DHCP Xiaomi router: why you need, how to configure and what mistakes to avoid

You just unpacked the new Xiaomi router (or ran into problems on the old one), went to the web interface – and saw a mysterious item. DHCP. What is this function, why is it needed and why devices do not get it without it? IP-In this article, we'll look at how it works. DHCP-server in the routers Xiaomi Mi Router 4A/4C/5/AX3000/AX6000, What is the best setting for the home, and what to do if DHCP «It's "glutting" and doesn't give out addresses.

Spoiler: If you are not an expert in networks, disable DHCP Xiaomi router is not recommended, you will have to manually write network settings on each device (from phone to smart light bulb) without it, but you can not forget about this feature: incorrect settings can lead to conflicts. IP, We're going to have slow Internet, or even total loss of connectivity, and then we're going to have a detailed guide with real-world examples.

What is it? DHCP on the router and why you need it

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol is a protocol that automatically assigns IP-Addresses, subnet mask, gateway and DNS-Without it, every gadget (smartphone, laptop, TV) would have to manually set these parameters — which is inconvenient and error-prone.

On Xiaomi routers DHCP-The server is turned on by default. When you connect a new device to Wi-Fi, the following happens:

• 📱 The device sends a broadcast request to the network: "Who is giving out here?" IP-address?»
• 📡 Xiaomi router says, "It's me. Here's your settings: IP 192.168.31.100, mask 255.255.255.0, lock 192.168.31.1».
• 🔄 The device saves the parameters and connects to the Internet.

Why does it matter? Imagine that you have 10 devices at home, from a smartphone to a robot vacuum cleaner. DHCP You'd have to:

• 📝 Remembering which one IP assigned to every gadget.
• ⚙️ Manually prescribe settings on each device.
• 🔄 Make sure that addresses do not conflict (e.g., two devices cannot have the same address) IP).

DHCP It solves all these problems automatically, but sometimes you have to manually adjust it.

How it works DHCP on Xiaomi routers: key parameters

In Xiaomi routers (including Mi Router models) 4A Gigabit Edition, AX3600 and BE7000) DHCP-The server is set to standard settings, but you can change them:

Important for Xiaomi routers: if you change IP-the router address itself (e.g., from 192.168.31.1 to 192.168.1.1), range DHCP It will automatically shift accordingly (e.g., become 192.168.1.100–192.168.1.199).This can lead to loss of communication if the devices are registered with static devices. IP old-range.

What can be set up manually?

• 🔢 Change the range of distributions IP (For example, narrow down to 192.168.31.100-192.168.31.150 if you have few devices).
• ⏳ Reduce or increase rental times (e.g. up to 12 hours for frequently connected guest devices).
• 🌍 Prescribe alternatives DNS (For example, 8.8.8.8 from Google or 1.1.1.1 from Cloudflare).

💡

If you often lose internet on some devices, try to reduce your rental time. DHCP It's up to 12 hours. It'll make the gadgets update more often. IP avoid conflict.

Where to find settings DHCP Xiaomi

The interface of Xiaomi routers differs depending on the model and firmware version, but the way to settings DHCP It's usually alone:

1. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
2. Log in (the default login and password is often a combination) admin/admin or listed on the router's sticker).
3. Go to the Additional Settings section → Network → LAN (The new firmware may be called a Local Network).
4. Find the block. DHCP-server – here you can turn on / off the function and change the parameters.

On models with firmware MiWiFi ROM (Like Mi Router. 4A) The path looks like this:

Main settings → Local network → DHCP settings

On routers with Padavan (alternative firmware) settings DHCP hidden here:

Local area network (LAN) → DHCP- server

When to turn off DHCP on the Xiaomi router

99% of the time. DHCP But there are several scenarios where it's justified to turn it off:

⚠️ Attention: Disconnection DHCP without understanding the consequences, it will lead to the fact that no device on the network will automatically receive the IP-You'll have to manually set up the network on each gadget!

