How to find out the password from Wi-Fi on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: official and hidden methods

Have you forgotten your home Wi-Fi password and the sticker on the router has been erased? Or do you need to connect a new device but not remember the combination? On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 (as on other Xiaomi smartphones), the password from the saved network can be extracted in several ways - from standard MIUI functions to technical tricks with ADB. The main thing is that not all methods work without superuser rights (root), and some require pre-setting.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 current ways, from simply browsing through a backup to using hidden system files. Note: since MIUI 14, Xiaomi has blocked direct access to Wi-Fi passwords through standard settings, so most users will need workarounds. If you’re not ready to experiment with ADBs or backups, go straight to the alternatives section (e.g., router reset).

1. Standard method: MIUI backup (without root)

The most reliable method that works on all versions of MIUI 12/13/14 is to back up and extract data. Xiaomi encrypts passwords, but they can be read through special utilities. Importantly, this method requires access to the computer and install official software from Xiaomi.

Algorithm of action:

  • πŸ“± Open the Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Backup (or Settings) β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset in older versions MIUI).
  • πŸ’Ύ Select Local Backup and create an archive (make sure the box is opposite the Wi-Fi point).
  • πŸ–₯️ Connect the phone to the PC, copy the backup file (located in the /MIUI/backup/AllBackup/) computer.
  • πŸ” Use MiuiBackupExtractor to extract data. The MiWiFi folder will have a file. WiFiConfigStore.xml password-coded.
  • πŸ”‘ Use the script to decrypt miwifi_pass_decrypt.py (Python is required 3). Passwords will be in the password field.

Developer mode is enabled (not necessarily, but useful)

Is there enough space on the phone (needs ~500 MB)

Are Xiaomi drivers installed on PC?

Downloaded by MiuiBackupExtractor

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⚠️ Note: If you have updated the Redmi Note 9 to MIUI 14 through OTA, The backup may not contain all networks, in which case try to create a backup manually through Settings. β†’ System system β†’ Advanced settings β†’ Backup.

2.The method for advanced: ADB-commands (without root, but with debugging)

If backup didn’t work, you can try extracting passwords through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which works on non-rooted devices but requires USB debugging and computer access enabled, and is suitable for the Redmi Note 9 on MIUI 12-14.

Instructions:

  1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers and activate Debugging over USB.

Connect the phone to the PC, confirm the debugging permission.

command-line

terminal

adb shell


su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml"

If the team doesn’t work, try an alternative route:

adb shell


su -c "ls /data/misc/wpa_supplicant/"

<string name="PreSharedKey">

πŸ’‘

If ADB does not see the device, install Xiaomi drivers from the official website or through the Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware Xiaomi blocks access to /data/misc/wifi/ even ADB. In this case, only root or reset the router will help. MIUI File paths may change – look for relevant information on forums 4PDA or XDA-Developers.

3. Alternative method: View through file manager (root only)

If your Redmi Note 9 has superuser rights installed (root), you can extract the Wi-Fi password in a couple of minutes, which is the fastest way, but requires an unlocked bootloader and custom recavator (for example, TWRP).

Step-by-step:

  • πŸ“‚ Install any root file manager (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
  • πŸ” Cross the path: /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml Or (depending on the version) MIUI): /data/misc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf
  • πŸ“‹ Open the file with a text editor and find blocks with ssid="NAZVANIE_SETI" psk="PAROL".
  • πŸ“‹ Copy the psk value – this is the password.
The path to the fileMIUI versionNeed root?Notes
/data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml12–14Yes.Passwords are encrypted, we need to decrypt them.
/data/misc/wpa_supplicant/wpa_supplicant.conf11 and belowYes.Passwords in plain form
/data/vendor/wifi/hostapd/hostapd.conf13-14 (rarely)Yes.Access points only

⚠️ Note: If you use Magisk to manage root rights, make sure that the MagiskHide module is disabled, otherwise the file manager may not see the system folders. MIUI OTA-update.

Yeah, on the current phone.

Yeah, but a long time ago, on another model.

