The situation of connecting a new gadget to a wireless network, and the password is long forgotten or written somewhere far away, is familiar to many smartphone owners. Fortunately, modern shells MIUI and HyperOS, based on the Android operating system, store the access keys in plain view, making them easy to extract. This feature has become a standard since the version of Android 10, which greatly simplifies the life of users of the Xiaomi ecosystem.
There are several proven methods to do this, from standard system tools to third-party applications for advanced users. The choice of the specific method depends on the version of the firmware installed and whether the superuser rights are available. Below we will discuss each option in detail so that you can restore access to the network security key in minutes.
β οΈ Note: To view passwords through system settings, your phone must already be connected to the right Wi-Fi network or have a connection history. If the network has been removed from the saved list, standard methods may not work without a backup.
The standard method through MIUI and HyperOS settings
The simplest and most secure method does not require installing additional software or obtaining root rights. In current versions of the MIUI 12, 13, 14 shell and the new HyperOS, the password viewing function is built directly into the network management menu, you need to go to the Settings section, select the Wi-Fi item and click on the active network name or the arrow to the right of it.
Once the connection details are opened, the system will offer to share the access. QR-code that can be scanned by another device for instant connection, but under or next to the code image, a text string with an access key is often displayed. If the text is hidden by dots, just click on the eye icon or copy the code to see the characters.
In some cases, the password text is not immediately displayed below QR-You need to take a screenshot of the code screen or use the Share function to send data to your messenger, where the password will be visible in text. This is a standard Android security limitation that is easily bypassed.
This method is preferred by most users because it:
- π± Does not require the installation of dubious applications from unknown sources.
- π Ensure the security of your personal data and accounts.
- β‘ It works instantly without the need to restart the device.
- π‘οΈ Does not violate the manufacturerβs warranty obligations.
π‘
If under QR-If you donβt have a password, take a screenshot, open the image in the Gallery app and use Google Lens to read hidden characters.
Using Google Password Manager to Restore
The Android operating system has a built-in password sync mechanism through a Google account. If your Xiaomi smartphone has enabled autoloading passwords to the cloud, you can find the saved access key in the password system manager. This is especially useful if you changed your phone or reset your settings to factory settings, but want to remember the old key.
To access the storage, go to Settings, then select the Google section and click on Autocomplete. From the menu that opens, select Autocomplete from Google and go to Passwords (or Google Password Manager).
The system will request proof of identity through screen unlock, fingerprint or Face ID. Once you have successfully logged in, you will see a list of saved logins. Find the desired Wi-Fi network, click on it, and click the "Password" field on the eye icon. The access key will be copied to the clipboard or displayed in plain view.
The benefits of using Google Cloud Storage are obvious:
- βοΈ Access passwords from any device that logs into your account.
- π Automatic synchronization when changing a smartphone.
- π Additional protection by biometrics or PIN-code.
- π Ability to edit and delete old records.
Viewing the password through the router menu
If the standard methods on the phone didn't work, you can always go to the source of the Internet distribution, the router, and you'll need a browser and access to the router's web interface, which is universal and suitable for any device connected to the network, whether it's Xiaomi Redmi, POCO or Black Shark.
Find out first. IP-The gateway address is usually indicated on a sticker at the bottom of the router (e.g, 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). Type this address into the address bar of the browser on your phone, and the system will ask for the username and administrator password. If you haven't changed them, try the standard combinations: admin/admin or admin/password.
Once you log into the control panel, find the partition associated with wireless networks, which can be called Wireless, Wi-Fi Settings or Wireless Mode, and the Security section will display your current password, and you can change it to a new one, or just copy an existing one.
The main steps to access the router settings:
- Connect to the router's Wi-Fi network.
- Open the browser and enter IP-lock-house.
- Enter administrator credentials.
- Go to the wireless security section.
β οΈ Warning: Changing the password in the router settings will cause the connection to break on all connected devices. You will have to reconnect each gadget using a new access key.
Specialized applications for Android
There are many utilities available in the Google Play store that can view saved passwords, but it is important to understand the limitations: without root rights, most of them can only show you the passwords you have saved. QR-code or require complex configuration through ADB. One of the popular solutions is to use scanning applications. QR-codes if the system generates it but does not show the text.
Some advanced file managers with system partition access (require root) allow you to open a file wpa_supplicant.conf, For ordinary users without root rights, applications that help share Wi-Fi are more relevant, automatically generating a link or code that can be decrypted.
When choosing an in-store app, pay attention to ratings and permissions. Donβt trust questionable programs to access your contacts or SMS. Itβs better to use proven tools from well-known developers specializing in network equipment.
Popular types of applications for working with Wi-Fi:
- π‘ Scanners. QR-codes for decrypting system access codes.
- π File managers with root access to view system configs.
- π§ Utilities for network analysis and connection diagnostics.
- π Third-party password managers.
Why donβt apps without root show passwords directly?
The method using ADB for advanced users
For users who do not want to get root rights, but have technical knowledge, there is a method of obtaining a password through debugging. USB (ADB). This way you can execute a command that is formally considered system, but is accessible through a computer, USB-cable and installed set of drivers ADB.
First, turn on the developer mode on the Xiaomi phone. To do this, go to Settings β About the phone and quickly press 7 times on the build number (MIUI Version). Then in the menu Additional β For developers, activate the USB debugging toggle.
Connect your phone to your computer and open the command prompt in the ADB folder. Enter a command to get a list of saved networks. However, it is worth noting that on modern versions of Android without root rights, this command often returns an empty result or access error, since Google closed this loophole for security purposes.
adb shell dumpsys wifi | grep"mConfigKey"If the command doesn't work, then the security level of your firmware is too high for this method. QR-This method is more suitable for older versions of Android or specific test scenarios.
Compatibility table of methods and versions of Android
The effectiveness of a method depends on the version of the operating system and shell. MIUI/HyperOS. Below is a table that will help you navigate which method will be most likely for your device.
| Method | Android 9 and below | Android 10-11 | Android 12-14 / HyperOS | Demands a Root. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi (QR) settings | No. | Yes (partially) | Yes (fully) | No. |
| Google Passwords | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. | No. |
| Apps from Play Market | Yes. | No (no root) | No (no root) | Yes (for old ones) |
| File. wpa_supplicant | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
π‘
Starting with Android 10, the system blocks apps from directly accessing password files. The only legal way to see a rootless password on new phones is through a regular password. QR-code in settings or Google Cloud Account.
Possible problems and solutions
Users often find that the item "share" or QR-This may be due to carrier restrictions or specific corporate network settings that prevent reconnection without data entry.
If you upgrade to HyperOS and the interface has changed, look for the export function in the same place where the connection status is displayed. Sometimes cleaning the Wi-Fi service cache or resetting network settings helps, but this will remove all saved connections, so use this method with caution.
In some regions, due to legal restrictions, password sharing functions may be cut, in which case the only way out is to physically access the router or use another device where the password has already been entered and can be viewed through the browser.
β οΈ Attention: Resetting network settings (Settings) β Connection and sharing β Resetting Wi-Fi and mobile networks will remove all stored Bluetooth and Wi-Fi passwords. Use this only if other methods have not worked and you are ready to reconnect all devices.