Forgot your home Wi-Fi password and the router is in an awkward place with a sticker erased to holes? Or do you need to plug in a new device but the password is not written anywhere? On Xiaomi Redmi smartphones (and other lines of the brand) there are several ways to extract the saved password from the network - both through standard MIUI settings and using hidden Android features.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, including access via Wi-Fi settings, viewing the configuration file wpa_supplicant.conf, utilization ADB-All instructions are adapted to the latest versions MIUI 14 Android 13/14, Most of the methods are used on old firmware (starting with the MIUI 10). Important: Some methods require root rights or debugging USB β We will warn you about this in advance.
1. Standard method: via Wi-Fi settings (MIUI 12 and later)
The easiest method is to use the built-in password viewing feature in the connected network menu. It works on all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones with MIUI 12 and above (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/11, POCO X3/X4/X5, etc.).
Instructions:
- π± Open the Settings. β Wi-Fi.
- π Find your network in the list and tap it by its name (not by switch!).
- π In the window that opens, click Share your password (or Share in English firmware).
- π The system will request confirmation by fingerprint, PIN-code-key.
- π After the authorization will appear QR-code and text password underneath.
β οΈ Note: If there is no password sharing button, your version MIUI It is outdated (relevant to the firmware) MIUI In this case, use alternative methods from the following sections.
π‘
If QR-The code is not scanned by another device, try to brighten the screen or turn off the dark theme β sometimes contrast interferes with reading.
2. Viewing through file wpa_supplicant.conf (rootless)
All saved Wi-Fi passwords on Android are stored in the system file wpa_supplicant.conf. It can be accessed through an integrated file manager (such as Xiaomi Files) or third-party applications such as: FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer: This method works without root rights, but requires activation of the developer mode.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings β About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version until you become a developer!. Return to Settings β Additional β For Developers and enable USB Debugging.
ADB
adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.confπ In the resulting file, find the block with the name of your network (ssid).="...") β next to the psk line="password".
What to do if the file wpa_supplicant.conf no?
3.Use of ADB-Teams (for advanced users)
If the file wpa_supplicant.conf Unavailable, you can extract the password through Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires a connection to a PC and installed Xiaomi drivers.
Algorithm of action:
- π₯οΈ Install. ADB Tools on the computer.
- π± Turn on Debugging. USB on the phone (see previous section).
- π Connect Redmi to your PC and execute on the command line:
adb shell
su
cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.confβ οΈ Warning: Su command requires root rights. If you don't have any, use an alternative command without su, but the result may be empty.
Install ADB PC-only|Enable debugging on USB phone-on|Connect your phone to the original cable|Allow debugging in the pop-up window on the phone|Check the connection of the team `adb devices`-->
4. applications for viewing passwords (without root)
If previous methods didnβt work, you can use third-party utilities. We tested 3 reliable applications that run on Xiaomi Redmi without root:
| Annex | Reference | Features | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi Password Viewer | Google Play | Shows passwords for all saved networks, export to txt | Advertising doesnβt work on Android 12+ without root |
| WiFi Key Recovery | Google Play | MIUI support, copying password to buffer | Requires access to the storage facility |
| WiFi Password (Root) | Google Play | It works on Android. 10-14, show QR-code | You need root rights for full functionality |
π Tip: Check reviews before installing β some apps may not work on MIUI For example, WiFi Password Viewer is often blocked on Redmi Note 11 and later.
Standard settings MIUI|File. wpa_supplicant.conf|ADB-team|Third-party annexes|Another method-->
5. Router reset as a last resort
If none of the methods worked (for example, the phone has a blocked firmware from the operator), it remains to reset the router settings, this will delete all user settings, including the Wi-Fi password, and return factory settings (they are indicated on the router sticker).
How to reset your router:
- Find the Reset button on the back of the router (usually recessed in the case).
- Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds (until the indicators blink).
- Wait 1-2 minutes for the router to restart.
- Connect to a network with a factory name (for example, TP-Link_1234) and use the password from the sticker.
β οΈ Note: After resetting, you will have to reconfigure:
- π PPPoE connection (logins / passwords from the provider),
- π‘ Wi-Fi name and password,
- π Port forwarding (if used for cameras or games).
π‘
Resetting your router is the last option when other methods are not available. Always try to extract the password from your smartphone first so you don't lose your network settings.
Security: How to protect your password from leakage
If you can extract your Wi-Fi password, you should take care of its security in the future. Here are 4 rules to help avoid repeated problems:
- π Use complex passwords (at least) 12 symbols with numbers and special signs: K9#pL2!mQ1@xY.
- π± Save your password in encrypted notes (e.g., Google Keep with lock or lock). 1Password).
- π Regularly (once in) 3-6 months) change the password through the router panel (192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
- π« Turn it off. WPS In router settings, this protocol is vulnerable to hacking.
π‘ Useful Lifehack: Take a photo of the sticker from the router (where the factory password is specified) and save the photo in a closed album (for example, in Google Photos with limited access.