Forgot the password from Xiaomi router? full access recovery guide

Forgetting the password from Xiaomi router is a bad situation, but it can be fixed. Without access to the admin panel, you can not change the network settings, update the firmware or configure guest Wi-Fi. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to restore access, from a standard reset via the Reset button to using the proprietary application Mi WiFi. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including those that are rarely written in official instructions.

It is important to understand that the recovery procedure depends on the router model. For example, for Xiaomi Mi Router 4A and Xiaomi AIoT Router AX3600 algorithms will differ due to different versions of firmware and hardware features. We will look at universal solutions, as well as nuances for popular series. If you are not sure about the model of your device, look at the sticker on the bottom panel or check through 192.168.31.1 (if network access is saved).

Before you start resetting, make sure that the problem is in the password from the admin panel, and not in the key from Wi-Fi. These two passwords are often confused: the first is to log into the settings of the router (usually admin by default), and the second is to connect devices to the network. If you forget only the Wi-Fi key, it can be viewed in the settings of the already connected device (for example, on Windows through the Control Panel → Network Connections).

1. Standard reset via Reset button

The most reliable and versatile way is to reset hardware to factory settings, which works on all Xiaomi models, including the Mi Router 3/4/4C, AX1800/AX3600 and others. The main disadvantage of the method is that all personal settings (network name, Wi-Fi password, device priorities) will be erased.

To reset the router:

• 🔌 Turn off the router power for 10 seconds, then reconnect.
• 🕳️ Find the Reset button on the back (usually recessed in the case to avoid accidentally pressing).
• 📍 Take a paperclip or toothpick, press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing yellow/orange.
• 🔄 Release the button and wait for the reboot (1-2 minutes). The router will return to factory settings.

After discharge:

• 🌐 Connect to the Xiaomi_XXXX network (without password) or use an Ethernet cable.
• 🔑 Enter the browser 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com.
• 📝 The default login and password is admin (if not previously changed).

⚠️ Warning: On some models (e.g., Xiaomi Mi Router Pro), the Reset button is paired with WPS. Hold it for longer than 10 seconds to activate the reset, rather than the quick-connect mode.

Make sure the router is connected to the network

Prepare a paperclip/denture brush for the Reset button

Remember your current Wi-Fi settings (if you have access)

Disconnect all devices from the router (except one for setting up)

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2. Recovery via Mi WiFi app

If you have an Android or iOS smartphone, you can try to restore access through the official Mi WiFi app.

• 📱 The router was previously linked to your Xiaomi account (via Mi Account).
• 📶 The device is connected to the router network (even without access to the admin panel).
• 🔄 The router has firmware no older than 2021.

Instructions:

1. Download Mi WiFi for Android or iOS.
2. Open the app and log in to your Xiaomi account (the same one used to set up the router).
3. In the main menu, select your router from the list of devices.
4. Go to Settings → Device Management → Password Reset.
5. Confirm the action via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

If the router is not displayed in the app:

• 🔄 Reboot the router and smartphone.
• 📶 Make sure the phone is connected to the router network (not via the mobile internet).
• 🔧 Check if the router's settings enable Remote Control (if previously accessed).

⚠️ Warning: Once you reset your password through Mi WiFi, you may need to re-assign your router to your account. If you forget your Mi Account data, restore it here.

Reset via Reset button

Mi WiFi appendix

Web interface (192.168.31.1)

Never forgot the password.

Another way.-->

3. Reset via web interface (if the old password is known)

If you remember the current password from the admin panel, but want to change it, do it through the web interface:

1. Connect to the router network (via Wi-Fi or cable).
2. Open your browser and type in 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com.
3. Enter the admin login and current password.
4. Go to Settings → System → Administrator password.
5. Enter the old password, then the new one (twice) and save the changes.

Requirements for a new password:

• 🔐 Length from 8 to 32 characters.
• 🔤 Must contain letters and numbers (without spaces and special characters on some models).
• 🔄 Must not match previous passwords (on firmware newer than 2022).

If the error "Incorrect current password" appears during the saving:

• 🔄 Make sure the Caps Lock key is off.
• 📝 Try entering the password in your notebook, then copy it to the input field (to avoid typos).
• 🔧 Reset your browser cache or try another (Chrome, Firefox, Edge).

💡

If the router does not open the 192.168.31.1 page, check the IP- default gateway address on your PC. To do this, enter ipconfig in the command line (Win + R → cmd) and find the main gateway string.

