Xiaomi router administrator password: where to find, how to reset and protect the network

You bought a Xiaomi router (or Mi Router), connected it to the Internet, but faced with a problem: the system asks you to enter the administrator password and you do not remember it? Or worse, someone changed the settings of the router without your knowledge, and now you can not go to the control panel? This situation is familiar to many users, especially after buying a used device or a long break in use.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible scenarios for working with an admin password on Xiaomi routers, from standard combinations to an emergency reset via a hardware button. You’ll learn how to protect your network from unauthorized access, what to do if you forget your password, and why you should never use factory settings unchanged. And also the unique features of Xiaomi routers that are not found in other brands (for example, binding to a Mi Account).

What is the router administrator password and why is it needed?

The administrator password (or admin password) is the access key to the router's web interface, where all network settings are stored, from Wi-Fi to security, ports and parental controls, without it you can't:

  • 🔧 Change the name of the network (SSID) or Wi-Fi password;
  • 🔒 Set up a firewall or filtering MAC-address;
  • 📡 Optimize channels to eliminate interference;
  • 🔄 Update the firmware or reset the router to factory settings.

On Xiaomi routers (series Mi Router) 3/4/4A/4C/AX1800/AX3000 The admin default password often matches the Wi-Fi password, but this is not the rule. For example, some models use a separate username and password attached to the Mi Account to log in to the control panel, which makes it harder to hack, but also adds complexity when restoring access.

⚠️ Note: If you bought a router from hand, the previous owner could have tied it to his Mi Account. In this case, even resetting the settings will not help - you will need an uncoupling through the official Xiaomi service.

Standard Administrator Passwords for Xiaomi Routers

The manufacturer sets the factory combinations for the first input, which depend on the model and the year of release, and the following are the current data for popular devices:

Model routerLogin (by default)Password (default)Notes
Mi Router 3/3G/3CadminadminSome of the firmware requires a change at the first entrance.
Mi Router 4/4A/4CadminLast 8-digit serial number symbol (on the sticker)Serial number in S/N format: XXXXXXXX
Mi Router AX1800/AX3000/AX6000Linking to Mi AccountPassword from Xiaomi accountWithout an account, entry is impossible
Redmi Router AC2100adminIndicated on a sticker under the deviceFormat: 8 digits or alphanumeric combination

If standard combinations do not work, it is possible to:

  • 🔄 The password has already been changed by the previous owner;
  • 📦 The device is stitched with custom firmware (for example, Padavan);
  • 🔐 The router is linked to the Mi Account (relevant for models with the AX titled).
📊 What is your Xiaomi router?
Mi Router 3/3G
Mi Router 4/4A
Mi Router AX (1800/3000/6000)
Redmi Router
Other

How to find the current administrator password (if you forgot)

If you don’t remember the password but have access to the router’s network (such as Wi-Fi or cable), try the following methods:

1. View in the settings of the connected device

On Windows:

  • Open the Control Panel → Network Control Center;
  • Select your Wi-Fi network → Wireless network properties
  • Go to the Security tab and tick the Display entered signs.

On Android (if password is saved):

  • Go to Settings. → Wi-Fi;
  • Click on your network. → Share (required) PIN-code).

⚠️ Warning: This method will show the password from Wi-Fi, not the admin panel! If they match (like on Mi Router 3), you're in luck (AX-series) passwords are different.

2. Use the Mi Wi-Fi app

The official application from Xiaomi can save login data:

  1. Download Mi Wi-Fi from Google Play or App Store
  2. Connect to the router network;
  3. Open the app – if the router is linked to your Mi Account, the password can be pulled up automatically.

💡

If the router is linked to someone else's Mi Account, try resetting it via MiWiFiRepairTool (available on 4PDA forums).

How to reset the administrator password on the Xiaomi router

If the standard methods don't work, you get a hardware reset. On Xiaomi routers, you do it through the Reset button, but there are nuances:

1. Soft reset (saving basic settings)

This is good if you remember the password from Wi-Fi, but not from the admin panel:

  1. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi;
  2. Open your browser and type 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
  3. On the login page, click Forgot your password? (if available)
  4. Follow the instructions – you may need to enter a serial number or code from a sticker.

