Smartphone owners Xiaomi And Redmi We often encounter a situation where we need to connect a new device to our home network, but the password itself is lost or forgotten. Fortunately, the operating system Android Starting with version 10, it provides built-in functionality for viewing saved network keys. On the model Redmi Note 9running under the shell MIUI or HyperOS, this procedure is quite simple and does not require the installation of third-party software.
Previously, access to security data required superuser rights (Root), which posed risks to system stability and the security of personal data. Now, standard tools make it possible to extract information about Wi-Fi Networks can be accessed by generating a QR code or directly displaying symbols in the settings menu. Understanding this mechanism allows you to quickly solve the problem of connecting guest gadgets or new smart home devices.
It is important to note that the menu interface may differ slightly depending on the firmware version installed on your device. XiaomiHowever, the system's operating logic remains unchanged: authorization data is stored in a secure section, accessible after confirming the owner's identity via biometrics or a screen lock PIN.
Using a QR code to obtain network data
The fastest and most reliable way to find out your password Redmi Note 9 — This is using the "Share" function, which generates a QR code. This method works on all current versions of Android without the need for complex commands. You need to go to the settings menu and select Wi-FiA list of available networks will be displayed here, and the currently active one will be marked with an icon or will be at the top of the list.
Tap the name of the connected network or the arrow next to it to reveal additional options. In the menu that opens, you'll see a "Share" button or a QR code icon. After tapping, the system will ask you to confirm the action using a fingerprint, face recognition, or pattern. This is a standard security measure. MIUI, preventing unauthorized access.
A QR code will appear on the screen, containing an encrypted string with connection data. Below this code, as a rule, a line like this is written in small print: WPA/WPA2 PSK: your_passwordIf the text under the code is unreadable or hidden, you can take a screenshot and open it through the app. Google Lens or any QR code scanner in the gallery that recognizes text on the image.
⚠️ Important: Do not share screenshots of the QR code with anyone else. Anyone who scans this code will be able to instantly connect to your network without entering a password.
View your password through Android's system settings
In newer versions of the shell HyperOS and fresh updates MIUI On Android 12 and above, the developers have implemented the ability to directly display password characters. To do this, also go to Settings → Wi-Fi and click on the active network. Unlike older versions, there may be an eye icon or a "Show password" button.
After activating this feature and passing biometric verification, the hidden asterisks will be replaced with readable text. This is especially convenient if you need to manually enter data on a device that doesn't support QR code scanning, such as some printers or older TVs. The feature works locally and doesn't send data to servers. Xiaomi.
If the display button is missing, it means your firmware version uses the old security interface. In this case, the QR code method described above is the only default option. Attempting to modify system files to force password display may result in malfunction of the wireless module.
☑️ Check your password before viewing it
Compatibility table of methods by Android versions
The functionality of the menu and the available methods for viewing security keys directly depend on the version of the operating system installed on Redmi Note 9Below is a table showing the differences in the interface between different software versions.
| Android version | MIUI/HyperOS version | Viewing method | Root is required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 10 | MIUI 11 / 12 | QR code only | No |
| Android 11 | MIUI 12.5 / 13 | QR code + Text (rare) | No |
| Android 12 | MIUI 13 / 14 | QR code + Text (eye) | No |
| Android 13 | HyperOS / MIUI 14 | Full access to password | No |
As can be seen from the table, the owners Redmi Note 9 With the updated system, devices have the most extensive tools. However, even on older versions of Android 10, the QR code functionality is sufficient for most tasks. The main thing is to ensure that your device is actually connected to the network whose password you want to find out, as this option may not be available for other saved networks.
Alternative methods and command line
For advanced users familiar with debugging ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to retrieve passwords via a computer. This method requires connecting your phone to the PC via a USB cable and enabling debug mode in the menu. For developersThis method is useful if the phone's interface is damaged or the touchscreen is not working properly.
