It's extremely common for owners of popular smartphones to need to connect a new gadget or laptop to an existing wireless network, but the password has long been forgotten and not saved. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Often face the need to quickly restore internet access without having a router or access to its admin panel. Fortunately, the operating system Android, especially in the shell MIUI, provides built-in tools to solve this problem without installing third-party software.
Restoring the access key is only possible if your phone has previously successfully connected to this access point and saved the data in your profile. Modern firmware versions allow you to not only view the connection status but also visualize the security code itself as a QR code or text string. This significantly simplifies life for users who need to share internet with guests or sync smart devices.
In this article, we'll detail the standard methods for viewing saved networks, as well as alternative methods for devices without a lock screen or with root access. You'll learn how to safely extract information from system settings and what to do if the standard interface doesn't display hidden characters. Understanding these processes will help you stay online, even if you've forgotten complex character combinations.
The standard method is via a QR code in MIUI settings.
The easiest and safest way, without requiring a license Root or installing apps, is to use the "Share" or "QR code" function built into the WiFi management interface. Owners Redmi Note 8 can use this method, as it works on most current versions MIUI (from 10 to 14). The procedure is intuitive and takes only a few seconds, making it preferable for most users.
To begin, you need to unlock your smartphone and go to the main settings menu. Find the section responsible for wireless connections, which in different firmware versions may simply be called WiFi or Wi-FiOnce you enter the menu, you'll see a list of available networks, where the currently active network will be marked with a check mark or color, and below that will be a list of previously used saved profiles.
Click the name of the network whose password you want to find out, or the arrow to the right of its name, to open an additional menu. The window that opens often displays a "Share" button or icon. QR codeWhen you click it, the system will ask you to log in using your fingerprint, pattern, or screen unlock PIN—this is a security measure that prevents unauthorized access to your data.
After successful authorization, a square code will appear on the screen. In some versions of the shell, the password may be written directly below it in text, but most often only the code itself is displayed. Don't panic if there is no text: you can take a screenshot or simply point the camera of another phone (one with internet access or capable of scanning codes) at the QR code. When scanning, a line like this will appear in the search bar or notification. WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:12345678;;, where the symbols after P: and there is your desired password.
☑️ Check before viewing the QR code
Using Google Passwords for syncing
If you have Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 If Google account sync is enabled, all saved WiFi passwords can be automatically copied to the search giant's secure storage. This is especially convenient if you've lost your phone or switched to a new device but want to regain access to your home network. This method is version-independent. MIUI and works at the operating system level Android.
To use this method, open the standard Settings your smartphone. Scroll down to the item Google and select it. Next, you need to find the section Autofill (Autofill) and go to Google AutocompleteIn the menu that opens, select the option Google Passwords (Google Passwords).
The system will again ask you to confirm your identity via biometrics or a PIN code. In the list of saved data, you need to find the address or name of your WiFi network. Networks are often designated as wifi:SSID_network_nameClick on the desired entry, and after a second security check, you'll see the password field. Hidden points usually have an eye icon next to them—click it to see the characters in plain text.
⚠️ Attention: Password syncing only works if it was previously enabled in your Google account settings. If you've never enabled it, you won't be able to restore your data through this service.
The advantage of this method is that it's cross-platform. You can log into your Google account from any other device (computer, tablet) via a browser and find your saved password there. This makes Google Passwords a powerful tool for backing up critical data for network access.
Viewing through system files (Requires root access)
For advanced users who have received superuser rights (Root) on your own Redmi Note 8, access to system files where all wireless connection configurations are stored is granted. This method is the most direct and allows you to see passwords even for networks the phone connected to a long time ago and that are currently inactive. However, gaining root access voids the warranty and requires caution when working with the file system.
To view the data you will need a file manager that supports superuser rights, for example, Root Explorer, ES File Explorer (old versions) or MT ManagerAfter launching the application, you must grant it root privileges by agreeing to the system request. Next, follow the path: /data/misc/wifi/.
In this directory you are interested in the file named WifiConfigStore.xml (in newer versions of Android) or wpa_supplicant.conf (in older versions). Open this file as a text document. Inside you'll find many lines of code, but you need to look for the tags. <SSID> for the network name and <PreSharedKey> for the password.
