Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and there's no sticker with the code on your router? On smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO There are several ways to retrieve a saved password—even if you don't have access to the network's QR code. In this article, we'll cover all the current methods for the shell. MIUI 12–14 and versions Android 10–14, including hidden features and workarounds.
Important: Not all methods work on encrypted corporate networks (for example, in offices or universities) - they are only suitable for home routers with WPA2/WPA3. Also keep in mind that some methods require root rights or additional applications. We have noted such cases separately.
If you have previously connected to this network on your Xiaomi, the phone already knows the password—it just needs to be "pulled out" correctly. Let's start with the simplest methods and gradually move on to more technical ones.
1. View password through MIUI settings (without root)
The most obvious way is to look in the Wi-Fi menu. In the latest versions MIUI 13–14 The developers have simplified access to passwords, but the path to them isn't always intuitive. Here's how:
- Open
Settings→Wi-Fi. - Find your network in the list and tap on its name (not on the switch!).
- In the window that opens, click
Share password(orSharein the English-language firmware). - The system will ask for confirmation. fingerprint, PIN code or graphic key.
- After authentication, a QR code and a text password below it will appear.
⚠️ Attention: On some models (eg, Redmi 9A or POCO M3 (with MIUI 12.5) item Share password may be missing. In this case, proceed to the next method.
☑️ What to do if there is no "Share Password" button
If you have guest network or a router with double authentication (for example, WPA2-Enterprise), this method won't work. In such cases, you'll need access to the router's admin panel or specialized software.
2. Using a Wi-Fi configuration file (requires a file manager)
All passwords from saved networks on Android stored in the system file wpa_supplicant.confOn smartphones Xiaomi It can be read without root access, but with some limitations. Here are the instructions:
- Install any file manager with access to system folders, for example FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer (enable display of hidden files in settings).
- Follow the path:
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/or (on some firmware):
/data/misc/wifi/ - Find the file
wpa_supplicant.confand open it with a text editor. - Look for blocks like:
network={ssid="Your_Network_Name"
psk="your_password"
key_mgmt=WPA-PSK
}
⚠️ Attention: Starting from Android 10, access to this file may be blocked without root. If the file manager doesn't show the folder /data/, try using ADB (section 4) or go to method with password manager applications (section 3).
What to do if the file is empty or does not exist?
On some Xiaomi firmware, passwords are encrypted and stored in binary format. In this case, only root or specialized software like WiFi Password Viewer (requires superuser rights).
On smartphones with MIUI Global Stable, passwords are wpa_supplicant.conf are often encrypted - they cannot be read without additional tools. If you see a set of characters like this instead of a password psk=1a3b5c7d9e0f..., this means that the data is encoded.
3. Apps for viewing Wi-Fi passwords
IN Google Play There are utilities that can extract saved passwords, but most of them require root rightsHowever, for Xiaomi There are a couple of exceptions that work on some firmware without root:
- 🔓 WiFi Password Viewer — shows passwords for open and saved networks. On MIUI, you may need to enable it.
USB debugging. - 📱 WiFi Key Recovery - works on Android 9 and below, but on newer ones Xiaomi often gives an error.
- 🛠️ Root Browser — file manager with access to system folders (root required).
Instructions for WiFi Password Viewer:
- Download and install the application from Google Play.
- Run it and grant access to
StorageAndWi-Fi settings. - Find your network in the list and tap it—the password will be displayed in text format.
⚠️ Attention: Be wary of apps that request root access or that ask you to send SMS messages to short codes. Some of these may be scams. Check reviews and ratings in the Play Store before installing.
| Application | Root required? | Does it work on MIUI 14? | Free version |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi Password Viewer | ❌ No (on some firmware versions) | ⚠️ Partially | ✅ Yes |
| WiFi Key Recovery | ❌ No | ❌ No (only Android <10) | ✅ Yes |
| Root Browser | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (paid) |
| MiXplorer | ❌ No (but access to /data/ is required) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
4. ADB Method (for advanced users)
If you have a computer and it is turned on USB debugging, you can extract the password through Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method works on all versions. MIUI, but requires preparation:
- Turn on
Developer modeon the phone:Settings → About phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times) - Return to
Settings → Advanced → For developersand activateUSB debugging. - Connect your phone to PC, install ADB drivers (for example, through Mi PC Suite) and download Platform Tools from Google.
- Open Command Prompt (or Terminal on Mac/Linux) and enter:
adb shellsu
cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.conf
If the team su If it doesn't work, your phone doesn't have root access. In this case, try this alternative command:
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.conf C:\
(the file will be copied to the disk C:\ your PC).
⚠️ Attention: Starting from MIUI 13Xiaomi blocks access to system files via ADB without unlocking the bootloader. If you see an error Permission denied, this method will not work.
5. Resetting the router settings (extreme case)
If none of these methods work and Wi-Fi access is critical, resetting the router to factory settings is the only option. This will delete all personal data (including the password), but will allow you to set up the network again:
- Find the button on your router
Reset(usually it is recessed into the body). - Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds (until the indicators flash).
- Connect to the router's network via cable or Wi-Fi with the factory name (indicated on the sticker).
- Open in browser
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1and perform the initial setup.
⚠️ Attention: After the reset, all devices on the network will be disconnected and settings like DMZ, port forwarding or parental control You'll have to set it up again. If you rented your router from a provider, resetting it may break its connection to your account—check with support beforehand.
6. Alternative methods (if nothing works)
If all the above methods didn't work, try:
- 📡 Connect to the router via cable and go to its web interface (usually
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). The default login and password are oftenadmin/adminor indicated on the device sticker. - 📞 Call the provider - some operators (for example, Rostelecom or MTS) can provide the password for their router by phone after identification.
- 🔧 Use a second phone, which is already connected to this network. On iPhone The password can be viewed in
Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) next to the network.
If you have Xiaomi with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the paths to the password files may differ. In this case, searching forums like 4PDA or XDA-Developers indicating the exact phone model and firmware version.
What to do if the router is not yours?
If you're trying to connect to someone else's network (for example, in a cafe or hotel), none of these methods will work. In such cases:
- Ask the establishment administrator for the password.
- Use it guest Wi-Fi (if available).
- Connect via SMS authentication (in some social networks).
Do not attempt to hack other people's networks—this is illegal (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on a Xiaomi device without rooting?
Yes, in most cases. Methods without root:
- Through the menu
Settings → Wi-Fi → Share password(MIUI 13–14). - Via file
wpa_supplicant.conf(on Android 9 and below). - Using apps like WiFi Password Viewer (does not work on all firmware versions).
If these methods do not work, you will need root or access to the router.
Why is the password encrypted in the wpa_supplicant.conf file?
Starting from Android 10 And MIUI 12Xiaomi encrypts passwords in this file to protect data. They can only be decrypted using root or specialized tools (e.g., Magisk + module WiFi Password Decrypt).
Does the ADB method work on Xiaomi with a locked bootloader?
Partially. You will be able to connect via ADB, but access to system files (like /data/misc/wifi/) will be limited. For full access, you need to unlock the bootloader via Mi Unlock Tool, but this will reset all data on the phone.
Is it possible to find out the password for a Wi-Fi network that my phone connected to a long time ago?
Yes, if the network is saved in the phone's memory. Passwords are stored until you reset the network settings or manually delete the network. Settings → Wi-Fi (long press on the network name → Delete).
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Most of the applications from Google Play (For example, WiFi Password Viewer) are safe, but:
- Do not install APKs from untrusted sources.
- Don't give apps access to SMS, contacts, or payments.
- Check reviews and ratings before installation.
It is better to use methods without third-party programs (sections 1, 2 or 4).