Many smartphone owners have encountered the situation of needing to connect a new laptop or a friend's gadget to their home network but have forgotten the password. Fortunately, modern devices based on Android, including popular models Xiaomi, Redmi And POCO, make it easy to view saved authorization data. This is a built-in operating system feature that has been available to a wide range of users since version Android 10.
Previously, obtaining such information required the presence of Root rights and using specialized file managers to read system files. Now, the process is extremely simplified and doesn't require extensive programming or hacking knowledge. All you need is access to the settings menu of a phone that's already connected to the desired network, or has been connected to one before.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all the current methods for recovering lost data. We'll cover the shell's standard capabilities. MIUI And HyperOSWe'll also cover alternative options for older software versions. It's important to understand that the menu interface may differ slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same for all devices of this brand.
Standard method via QR code in MIUI and HyperOS
The fastest and most secure way to find out a forgotten password is to use the QR code generation feature built into the system. When you're in the Wi-Fi connection management menu, the system allows you to create a visual key to quickly connect other devices. This method works on modern smartphones. Xiaomi, released in the last few years.
First, you need to go to your wireless network settings. Find the Wi-Fi section and click on the name of your active network or the arrow next to it. In the connection details window that opens, you'll see a button or icon prompting you to share access. It's usually accompanied by the words "Click to share" or an image. QR code.
Once pressed, a large square code will appear on the screen. Below it, usually in small font, is a line of text. It is in this line, after the prefix P:, and the password you're looking for for your network is hidden. If the text under the code is illegible or missing, you can simply take a screenshot and open it in any app that can recognize QR codes, such as Google Lens or a standard scanner.
⚠️ Attention: To display the QR code, you may need to unlock your device with a fingerprint, pattern, or Face ID. This is a standard security measure. Android, which prevents passwords from being stolen by unauthorized persons who gain access to an unlocked phone.
Using Google Lens to transcribe
In some cases, especially on global firmware versions or in shells with modified interfaces, the password may not be displayed as text under the QR code. In such cases, the built-in service comes to the rescue. GoogleYou can use the application Google Lens (Lens), which comes pre-installed on most devices or is accessible through the search widget.
The process is extremely simple: take a screenshot of the screen containing the QR code, then open the camera app or gallery, select the image, and launch the image analysis function. The AI will instantly recognize the code's structure and extract hidden text information. You'll see a format string in the search results. WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:SuperSecret123;;.
In this line we are interested in the part after P:All characters up to the next semicolon are your password. Pay attention to the case of letters and special characters, as they matter when entering. This method is universal and works even if the standard menu Xiaomi for some reason hides text information.
- 📱 Take a screenshot of the Wi-Fi QR code.
- 🔍 Open the Google app or Google Lens.
- 🖼️ Select an image from the gallery for analysis.
- 📝 Copy the text following the symbol
P:.
Checking via the router's web interface
If your phone can't display the password (for example, because you reset your network settings before trying to watch), you can still access the signal source. You'll need access to the router's administrative panel. This can be done from any device connected to the network, or even via mobile data if you know the device's IP address.
Open a browser on your smartphone 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 username and password for accessing the settings, are usually found on a sticker on the bottom of the router. If you've changed your login information and forgotten it, you may need to reset the router to factory settings.
After logging in, find the section related to wireless network. It may be called Wireless, Wi-Fi Settings or "Wireless Mode". In the security subsection (Security) you will be able to see the current password in the field Wireless Password or PSK KeyHere you can also change it to a more complex one if you suspect unauthorized access.
| Router brand | Typical IP address | Default login | Default password |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 | admin | admin |
| Xiaomi / Mi | 192.168.31.1 | admin | (specified during setup) |
| Zyxel | 192.168.1.1 | admin | 1234 |
Router interfaces may differ, but the menu structure remains similar. If you can't find the field you need, look for tabs labeled "Security" or "Protection." This is where network encryption keys are stored.
What to do if the router's IP address is not accessible?
