Owners of Xiaomi smartphones are often faced with a situation where they need to remember the password for Wi-Fi, a social network or an online store. Fortunately, the Android operating system and the proprietary MIUI or HyperOS shell provide convenient mechanisms for auto-saving credentials. This saves the user from having to keep dozens of complex combinations of characters in his head.
However, just knowing that passwords are stored somewhere is not enough - it is important to understand where exactly to look for them in the confusing settings menu. The location may depend on which password manager you used by default: the built-in Google service or the Mi Cloud cloud storage. Let's analyze all the available methods in detail.
First of all, it is worth noting that access to this data is protected by biometrics or a screen unlock PIN code. This a fundamental element of securityprevents unauthorized persons from accessing your accounts in case of loss of the device or transferring it into the wrong hands for a call.
There are several ways to obtain information: through the phone’s system settings, through the Chrome browser or through the account’s web interface. The choice of a specific method depends on whether synchronization is enabled and how you previously logged in to sites.
Searching for passwords through Google settings on Xiaomi
The most common method, relevant for most Android users, is accessing Google services. Since the system is deeply integrated with the search giant's ecosystem, it is Google account most often the main custodian of your logins. To get to the desired menu, you need to perform several sequential steps.
Open your smartphone settings and scroll down the list to the Google-related section. Depending on the version of the MIUI shell, this item may be simply called “Google” or located inside the “Accounts and Synchronization” menu. We are interested in the tab Autofillthat controls the behavior of the keyboard and input forms.
Inside the autofill section, select the "Autofill from Google" option. This displays a list of all sites and applications for which login information has been saved. By clicking on a specific site, the system will require you to confirm your identity through a fingerprint, face scan, or entering a screen unlock password.
⚠️ Attention: If you changed the main Google account on your phone, the list of saved data may be empty. Make sure that in the synchronization settings the profile you used before is selected.
After successful authentication, you will see your login and hidden password. To display symbols, click on the eye icon. A strength check function is also available here: the system will tell you if your password has been compromised as a result of data leaks or is too simple.
Using Mi Cloud cloud storage
Owners of Xiaomi devices have access to the manufacturer's own cloud service - Mi Cloud. This tool allows you to sync not only contacts and photos, but also key security data, including Wi-Fi passwords and app accounts. This is especially convenient if you plan to switch from one Xiaomi smartphone to another.
To access this data, go to Settings and select the top item with the name of your Mi account. In the menu that opens, find the section Mi Cloud and click on it. In the list of categories available for synchronization, you need to find the item “Passwords” or “Security” (the name may vary in different firmware versions).
If password synchronization was enabled previously, a list of saved networks and accounts will be displayed here. A feature of Mi Cloud is the ability to restore access even if you have completely reset the phone to factory settings, but remember the data from your Mi account.
- 🔒 Local encryption: Data in Mi Cloud is protected by a key linked to your device.
- 🔄 Auto-sync: Changes made on one device are instantly reflected on all gadgets where you are logged into one account.
- 📱 Cross-platform: Data can be accessed not only from a phone, but also through the web version of the cloud on a computer.
It is worth considering that the amount of free storage is limited. If you actively use backup of photos and videos, you may run out of space for text passwords, although they take up minimal space. Regularly check the storage status.
Use two-factor authentication for your Mi account so that even if the password is leaked, an attacker will not be able to access the cloud storage with your data.
View data through the Google Chrome browser
Most Xiaomi users use the browser Google Chrome as the main tool for surfing the Internet. This browser has a built-in password manager that is independent of Android system settings. This means that even if you reset your phone but sign into your Chrome profile, all your data will come back.
To find your saved combinations, launch the Chrome app and click on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen. Select "Settings" from the drop-down menu and then go to the "Password Manager" section. Here is a complete list of all sites where you have ever agreed to save data.
The password manager interface in Chrome allows you not only to view, but also to edit information. You can change your login or password if the site requires it to be changed regularly. A function for exporting passwords to a CSV file is also available, which is useful for creating a backup copy on your computer.
| Function | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| View | Display login and password | Requires biometrics |
| Editing | Changing login data | Always available |
| Export | Saving to file CSV | Requires confirmation |
| Verification | Reliability analysis | Automatic |
If you use a browser on a PC and tablet, changing data on your phone will affect the entire ecosystem.
