It's a common occurrence for friends to come over and ask you to connect their devices to a wireless network, but you can't remember the complex security key. Smartphone owners Xiaomi And Redmi They often find themselves in a quandary, as the default MIUI interface hides this data from prying eyes for security reasons. However, unlike older versions of Android, modern skins allow you to extract this information without complex programming or system hacking.
In this article, we'll cover in detail all the available methods for recovering a forgotten access key, from standard operating system tools to specialized software. You'll learn how to generate QR codes For quick guest authorization, you'll also learn how to view the text version of your password if required to configure a router or other device.
It is worth noting right away that the technique may differ slightly depending on the version of the installed firmware, whether it be MIUI 12, 13, 14 or new HyperOSWe will consider universal algorithms that work on most current models, including Redmi Note 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and older series Xiaomi.
Using the standard QR code in Android settings
Starting with Android 10, Google has introduced the Wi-Fi sharing feature via QR codes, and the company Xiaomi actively uses this tool in its shells. It's the fastest and most secure way to share access without displaying a password on the screen. You don't need to install any third-party apps; access to the settings menu is sufficient.
First, open the standard menu Settings your smartphone and go to the section Wi-FiHere you'll see a list of available networks, and at the top of the screen, a card showing the currently active network your phone is connected to. This interface element contains the information you're looking for.
Click on the name of the active network or the arrow next to it to expand additional options. In the window that opens, you'll see a button Share or a QR code icon. Once tapped, the system will ask you to confirm your identity using a screen unlock (fingerprint, Face ID, or pattern).
A QR code containing encrypted network data will appear on the screen. The password itself is often, but not always, written in small print beneath the code. If there is no text beneath the code, simply take a screenshot or use a second phone with a camera and QR code recognition (for example, via Google Lens) to read the data.
⚠️ Important: If you take a screenshot of the code, do not send it to strangers. Anyone who scans this code will be able to automatically connect to your network without entering a password.
Viewing your password through MIUI and HyperOS system settings
In newer versions of the shell MIUI and especially in HyperOS, engineers Xiaomi We've added the ability to directly display the password in text format next to the QR code. This eliminates the need for third-party barcode scanners. The interface has become more user-friendly and informative.
The algorithm of actions here is similar to the previous one: go to Settings → Wi-Fi and select your active network. Unlike older versions, after confirming your identity (Face ID or fingerprint), a window will open with your password written in large font under the heading "Password."
Next to the password text, there's usually a "Copy" button (the icon of two sheets of paper). This allows you to instantly copy the key to the clipboard and paste it into any other app, for example, a messenger for a friend or the settings for a new router. This integration significantly speeds up the process of setting up a home network.
It's important to understand that this feature only works for the network to which the phone is currently connected or has previously connected. If you're trying to view the password for a network within range, but the phone hasn't connected to it, the system will require you to re-enter the key.
Using the Mi Router app to manage your network
If you have a router installed in your home manufactured by Xiaomi or Redmi, then the most logical way to manage the network will be to use a proprietary application Mi Router (or Mi Wi-Fi). This tool provides deep access to hardware settings, allowing you not only to view the password but also to change it, configure guest access, and limit the speed for specific devices.
To get started, you need to download the application from Google Play or GetApps and log in to your account Mi AccountAfter this, the app will automatically detect the router on the local network. If the router is new, you'll need to go through the initial setup wizard.
In the main menu of the application, select the item Settings (often denoted by a gear) or section Wi-FiHere, the "Wi-Fi Password" field will display the current access key. You can click it to copy it, or change it to a more complex one if you suspect your neighbors are using your internet.
The advantage of this method is that it works even if your phone not connected to Wi-Fi right now, but uses mobile data, provided that you are on the same local network or have remote access to the router. This makes Mi Router a powerful administration tool.
| Function | Stock Android | Mi Router App | Root rights |
|---|---|---|---|
| View password | Current network only | All router settings | All saved networks |
| Change password | No | Yes, instantly | No (view only) |
| Complexity | Low | Average | High |
| Security | High | High | Risk to the system |
Password recovery programs without root rights
There are many apps on the Google Play Store that promise to reveal saved passwords. However, due to Android's security limitations, most of them don't allow root access (Root) can only show the QR code of an already connected network, but not the text password for networks to which the phone is not currently connected.
