How to see the password from the Wi-Fi on Xiaomi: the complete guide

The situation of connecting a new device to a wireless network, but the password is forgotten or lost, is one of the most common problems of smartphone users. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco gadgets often face this, especially if they have not changed the settings of the router for a long time. Fortunately, modern versions of the Android operating system and the MIUI shell provide convenient tools to recover this information without the need for complex manipulation.

Unlike older versions of the system, where access to stored security keys was hidden, Xiaomi today makes it easy to recognize a forgotten combination of characters directly from the smartphone screen. This is especially true for those who use the phone as an access point or want to transfer data to guests.

There are several proven methods that will help solve this problem. QR-It's important to understand that to perform a successful operation, your smartphone must be already connected to the network or have a history of connections to it.

Use of the function QR-code-in MIUI

The easiest and fastest way available to owners of shell devices MIUI 12 and later, is the use of an in-built generator QR-This feature was introduced to make it easier to connect guests' gadgets, but it also allows you to see the text version of the password.

To start, open your smartphone settings and go to the Wi-Fi section. Find the network you are currently connected to or want to know from. Click the arrow to the right of the network name or the gear icon to open a detailed menu.

On the screen you will see a large QR-And the code is underneath, in most cases, the password text is immediately displayed. If the text is hidden with asterisks, take a screenshot or click on the Share button. Send the image to any messenger or open it through the Gallery. MIUI automatically recognizes the code and the password will be visible in text form.

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If under QR-If you have a password that's not written in text, just take a screenshot of that screen. Then open the screenshot in the Gallery app and click on Google Lens or Recognise Text, and the system reads the code and shows the data.

This method works consistently on most models, including the Xiaomi Mi 11, Redmi Note 10 and later. However, if you use a highly customized version of firmware for the global market, the interface may differ slightly. QR-code-in-network properties.

Viewing through router settings

If your smartphone's standard methods don't work, or if you want to know the password for a device that's not connected right now, you can use the router's admin panel. To do this, your Xiaomi smartphone must be connected to the Wi-Fi network you're looking for. Access to the router's settings opens up a lot of network management options.

Open your browser on your phone (Chrome, Mi Browser) and enter it in the address bar IP-The router's address. 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. The exact address is usually on a sticker at the bottom of the device. You'll need to enter your login and administrator password. admin/admin, If you have changed them before, use your data.

Once you've successfully logged in, find the partition that's responsible for the wireless network, which can be called Wireless, Wi-Fi Settings, or Wireless Mode, and the Wireless Password or Security Key field will display your current password, and you can copy it or change it to a new, more complex one.

It's worth noting that the interface of control panels from different manufacturers (TP-Link, Asus, Keenetic) looks different, but the logic of the location of security settings remains the same, so if you change the administrator password and forget it, you have to reset the router to the factory settings, which will lead to a complete reset of network settings.

Use of Google Password Manager

Google’s ecosystem offers a powerful password-saving tool that syncs between Android devices. If your Xiaomi has Google account sync enabled, your Wi-Fi password could automatically be saved to the cloud, especially if you’ve previously connected to that network from another device.

To check this, go to your phone's settings and select the Google section. Next, look for Autocomplete and select Autocomplete from Google. In the menu that opens, click on Passwords. Here you will see a list of all saved logins and access keys.

Find the name of your Wi-Fi network (SSID) in the list. Click on it and the system will ask you to verify your identity by unlocking your screen, fingerprint or Face ID. Once you successfully check, you will see a password field. By clicking on the eye icon, you can view the hidden combination of characters.

The advantage of this method is its independence from the current version of MIUI. Password Manager works at the Android system level, so it is available even on older phone models such as the Redmi Note 8 or Mi 9, subject to an update to Google Play services.

Advanced Method: ADB Console and Root Rights

For users with technical knowledge and Root rights, there is a direct way to access the system file where all keys are stored, a method that requires caution, as interference with system files can lead to unstable device operation. You will need a computer and an installed driver. ADB.

The file containing the password is called wpa_supplicant.conf and is on the way /data/misc/wifi/. Without superuser rights, access to this directory is closed. If your Xiaomi is unlocked (bootloader unlocked and Root permissions installed), you can use a file manager with access to system partitions, such as Root Explorer or MiXplorer.

Open the file in the text editor. You'll see a list of all the networks your phone has ever connected to. Look for the network block with the right ssid. Inside that block, you'll see the psk="your password." That's the combination you're looking for.

network={


ssid="MyHomeWiFi"




psk="SecretPassword123"




key_mgmt=WPA-PSK




}

An alternative option for those who are afraid to go into files manually is to use the terminal. Connect the phone to the PC, open the command line and type in the adb shell command. Then, having root access, you can output the contents of the file by the command cat. /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf. This method gives an instant result in the form of a text list.

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Using ADB and Root rights is the most powerful, but also the riskiest method, and inexperienced users should limit themselves to regular MIUI tools or router settings to avoid losing warranty.

Resetting router settings as a last resort

If none of the software methods worked, and access to the network is vital, the last option is a physical router reset, which will return the device to the factory parameters, including the network name and password specified on the manufacturer's sticker, and all your personal settings will be deleted.

On the back of the router, find a small hole that says Reset, and take a paper clip or a toothpick, and press a button inside the hole. Hold it for a while. 10-15 So, the second that the lights on the body are flashing at the same time, that's a signal that the reset is in progress.

Once the router is restarted, the network will be available with a factory password (as indicated on the label) and you will need to connect to it and reconfigure the Internet connection via the web interface. Make sure you have a contract with the provider, as login data (PPPoE login and password or static IP) may be required.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting your router will cause all devices in your home to lose their internet connection, and you will have to reconnect your TVs, laptops, smart lamps and phones using a new (factory) password.

This method is guaranteed to solve the problem of forgotten password, but it takes time to reconfigure the entire home network, and it is recommended to use it only if other options are exhausted or unavailable.

Table of comparison of recovery methods

To make it easier for you to choose the right way, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the complexity and requirements of each method for Xiaomi devices.

As you can see from the table, for most users the best solution is to use the QR-These methods require no special knowledge and are safe for the device. Advanced tools should be used only if you have the appropriate experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

⚠️ Note: Using applications to hack into someone else's Wi-Fi networks is illegal and this article is intended solely to restore access to your own networks to which you have a legal right to connect.