Many users are familiar with the situation of needing to connect a new gadget or laptop to their home wireless network, but hopelessly forgetting the password. Smartphone owners Xiaomi, Redmi And Poco are in a more advantageous position due to the shell MIUI, which makes it easy to retrieve saved access keys. Android, starting with version 10, provides built-in functionality for displaying hidden security symbols.
You don't need to install third-party apps or gain root access. All the necessary information is stored in the wireless system settings. You just need to know where to look for the right switch or QR code. Modern firmware versions have significantly simplified this process, making it accessible in just two or three taps.
MIUI shell capabilities for network management
Interface MIUI The app boasts a high level of customization and functionality compared to stock Android. The company's engineers paid special attention to the ease of managing network connections. Unlike many competitors, it provides direct access to current connection data. The user can not only view the connection status but also instantly generate a key for a guest account.
The main tool here is the generation mechanism QR codesThe system encodes the network's SSID and password into a graphic format that can be easily read by any device's camera. This solution eliminates the need to dictate complex character combinations or search for a sticker on the router. The feature works reliably on all current models, from the budget C-series to the flagship Pro and Ultra models.
⚠️ Note: The menu interface may vary slightly depending on the MIUI version (12, 13, 14) and regional ROM (Global, China, EEA). The layout of elements may be shifted, but the operating logic remains the same.
It is important to note that to view the password in plain text, the system will require identity verification. This may involve entering PIN code, fingerprint unlocking, or face scanning. This security measure prevents accidental or malicious access to data if someone else uses the phone. Without successful authorization, the symbols will not be visible.
View your password via QR code in Wi-Fi settings
The fastest and most reliable way to find a forgotten password is to use the built-in wireless network menu. This method doesn't require an internet connection, as the data is retrieved from the device's memory. The procedure is the same for most devices running current versions of Android.
First, you need to go to the Network and Sharing Center. Tap the Wi-Fi icon in the notification shade or follow the path Settings → Wi-FiFind the network you're currently connected to or a previously saved network whose password you need to remember in the list. Click the arrow to the right of the network name or the gear icon to open the detailed menu.
In the window that opens, you'll see a large QR code. The password itself is often hidden underneath, but it may be obscured by asterisks. To view it:
- 👁️ Click the eye icon next to the password field (if your firmware version has one).
- 📱 If there is no password in plain text, take a screenshot of the QR code or show the screen to another device.
- 🔍 Scan the code using the Camera app or Google Lens.
- 📋 The scan notification often displays the full connection string, including the password.
After scanning you will receive a line like this WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:MyPassword;;The key you are looking for is located after the symbol P: and before the double semicolon. This is a universal method that works even if the text field is hidden by the system.
☑️ Check your password before viewing it
Using Google Lens to decipher
If the "Show Password" button is missing or inactive in the Xiaomi interface, Google's built-in service comes to the rescue. Google Lens (Lens) is integrated into the system and can read data from the screen in real time. This is especially relevant for older versions of MIUI, where direct text output was prohibited.
Here's the process: open the menu with your Wi-Fi network's QR code on your Xiaomi phone. Then, launch the Camera app on any other smartphone or use the Lens feature in the Google app on the same device (via split-screen or by taking a screenshot). Point the camera at the code.
The system will recognize the data type and prompt you to connect to the network. However, if you simply tap "Connect," the phone will attempt to connect to the network but won't display the password. To see the symbols:
- 📸 Take a screenshot of the screen with the QR code.
- 🖼️ Open the screenshot in Google Photos.
- 👇 Tap the "Lens" button at the bottom of the screen.
- 📝 Copy the result text or read it directly on the screen.
⚠️ Important: Make sure the screenshot clearly shows the entire QR code without glare. If the code is unreadable, try increasing your screen brightness or rotating the image.
This method is advantageous because it doesn't depend on the Xiaomi firmware version. Even if the manufacturer hides the text field, the graphic code will remain unchanged, as it is required for the "Share with Friends" feature.
What should I do if Google Lens doesn't see the code?
Try using third-party QR code scanners from the Play Market. You can also send the QR code to yourself via a messenger (Telegram, WhatsApp) and open it on your computer, where it will be easier to recognize the code using the desktop version of the app.
Comparison of data mining methods
Different password recovery methods have their own advantages and limitations. The method you choose depends on your specific phone model, Android version, and whether you have a second device available. Below is a table to help you choose the best option for your situation.
| Method | Root is required | Need a second phone | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct viewing (MIUI 12+) | No | No | Low |
| QR Scanner (Google Lens) | No | Desirable | Average |
| Configuration file (Root) | Yes | No | High |
| Router (web interface) | No | No | Average |
As the table shows, Xiaomi's standard methods are the simplest and safest. Using root (superuser) privileges allows access to system files, but this may disrupt banking apps and void the warranty. wpa_supplicant.conf contains all saved networks in clear text, but access to it is closed without modifying the system.
If you have access to the router's web interface (often the address 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1), you can view the password there. To do this, you'll need to know the router's login and administrator account. This method works for all devices, not just Xiaomi ones.
Restoring access via Mi account and synchronization
Xiaomi ecosystem offers Wi-Fi key synchronization feature through Mi CloudIf syncing was enabled on your device, the password may be available on other devices linked to the same account. For example, if you have a Xiaomi tablet or a second phone, check the Wi-Fi settings there.
Users often forget that the password may be displayed plaintext on a tablet or old phone, while it's hidden on a new one. Log in to your Mi Account on any accessible Mi device. Go to Wi-Fi settings and find the desired network. If you're lucky, the system will offer to share the key or display it directly.
It's also worth checking your Google Account. In Google's security settings (passwords.google.com) Wi-Fi network passwords are often saved if the corresponding sync option is enabled in Chrome OS or Android. This is especially true if you've ever shared a password with a pure Android device or Chromebook.
Problems and limitations when obtaining a password
Despite their convenience, there are situations where standard methods fail. This may be due to corporate security policies (MDM profiles) installed on the device or corrupted system files. In such cases, the system blocks the display of sensitive data.
Another common issue is forgetting the password for your Xiaomi or Google account, which is required to log in when trying to view a QR code. Without unlocking the screen or entering the PIN, the system won't provide the information. This is a fundamental Android security feature that can't be bypassed without a data reset.
⚠️ Note: If you see the message "Unable to receive QR code" or a similar error, try restarting your router and phone. Sometimes the Wi-Fi module freezes and cannot generate a valid token for the code.
In rare cases, clearing the Wi-Fi service cache can help. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All apps → Show system apps → Wi-Fi → Storage → ClearBe careful: this action will delete the list of all saved networks and you will have to enter passwords again, but it may solve the software glitch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password without rooting on an older version of Android?
On Android versions below 10, there are no built-in methods. You'll need to use third-party apps that require root access or physical access to the router. Newer versions of MIUI don't require root access.
Why does my phone ask for my account password when I click on a QR code?
This is a security measure by MIUI. The system verifies that the action is performed by the device owner. Enter your screen unlock password or the Mi Account you use.
What to do if the QR code is not generated?
Try tapping the network name instead of the arrow. If that doesn't help, update the Security app and Wi-Fi system components via GetApps or the Play Market.
Will the password be saved in history if I forget the network?
No, selecting "Forget Network" deletes the password from your phone's memory. It can only be restored through the router or if it's saved on another device.
Does this method work on HyperOS?
Yes, the new HyperOS shell, which replaced MIUI, has fully retained the functionality of viewing passwords via QR code and the settings menu.