Forgot the password from the Xiaomi router? full instructions for restoring access

You forgot the password from the administration panel of the Xiaomi router and you can't change your network settings? The situation is familiar to many: the device works, but access to 192.168.31.1 or the Mi Wi-Fi application is blocked. Unlike smartphones, where you can restore the password through your Mi Account, routers are increasingly difficult - the manufacturer does not provide a standard procedure for resetting the password without physical access to the device.

In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to regain control of the Xiaomi router, from simple reset via the Reset button to advanced methods using Telnet and alternative firmware. We took into account the features of the Mi Router 3/4/4A/4C/AC2100 models, as well as firmware based on MiWiFi ROM and Padavan. If you are not a technician, do not worry: the first three methods do not require special knowledge.

Before you start, make sure that the problem is in the password, and not in:

• 🔌 Lack of power – check the cable and indicators on the router.
• 🌐 Wrong. IP-Try to enter miwifi.com instead of 192.168.31.1.
• 📱 App crash – reinstall Mi Wi-Fi or clear its cache.

1. Reset password via Reset button (the most reliable way)

Physical factory reset is a universal method that works on all Xiaomi router models, including the Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition and AX3600.The procedure erases all user settings (network name, Wi-Fi password, firewall rules), but leaves the firmware up to date. You only need a paper clip or a toothpick.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the router from power (remove the plug from the socket).
2. Find the Reset button on the back (usually recessed in the case).
3. Keep the button clamped while connecting the power at the same time.
4. Hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing orange.
5. Release the button – the router will restart (it will take 1-2 minutes).

After discharge:

• 🔄 Name of the network (SSID) will Xiaomi_XXXX (where XXXX — last-minute MAC-address).
• 🔐 The Wi-Fi password will be listed on the sticker under the router (or it’s standard 1234567890 for older models).
• 🖥️ The password to log into the control panel (192.168.31.1) will be reset on an empty field (just click "Login").

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi routers with Padavan firmware, the Reset button may work differently. If the indicators do not blink after holding 15 seconds, try pressing the button for 30 seconds - this is a forced reset for custom firmware.

2. Recovery via Mi Wi-Fi app (no reset)

If the router is connected to your Mi Account, you can try to restore access through the official application. This method only works for devices that are tied to the Xiaomi profile before losing your password. If you bought a used router or never logged in, move on to the next method.

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Wi-Fi app (available for Android and iOS).
2. Sign in with the same Mi Account that was used to set up the router.
3. In the main menu of the application, find your router (if there is none, check your connection to the same Wi-Fi network or mobile Internet).
4. Slip on the router icon → Settings → Device management → Reset password.
5. Confirm the action via SMS or email (depending on your account settings).

If the router is not displayed in the app:

• 🔄 Restart the router (turn off/on the power).
• 📶 Connect to your Wi-Fi network (even without the internet).
• 🔧 Update the Mi Wi-Fi app to the latest version.

💡

If you don’t have access to your Mi Account but the router is connected to the network, try logging in via your browser at miwifi.com – sometimes older Xiaomi models let you reset your password through a web interface without authorization.

3. Using Telnet to reset password (for advanced)

It's a good way to use Xiaomi routers with MiWiFi ROM (standard) firmware, where you have Telnet enabled, which is an informal way that requires minimal command line knowledge. If you've never worked with Telnet/SSH, you'd better skip this section and use Reset.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux or a smartphone with a terminal (for example, Termux for Android).
• 🔌 Connecting to the router via cable (LAN) or wifi.
• 📡 IP-router address (usually 192.168.31.1).

Instructions:

1. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Linux/macOS).
2. Enter the command to connect: telnet 192.168.31.1 If the port is closed, try: telnet 192.168.31.1 23
3. Log in with root and admin password (default for many models).
4. Run the command to reset the password: nvram set http_passwd= nvram commit reboot

After restarting the router, the password to log into the control panel (192.168.31.1) will be empty. If the nvram command does not work, try an alternative option:

echo -n "" > /etc/shadow


reboot

⚠️ Note: On routers running Padavan or OpenWRT, nvram commands may not work. In this case, use: passwd root and set a new password manually.

