In today's world, wireless network access is a critical element of digital comfort, and situations often arise when you need to connect a new device but have completely forgotten the router password. Fortunately, smartphones running the Android operating system, especially models from Xiaomi, store data about previously connected networks, making it easy to restore access to a secure connection. Device owners often wonder how to retrieve this data without resorting to complex computer manipulation or resetting the router.
The process of obtaining a security key depends primarily on the version of the installed shell. MIUI or HyperOS, as well as the user's access rights. If you haven't received any notifications on your device, Root rightsThe procedure will differ slightly from the standard one, but it's still accessible thanks to the system's built-in security features. We'll cover all the current methods that will allow you to recover forgotten login details.
It's worth noting that modern versions of Android have significantly strengthened user data protection, so direct access to system files where passwords are stored in plaintext is blocked. However, engineers have provided convenient mechanisms for legitimate access recovery, such as QR code generation and account synchronization. Below, we'll detail each available method so you can choose the most appropriate one for your situation.
Using a QR code to get a password
The easiest and fastest way to find your Xiaomi WiFi password is to use the built-in QR code generator. This method works on most modern versions of MIUI and doesn't require installing additional software or root access. Simply go to your wireless network settings, select your active connection, and generate a shared access code.
Once the QR code appears on the screen, the system can hide the password itself in text, leaving only the graphic image. In this case, you'll need a second smartphone with a camera or a special scanner app that can read the text data from the code. Many standard cameras immediately display the content in the scanning menu, but sometimes third-party software is required to decipher the string. P:password;.
⚠️ Note: If the QR code is not displayed or the button is locked, make sure that screen unlock is enabled on your phone and that you are the owner of the device, as the security system may require identification verification.
To successfully complete the process, follow these steps: open Settings, go to the Wi-Fi section, and tap the current network name (or the arrow next to it). In the window that opens, you'll see a square code, often (but not always) underneath which the password itself is written. If there's no text, take a screenshot and use Google Lens or any QR code scanner to read the encrypted string.
This method is the most secure, as it doesn't require any modification to system files and uses native operating system tools. It's ideal for users who want to quickly share access with guests or connect a laptop without a cable.
Viewing through the router settings from your phone
If standard methods fail or your phone's interface doesn't allow you to view the code, you can try logging into the router's control panel. To do this, your Xiaomi phone must be connected to the WiFi network whose password you want to find out. The login address is usually written on a sticker on the bottom of the router and often looks like this: 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
Open any browser on your smartphone (Chrome, Mi Browser) and enter the IP address in the address bar. The system will ask for your login and password to access the admin panel. If you've never changed these details, try standard combinations such as admin/admin. After successful authorization, find the section responsible for the wireless network, which may be called Wireless, WLAN or "Wireless Mode".
Inside the section, find the field Wireless Password or "Wireless Network Password." Some router models display the password as asterisks, but there's often a "Show Password" button next to it. Clicking it will reveal the character combination you're looking for. This is a universal method that works regardless of the phone model, whether it's Redmi Note or flagship Xiaomi 13.
| Router brand | Standard IP | Default login | Default password |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | (empty) |
| Asus | 192.168.1.1 | admin | admin |
| Xiaomi | 192.168.31.1 | admin | (indicated on the sticker) |
| Keenetic | 192.168.1.1 | admin | 1234 |
Using a Google account for synchronization
The Google ecosystem provides a convenient mechanism for syncing WiFi passwords between devices linked to the same account. If your Xiaomi phone is connected to Google services and password saving is enabled, you can find the required security key through a browser or another Android device. This is especially useful if you don't have a second smartphone handy to scan the QR code.
To view saved data, follow the path Settings → Google → Autofill → Google AutofillIn the menu that opens, select "Passwords" or go directly to passwords.google.com in your browser. Find your WiFi network name in the list of saved entries. Tap the eye icon, and the system will ask you to confirm the action using your fingerprint or Face ID.
This method allows you to not only view the password but also copy it to the clipboard for easy pasting on other devices. Check the sync status in the section Accounts and sync in the phone settings.
⚠️ Important: To access passwords through your Google Account, two-factor authentication must be enabled on your device and a lock screen must be set; otherwise, the security system will not allow you to view saved data.
Using Google's cloud password vault is a secure way to keep your passwords encrypted and accessible. Even if you lose your phone or perform a full factory reset, all saved WiFi networks will automatically be downloaded to your device after signing in to your account.