Make sure your phone is connected to the router's Wi-Fi network. If you're using mobile data, some routers may block access from external networks. Also, check if you're using a VPN—you'll need to temporarily disable it to access the local network.
Synchronization with a Google account
operating system Android has a powerful Wi-Fi password synchronization feature across your account Google. If on your device Xiaomi With syncing enabled, saved networks can be accessed on your other devices linked to the same account. This is especially useful if you need to find out a password and only have a tablet or another phone at hand.
You can check your saved passwords through Google settings on any device with Android 10 or higher. Go to your phone's Settings, select "Google," then "Autofill," and then "Autofill by Google." Under "Passwords" or "Google Passwords," you'll find a list of your saved credentials, including Wi-Fi network information.
Once you find the desired network in the list, tap it. The system will ask you to verify your identity (with your finger or face). You'll then see the network name and password field, which you can copy or view by tapping the eye icon. This method doesn't require an active connection to the specific network.
⚠️ Attention: Password syncing only works if it was previously enabled in your Google account settings. If you've never enabled cloud storage for your passwords, unfortunately, this method won't help you recover lost data.
Using third-party applications and root rights
For users whose devices are running older versions Android (below version 10), standard methods may not be available. In such cases, applications like WiFi Password ViewerHowever, it is important to understand: without the presence of Root rights (without superuser rights) these programs will not be able to read the system file wpa_supplicant.conf, where passwords are stored.
Obtaining root rights is a complex procedure that may void your device's warranty. Xiaomi and disruption of banking applications. Modern versions MIUI have powerful protection, and unlocking the bootloader to gain rights often requires waiting for 7 days and linking an account.
If you decide to take this step and have obtained the necessary permissions, apps will be able to display a list of all networks ever saved. However, for the average user, it's much safer and easier to use the QR code or router login methods described above. The risk of infecting your device with a virus when downloading questionable utilities from untrusted sources should also not be ignored.
- ⛔ Don't download apps that promise to "hack" WiFi without root access—they're a scam.
- 🔒 Root access gives you full control over the system, but it reduces security.
- 📉 After rooting, Google Pay and banking apps may stop working.
- 🛡️ Antivirus programs can block password viewing utilities.
Restoring access via factory reset
As a last resort, if none of these methods work and you've lost access to the router (forgotten the administrator password), there's a radical option: a full reset of the router. There's a small button on the device's body. Reset, often recessed into the body. To activate, press it with a paperclip and hold for about 10-15 seconds until the indicators flash.
After resetting, the router will return to factory settings. The Wi-Fi password will be reset to the one on the sticker on the bottom of the device (or the network will become open). You will need to reconfigure your internet connection using your provider's credentials. This method guarantees access, but requires time to reconfigure the network.
Remember that resetting your phone Xiaomi In this case, it won't help, since passwords are stored not in the application cache, but in a protected system partition, which a regular reset (without root) often doesn't completely clear or, conversely, deletes saved networks but doesn't reveal old passwords. Therefore, the focus should be on the router or cloud backups.
☑️ Checklist before resetting your router
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password if the phone is not connected to it right now?
Yes, if your phone has ever connected to this network and you haven't performed a full reset (wipe data), the password is saved. You can view it in the Wi-Fi menu (by tapping the network name) or through your Google account on another device if syncing is enabled.
Why is there no QR code view button on my Xiaomi?
This can occur on very old versions of MIUI (below 10) or Android (below 10). The button may also be hidden in the "More" menu or marked with an eye icon. Make sure your system is updated to the latest available version.
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Apps from the official Google Play store that simply read system files (if rooted) or use the system API are safe. However, apps that require unusual permissions or promise to hack your device may pose a threat. It's better to use Android's built-in features.
What should I do if the QR code is not read by the camera?
Try increasing your screen brightness. If that doesn't help, take a screenshot and use Google Lens to analyze the image. You can also try rotating your phone at different angles or cleaning the camera.