It's extremely common for smartphone owners to need to connect a new gadget to their home network but have forgotten or lost the password. Xiaomi And Redmi, running on the operating system Android with shell MIUI, people often wonder where this data is stored. Fortunately, modern software versions allow access to this information without complex manipulation.
Previously, viewing saved security keys required having root rights, which was risky and could void the warranty. Today, security algorithms have become smarter and the interface more user-friendly, allowing the average user to quickly restore access. You don't need to be a network expert to perform the necessary steps in a couple of minutes.
In this guide we will look at the current methods for different versions MIUIWe'll also look at workarounds for older models. It's important to understand that the menu interface may differ slightly depending on the regional firmware version. However, the overall system logic remains the same, making it easy to navigate the settings.
View your password via QR code in MIUI 12 and later
Since version MIUI 12, company Xiaomi We've implemented a native QR code generation feature for quickly connecting other devices. This is the easiest and most secure method, requiring no third-party software. Simply go to your smartphone's wireless network settings to see the corresponding option next to the active network name.
After clicking on the icon or name of the connected network, the system will offer to share access. A screen will appear QR code, which, once scanned, will automatically connect any other device to Wi-Fi. But most importantly, beneath the code itself, a text string with the password is often displayed in plain text, which is our goal.
- 📱 Open the section
Settingsand go to the itemWi-Fi. - 🔗 Click on the name of the network you are currently connected to or on the arrow next to it.
- 👁️ Look at the area under the QR code: there may be text written there Password: 12345678.
- 📸 If there is no text, take a screenshot and scan the code through Google Lens or MI Scanner.
⚠️ Attention: On some global firmware versions, the password text may be hidden behind asterisks even in the new interface. In this case, scanning the QR code with another phone's camera or using a scanner app on the same device (with text recognition) is the only default solution.
Using the built-in scanner in the camera or an app MI Scanner allows you to instantly decode information. The system recognizes a link of the form WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyNetwork;P:MyPassword;;, where the value after P: and there is the required key. This method works reliably on most modern models, including Redmi Note and series Mi.
Using Google Lens to decipher
If in the interface Xiaomi If the password is hidden behind dots or asterisks, Google's machine vision technology comes to the rescue. The app Google Lens (Lens) is pre-installed on most certified devices or available in the store. Play MarketIt can read QR codes and convert graphic images into text.
Take a screenshot of the screen containing the Wi-Fi access QR code. Then, open the Google app, tap the camera icon, and upload the captured image. The system will analyze the image and return a result that includes the network name and password in text format.
This method is universal and works even on older versions of Android that don't have the direct key display feature. You don't need to access system files or use complex commands. Simply visually recognizing the characters encoded in the black-and-white square is sufficient.
Method for older versions of MIUI (10 and 11)
On devices running MIUI 10 or MIUI 11, functionality may be limited. These shell versions often lacked the ability to directly view the password or display it under the QR code. Users were forced to seek alternative solutions.
One way was to use the "Share Wi-Fi" feature, which generated a code but didn't display the text. However, if you update the app MIUI System or Google Play Services components through the store, functionality may be expanded. Check for updates in the section Settings → About the phone.
| MIUI version | Display password | Availability of a QR code | The need for third-party applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 10 | No | Partially | High |
| MIUI 11 | Rarely | Yes | Average |
| MIUI 12 | Yes (often) | Yes | Low |
| MIUI 13/14 | Yes | Yes | No |
If you can't view the data using standard tools, you can try synchronizing your device with your account. Google You can also check your saved passwords using the web interface on your computer. To do this, go to your Google account settings on your computer and select "Security" or "Password Manager."
Why is the password hidden on older versions?
This is done for security reasons. In earlier versions of Android, access to Wi-Fi configuration files was strictly limited, and even system apps couldn't always read them without root privileges.
Verification via Google Account and Chrome
Modern smartphones Android automatically sync saved Wi-Fi passwords with your account GoogleThis means that even if the phone itself Redmi If you can't find the information you need, it may be stored in the cloud. This is especially true if you've ever logged into this network from another device using the same account.
To check this, take a computer or any other device with internet access. Go to the following address: passwords.google.com or go to your Google account settings through a browser ChromeIn the "Password Manager" section, find the "Wi-Fi Passwords" tab, or simply enter your network name in the search bar.
- 🔐 Sign in to your Google account from any device.
- 🌐 Go to the section
SecurityorPassword manager. - 🔍 Find the name of your wireless network in the list.
- 👁️ Click the eye icon and confirm your identity (enter your account password) to see the saved key.
This method is good because it does not depend on the firmware version. MIUI or phone model. If syncing was enabled, the password will be there. However, if you've never saved passwords to the Google cloud, this method will be useless.
⚠️ Attention: To view passwords for your Google account, you may need to re-authorize or confirm via SMS. Make sure you have access to the phone number associated with your account.
Third-party applications and file managers
When standard methods fail, users turn to third-party software. There are specialized file managers, such as Root Explorer or WiFi Password ViewerHowever, their effectiveness directly depends on the availability root rights on the device.
Without superuser rights, these applications will not be able to read the system file. wpa_supplicant.conf, which stores all access keys. Obtaining root rights (for example, through Magisk) is a complex procedure that may void your device's warranty. Xiaomi and disrupt the operation of banking applications.
/data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.confThis is the path in the Android file system where network configuration is stored. If you have root access, you can open this file with any text editor and find the line psk="your_password"However, we strongly advise against this for regular users due to security risks.
☑️ Do you need Root?
Resetting your router as a last resort
If none of the software methods work, and you have physical access to the router, you can try a more radical solution. Most routers have a sticker on the body with the factory Wi-Fi login and password. If you've never changed this information, a simple look at the bottom of the device should solve the problem.
In a situation where the password has been changed and forgotten, the only option left is to completely reset the router to factory settings (Factory Reset). To do this, you need to hold down the button Reset On the powered-on device, press and hold for 10-15 seconds. After this, the router will return to its out-of-the-box state, and the password will be the one written on the sticker.
Please note that after resetting, you will need to reconfigure your internet connection (enter your provider details) if they weren't saved in your carrier profile. Therefore, only use this method if you've exhausted all other options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to find out a neighbor's Wi-Fi password using Xiaomi?
No, this is impossible and illegal. The methods described only work on networks to which your phone has previously connected and stored data. Hacking into other people's networks requires specialized equipment and is illegal.
Where is the password file located on Android without root?
File wpa_supplicant.conf located in the system folder /data/misc/wifi/Without superuser (root) rights, access to this directory for regular applications and users is blocked by the Android security system.
Why doesn't the QR code show the password in text?
It depends on the shell version MIUI and regional settings. Some versions of Android hide the password for privacy reasons, leaving only a pattern for connection. In this case, use a QR code scanner.
Are password viewer apps safe to use?
Applications from the official store Play MarketApps that don't require root access are generally safe, as they simply scan a QR code or use the system API. However, apps that require root access can gain full access to your data, which poses risks.