☑️ Check sync settings
Using third-party scanner applications
In the store Google Play There are many apps designed specifically for managing WiFi connections and viewing saved keys. However, you should be extremely careful: most of them require Root rights to access the system file wpa_supplicant.conf, where all connection data is stored. Without superuser rights, the functionality of such programs is severely limited.
If your Xiaomi phone isn't rooted, look for apps that can read QR codes or work through special Android APIs. Some utilities can create shortcuts for quick connections but don't display the password in plain text. Examples of such apps include "WiFi Key Recovery" or "WiFi Password Viewer," but their effectiveness directly depends on the Android version.
On Android versions higher than 10, accessing the file system to read passwords has become virtually impossible for regular apps for security reasons. Therefore, unless you are an advanced user,
If you haven't flashed the phone specifically to gain root access, this method may be useless. It's better to rely on MIUI's built-in tools.
What are Root rights?
Root (Superuser) privileges are administrator rights in the Android system, allowing you to make changes to system files, uninstall built-in apps, and access secure data such as WiFi passwords. Obtaining these privileges voids your warranty and may interfere with the operation of banking apps.
Restoring access via computer
If you have a laptop or PC that's already connected to the desired WiFi network (or was previously connected), you can find the password using the Windows command line. This is a secure method that doesn't require installing any additional software. Once you have the password on your computer, you can simply enter it manually on your Xiaomi phone.
Open the command prompt by typing cmd in the search, and run it as administrator--
istorator. Enter the command
netsh wlan show profilesnetsh wlan show profile name="NETWORK_NAME" key=clearThis method is especially convenient if your phone's screen is broken or the touchscreen is unresponsive, preventing you from using the QR code feature. The computer acts as a secure storage location for your data, allowing you to access it at any time. The key is to remember the network name, as this is what Windows uses to search the network database.
For Mac OS users, the process is also simple: open Keychain Access, find the network name in the list, and double-click it. Check the "Show password" box and enter your macOS account password. The system will display the key in cleartext.
Problems and limitations on different versions of MIUI
Xiaomi device users often encounter differences in interface and functionality depending on the firmware version. On older MIUI versions (before 11-12), the password or QR code viewing feature could be hidden in deep menus or absent altogether. In such cases, the only option was to reset the router or log in via the web interface.
In newer versions, including MIUI 13, 14 and new HyperOSThe interface has become more unified, but the layout of elements may vary. For example, some builds for the Chinese market (CN ROM) may have different features than those in the global versions (Global ROM). If you don't see the options described above, check for system updates.
It's also worth keeping in mind that some corporate networks or networks with specialized security protocols (such as WPA3-Enterprise) may not support standard password sharing methods via QR code due to configuration complexity. In such cases, the password is typically provided by the system administrator.
⚠️ Note: The settings interface may vary depending on the regional firmware version and device model. If the paths described here don't match, use the settings search by entering "Wi-Fi" or "Wireless Network."
Understanding the specifics of your software version will help you navigate the menu more quickly. Don't be afraid to experiment with the settings within reason, as viewing your password is a standard feature and won't harm your system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the WiFi password without root access on Android 12 and above?
Yes, it's possible. Starting with Android 10, Google has implemented native support for generating QR codes for WiFi networks. You don't need root access; simply go to WiFi settings, select the network, and tap the "Share" button or the QR code icon. The password will be visible below the code or can be scanned with another phone's camera.
Where is the WiFi password file stored on Xiaomi?
Passwords are stored in a system file /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confHowever, access to this directory is only possible with superuser (root) rights. Without these rights, viewing the file through the file manager will be impossible due to Android security restrictions.
What should I do if the QR code doesn't show the password in text?
If there's no password written under the QR code, take a screenshot. Then open this screenshot in the Google Photos app or use the Google Lens widget. Tap the "Search" or "Text" button, and the system will recognize the encrypted information, displaying the password in readable format.
Are password recovery apps safe to use?
Using third-party apps requires caution. Many of them request excessive permissions or contain ads. It's safer to use built-in MIUI tools or a Google Account. If you do use third-party software, download it only from the official Google Play store and check the developer's rating.
Will my WiFi password be reset when I update my Xiaomi firmware?
Typically, scheduled firmware updates (OTA) preserve WiFi settings and saved passwords. However, upgrading to a new major Android version (for example, from Android 13 to 14) or reflashing your phone with a data wipe may delete your passwords. It's recommended to have a backup or know your router password.