Where in Xiaomi smartphones stored password storage and how to use it

Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones running MIUI offer a built-in password manager that many users don’t even know exists. This tool automatically saves logins, passwords from apps, Wi-Fi networks and websites, eliminating the need to remember dozens of combinations. However, finding it in the maze of MIUI settings is not so easy — especially if you recently switched from iOS or “clean” Android.

In this article, we will look at where the password store is physically stored in Xiaomi, how to access it on different versions of MIUI (12 to 15), and what to do if the data of Suddenly disappears after a reset or update, and you will learn about hidden password manager features that are not disclosed in the official documentation, such as how to export passwords to an encrypted file or sync them between devices via Mi Account.

It is important to understand that working with password storage requires caution: wrong actions can lead to loss of access to all stored data, so we will discuss in detail security measures and backups.

Where is the password manager stored in MIUI: the official way

In most versions of MIUI (starting with the 12th), the password repository is integrated into the Settings system application and is called Password Manager (or Password Manager in English firmware).

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Passwords and Security (or Passwords & Security)
3. Select the password management option.

On some devices (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12), the path may be slightly different:

• 🔹 Settings → Google → Password management (if synchronized with Google is used)
• 🔹 Settings → Additionally. → Confidentiality → Password management (in older versions) MIUI)

If you don’t find this section, check out:

• 🔍 Is the firmware updated to the latest version (in) MIUI 14+ Password Manager is included in a separate application).
• 🔍 Is the section hidden through the settings? → Special facilities → Simplified regime.
• 🔍 Is the system application com.miui.passwordmanager removed (this happens after the "cleaning" of the phone by optimizers).

Physical location of the password database in the memory of the smartphone

Technically, all passwords are stored in encrypted form in the system section /data/data/com.miui.passwordmanager/databases. The main database file is called passwords.db and is protected by:

• 🔐 Hardware encryption (based on keys tied to the Trusted Execution Environment of the processor).
• 🔐 Screen lock password (if not installed, data is stored in a less secure form).
• 🔐 Mi Account (with synchronization enabled).

Importantly, passwords.db cannot be copied to another phone, it is tied to a particular device and user, and trying to open it without the right encryption keys will damage the data.

Root rights are required to access this file, but even with them, it is extremely difficult to extract passwords in readable form due to layered protection, and in most cases, it is easier to use the standard export functions (about them below).

How to export passwords from Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

If you need to transfer passwords to another device or create a backup, use the built-in export function. Note: this process requires confirmation through the screen lock password or Mi Account.

Make sure your phone is over 50 times charged%|Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network|Open the Settings. → Passwords and security → Password management|Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Export Passwords"|Confirm the action through a password/fingerprint|Select the export format (CSV coded ZIP)|Save the file to a safe place (e.g., Mi Cloud or PC)-->

Export formats:

⚠️ Attention: File CSV Passwords can't be sent by email or stored in unsecured cloud services. If you need to transfer passwords to another person, use only encrypted passwords. ZIP-archive with a strong password (at least 12 characters, with letters, numbers and special characters).

Synchronize passwords between Xiaomi devices

To automatically transfer passwords to the new Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, enable sync via Mi Account:

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi account.
2. Make sure you are logged in under the right account.
3. Go to Mi Cloud → Synchronization.
4. Activate the switch next to Passwords (or Passwords).

After that, all saved passwords will be available on other devices under the same account.

• 🔄 Synchronization works only between devices with MIUI 12 and newer.
• 🔄 On Global's phones. ROM Additional confirmation may be required through SMS.
• 🔄 If you reset your phone to factory settings, passwords will only be restored after re-authorizing in Mi Account.

⚠️ Note: If you use unofficial firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu or customized firmware) ROM), The Mi Cloud password synchronization may not work, in which case it is recommended to use alternative password managers such as Bitwarden or KeePassDX.

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If password sync doesn’t work, check if Auto Sync is enabled in the Mi Cloud settings. Also make sure the device has the current time and date set (incorrect settings can block cloud services).

What to do if passwords disappear after updating or resetting

One of the most common problems is the loss of saved passwords after:

• 📱 Updates MIUI (especially when moving from 12 on 13/14 version).
• 🔄 Resetting to factory settings.
• 🔧 Removing system applications (e.g., through ADB or TWRP).

Passwords can be restored in the following ways:

1. Check Mi Cloud: If sync has been enabled, passwords should automatically tighten after logging in to your account. Go to Settings → Passwords & Security → Password Management and wait until sync is complete (may take up to 10 minutes).
2. Restore from backup: If you have previously exported passwords to ZIP-File, import it back through the same Password Management section (Import button").
3. Use Google Smart Lock: On some devices, passwords are saved to Google Account. Check Settings → Google → Password Management.

If none of these methods worked, try:

• 🛠️ Install the old version MIUI (If the problem has occurred after the update via Fastboot.
• 🛠️ Contact Xiaomi Support with the phone model and firmware version (attach screenshots of errors).

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If the passwords are gone after reset, but Mi Cloud was turned on, don’t panic: the data is stored on Xiaomi servers for 30 days. Just log in to the same account on any device with MIUI, and the passwords will be restored.

Hidden Password Manager Features in Xiaomi

The password manager at MIUI has more than just login storage, and here are some little-known features:

• 🔑 Password Generator: When you add a new password, click on the key icon next to the input field - the system will generate a reliable combination (you can choose the length and turn on / delete special characters).
• 📋 Autocomplete in apps: Enable the option in Settings → Passwords and security → Autocomplete, and the system will offer saved logins when you log in to applications.
• 🛡️ Leak Check: Password Management has a password security tab to check if your data has been leaked to the public (a feature only available on Global). ROM).
• 📱 Quick Access via Notification Panel: Add the Password widget to the lock screen or control panel (to do this, hold your finger on the home screen). → Widgets → Find Password Management).

You can also save the following in the password manager:

• 💳 Bank card data (number, expiration date, CVC).
• 📝 Notes with confidential information (e.g. codes from intercoms).
• 🔐 Passwords from Wi-Fi networks (even those you’ve been connecting to for a long time).

⚠️ Note: If you save bank card data, disable autocomplete for fields with CVC-This can be done in the settings of a particular card in the password manager.

Alternative Password Managers for Xiaomi

If the built-in password manager in MIUI doesn’t suit you (for example, due to lack of sync with other platforms or weak protection), consider alternatives:

To transfer passwords from MIUI to a third-party manager:

1. Export them to CSV-file (as described above).
2. Import CSV to the selected manager (most applications have the option of import from the file).
3. Remove old passwords from MIUI to avoid duplication.

⚠️ Warning: When using third-party managers, disable autocomplete of the built-in password store MIUI, To avoid conflict, go to Settings. → Passwords and security → Autocomplete and select the desired application.

FAQ: Frequent questions about password storage in Xiaomi