Where and how to find saved passwords from applications on Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

Losing access to an app on a Xiaomi smartphone is a frustrating but fixable situation. Unlike the iPhone, where passwords are synchronized via iCloud, devices on MIUI offer several alternative ways to recover. The problem is that many users are unaware of the system's built-in tools or afraid to use third-party utilities because of the risk of data leakage.

In this article, we will look at legal methods for finding passwords, from standard MIUI features to working with backups without violating Xiaomi’s security policy. Importantly, none of these methods require root rights or hacking, which makes them safe for your account and warranty. If you’re looking for a password from a social network, messenger or banking application, here you will find working solutions.

1. MIUI's built-in password manager: where to look for stored data

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 12 and later have a built-in password manager that automatically saves login data to apps and websites. However, this tool often goes unnoticed due to the non-obvious location in the settings.

To find the passwords saved:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Passwords and security
• 🔑 Select Password Manager (in some versions – Password Management)
• 👁️ authenticate with a fingerprint, pattern lock, or PIN-code
• 📋 View the list of applications and sites with stored data

Note that the MIUI password manager only works for applications where you have explicitly agreed to save data when you first log in, and if the option is disabled, there will be no information there, and passwords from banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, etc.) are usually not saved due to security policies.

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If the password manager is empty, check if sync with your Mi Account is enabled. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Data Sync and activate the Passwords option.

2. Recover passwords through your Mi Cloud account

If you use a Mi Account and you've enabled sync, some of the passwords could be saved to the cloud, and this method works even after you reset your phone to factory settings, if you've logged in to the same account.

Instructions for remediation:

1. Go to i.mi.com and log in.
2. From the menu, select Devices → [Your Smartphone] → Backups
3. Find the latest backup and download it to your computer (the file will be in.miw format)
4. Use the official Mi PC Suite software to extract data from the backup

Important: backups store passwords encrypted, and you need to view them with the password from the Mi Account you used when you created the backup, and if you forgot, you can't restore passwords.

3.Use of Google Smart Lock to restore access

Many Xiaomi users don't know that Google Smart Lock can save passwords from apps even if you're not using Chrome.This feature runs at the Android level and is integrated into the system.

How to check the stored data:

• 🔗 Open passwords.google.com in your browser
• 🔍 Sign in to the same Google account that is linked to your phone
• 📱 In the Applications section, find the right one (for example, VKontakte, Telegram, AliExpress)
• 👁️ Click on the eye icon to see the password (re-authentication will be required)

Smart Lock only stores data for applications that use Google Sign-In or standard login/password fields. For applications with native authorization mechanisms (such as banking services), this method will not work.

4. Search for passwords in application files (without root)

Some applications store login data in their local files, which can be accessed through the built-in MIUI Explorer or by connecting the phone to a computer.

Where to look:

⚠️ Note: Most modern applications store passwords in encrypted form or use access tokens that cannot be converted back into a password.This method is only suitable for restoring a session (for example, not to log in again), but not for obtaining the original password.

5. Reset password through the recovery function in the application

If none of the previous methods worked, the most reliable way is to restore access through the application itself, and most services provide these options:

• 📧 Recovery by email (link comes to the mail specified during registration)
• 📞 Recovery by phone number (SMS coded)
• 🔐 Recovery through Linked Social Media (Facebook, Google, Apple) ID)
• 🆔 Recovery on a secret question (if asked)

For banking applications (SberBank, Tinkoff, VTB), the procedure is stricter:

⚠️ Note: When you restore access to your bank account via your Xiaomi smartphone, the system may request confirmation via another channel (call center call, visit to the office), due to increased security measures when logging in from devices to the mobile phone. MIUI, which are sometimes referred to as “untrusted".

Check the message lock in Settings → Applications → SMS

Turn off "Energy Saving" for the "Messages" app

Try requesting the code via a call (if there is an option to "Call me")

Make sure your phone number is not locked in your account settings-->

Third-party applications: risks and alternatives

Google Play and third-party sources can also find password extraction tools (such as Password Viewer or Root Browser), but they can be used on Xiaomi with risks such as:

• 🚫 Violation of policy MIUI: Some apps require root rights, which voids the warranty
• 🕵️‍♂️ Data Leakage: Unofficial Utilities Can Send Passwords to Third Parties
• 📵 Account blocking: Banking apps can block access if 'suspicious activity' is detected"

If you still decide to use third-party software, follow the rules:

1. Download only from official sources (Google Play, APKMirror)
2. Check the reviews and rating of the application (minimum rating – 4.0)
3. Use a sandbox (such as Shelter or Island) to insulate the utility.
4. After use, remove the app and clear the cache

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Legal ways to recover passwords (via MIUI manager, Google Smart Lock or Forgot Password feature in the application) are more reliable and safer than any third-party utilities.

7.Prevention: How not to lose passwords in the future

To avoid problems accessing apps on Xiaomi, follow the simple rules:

• 🔄 Enable password synchronization with your Mi and Google account
• 📝 Use KeePass, 1Password or Bitwarden for storing passwords
• 📱 Regularly back up through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset
• 🔐 Set up two-factor authentication for critical services (banks, mail, social networks)

For applications where password recovery is difficult (such as account-based games), save data manually:

[Appendix title]: [Login]




[Password]: [Your password]




[Date of registration]: DD.MM.YYYYY




[Notes]: Two-factor authentication via SMS

Store this file in an encrypted archive (for example, 7-Zip with a password) or in a secure cloud storage (Proton Drive, Tresorit).

Frequently asked questions