Security settings and MIUI biometrics
The MIUI shell installed on Xiaomi smartphones has its own level of protection, which is closely intertwined with password storage functions. Access to personal data often requires additional verification that goes beyond the standard screen unlocking.
In the security settings (Privacy protection), you can configure which applications and system functions require identity verification. This includes access to password managers. If your fingerprint scanner does not work, the system will automatically suggest an alternative input method.
There is also a “Second Space” or “Hidden Applications” function. If you hide important apps in a second space, their passwords may not appear in your main profile's general list. This creates the illusion of data loss, although in fact it is simply isolated in another environment.
What to do if you forget the password for the second space?
Restoring access to the second space without a password or fingerprint is almost impossible for security reasons. The only option is to delete the second space along with all data if the recovery question has not been asked.
It is recommended to regularly update the biometric data in the system. If you have re-taped the film on the screen or your finger has changed slightly (for example, a tan or a callus), the system may prompt you to enter a PIN code more often, which sometimes blocks quick access to passwords.
Synchronizing and restoring data
The key point in managing passwords is setting up the synchronization correctly. Without it, all saved data will remain only in the memory of a specific device. If your smartphone breaks down or is stolen, you will lose access to all your accounts, which can become a critical problem.
Check the synchronization status in the Accounts -> Googlesection. Make sure the switch next to "Passwords" or "Chrome Data" is active. A similar procedure should be carried out for a Mi account if you use the services of the Xiaomi cloud.
When switching to a new Xiaomi phone, the recovery process will go as smoothly as possible if you use the "Mi Mover" function or standard restore from a backup copy during the first setup. The system itself will offer to download all saved passwords from the cloud.
- 📶 Wi-Fi networks: Wi-Fi passwords are often saved separately from browser data and require synchronization of system settings to be enabled.
- 📧 Two-factor authentication: When restoring accounts on a new device, confirmation codes may be required sent to the old number or to authenticator application.
- 💾 Backup: Make periodic full copies of the system to an external drive or PC for maximum reliability.
☑️ Check readiness for recovery
⚠️ Attention: The MIUI settings interface may differ depending on the version (MIUI 12, 13, 14 or HyperOS) and regional firmware (Global, China, EEA). The location of menu items may be shifted.
Third-party password managers as an alternative
If the built-in Android and Xiaomi tools do not seem convenient or secure enough to you, you can always use third-party solutions. Applications like Bitwarden, KeePass or 1Password offer advanced functionality and cross-platform functionality that does not depend on the phone brand.
Such applications work on the principle of a master password: you remember one complex combination, and the app generates and stores unique passwords for each site. On Android, they are integrated into the autofill system, replacing the standard Google service.
To install a third-party manager, download the application from Google Play Market, create a master account and allow access to autofill in the system settings. After that, when you log into any site, the phone will offer to use this particular manager.
Third-party password managers are often safer than built-in ones, since they use end-to-end encryption, the key of which is known only to you, and not to the corporation.
Using specialized applications also allows you to access passwords from devices on other platforms, for example, from an iPhone or a Windows computer, without being tied to it to the Google or Xiaomi ecosystem. This gives greater flexibility to the user.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to view the saved Wi-Fi password without root access?
Yes, on modern versions of Android (10 and higher) and MIUI shells this can be done using standard tools. Go to Wi-Fi settings, click on the network name or the "Share" button. A QR code will appear, under which the password is often written, or it can be considered another phone.
What will happen to the passwords if I reset the phone to factory settings?
If synchronization with Google or Mi Cloud was enabled, the passwords will be saved in the cloud. After entering your account on the reset phone, they will automatically load. If synchronization was turned off, all locally stored data will be lost forever.
Is it safe to store passwords in a Google Account?
Google uses advanced encryption and data protection methods. However, there is always a risk, especially if your main Google account gets hacked. It is recommended to use two-factor authentication and periodically check the list of devices that have access to your account.
How to export passwords from Chrome to your computer?
In the Chrome password manager menu on your phone or in the browser settings on your PC, find the "Export passwords" item. The data will be saved in a CSV file that can be opened in Excel. Keep this file in a safe place, as it is not protected by encryption.