser, and a phone connected to Wi-Fi has full access to the administrator interface.
First, you need to find out the gateway's IP address. Go to your Wi-Fi settings on Xiaomi, click on the active network and find the "Gateway" or "Router" field. This is usually an address like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Copy this address and paste it into the address bar of any browser (Chrome, Mi Browser).
The router's authorization page will open. Here, you'll need to enter your administrator username and password. If you've never changed these details, they'll be found on a sticker on the bottom of the device (often labeled "admin/admin"). If you've changed them and forgotten them, you'll need to reset the router to factory settings.
| 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 |
After successfully logging into the Control Panel, locate the "Wireless" or "WLAN" section. The current encryption key will be displayed in the "Security" or "Protection" subsection. WPA Pre-Shared KeyYou will be able to see it open or replace it with a new one.
What should I do if the admin page doesn't load?
Make sure your mobile data is disabled and your phone is using a Wi-Fi connection. Some providers also block access to local addresses unless the "Secure Connection" checkbox is checked in your browser. Try using incognito mode.
Using a PC and the Command Prompt
If you have a Windows laptop that has previously connected to the desired network, you can extract the password using system utilities. This method is considered one of the most reliable, as it works at the operating system level and is independent of the phone's firmware version.
Connect your phone Xiaomi Connect your phone to your computer via a USB cable. Enable "USB Tethering" in your smartphone's hotspot settings. This will allow the computer to use your phone's internet connection, but we'll need access to saved Wi-Fi profiles that are synced or already stored on the computer.
Open the command prompt. Click Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter. To view all saved networks, enter the command:
netsh wlan show profilesFind your network name in the list. Then enter the command to display the key, replacing NAME to the network name:
netsh wlan show profile name="NAME" key=clearIn the command output, find the line "Key Content." This will contain the password in cleartext. This method requires the computer to have previously connected to the network; otherwise, the profile will be missing from the Windows database.
⚠️ Attention: The command prompt requires administrator privileges to perform some network requests. If the command fails, run
cmdas administrator via the context menu.
☑️ Check before entering commands
Third-party applications and root rights
There are numerous apps on the Google Play Market that promise to reveal passwords. However, most of them have limited functionality without root access (superuser rights). They can display a QR code (like the stock system), but they won't allow access to system files. wpa_supplicant.conf, where all the keys are stored.
Apps like WiFi Password Viewer or WiFi Key Recovery work effectively only on rooted devices. Obtaining root rights on Xiaomi Requires unlocking the bootloader through the official Mi Unlock service, which results in a complete data reset and loss of warranty.
- 📂 Regular apps only see the network name and connection status.
- 🔓 Root access opens system configuration files.
- ⚠️ Unlocking the bootloader erases all data from the device.
- 🛡️ Antivirus programs may block the operation of such snails for security reasons.
Using third-party software is only advisable if you're an experienced user and understand the security risks. For a one-time password review, using a QR code or logging into your router is easier than exposing your system to potential threats.
Resetting network settings on Xiaomi
Sometimes users try resetting network settings, hoping the phone will "remember" the password or request it again. It's important to understand: resetting network settings deletes all saved Wi-Fi profiles, Bluetooth pairings, and mobile data settings.
This feature is useful if the network is not working properly, but it does not restore Forgotten password. After the reset, the phone will behave as if it were new in terms of connections: it will still see networks, but you'll need to re-enter the passkey to connect.
You can perform a reset in the menu Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and BluetoothBe careful: after this procedure, you will have to re-enter passwords for all home and work networks.
Is it possible to find out the password if the phone has never connected to this network?
No, smartphone software methods only work with already saved profiles. If the device has never been connected, the password can only be found through the router's web interface (if you know the admin password) or by asking the network owner.
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Non-rooted apps are safe, but useless for viewing hidden characters. Rooted apps require deep system intervention, which reduces the overall security of the smartphone.
What to do if the QR code is not recognized?
Try increasing or decreasing your screen brightness. You can also take a screenshot, zoom in on the image in your gallery, and try scanning the code from the enlarged image using Google Lens.
Where can I find the password on older versions of MIUI (MIUI 10-11)?
Older versions of the shell might not have the option to view the password as text or a QR code. In this case, the only option is to access the router settings via a browser or a PC.