It's a common situation for smartphone owners to need to connect a new device to a wireless network but have long forgotten the password. Xiaomi with shell MIUI are often confused, believing that the system hides this data for security purposes. However, the architecture Android, on which it is based Redmi Note 7, allows you to access saved security keys through standard settings or system files.
Restoring network access Wi-Fi It's possible without using third-party software if you have physical access to an already connected device. Current firmware versions MIUI We have greatly simplified this process by introducing a generation function QR codes, which contain an encrypted access key. This solution eliminates the need for users to dig through complex system directories or obtain permissions. root.
In this article, we will examine in detail all the current methods for extracting passwords on models Redmi Note 7We'll cover both standard methods available to every user, as well as more advanced techniques for those accustomed to controlling every aspect of their device. Understanding these mechanisms will allow you to easily manage network connections in your home or office.
Using the built-in QR code feature in MIUI
The easiest and safest way to find out the password for the network your device is connected to Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, is the use of a built-in QR code generator. This feature has appeared in more recent versions of the shell. MIUI and became the standard for Android 10 and higher. It allows you to instantly transfer the access key to another device or, more importantly for our purpose, view it in text form.
First, you need to go to the wireless settings menu. Find the section Settings → Wi-Fi and click on the name of the active network or the arrow to the right of it. The connection details window that opens usually displays a "Share" button or icon. QR codeClicking on this element generates a graphic code containing all the necessary information for authorization.
To see the password itself, look at the area below the generated QR code. In most cases, the system MIUI displays a string like "Password: 12345678" directly below the image. If the text is hidden by asterisks, try taking a screenshot or using a second device with a camera and QR code scanning capability (for example, through an app) Google Lens or a standard scanner in the camera).
⚠️ Note: On some firmware versions, the password text may be hidden for privacy purposes. In this case, scan the code with the camera of another phone—the full access key text is often displayed in the notification or scan history.
This method does not require superuser rights and works reliably on most devices. XiaomiThis is the preferred option for casual users who need to quickly resolve a problem without risking damaging system files. Make sure your smartphone is connected to a network while performing these steps, otherwise this option may not be available.
Viewing system files using Explorer
If the standard interface doesn't display the password in plain text, you can resort to a more in-depth method—analyzing system configuration files. In the operating system Android All saved networks and their encryption keys are stored in a special file wpa_supplicant.conf. Access this file on Redmi Note 7 may be limited depending on the version Android and the presence of rights root.
To get started, open the standard File Explorer application or download a file manager with advanced rights, for example, MT Manager or Root Explorer (the latter requires superuser rights). You need to follow the path /data/misc/wifi/This is where the configuration file you're looking for is located. If you see an access error message when you navigate to it, it means your phone doesn't have the necessary permissions. root rights, and this method will not work without additional preparation.
Opening the file wpa_supplicant.conf In a text editor, you'll see a list of all the networks you've ever saved. Look for the block network, inside which the parameter is located ssid with the name of your network. There will be a parameter next to it psk, the value of which is your password in clear text.
- 📂 The configuration file stores data in clear text only on older versions of Android or with root access.
- 🔐 Parameter
pskcontains the security key, which must be copied without extra spaces. - 📱 On new versions of MIUI, access to the folder
/data/Without superuser rights it is completely closed. - 📝 To edit or view, use the built-in HEX editor or text editor in your file manager.
What if the file is empty or unavailable?
If the file wpa_supplicant.conf If the password storage is unavailable or empty, this means that the Android security system is blocking direct access to the password storage. In this case, the only options are using a QR code or logging into the router's admin panel. Attempts to bypass this restriction without root access on modern versions of Android (11+) are virtually impossible due to changes in Google's security policy (Scoped Storage).
Using Root Rights and the Terminal
For users who have taken care of obtaining rights in advance superuser (root) on your own Xiaomi Redmi Note 7, the ability to use the command line opens up LinuxThis is the most powerful tool, allowing you to interact with the operating system at a low level. Root access removes access restrictions to protected system directories.
You will need a terminal application, for example, Termux or Terminal EmulatorAfter launching the program, you need to obtain superuser rights by entering the command su and confirming the request in the pop-up window of the rights manager (for example, Magisk). After successful authorization, the invitation string will change, indicating that you have full access rights.
cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confRunning this command will output the configuration file contents directly to the terminal screen. You'll be able to see a list of all networks and their corresponding passwords. This method is especially useful if the graphical interface isn't working correctly or if you need to copy the data in text format for future use.
☑️ Root Readiness Check
It is worth remembering that rooting your device will void your warranty and may cause instability in some banking apps that use system integrity checking. SafetyNet or Play IntegrityUse this method only if you understand the risks and truly need deep access to the file system.
Password recovery via the router's web interface
If your smartphone doesn't display the password directly and you don't have root access, the most reliable way is to access the source of the signal—your router. Almost all modern routers allow you to view and change wireless network settings through a built-in web interface. To do this, your router Redmi Note 7 It is enough to be connected to a Wi-Fi network whose password you have forgotten.
Open any browser on your phone (Chrome, MI Browser) and enter the gateway IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1You can find the exact address in your phone's Wi-Fi settings by looking at the connection details—it's listed there as "Gateway" or "Router."
After entering the address, the system will ask for your login and password to access the admin panel. If you have never changed these details, they may be default (often admin/admin) and are indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the router. If the data has been changed and forgotten, you will have to reset the router to factory settings, which will temporarily interrupt the connection.
| Router brand | Standard IP | Default login | Default password |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | admin |
| ASUS | 192.168.1.1 | admin | admin |
| D-Link | 192.168.0.1 | admin | (empty) |
| Xiaomi Mi Router | 192.168.31.1 | admin | (set during setup) |
| Keenetic | 192.168.1.1 | admin | 1234 |
Once you get to the router menu, find the section Wireless or Wireless network. In subsections Security or Protection there will be a field WPA Pre-Shared Key or "Password." There's often a "Show Password" checkbox next to the input field, which will allow you to see the hidden characters. This is a universal method that works regardless of your smartphone model.
Third-party apps for access recovery
In the store Google Play There are many apps that promise to reveal saved Wi-Fi passwords. However, it's important to understand how they work. On non-rooted devices, they can't read the system file. wpa_supplicant.confInstead, they use a crowdsourcing database or try to connect to the router via a protocol WPS.
Applications using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) attempt to guess a PIN code to automatically connect. Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 This will only work if the WPS function is enabled on the router and isn't blocked by your ISP. Examples of such utilities: WiFi Key Recovery, WiFi Password Viewer.
⚠️ Warning: Be extremely cautious with apps that require root access to reveal your password. Many of them contain aggressive advertising or may be malicious. Check the permissions a program requests before installing.
The effectiveness of such programs on modern versions of Android (10, 11, 12+) is minimal due to stricter security policies. Google prohibits apps from reading Wi-Fi configuration files. Therefore, they should only be used on very old devices or with specific router configurations. Redmi Note 7 With updated firmware, this method will most likely be useless.
Compatibility issues and Android versions
Owners Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 You should take into account that the system's behavior when trying to find out the password directly depends on the version of the installed operating system. AndroidStarting with Android 10, Google implemented strict restrictions on file system access, making many old instructions ineffective.
If you have installed MIUI 11 On Android 9, you have a chance of seeing the password in plain text under a QR code or accessing it through a file manager (if you have root access)