Forgot the password from home Wi-Fi, and the router is on the mezzanine, and QR-The code on the sticker is gone? It's familiar to many people -- especially when guests need to connect to the network, and you don't remember the character combination that was introduced a year ago. POCO) There are several ways to extract a saved password without scanning. QR — Most of them don’t need root rights.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for modern versions of MIUI 12-14 and Android 10-14, including hidden system features, circumvention of restrictions and alternative solutions. Importantly, some methods may not work on older models (for example, Redmi 4X or Mi A1), but for most devices of the 2019-2026 release, the instructions remain relevant. Also note that the manufacturer deliberately hides passwords in the latest versions of MIUI for security reasons – so some methods require additional manipulation.
1. Standard method: via Wi-Fi settings (MIUI 12 and later)
The easiest method is to use the built-in password viewing feature that appeared in MIUI 12 and has been preserved in later versions, but it does not work on all devices: for example, on some models for the European market (EEA), this option can be disabled.
To check if this method is available to you:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Wi-Fi.
- 🔍 Find your network in the list and tap it by its name (not by switch!).
- 👁️ If there is a password or Show password under the field with the network name, tap it.
- 🔐 The system can request PIN-screen lock code or fingerprint to confirm.
If you don't have a password, your version of MIUI is hiding it, so move on to the following methods.
⚠️ Note: On Android One devices (e.g. Mi) A2, Mi A3) This method does not work, instead MIUI It uses “pure” Android, where passwords are hidden by default.
2. via Wi-Fi configuration file (for power users)
All saved networks and their passwords are stored in a system file. wpa_supplicant.conf. You can access it without root rights, but you will need a file manager with permissions to access system folders (for example, FX Explorer or Solid Explorer).
Instructions:
- Install a root-access file manager from Google Play (even if you don’t have root, some managers allow you to view system files).
- Click on /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/ or (on some firmware): /data/misc/wifi/
- Find the file. wpa_supplicant.conf Open it with any text editor.
- Inside will be blocks of the form: network={ ssid="Name of your network" psk="password" key_mgmt=WPA-PSK } Here, psk is the password.
If the file is not opened or the folder is not available, then your device has system data protection enabled, in which case only root rights or alternative methods (see below) will help.
What to do if the file is empty?
3. Use of ADB (without root but with a computer)
If you have access to a computer, you can extract the password through Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a tool for debugging Android devices, which works on most Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi Note 10, POCO X3 and other modern models.
Step-by-step:
- 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on PC (Windows, macOS or Linux).
- 📱 On the phone, turn on the developer mode (7 times tap on the version) MIUI In Settings → The phone).
- 🔌 Turn on Debugging. USB in the developer settings and connect the phone to the PC.
- 🐍 Open the command line (or Terminal) and type in: adb shell su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore/wpa_supplicant.conf" If the team is not working, try: adb shell su -c "cat /data/misc/wifi/wpa_supplicant.conf"
If you see a Permission denied error, you have no root access to system files on your device, and you can try to circumvent the restriction by temporarily obtaining superuser rights (see next section).
Install ADB on PC|
Enable the developer mode on Xiaomi|
Connect your phone to USB with debugging permission |
Download drivers for Xiaomi (if the PC does not recognize the device)-->
4. Temporary root via Magisk (for unlocked bootloader)
If previous methods have failed and you need a password urgently, you can temporarily get root access through Magisk, which is only suitable for devices with a bootloader unlocked.
Algorithm of action:
- Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (requires a Mi Account and wait 7-15 days).
- Install custom recovery (TWRP) for your model.
- Squeeze Magisk through recovery.
- Install WiFi Password Viewer from Magisk Manager.
- After the reboot, passwords will be available in the WiFi Passwords app.
⚠️ Important: This method voids the warranty and can lead to the blocking of banking applications (due to the SafetyNet trigger).After the password is extracted, it is recommended to delete Magisk and return the stock recovery.
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If you don’t want to unlock the bootloader, try renting root access for an hour through services like [RootJoy] (https://rootjoy.com/) (paid, but secure for the system).
5. Alternative methods: if nothing has worked
When the standard methods don't work, there are workarounds.
| Method | Conditions | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Router reset | Physical access to the router | 100% results, no programs are required | All network settings will be reset, you will have to reconfigure |
| Viewing through the router's web interface | Know the router’s IP (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and the admin login/password | The password will be displayed in plain form. | If the username / password from the router is forgotten - it will not help |
| Use of a MIUI backup copy | Previous Backup to Settings → Additional → Backup | You can extract passwords from the backup. | You need to unblock the backup and search for the file manually |
| Applications for password recovery | Root access or ADB | Automates the process (e.g. WiFi Password Recovery) | Many applications contain malicious code. |
If the router belongs to an ISP (such as Rostelecom or Beeline), the password is often indicated on the sticker on the device itself or in the contract, and you can also call the ISP support - they can provide the password according to the subscriber's data.
6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When trying to extract a password, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common solutions:
- 🔄 "File. wpa_supplicant.conf idle" → Check the path to the file (it may vary depending on the version of Android). /data/vendor/wifi/hostapd/.
- 🚫 "ADB can't see the device" → Install drivers for Xiaomi (you can download from the official website) and turn on Debugging on USB (Safe mode) in the developer settings.
- 🔒 "Required. PIN-code, but it's not" → If you have forgotten the pattern lock or PIN, Reset it via Google’s Find My Device (you’ll need a phone-linked account).
- 📱 "There is no "Show password" item on the phone'" → Update. MIUI Up to the latest version – in old firmware this function is often absent.
Another common mistake is trying to use applications like WiFi Key Recovery without root, which often display random characters instead of a real password or ask for a premium version to be viewed.
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Before using third-party apps, check reviews on 4PDA or XDA-Developers – many “Wi-Fi hackers” contain Trojans.