One proven solution is to use QR code scanner apps in conjunction with the "Share" feature in Wi-Fi settings. You take a screenshot of the code from the settings, and the app then scans it and converts it to text. This isn't exactly a "hack," but it's an effective way to obtain data.
There are also utilities that create backup copies of network settings. For example, the application WiFi Password Viewer (or similar) may try to read the system configuration file. On some older versions of Android (before version 10), this worked without root, but on modern ones Redmi Note With Android 12-14, this method will most likely require administrator rights.
Be extremely careful when installing such programs. Many of them are filled with ads or may contain malicious code that steals your personal data. Always check the developer's rating and reviews before installing.
Why do apps ask for Root?
The Android system stores passwords in a protected system file, wpa_supplicant.conf. Regular apps are not allowed to read this file. Root access removes these restrictions, granting full access to the file system.
Method using root rights and file managers
For advanced users who have received superuser rights (Root) on your own Xiaomi or Redmi (by unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk), viewing passwords becomes trivial. Root access allows you to read any system files, including those that store Wi-Fi security keys.
You will need a file manager with Root support, for example, Root Explorer, Solid Explorer or MT ManagerAfter launching the application, you need to enable access to the root folder (usually a root-shaped button or a switch in the settings menu).
Navigate to the following path in the file system:
/data/misc/wifi/In this directory you are interested in the file named WpaSupplicant.conf (or simply wpa_supplicant.conf). Open it with a text editor.
Inside the file, you'll find a list of all the networks the phone has ever connected to. Look for the block network, inside which there will be a string ssid="Your_Network_Name" and below the line psk="YOUR_PASSWORD". Field psk and contains the desired key in clear text.
⚠️ Warning: Rooting your device will void your warranty and may cause banking apps (NFC payments) to stop working due to a breach in the security system.
☑️ Preparing to Root
Restoring access via the router's web interface
If none of the mobile methods work, there's always the classic method: accessing the router control panel through a browser. This method is universal and works on any device connected to the network, whether it's a phone or tablet. Xiaomi, laptop or tablet.
Open a browser (Chrome, Yandex, etc.) and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. Standard addresses: 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.31.1 (for devices Xiaomi). The address can also be written on a sticker on the bottom of the router.
The system will ask for your login and password to access the admin panel. If you haven't changed them, they are also indicated on the sticker (often admin/admin). After logging in, find the section Wireless, Wi-Fi Settings or Wireless modeThere in the field Wireless Password or Security key Your password will be displayed.
Here you can also change the network name (SSID) and set a new, more secure password. Encryption is recommended. WPA2-PSK or WPA3 for maximum protection against hacking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password if the phone is not connected to it?
Without root access and without using special sniffers (which is difficult and requires a PC), no. Android stores passwords for the networks you've connected to, but viewing them in plain text usually requires either an active connection to generate a QR code or superuser access to read system files.
Is it safe to use apps like "WiFi Password Hacker"?
We strongly discourage this. 99% of such apps are either fakes that reveal random passwords or malware that collects your data. Really functional utilities require root access, and simple "hackers" from the Play Market don't work on modern versions of Android due to system security limitations.
What to do if the QR code does not scan?
Try increasing your screen brightness. If that doesn't help, take a screenshot and open it in Google Photos or Google Lens—the built-in algorithm recognizes the code even from an image. Also, make sure there are no cracks in the screen near the code.
Where can I find the wpa_supplicant.conf file on Xiaomi?
The file is located at /data/misc/wifi/. Access to this folder is restricted for standard users. You will need root privileges and a dedicated file manager (such as Root Explorer) to open this system directory.