No, but I want to try.

No, I don't plan on.

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4. bypass: router reset (if other methods did not help)

If none of these things worked, the radical solution is to reset the router, which would bring back the factory settings, including the default password (usually on the device sticker), and the downside is that all the connected devices would have to be reconfigured.

How to reset your router:

  1. Find the Reset button on the back of the router (usually recessed in the case).
  2. Take a paperclip or toothpick, press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing.
  3. Wait for the reboot (1-2 minutes).
  4. Connect to a network with a factory name (for example, TP-Link_1234) and use the default password (specified on the sticker).

⚠️ Note: After resetting the router, change the standard password - factory combinations (like the one in the factory). admin/admin or 12345678) Use a password generator (like Google Chrome or KeePass) to create a strong combination of 12+ symbolism.

What to do if the password sticker is erased?
If the factory sticker on the router is not readable, try: 1. View the router model (for example, TP-Link TL-WR841N) and find standard passwords online for "default password model router". 2. Use utilities like RouterPassView (Windows only) if the router previously connected to the PC. 3. Contact the manufacturer with the serial number of the device (sometimes helps).

5. Third-party applications: risks and limitations

There are dozens of apps on Google Play that promise to show Wi-Fi passwords (like WiFi Password Viewer or WiFi Key Recovery).

  • 🚫 Root rights are required (without them, only networks will be shown, but not passwords).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ May contain malicious code (especially little-known utilities).
  • πŸ“± Not working. MIUI 13/14 Due to changes in the password storage system.

If you do decide to use such an application, follow the safety rules:

  • πŸ” Check reviews and ratings (minimum 4.5)β˜… and 100K+ download).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Install an antivirus (such as Malwarebytes) and scan APK before installation.
  • πŸ“‹ Use a sandbox (like Shelter or Island) to isolate the app.

πŸ’‘

Apps to view Wi-Fi passwords without root are almost always a hoax. Xiaomi blocks access to system files at the kernel level, so the only working ways are backup, ADB or root.

6. Additional tips and frequent mistakes

When trying to extract the Wi-Fi password on the Redmi Note 9, users often face typical problems.

  • πŸ”Œ Phone is not identified by ADB? Set up Mi. PC Suite from Xiaomi's official website.Try another one USB-cable (preferably original). Include debugging by USB (security).
  • πŸ“ Can't open it. WifiConfigStore.xml? Make sure the file is fully copied (sometimes archived) MIUI Use Notepad. Use Notepad.++ or VS Code to view (a regular Notepad may not show formatting).
  • πŸ”’ Is the password in the file encrypted? MIUI 12–14 use script miwifi_pass_decrypt.py (If the script doesn't work, check out the Python version (you need it). 3.6+).

⚠️ Note: If you are trying to extract a password for a public network (such as a cafe or hotel), remember: this may violate the user agreement and even local laws (some countries have penalties for unauthorized access to the network). All methods in this article are for personal use only on their networks.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I find out my Wi-Fi password without a computer?
Yes, but only if you have root rights. Without them, there are no legal ways to view the password directly on your phone on the Redmi Note 9. The alternative is to reset the router (see section 4).
Why does WifiConfigStore.xml display a password as a set of characters like β€œ5F4DCC3B5AA765D61D8327DEB882CF99”?
It's a hashed password, and you need some special tools to decrypt it, like this, miwifi_pass_decrypt.py. Without them, it is impossible to restore the original combination.
Does the ADB work on MIUI 14?
Partially. On some firmware, Xiaomi has blocked access to /data/misc/wifi/ even through ADB. If the team returns a Permission denied error, try: Get a temporary root through Magisk. Use an alternative path: /data/vendor/wifi/.
Can I get my phone password if it is blocked?
No. Without unlocking the screen and accessing the settings, none of the methods described will work, and in that case, all that remains is to reset the router or call the person who set up the network.
Will backup work if the phone is not rooted?
Yes, backup through MIUI Backup does not require root rights, but you still need a computer and a MiuiBackupExtractor utility to extract the password from the archive.