2. Hard reset (full return to factory settings)

This method will remove all settings, including Wi-Fi name, passwords and binding to your Mi Account:

Disconnect all devices from the router (except one PC)

Prepare a paperclip or toothpick for the Reset button

Write down the serial number from the sticker (required for setting)

Make sure the router is on the network-->

Instructions:

  1. Find the Reset button on the back of the router (usually deepened into the case);
  2. Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds (until the lights flash).
  3. Release the button – the router will restart and return to factory settings;
  4. Connect to a network with a name Xiaomi_XXXX (password - on the sticker) and log into the control panel at the address 192.168.31.1.
What to do if the reset does not work?
If the Reset button is not reset after holding it, the router does not reset: 1. Check that the button is pressed before clicking (it is two-step on some models). 2. Try holding it up to 30 seconds - Mi Router 4A sometimes takes longer. 3. Turn off the router's power, pinch Reset, and then turn it back on (hold the button for another 10 seconds). 4. If nothing helps, the router can be blocked at the firmware level - you will need to flash it through UART (only for experienced users!).

How to protect the administrator password from hacking

Xiaomi routers are often targeted by hackers because of the popularity and vulnerabilities in old firmware.

1. Change the standard password

After the first entry into the control panel (192.168.31.1):

  1. Go to Settings → System → Administrator password;
  2. Come up with a complex combination (at least 12 characters, with numbers, letters and special characters);
  3. Save your password in your password manager (like Bitwarden or KeePass).

2. Disable remote access

By default, some Xiaomi models have enabled control panel access from the Internet to disable:

  1. Go to Settings → Additional → Remote access;
  2. Transfer the slider to the off position.;
  3. Save the settings.

3. Update firmware

Outdated versions of the software contain vulnerabilities.

  1. In the control panel, go to Settings → Update the firmware;
  2. Click Check for Updates;
  3. If a new version is available, install it.

💡

On the routers Xiaomi AX-series to update the firmware can only be through the application Mi Wi-Fi – the web interface does not support this feature!

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after the reset, users are faced with errors.

1. Entry page not opened (192.168.31.1 not answered)

Possible causes and solutions:

  • 🔌 Router not connected to power or network: check the indicators on the front panel;
  • 🖥️ Wrong. IP-Address: try miwifi.com or 192.168.1.1;
  • 🔄 Conflict IP: command-line (Win) + R → cmd) perform: ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew
  • 🛡️ Firewall blocks access: temporarily disable it in Windows settings.

On the AX1800/AX3000 models, a request to log in to Xiaomi account may appear after the reset, if the router was linked to the previous owner:

  1. Contact the seller and ask to untie the device via mi.com/unbind.
  2. If you cannot contact us, contact Xiaomi with a check to purchase.
  3. On some firmware helps downgrade (rollback to the old version of the software) through MiWiFiRepairTool.

⚠️ Attention: Buying Xiaomi routers from hand without detachment from the account is fraught with problems!

Can I hack the Xiaomi router administrator password?
Theoretically, yes, but in practice, it requires special skills. Most attacks are based on (admin/admin); Exploit vulnerabilities in outdated firmware; Physical access to the Reset button. Use a complex password to protect, disable remote access, and regularly update the software.
What to do if the Xiaomi router is blocked after unsuccessful attempts to enter a password?
On some models, after 5-10 incorrect attempts, the entrance is blocked for 5 minutes. Solutions: Wait for the specified time and try again; Reset through the Reset button; If the lock is permanent, run the router through UART (a soldering iron and experience is required).
How to link Xiaomi router to your Mi Account after resetting?
After hard reset: Connect to the router network (name and password on the sticker); Open miwifi.com in the browser; Enter your Mi Account details (or register a new one); Follow the linking instructions. If the router requires the previous owner's account, see the unbundling section.
Can I manage a Xiaomi router without an administrator password?
Partly yes. Without the admin password, you can: Connect to Wi-Fi (if you know the password from the network); Use the Internet; On some models, manage the guest network through the Mi Wi-Fi app. But to change settings (for example, opening ports or changing DNS), the password is mandatory.
Where is the administrator password stored in the Xiaomi router?
The administrator password is stored encrypted in the router configuration file (/etc/config/system or similar) and is only accessible through the web interface (if you know the current password); via SSH (on custom firmware); through flash memory reading (requires dismantling of the router); on standard Xiaomi firmware, the configuration file is read-protected.