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, Redmi And Poco are often confused because the standard MIUI or HyperOS interface hides access symbols for security reasons. However, the operating system Android provides built-in tools to solve this problem without the need for privileges root or installing third-party software.
Modern versions of shells from a Chinese manufacturer make it easy to share network access by generating special QR codesThis mechanism not only simplifies guest connection but also allows the device owner to view the current security key in text format. The data recovery process takes literally seconds if you know where to look for the necessary information in the settings menu.
It's important to understand that the methods may differ slightly depending on the firmware version. On older versions MIUI 11 or MIUI 12 the algorithm of actions may be slightly different than on fresh ones MIUI 14 or HyperOSHowever, the system's operating logic remains the same: saved networks are stored in a secure section, accessible through the standard connection management interface.
Using the QR code feature to view your password
The easiest and most effective way to retrieve forgotten data is to use the built-in QR code generator. This feature was introduced in Android 10 and has become standard on all modern smartphones. You don't need to search for hidden menus or use engineering codes; simply access the standard Wi-Fi settings.
First, open the menu Settings and go to the section Wi-FiFind the network you're currently connected to, or select the desired one from the list of saved ones (in some interface versions, you need to click the arrow next to the network name). A card with the network name and a button to generate a code will appear on the screen.
After a QR code appears on the screen, the system often displays the password directly below it in plain text. If the text is hidden by asterisks, take a screenshot or simply click the "Share" button. In the resulting messenger or notes window, the password may appear in plain text next to the network name.
⚠️ Note: If the password isn't displayed in text under the QR code, take a screenshot. Then open your gallery, select the image, and click "Recognize Text" (or use Google Lens). The system will read the graphic code and display the hidden string of characters.
It's worth noting that this method only works for networks to which the phone has previously connected. If you're trying to find the password for a network you've never connected to, this method won't work. In this case, you'll need access to the router's admin panel.
Viewing through the MIUI and HyperOS settings menu
Interfaces MIUI And HyperOS Each has its own specific way of displaying network information. Unlike stock Android, these apps have added additional layers of security and visual elements. To find the information you need, you need to carefully examine the active network's properties screen.
In new firmware versions, tapping the network name opens an expanded menu. Here you can see the IP address, MAC address, and connection speed. Look for a "Share" button or a QR code icon in the upper right corner or at the bottom of the screen. This is what gives you access to key data.
- 📱 Tap on the name of the connected network in the Wi-Fi menu.
- 🔍 Look for the "Share" button or QR code icon.
- 👁️ If the password is hidden, use the text recognition feature on the screenshot.
Some users experience the View button being unavailable or inactive. This may be due to carrier restrictions or corporate security policies if the device is managed remotely. Such restrictions are extremely rare in home settings.
Accessing the router control panel via a browser
If your smartphone can't display the password directly, the only solution is to log into the router's control panel. To do this, you'll need any browser on your phone, such as Chrome or Mi BrowserThis method requires knowledge of the login address and administrator credentials.
Open your browser and enter your router's IP address in the address bar. Most often, this is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1The exact address is often written on a sticker on the bottom of the device. After entering the address, the system will ask for a username and password to access the settings.
By default, manufacturers use standard combinations such as admin/admin or admin/passwordIf you've changed the data previously and forgotten it, you may need to reset your router to factory settings, which will break your current connection.
| Router brand | IP address | 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 | 192.168.31.1 | admin | specified during setup |
After successful authorization, find the section Wireless or Wireless modeIn the subsection Wireless Security (Security) will be a field PSK Password or Wireless network keyHere you can not only view your current password, but also set a new one.
Using a Google account for synchronization
Ecosystem Google offers Wi-Fi password syncing across devices. If you've ever connected this account to another Android device or PC running the Chrome browser, the data may have been saved in the cloud. This is a convenient way to restore access without directly accessing the router.
To check, go to your Google account settings on your smartphone. Select "Security" and then "Password Manager." In the list of saved data, look for your router's address or network name. If you find the entry, tap it and use biometrics to view the characters.
This method is especially useful if your phone has been reset to factory settings but your Google account remains the same. The system will automatically retrieve saved keys, allowing you to connect to known networks without manual entry.
⚠️ Note: Wi-Fi password syncing via Google doesn't work on all devices and depends on your Android version. Make sure data syncing is enabled on both devices.
What should I do if my password isn't syncing?
If the password doesn't appear in the manager, check that "Wi-Fi sync" is enabled in the Google account settings on the source device. Data may also not transfer between devices with different Google account owners.
Third-party applications and file managers
There is a category of applications that offer the ability to view saved networks. However, on modern versions of Android (starting with version 10), access to the system files where the keys are stored (wpa_supplicant.conf), closed to regular applications without permissions root.
Using such programs often does not produce results on new smartphones. XiaomiMoreover, installing questionable software can lead to the leaking of your personal data. It's safer to use built-in system tools or file managers with access to system folders if your phone is rooted.
If you have superuser rights, you can use a file manager, for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer. Follow the path /data/misc/wifi/ and open the file wpa_supplicant.confAll networks and passwords will be written in clear text inside the text file.
- 🔒 Access to system files requires Root privileges.
- ⚠️ Rooting your device will void your warranty.
- 📂 The password file is located in a hidden system folder.
For most users, this method is excessive and risky. Owners of standard smartphones are better off using the standard methods via QR codes or the router control panel, which don't require extensive system intervention.
☑️ Check before using third-party software
Restoring access after a factory reset
If none of the software methods help and the router's admin panel password is lost, the only drastic solution is to completely reset the router. There's a button on the device's body. Reset, often recessed into the body.
To activate recovery mode, press and hold the button for about 10-15 seconds until the indicators blink. After this, the router will return to the factory settings printed on the sticker. The Wi-Fi password will also return to the default one printed on the sticker.
After the reset, you'll need to reconfigure your internet connection. If your provider uses MAC address binding or requires a PPPoE login and password, you'll need to re-enter these details. Make sure you have your contract with your provider handy.
⚠️ Note: Interfaces and features may change with software updates. Always check the current menu paths against the official documentation for your smartphone or router model.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out a neighbor's Wi-Fi password using Xiaomi?
No, this is impossible and illegal. A smartphone can only reveal the password for a network to which it has already successfully connected and stored. Hacking into other networks requires specialized equipment and is illegal.
Where is the password sticker physically located on the router?
The information sticker (label) is usually located on the bottom of the device. Sometimes it can be on the back or under the removable antenna. Look for the words "Wireless Password," "WPA Key," or "PIN."
Why can't another phone read the QR code?
The issue could be related to screen brightness, camera contamination, or the encoding format. Try increasing the brightness of your Xiaomi display or using the built-in "Scanner" app in the tools menu instead of a third-party camera.
Will the password on my phone be reset after updating MIUI?
Typically, Wi-Fi settings and saved passwords are preserved during an over-the-air system update. However, when upgrading to the global firmware version from the Chinese version or performing a full data reset, these passwords will be deleted.