Why Xiaomi Passwords Are Hidden and How to Find Them
Xiaomi Redmi smartphones store passwords from Wi-Fi, apps and accounts in encrypted form, a standard security measure of the proprietary shell MIUI. However, users often face the need to extract this data: for example, when changing the device, resetting settings or losing access to the account. Unlike iPhone or Google Pixel, where passwords are synchronized with the cloud, on Redmi they can be stored locally, which makes it difficult to find them.
In this article, we'll look at 5 working methods, from official (via MIUI settings) to technical (using ADB and backups). Importantly, some methods require root rights or a computer connection, so evaluate your skills in advance. If you're looking for a password from Mi Account, which is a separate topic, here we're talking about saved passwords in the browser, Wi-Fi and applications.
⚠️ Warning: Password extraction may violate Xiaomi’s security policy.Do not use these methods to access someone else’s data – this is contrary to user agreement and law.
Method 1: Viewing Wi-Fi passwords through MIUI settings (without root)
The easiest way is to use the built-in MIUI feature to view passwords from connected Wi-Fi networks, which works on all Redmis with MIUI 12 and later firmware, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10, etc.
Instructions:
- Open the Settings. → Wi-Fi.
- Click on the current network name (or select any saved network from the list).
- Slip the icon "Share" (or "Share" in English version).
- The system will request confirmation by PIN-code, print or pattern lock.
- After confirmation, it will be displayed. QR-code and text password underneath.
✅ Pros: Does not require root, works on all devices with current firmware.
❌ Cons: Shows only Wi-Fi passwords, not apps or accounts.
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If the Share button is inactive, upgrade to the latest version of MIUI or check if you have Settings disabled → Special features → Developer Settings → USB debugging (sometimes this blocks the function).
Method 2: Export passwords through MIUI backup (for experienced)
The proprietary Mi Backup app allows you to save data, including some passwords, to an encrypted archive, a technique that can extract passwords from Wi-Fi, apps, and even some accounts, but requires additional manipulation.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings → About the phone → Backup.
- Create a new backup by selecting items: 📱 System data (includes Wi-Fi settings) 🔑 Applications and data (passwords of some applications)
backup/
Mi Backup Extractor
GitHub
- wifi_config.xml — Wi-Fi
- apps_data.db — Application data (may contain tokens)
⚠️ Attention: The backup files are encrypted, and you'll need a password from the Mi Account attached to the device to open them, and if you don't remember it, this method won't work.
How to find out the password from Mi Account if you forgot?
| Method | Password types | Root is required. | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi settings | Only Wi-Fi. | ❌ No. | ⭐ |
| Backup copy of MIUI | Wi-Fi, some applications | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| ADB (see below) | Wi-Fi, system applications | ❌ No. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Root + Apps | All passwords saved | ✅ Yes. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Method 3: Retrieving passwords via ADB (without root but with PC)
The Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool allows you to access some system data without root permissions, a method that is suitable for extracting Wi-Fi passwords and some of the application data, but requires a connection to a computer.
What you need:
- 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-Drivers (download from Android site).
- 📱 Included debugging by USB on Redmi (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB).
- 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (original to avoid connection issues).
Instructions:
- Connect your phone to your PC and confirm your trust in the device.
- Open the command prompt (cmd) and type: Adb devices Make sure the device appears in the list.
- To extract Wi-Fi passwords, run: adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml The WifiConfigStore.xml file will be copied to a PC. Open it with any text editor (such as Notepad++) and find lines with <string name="PreSharedKey"> - these are passwords.
Important: Starting with MIUI 14, the path to the file may be different. If the command doesn't work, try:
adb pull /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xmlMethod 4: Password Viewing Apps (root required)
If your Redmi has root rights, you can use specialized applications such as:
- 🔓 Root Browser – for manual search of files with passwords.
- 📱 WiFi Password Viewer – Shows all saved networks.
- 🔑 Password Manager – extracts passwords from system databases.
Example of Root Browser:
- Open the app and go to /data/misc/wifi/.
- Find the WifiConfigStore.xml file (or similar) and open it.
- Passwords will be listed in <PreSharedKey> tags.
⚠️ Note: Root rights will void Xiaomi’s warranty and may cause system instability, and some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online) will no longer work on rooted devices.
☑️ Preparation for the use of root applications
Method 5: Recover passwords through Google Account (for synchronized data)
If your Redmi has Google Account sync enabled, some of the passwords (from Wi-Fi, Chrome browser and apps) can be stored in Google’s password manager.This method doesn’t require access to the phone itself — just a computer.
How to check:
- Go to passwords.google.com and log in.
- In the list, find a Redmi device – there you can display saved passwords.
- If there is no data, check the sync settings on your phone: Settings → Accounts → Google → Account Sync.
💡 Tip: If you use Xiaomi Browser instead of Chrome, passwords may not sync with Google.In this case, try exporting them through your browser settings (Xiaomi Browser). → Settings → Passwords).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to extract passwords, users often face typical problems:
- File. WifiConfigStore.xml No: Reason: New versions MIUI (13+) The path to the file has changed. Try the alternative commands: adb pull /data/vendor/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml or (for Android) 12+): adb pull /data/misc/apexdata/com.android.wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml
- ADB doesn’t see the device: Solution: Install the latest Xiaomi drivers from the official website and reboot the PC. Also check if debugging is enabled over USB.
- Backup doesn’t contain passwords: In MIUI, some data may not be saved by default. Before creating a backup, open Settings → Backup → Settings → Settings → Select data to backup and mark all items.
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If neither method worked, it is likely that passwords are stored in encrypted form, accessible only through root or official support request for Xiaomi (to prove ownership of the device).