Where is the password stored on the Xiaomi router: from factory sticker to hidden settings

Forgot the Wi-Fi password on Xiaomi router and don't know where to look for it? This situation is familiar to many: the device is configured long ago, the data sticker is lost, and you need to connect a new gadget urgently. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to restore access, from the obvious (factory label) to the hidden (system logs of the router), in this article we will examine all possible options, including those that are not written in the standard instructions.

It's important to understand that the methods vary depending on the router model. For example, on the Mi Router 4A, you can see the password through the mobile application, and on the Xiaomi AX6000, you can only see it through the web interface. We'll look at the universal solutions and nuances for popular series, so you can find the right information, and if the standard methods do not work, we'll tell you how to reset without losing functionality.

1. Factory label: the first source of password

The easiest way to find out your password is to look at the sticker that's on the bottom or back of the router, and it says,

• 🔄 SSID (Wi-Fi network name – usually starts with Xiaomi_ or MiWiFi_;
• 🔑 Password/Key — factory password (8–12 symbols, often with numbers and letters in uppercase);
• 📡 MAC-Address – may be required to link to the provider;
• 🌐 IP-The address to log into the control panel (usually 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com).

If the sticker is erased or painted over, try to light it up with a flashlight at an angle -- sometimes the symbols become visible. 3G/4C The label can be hidden under a removable lid (take care of it with a plastic card) on Xiaomi routers released after the launch. 2021 year, the password on the sticker is encrypted QR-code – it can be scanned through the Mi WiFi app.

⚠️ Note: If you changed your password after the first setting, the data on the sticker will be irrelevant.

2 Password in the router's web interface

If the router is already configured and connected to the network, you can see the password through the control panel.

1. Connect to the router via cable (via LAN port) or Wi-Fi (if you remember the old password).
2. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com.
3. Log in with the login and password from the control panel (by default — admin/admin, unless changed).
4. Go to the Wi-Fi section → Wireless network settings (in English firmware – Wireless → Wi-Fi Settings).
5. The password will be displayed in the Wi-Fi Password or Wireless Key field (can be hidden under the dots – click on the eye icon). 👁️).

On some models (AX3600, AX9000) the password is hidden for security reasons.

If you have a lock on the control panel, try resetting your administrator password through the MiWiFi Repair Tool (you can download it from Xiaomi's official website).

3.Mi WiFi mobile application: password in two clicks

The Mi WiFi app (available for Android and iOS) allows you to control your router from your smartphone, including viewing your current password.

1. Install the app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect to the router network (even if you don’t remember the password, you can use a cable).
3. Open the app and log in (use the same Mi Account as when setting up your router).
4. Go to the Wi-Fi section → Network settings.
5. The password will be displayed in the Wi-Fi Password field (if the field is hidden, tap it).

If the application does not connect to the router:

• 🔌 Check that the router and phone are on the same network (even if you don’t have the internet).
• 📱 Update the application to the latest version (older versions may have password-displaying bugs).
• 🔄 Restart the router (reset button for 10 seconds).
• 🌍 Check the region in the application settings (should match the router region).

💡

If you have a Xiaomi router with Padavan firmware (alternative firmware), you can see the password through SSH. Connect to the command ssh admin@192.168.1.1 Enter nvram get and get wl0_key1 (net 2.4 GHz or nvram get wl1_key1 (for 5 GHz).

4. Password in the router system logs (for advanced)

If standard methods fail, you can find the password in the router's system files, which is suitable for users familiar with SSH or Telnet.

1. Activate SSH on the router: Go to the web interface (192.168.31.1). Go to Advanced Settings → System Tools → SSH. Enable access and save settings.

SSH

PuTTY

ssh admin@192.168.31.1

The default password is admin (if not changed).

cat /etc/config/wireless

Look for lines with key='your password' (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz network).

On routers with OpenWRT firmware (such as some versions of Mi Router 3G), the command will be different:

uci show wireless.@wifi-iface[0].key

or for the second network:

uci show wireless.@wifi-iface[1].key

⚠️ Note: Incorrect commands in the SSH They can disrupt the router. If you're not sure, use other methods.

5. Reset router to factory settings

If all previous methods failed, the last option is to reset the router to factory settings, which will return the original password (as indicated on the sticker), but remove all user settings (including guest network, parental controls, and Mi Account binding).

How to reset:

1. Find the Reset button on the back of the router (usually recessed in the case).
2. Take a paperclip or toothpick, press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing.
3. Release the button and wait for the reboot (1-2 minutes).
4. Connect to a network with a factory name (Xiaomi_XXXX) and password (with sticker).

On some models (Mi Router 4Q, Mi Router AC2100) the reset is different:

After discharge:

• 🔧 Configure your router again via miwifi.com or mobile app.
• 🔒 Change the factory password to a more reliable one (it is recommended to use at least 12 characters with an uppercase letter and a number).
• 📱 Link the router to your Mi Account to restore access through the app in the future.

💡

Factory reset is a last resort, and before you do it, try all other methods, especially if the router is tied to a provider (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline), after reset, you may need to re-authorize with the ISP.

6. Alternative methods: if nothing has worked

In rare cases, standard methods do not work (for example, if the router is blocked after a failed firmware or memory is damaged).

Method 1: Removing password from backup

If you have ever backed up your router’s settings via a web interface (System Tools → Backup/Restore), the password can be extracted from the configuration file:

1. Download the backup to your computer (file with the.cfg or.bin extension).
2. Open it in a text editor (like Notepad++ or VS Code).
3. Find a line. wl0_key1= or wireless_password= — post-sign = will have a password.

Method 2: Using Utilities to Recover

For Xiaomi routers, there are specialized utilities that can reset your password without completely resetting your settings:

• 🛠️ MiWiFi Unlock Tool – works with models on a chip MT7620/MT7621 (Like Mi Router. 3G).
• 🔓 Xiaomi Router Password Recovery – Analyzes the router’s memory dump (physical access required).
• 📡 OpenWRT Firmware Mod – an alternative firmware that can bypass locking (only for experienced users!).

Method 3: Appealing for Xiaomi

If the router is linked to your Mi Account, you can try to restore access through support:

1. Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
2. Select the Devices section → Routers.
3. Find your router in the list and click Device Management.
4. If the router is online, the Wi-Fi Password Reset option will be available.

⚠️ Note: Some “craftsmen” offer services to hack Xiaomi routers through exploits in firmware. This not only violates the user agreement, but can lead to the locking of the device at the Mi Cloud level.

FAQ: Frequent questions about passwords on Xiaomi routers