4. Reset via Mi Home (for smart routers)

Xiaomi Mi AIoT Router series routers (such as the AX3600 or AX6000) support management via the Mi Home app. If your device is synchronized with the Xiaomi Smart Home ecosystem, you can try resetting your password through this app.

Algorithm of action:

1. Open Mi Home and go to Devices → Router.
2. Slap the gear icon (⚙️) top-right.
3. Select router settings → Device management.
4. Find the option Reset or Forgot your password? (not available on all firmware).
5. Confirm the action through Mi Account (you will need to enter a password from the account).

If no reset option:

• 🔄 Try updating your router’s firmware through Mi Home – sometimes it will unlock additional features.
• 📱 Make sure your router and smartphone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• 🔧 Check if the “smart features” in the router settings are disabled (via the web interface if you have access).

Note that this method only works for routers that support Mi Home, and older models like Mi Router 3 are not integrated into the smart home ecosystem and will not appear in the app.

5. Flashing the router (extreme case)

If none of these methods work, the radical solution is to reflash the router, which is a risky procedure that can lead to a device becoming "burst" (completely inoperable) if something goes wrong, and we recommend this method only to power users or if the router is no longer warranty.

What you'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows and MiWiFi Repair Tool (for official firmware) or Breed Web Recovery (for alternatives).
• 🔌 Cable LAN router-connection.
• 📁 Firmware for your model (download from the XDA Developers or OpenWRT).

General algorithm (for firmware via Breed):

1. Download Breed Web Recovery and unpack the archive.
2. Connect the router to the PC over the LAN, holding the Reset button when power is turned on (until the indicators flash).
3. Open your browser and go to 192.168.1.1, the Breed menu should open.
4. In the Firmware Update section, download the firmware file (.bin or.trx).
5. Wait until the process is complete (don’t turn off the power!).

Once you flash it back to the factory, you can set a new password. If you use an alternative firmware (Padavan, OpenWRT), consider:

• 🔧 Some Xiaomi features (such as Mi Mesh) may stop working.
• 🔄 Updates by air" (OTA) will not be available.
• 🛡️ The manufacturer’s warranty will burn (if it is still in effect).

💡

Flashing is the last chance to get your router back on track, so if you're not sure about your skills, take it to a Xiaomi service center or buy a new router.

Comparison of password recovery methods

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you restore access to the Xiaomi router, users often face typical problems.

Problem 1: After resetting via Reset, the router doesn’t turn on or flashes orange.

• 🔌 Check the power supply – try another adapter with similar options (12V/1A most models).
• 🔄 Hold the Reset button for longer (up to 30 seconds) – it may not have resetted.
• 🛠️ If the indicators don’t burn at all, the router could fail (a problem with capacitors or memory chip).

Problem 2: Mi Wi-Fi does not see the router, although it is connected to the network.

• 📱 Make sure your smartphone has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled (some models require both connections).
• 🔧 In the router settings (if available), check if Mi Wi-Fi Management is enabled.
• 🔄 Reinstall the application and clear its cache (Settings) → Annexes → Mi Wi-Fi → Memory).

Problem 3: Once flashed, the router doesn’t give away Wi-Fi or reboots constantly.

• 📁 Make sure you have downloaded the firmware specifically for your model (e.g, miwifi_r3g_firmware_... for Mi Router 3G).
• 🔧 Reset settings after firmware (reset button for 10 seconds).
• 🖥️ Try to roll back to the official firmware through the MiWiFi Repair Tool.

1. Clear the browser cache (or use Incognito mode).
2. Enter the password manually (sometimes autocomplete substitutes old data).
3. Use a different browser (Firefox or Edge instead of Chrome).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions