Where to store the password from Wi-Fi on Xiaomi routers: 7 proven ways to restore

Have you forgotten your Wi-Fi password on your Xiaomi router and don't know where to find it? Or bought a used device and the previous owner didn't leave the data to connect? This situation is familiar to many - according to statistics, one in three users has lost access to their network at least once. Fortunately, Xiaomi routers (including the Mi Router 4A/4C, Redmi Router AX6, AX3000 and others) have several ways to restore or reset the password - from browsing through a mobile application to a hardware reset.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of obtaining a password, including hidden features of the MiWiFi firmware, working with 192.168.31.1, as well as nuances for devices with firmware Padavan or OpenWRT. Importantly, some methods require physical access to the router, others work remotely - choose the appropriate option depending on your situation.

1. Where is the default password stored on new Xiaomi routers

If you’ve just bought a Xiaomi router and haven’t changed your settings yet, the Wi-Fi password can be found on the sticker on the bottom of the device, usually listed next to the network SSID (the Wi-Fi name) and looks like a combination of 8-12 characters, such as 12345678 or xiaomi123.

But there are nuances:

• 🔹 On the Mi Router models 4A Gigabit and AX3600 Password can be hidden under a protective film – remove it carefully.
• 🔹 Redmi Router routers (for example, AC2100) Sometimes they come with a unique password generated when you first turn on, and then the sticker is useless.
• 🔹 If the sticker is worn or missing, try the standard combinations: admin, password or 1234567890.

Attention! When you first connect to your router through the Mi WiFi app, the default password automatically changes to the user password. If you've already set up your device, this method won't work.

2. How to view password through the Mi WiFi app (official way)

The easiest way to find out your current password is to use the Mi WiFi app (formerly Mi Router), which is available for Android and iOS and allows you to manage all your router settings remotely.

Instructions:

1. Install the Mi WiFi app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect to the router network (if you forget your password, use an Ethernet cable).
3. Open the app and log in to your Xiaomi account (if you have previously linked the router).
4. Go to the Wi-Fi section → Network settings.
5. Press the eye icon (👁️) near the field Password.

Challenges and solutions:

• 🔌 If the router is not linked to the account, a reset will be required (see Section 5).
• 📱 Some firmwares have a password hidden – try updating the app.
• 🔒 If requested PIN-code, enter the last 4-digit code that was used to log into the web interface.

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If the Mi WiFi app doesn't see the router, check if the phone is on Wi-Fi and if the device is on the same network, sometimes rebooting the router (reset button for 10 seconds) helps.

Viewing passwords through the web interface (192.168.31.1)

If the application is not available or does not work, the password can be found through the browser.

1. Connect your computer or phone to your router via cable or Wi-Fi (if you remember the password from another network on that device).
2. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com.
3. Enter the login and password for the login (by default – admin and admin, if not changed).
4. Go to the Wi-Fi section → Wireless network settings.
5. The password will be displayed in the Wi-Fi Password field (may be hidden – click on the eye icon).

What to do if you can’t get in?

• 🔑 Try resetting your administrator password through Forgot your password? (if your Xiaomi account is tied).
• 🖥️ If IP-192.168.31.1 does not open, check your network settings on your PC (to be received) IP automatically).
• 🔄 On some firmware (Padavan) the address may be 192.168.1.1.

4. Where the password is stored in the router configuration files (for advanced)

If you have access to the router's file system (e.g. via SSH or after installing custom firmware), the password can be extracted from configuration files, a method that is suitable for users with Linux experience.

Instructions for MiWiFi firmware:

1. Connect to the router via SSH (login: root, password: admin or the one you installed).
2. Execute the command: cat /etc/config/wireless
3. Find the key='your password' line in the wifi-iface section.

For the Padavan firmware:

1. Open the file: cat /etc/wireless/rt2860v2_2G.dat
2. Look for the parameter WPAPSK=.

Warning: Changing configuration files without knowing the commands may cause the router to fail! it is recommended to back up before editing.

5. Hardware router reset: when nothing helps

If all previous methods failed, a complete reset remains, which will return the router to factory settings, including the default password (see section 1).

How to reset:

1. Find the Reset button on the back of the router (usually deepened to avoid accidentally pressing).
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).

What happens after the dump:

• ⚠️ All network settings, including Wi-Fi name and password, will be reset.
• ⚠️ The Xiaomi account will remain attached (if it was).
• ⚠️ Google WiFi or Mesh settings (if used) will have to be reconfigured.

Backup settings (if you have access to the web interface)

Write it down. MAC-Addresses of connected devices (for binding after resetting)

Prepare a paper clip or thin object to press Reset

Make sure the router is on (power indicator is on)

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6. Password recovery via Xiaomi account (if the router is tied)

If the router is linked to your Xiaomi account, you can restore access to settings (including Wi-Fi password) through a cloud service, which works even without physical access to the device.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Mi WiFi app or go to i.mi.com.
2. Sign in under your account.
3. Select your router from the list of devices.
4. Go to the Office. → Wi-Fi settings.
5. The password will be displayed in the Network Password field (SMS confirmation may be required).

⚠️ Note: If the router was linked to the previous owner’s account, this method will not work.In this case, a reset (section 5) or a request for support of Xiaomi with proof of purchase is required.

7. Alternative methods: if the router with custom firmware

If your Xiaomi router has Padavan, OpenWRT or other alternative firmware installed, standard methods may not work.

Padavan and OpenWRT firmware also have the option to export settings to a configuration file.

1. SSH, connect.
2. Execute the command: cat /etc/config/wireless > /tmp/wireless.conf
3. Download the wireless.conf file via SCP or FTP.

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On custom firmware routers, the password is often stored in plain form in configuration files, but changing those files without knowing the syntax can lead to loss of access to the network.

FAQ: Frequent questions about passwords on Xiaomi routers