4. Alternative methods: Telnet and SSH (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work, and the router supports remote management, you can try resetting via Telnet or SSH. This method is suitable for models based on OpenWRT or custom firmware (for example, Padavan).

First, check if the Telnet is enabled:

1. Connect to the router network.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and enter: telnet 192.168.31.1
3. If the connection is established, enter the root login and password (often empty or admin by default).
4. To reset the password, run the command: nvram set http_passwd=" nvram commit reboot

If Telnet is disabled, try activating it through a vulnerability (works on old firmware):

• 🔌 Disconnect the Internet cable from the router (leaving only the local area network).
• 📡 Connect to the router via Wi-Fi.
• 🖥️ In your browser, go to http://192.168.31.1/cgi-bin/luci/;stok=/admin/reboot?foo=/etc/init.d/dropbear+start
• 🔄 After restart, try connecting to Telnet again.

⚠️ Warning: Using vulnerabilities may disrupt the router or lead to a lock. Use this method only if other options are exhausted and you understand the risks.

5.Reset via Recovery Mode

Some Xiaomi models (such as the AX3600 or AX6000) support a recovery mode similar to that found on smartphones, a method that is useful if the router does not respond to the Reset button or freezes after a failed update.

How to log in to Recovery Mode:

1. 🔌 Turn off router power.
2. 📍 Press the Reset button and, without letting it go, plug in the power.
3. 🔄 Hold the button for 20-30 seconds until the indicator flashes blue (in some models, yellow).
4. 🌐 Connect to the router via Wi-Fi (the network will be called Xiaomi_Recovery).
5. 📂 Open your browser and go to 192.168.31.1. You'll see the recovery menu.

The Recovery menu has options:

To reset your password, select Reset Settings. After rebooting, the router will be available with the default login/password (admin/admin).

💡

Recovery Mode is the last chance to bring your router back to life if other methods have not worked, and use it only with complete confidence in your actions, as incorrect operations can lead to the "bricking" of the device.

6.If nothing helps: Firmware via TFTP

In a last resort (for example, after a failed update or firmware failure), you can restore the router through the TFTP protocol. This method requires a Windows PC, network cable and official firmware for your model.

Step-by-step:

1. 📥 Download the firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (Support → Downloads section).
2. 🔧 Install a TFTP- client (e.g., TFTPD64 or built into Windows via Control Panel → Programs → Incorporate components).
3. 🔌 Connect the router to the PC via the LAN- port (not WAN!).
4. 📡 Configure on PC static IP: IP: 192.168.31.100 Mask: 255.255.255.0 Gateway: 192.168.31.1
5. 🔄 Holding the Reset button, turn on the router power. Release the button in 10 seconds.
6. 📤 In the TFTP- client, specify: Server: 192.168.31.1 File: path to the firmware file (e.g., miwifi_r4cm_firmware_*.bin) Put
7. 🕒 Wait until the boot is completed (3-5 minutes). The router will restart automatically.

After the firmware:

• 🔧 All settings will be reset.
• 🔑 The default login/password is admin/admin.
• 📡 When you first connect, the router may suggest updating the firmware — agree.

⚠️ Warning: Firmware via TFTP is only suitable for Qualcomm chip-based models (e.g. Mi Router 4A, AX1800). For routers on MediaTek (e.g. Mi Router 3), this method does not work - use Recovery Mode.

7.How to avoid problems in the future: safety tips

To avoid encountering a forgotten password again, follow these guidelines:

• 📝 Save your password in the password manager (KeePass, Bitwarden) or on paper in a safe place.
• 🔄 Update the router’s firmware – newer versions often fix vulnerabilities that allow you to restore access.
• 📱 Link the router to your Xiaomi account, making it easier to recover via Mi WiFi.
• 🔧 Configure configuration backup to Settings → System → Backup.
• 🛡️ Turn off remote control if you are not using it (Settings → Security).

Also useful:

• 🔑 Use different Wi-Fi passwords and admin panels.
• 📡 Enable the Guest Network for Friends, so you don't have to give away your primary password.
• 🔄 Periodically check connected devices in Settings → Devices and remove unknowns.

💡

If you have multiple Xiaomi routers, use the Mesh network feature (available on Wi-Fi 6-enabled models) to manage all devices through a single Mi WiFi app.

FAQ: Frequent questions