Users of network devices often face a situation where you need to connect a new device to Wi-Fi, but the access key is lost or forgotten. In the Xiaomi ecosystem, finding this information may not seem obvious, since the company offers several layers of network management. Standard factory data may differ from those that were installed by the user during the initial setup of the equipment.
There are several proven methods to restore access to router control or retrieve the Wi-Fi key of the network. You can use a physical sticker on the case, the Mi Home mobile application or log into the web interface through a browser. The specific method depends on whether you changed the standard security settings after you bought the device.
In this article, we will discuss each of the options available in detail, paying special attention to models with Chinese and global firmware. The standard administrator password on Xiaomi routers is often absent by default, requiring it to be created when you first log in.
Search for factory data on the device body
The fastest and most reliable way to find out the standard credentials is to look at the bottom or back of the router housing. Manufacturers put a special information sticker that contains all the information necessary for the initial connection, MAC-address, IP-address for entry to control panel and factory key.
Notice the field, which is designated Pin, Password or Key, and this is the combination of characters that you need to connect to your wireless network immediately after unpacking, and if you've never changed your security settings, that code will be valid without restrictions.
⚠️ Note: If the router has been used before, the factory password on the sticker may not fit because it was changed by the previous owner or you during the setup.
The address 192.168.31.1 or the domain name router.miwifi.com is often used to log in to the admin panel. Some older Chinese models may not have a password to log in to the web interface by default, which is a serious vulnerability if not installed immediately.
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Take a picture of the factory data sticker immediately after you buy the router. Over time, the text on the sticker may disappear, and the photo on the phone will help you quickly restore access.
Use of the Mi Home mobile application
Modern routers Xiaomi and Redmi are closely integrated with the ecosystem of the smart home. If you control a device through a smartphone, you can find the password directly in the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home), which is the most convenient way for those who are used to controlling the network from a mobile device.
The browsing process is hidden in the settings menu of a particular router, you need to open the application, select your router from the list of devices, and go to the Wi-Fi settings menu, which displays the current network name and password that you can copy or change.
☑️ Access verification through the application
It is important to note that displaying a password in the app may require admin rights confirmation. Android or iOS security system may request unlocking the device or entering PIN-code of the application to ensure that the access is given to the owner.
If the app shows a message that the router is not connected to the account network, you will need to log in to the same Mi Account that was used when the device was originally linked, without this step, you will not be able to view detailed settings.
Log in to the web interface via the browser
The classic method of managing network equipment involves using a web browser on a computer or smartphone connected to a router. First, you need to open any browser and enter into the address bar. IP-For Xiaomi devices, it is most often 192.168.31.1.
When you go to the address, you'll see the login page, and here the system will ask for the administrator password. Don't confuse it with the Wi-Fi password, because it's a separate key that's created when you first set up the router to protect the control panel from outsiders.
| Parameter | Default value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| IP-address | 192.168.31.1 | Standard for most models |
| domain | router.miwifi.com | It only works within the router network. |
| Login. | admin | New firmware is often not required |
| Password. | It's user-defined. | At first setting |
If you have forgotten the administrator password, but the device is connected to your computer via a cable, some firmware versions allow you to log in without entering the key if you have a computer. IP-The computer address is in the same subnet, but in current versions of MIWiFi. OS Security level is increased and password entry is mandatory.
What happens if the page 192.168.31.1 does not open?
Resetting settings to factory
In a situation where the administrator password is lost and the factory data is not suitable, the only solution is a complete reset configuration, which will return the router to the “out of the box” state by removing all user settings, including the network name and access keys.
To do the reset, look for a hole on the case that says Reset, which is usually located next to LAN ports or on the back, and you'll need a thin object, like a paper clip or a toothpick, to press the hidden button inside the hole.
⚠️ Attention: You only need to press the reset button when the router is powered on. 5-10 seconds until the system indicator starts flashing orange.
Once the indicator lights up in orange, the button can be released, the device will restart, and the initialization process will take about 1-2 minutes, then the router will create an open network with the name indicated on the sticker, and allow you to reconfigure through the web interface or application.
Features of Chinese and Global Versions
Owners of Xiaomi equipment often face differences between firmware versions. Chinese routers have a number of features that can confuse an inexperienced user. For example, the web panel interface can be entirely in Chinese, making it difficult to find the right fields.
Global versions designed for the international market often have a simplified interface and support for English out of the box, but Chinese firmware is sometimes more functional, and enthusiasts prefer to refashion the devices to access additional settings.
When working with the Chinese version, this may lead to delays in registration or the inability to link the router to an account with the “Europe” or “CIS” region.
Changing the interface language in the Chinese version often requires clicking on a hidden link or using special browser plugins that translate pages on the fly. In new models, you can change the language in the Settings → Status → Language section, if this option is available in your version of the software.
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Chinese versions of Xiaomi routers often require you to create a separate account with the region of China for full functionality in the Mi Home application.
Security and password change
Once you have successfully restored access, it is strongly recommended that you change your default passwords immediately. Factory combinations are easy to guess or find in open databases on the Internet. The protection of your personal information and traffic depends on the complexity of the key.
Create a password with a minimum of 12 characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. Avoid using obvious sequences such as birth dates or phone numbers. Use password managers to store complex passwords.
It's also worth disabling WPS if you're not using it all the time, and it has known vulnerabilities that allow attackers to brute-force their Wi-Fi password without having to know the encryption key.
Check the list of connected customers in the web interface regularly. If you notice an unfamiliar device, immediately change the Wi-Fi password and check if it is connected to your network via guest access.