<network><SSID>"MyHomeNetwork"</SSID>
<PreSharedKey>"complex_password_123"</PreSharedKey>
</network>
As you can see from the example above, the password is between the tags PreSharedKeyThis method allows you to bulk-dump all previously used passwords. However, be extremely careful: accidentally changing or deleting characters in this file may result in your phone no longer seeing networks or even being unable to connect to Wi-Fi.
Risks of editing system files
Changing the XML file structure or deleting tags may cause the WiFi module to reboot in a loop or even completely fail. Always make a backup copy of the file before editing.
Login to the router's web interface
If your phone can't display the password (for example, due to limitations in the Android version), and you don't want to get root access, the classic method remains - accessing the router settings itself. Since your Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 If you're already connected to the network (or you can connect via mobile data), you have direct access to the router's admin panel. All current security settings are stored there.
First, you need to find out the gateway IP address. Go to Settings -> WiFi, click on the active network. In the "Network" or "Details" section, find the line Gateway (Gateway). Typically, this is an address of the form 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1Enter this address into the address bar of any browser (Chrome, Mi Browser).
The router's login page will open. If you've never changed your login details, try the default combinations: login admin and password admin (or a blank field). The exact data is often written on a sticker on the bottom of the router itself. If the default data doesn't work and you don't remember it, you'll have to reset the router using the reset button. Reset, which will disconnect all users.
After successful login, the interface may differ depending on the brand (TP-Link, ASUS, D-Link, Keenetic). You need to find the section Wireless (Wireless Network) -> Wireless Security (Security) This menu displays the current password in the field WPA/WPA2 Password or PSK.
⚠️ Attention: Router interfaces are constantly updated by manufacturers. The layout of menu items may differ from what's described. Look for keywords like "Wireless," "Security," "WLAN," or the lock icon.
Comparison of access recovery methods
The choice of the optimal method depends on your technical skills, firmware version MIUI and access rights. Below is a table to help you quickly navigate the available options and choose the most appropriate one for your situation. Redmi Note 8.
| Method | Necessary rights | Complexity | Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code in MIUI | No | Low | High |
| Google Passwords | Google account | Low | Very high |
| System files | Root | High | Average (risk of breakage) |
| Web interface | Admin password | Average | High |
As the comparison shows, for the average user, the most effective and secure method is to use the built-in QR code generator or Google Cloud Storage. The system file method should only be considered a last resort for experienced professionals who understand file system structures. Linux/Android.
The router's web interface is a universal method that always works, but it requires the administrator password. If the router was provided by your ISP, this information is often unique and printed on a sticker, making this task easier. On corporate networks, access to this section may be restricted.
Possible problems and their solutions
You may encounter a number of difficulties during the password recovery process. For example, the QR code button may be missing from the menu. This is typical for very old versions. MIUI Or, conversely, for some custom firmware versions, where the feature has been removed by the developers. In this case, try updating the system through the menu. About the phone.
Another common problem is that the QR code scanner on the other phone does not recognize the image on the screen. Redmi Note 8This could be due to low screen brightness or glare. Increase the display brightness to maximum and try moving the cameras closer. You can also take a screenshot, open it in the gallery, and use the "Recognize text/code" feature directly in the image viewer.
If you see a connection error or a timeout when accessing your router settings, check if you're using mobile data (4G/5G) at the same time. Some routers conflict if you try to access their settings through an external network rather than the WiFi network itself. Disable mobile data during setup.
⚠️ Attention: If you reset your router to factory settings, you will lose all your ISP settings (PPPoE, L2TP, etc.). Only do this if you know your ISP login information.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to find out the Xiaomi WiFi password without connecting to the network?
No, this is impossible. A phone physically cannot know the password for a network it has never connected to and for which the user hasn't manually saved the details. To view the password, the network must be in the "Saved" list.
Is it safe to use apps like WiFi Password Viewer?
Most of these apps on Google Play don't work without root access and often contain aggressive advertising or collect user data. Xiaomi's built-in methods (QR code) are much safer and more reliable.
What should I do if the QR code shows the password as a set of characters?
This is normal. Your password can contain any characters: letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and special characters. Enter them exactly as you see them, maintaining proper case.
Where can I find the wpa_supplicant.conf file on Android 10 and above?
On newer versions of Android, the path has changed. Configuration files are now often located in /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlAccess to this folder also requires root rights.
Will the password on my phone be reset after updating MIUI?
Typically, the list of saved networks is preserved during a system update. However, when upgrading to a major version of Android (for example, from 9 to 10) or resetting the phone, all passwords will be deleted.