Situations when DHCP You can (or should) turn off:

• 🖥️ There's another one online. DHCP-server (for example, a second router in mode) AP or server on a PC. In this case, the conflict between the two DHCP cause disruption.
• 🔒 You're using static. IP for all devices (e.g. in the office or for servers).
• 🛡️ You need to improve network security by banning unauthorized devices from connecting.
• 🔧 You test the network and you want to control everyone. IP manually.

Example: If you have two Xiaomi routers connected by cable (one as the main one, the second as a repeater), DHCP It should be on the main router only. AP bridge) DHCP You need to turn off, otherwise the devices will receive conflicting settings.

Make sure that all devices are static. IP|Write down the current settings DHCP (range, gateway, DNS)|Check if there is another person on the network. DHCP-server|Prepare to manually configure the network on new devices-->

Typical problems with DHCP Xiaomi and how to solve them

Even with it on. DHCP These are the most common symptoms and their causes:

Let’s take a closer look at the most common problem: devices connect to Wi-Fi, but do not receive it. IP (On the phone or PC hangs the status of "Getting" IP-Addresses" or "Without Internet access"): diagnostic algorithm:

1. Check if it's on. DHCP router-setting.
2. Make sure the range is IP-Addresses are not exhausted (for example, if you have 50 devices and a pool of DHCP — 192.168.31.100–192.168.31.120).
3. Restart your router (sometimes) DHCP-server»).
4. On the problem device manually ask IP ranged DHCP (for example, 192.168.31.150) and check the link.

If the problem remains: reset the router to factory settings (with the Reset button for 10 seconds) and set up DHCP freshly.

💡

Most often, “hangover» DHCP Xiaomi routers are associated with pool overload IP-Addresses or crashes after firmware updates Solves the problem of expanding range or resetting settings.

How to set up DHCP for optimal network operation

Standard settings DHCP Xiaomi is suitable for most users, but in some cases they should be adjusted:

🏠 Home network (10-20 devices)

• 🔢 Range. IP: 192.168.31.100–192.168.31.199 (100 addresses).
• ⏳ Rental time: 24 hours.
• 🌍 DNS: Automatically or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) for acceleration.

🏢 For an office or network with 50+ device

• 🔢 Range. IP: 192.168.31.100–192.168.31.240 (140 addresses).
• ⏳ Rental time: 12 hours (to free up unused items faster) IP).
• 🔒 Reservations IP: Secure addresses for servers and printers (in settings) DHCP There is a Static Lease option).

🎮 For gamers or streamers

• 🔢 Reserve. IP for PC/Console in the settings DHCP (Not to be changed when reconnecting).
• 🌍 Use it. DNS 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 77.88.8.8 (Yandex) for ping reduction.
• ⚡ Enable QoS in router settings to prioritize traffic.

How to reserve IP for the device in the router Xiaomi:

1. Go to the Additional Settings → Network → LAN → DHCP.
2. Find the Static Lease section (or “Transactions”) IP ce MAC»).
3. Add the device to it. MAC-address (you can find out in the network settings on the device itself).
4. Specify what you want. IP (192.168.31.10 for printer).

Security: How to Protect DHCP break-in

DHCP-Xiaomi router server could become a vulnerability if not configured correctly:

• 🕵️ Substitute DHCP-server and redirect traffic to phishing sites.
• 📡 Overload the router with requests (DDoS attack on the local network).
• 🔑 Connect to your network by getting automatic IP.

How to defend yourself:

1. Disable remote router control in settings (System) → Remote control).
2. Change the password from the web interface to a complex one (not admin!).
3. Turn on the filtering by MAC-Addresses (allow connection only to trusted devices).
4. Update the router’s firmware – there are vulnerabilities in older versions DHCP.
5. Turn it off. WPS (It is a separate vulnerability, but it can help attackers access settings. DHCP).

⚠️ Note: If an unknown device appears on your network IP ranged DHCP, Check the list of connected gadgets in the router’s web interface (Devices or Clients) immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)