After connecting and authorizing the computer to the device, you must enter a command to access the system keystore. The command looks like this:
adb shell dumpsys wifi | grep "mConfigKey"
This command will display the current network configuration, including the password in clear text. However, on modern versions Android Access to this data via ADB is often restricted by Google's security policies, so this method may not work without root access. However, for some versions MIUI This method remains working.
What to do if ADB doesn't see the device?
Make sure the ADB drivers are installed on your computer. Try a different USB cable, preferably the original one. In the developer menu on your phone, select USB "File Transfer" (MTP) mode and re-enable debugging from this computer.
Restoring access via a router
If you look at the password directly on the phone Xiaomi If the connection fails due to software errors, you can always turn to the source of the connection—the router. To do this, you'll need to connect to the router's admin panel through a browser. The login address is usually indicated on a sticker on the bottom of the device, often this 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1.
By entering the administrator login and password (the standard ones are often admin/admin), you need to go to the wireless network section (Wireless or Wi-Fi Settings). There in the field Wireless Password or Pre-Shared Key The code you're looking for will be displayed. This method is universal and works regardless of your smartphone model.
⚠️ Warning: Changing settings in the router's web interface (for example, changing the encryption type) will disable all devices. Use caution when editing settings if you are unsure of what you are doing.
Using the router's web interface offers an additional benefit: you can not only find out the current password, but also change it to a more complex one if you suspect your neighbors have connected to your network. After changing the password on the router, Redmi Note 9 You will need to forget the network and reconnect, entering new data.
Common problems and their solutions
Users may encounter a situation where the "Share" button is inactive or the QR code isn't generated. This is often due to a third-party Wi-Fi manager or VPN service installed on the system that is intercepting network connections. Temporarily disable such apps and try again.
Another possible cause could be a malfunction in the system Settings app. In this case, clearing the cache helps. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications → Settings and click "Clear Cache." This won't delete your personal data, but it will clear the interface's temporary files.
In rare cases, the problem lies with the firmware itself. If you're using an unofficial build or an early beta version MIUI, the functionality may not work correctly. In this case, we recommend waiting for an update or reverting to the stable software branch via the recovery menu.
Security measures when working with passwords
Knowing how easy it is to gain access to the network key highlights the importance of protecting the device itself. If someone gains physical access to an unlocked device, Redmi Note 9, they can instantly steal your Wi-Fi password. Therefore, always use a secure screen lock and don't store screenshots with QR codes in your shared gallery.
It's recommended to change your home network passwords regularly, especially if you frequently share your phone with friends or colleagues. A complex password containing mixed-case letters, numbers, and special characters will protect your network even if the key hash is leaked. Avoid using simple combinations like your date of birth or phone number.
⚠️ Note: The settings interface may change after a system update. If you don't see the options described, check the official MIUI documentation for your specific software version to ensure the information is up-to-date.
Following these simple rules will not only allow you to easily manage your connections, but also protect your digital perimeter from unwanted guests. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 provides powerful tools for this, which you need to know how to use correctly.
Is it possible to find out a Wi-Fi password if the phone is not connected to it right now?
Yes, you can tap a saved (non-active) network in the Wi-Fi menu, and if the system allows, it will also generate a QR code or display the password after authorization. However, on some MIUI versions, this feature is only available for the currently active network.
Do I need root access to view the password on Redmi Note 9?
No, modern versions of Android (10 and above) do not require root access. Built-in system functionality allows legal access to saved keys through the settings menu and QR codes.
What should I do if the QR code is not readable by other devices?
Try taking a screenshot of the QR code, opening it in your gallery, and using Google Lens or the built-in code scanner. Also, make sure your screen brightness is set to maximum and the camera is focusing clearly on the image.
Where are Wi-Fi passwords stored in the Android file system?
Technically they are in the file wpa_supplicant.conf in the system partition. However, access to this file without root privileges is blocked for regular users and applications for security reasons.