How to change the Wi-Fi password on the Xiaomi router: 3 proven ways

Forgot the password from your Xiaomi network or want to update it for security? Changing the password hotspot on routers Mi Router, AX3600, AX6000 and other models of the brand — a procedure that takes no more than 5 minutes, but requires attention to detail. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways: through the official Mi WiFi application, the router web interface and even alternative methods for cases when the standard ones do not work.

It's important to understand that changing your password will automatically turn off all connected devices, you'll have to re-authorize them, and if you're using a guest network, your settings can also reset, and we'll tell you how to avoid common mistakes, like when you change your password, the Internet goes missing or the router stops responding, and you'll find here tips for creating a strong password and a table comparing how to change.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned user, this guide will help you get a handle on the nuances. For example, did you know that on some Xiaomi models, after updating the firmware, the network settings menu might look different? Or that a password less than 8 characters long would make your network vulnerable to hacking in a matter of minutes?

1.Preparation for changing the password: what you need to know in advance

Before you start changing your password, make sure you have:

• 📱 A smartphone or computer connected to a Xiaomi router (via Wi-Fi or cable).
• 🔑 Current network password (if you don’t remember it, you’ll have to reset the router to factory settings).
• 📋 New password that meets security requirements (more on this below).
• ⚡ Stable power to the router – if it shuts down during the process, settings may reset.

Pay particular attention to new passwords, and research shows that more than 60 percent of home network breaches are due to weak passwords like "12345678" or "qwerty." To protect your network, follow the rules:

• 🔐 At least 12 characters long (optimally 16+).
• 🔤 Combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters (e.g.!@#$%).
• 🚫 Eliminate personal information (dates of birth, names, addresses).
• 🔄 Do not use the same password for Wi-Fi and Mi Account.

If you change your password because you suspect you're hacking, check the list of connected devices in your router's settings after the procedure. Unknown gadgets (especially those with unusual names like esp8266 or hacker1337) are a cause for concern.

⚠️ Warning: Xiaomi routers with firmware older than 2021 may not support modern encryption standards (e.g., WPA3).If security settings only have WPA2-PSK, update your firmware via the Mi WiFi App before changing your password.

2. Method 1: Change password through the Mi WiFi application

The official Mi WiFi app (formerly Mi Router) is the most convenient way to manage network settings, it is available for Android and iOS, supports Russian and automatically determines the model of your router.

1. Open the app and log in to your Mi Account (if not authorized).
2. On the home screen, tap your router icon (such as the AX3600 or Mi Router 4A).
3. Go to the Wi-Fi settings section (or Wi-Fi settings in English).
4. Select the network you want to change your password for (usually 2.4G and 5G).
5. In the Wi-Fi Password field, enter the new password twice (to confirm).
6. Click Save and wait for the router to restart (it will take up to 2 minutes).

If the router didn't automatically reboot after saving, do it manually by tapping the three dots in the top right corner of the app and selecting Reboot. Importantly, all the devices will be disconnected from the network, and you'll have to reconnect them.

Connection to the router is stable (no icon "!" next to the network name)

New password entered without typos (check the register of letters)

Select the correct safety standard (WPA2/WPA3)

The current guest network settings are saved (if used)

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On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Router 4C), the application may not have a separate password field.

1. Go to the Additional settings → Wi-Fi security.
2. Select the encryption type (WPA2-PSK or WPA3-SAE).
3. In the Network Key field, enter a new password.

⚠️ Warning: If a "Failure to apply settings" notification appears after changing your password, check your router's Internet connection. Without access to Xiaomi servers, some features (including changing your password) may be blocked.

3. Method 2: Change password through the router's web interface

The web interface of the Xiaomi router is an alternative to the mobile application, which will come in handy if Mi WiFi is not working or you prefer to configure the network from your computer.

1. Connect your computer to the router via cable (LAN) or Wi-Fi.
2. Open your browser and type in 192.168.31.1 (for most Xiaomi models) or miwifi.com.
3. Sign in using your current Wi-Fi password or Mi Account details (depending on the model).

Further action depends on the firmware version:

After changing the password in the web interface, remember to click Save or Apply. The router will reboot and all devices will be disabled. If the page does not respond after saving, update it in 1-2 minutes or reconnect to the network.

💡

If the web interface of the Xiaomi router opens in Chinese, add at the end of the address?lang=ru (example: 192.168.31.1?lang=ru). This will force Russian to be included if it is supported by your firmware.

Method 3: Alternative methods (for experienced users)

If standard methods don't work (e.g., a router doesn't open a web interface or an application fails), alternative methods can be used. They take more time and technical knowledge, but sometimes they are the only solution.

4.1 Reset router to factory settings

This is an extreme measure that erases all settings, including the Wi-Fi password.

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. After the reboot, the router will create a new network with the name Xiaomi_XXXX and the default password (indicated on the sticker below).

The disadvantage of this method is that you will have to configure the router again: specify the Internet connection parameters (if you do not have DHCP), configure IPTV, Parent Control and other functions.

4.2. Change password via SSH (for stitched routers)

If your router has custom firmware installed (for example, Padavan or OpenWRT), you can change the password through the terminal using the SSH protocol.

ssh admin@192.168.31.1

Enter a password (often empty or "admin" by default)



nvram set wl0_key= "new password"




nvram set wl1_key= "new password" # For 5G network




nvram commit




reboot

This method is only suitable for advanced users, and a mistake in commands can lead to loss of access to the router.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

If the router after changing the password began to reboot or “brake” often, check:

• 🔌 Power quality - try another power supply.
• 📶 Network congestion – disable the extra devices.
• 🔄 Wi-Fi Channel – Select a less loaded channel in the router settings (e.g., 6 or 11 for 2.4G).

Through the Mi WiFi app

Through the Web Interface (192.168.31.1)

Resetting the router to factory settings

Another way.

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6. How to protect Xiaomi network after changing password

Changing your password is just the first step to securing your network, so to minimize the risk of hacking or unauthorized access, make additional settings:

6.1 Guest network setup

Guest network allows you to connect devices of friends or smart appliances (for example, Xiaomi Smart Camera) without revealing the main password.

1. In the Mi WiFi app, go to Wi-Fi Settings → Guest Network.
2. Enable the guest network and specify a separate name (e.g., Xiaomi_Guest).
3. Set a password (you can easily use the main one, but at least 8 characters).
4. Limit speed and access time (bandwidth control option).

Update of firmware

Outdated firmware may contain vulnerabilities that allow hackers to connect to your network.

1. Open the Mi WiFi app and go to Settings → Firmware Update.
2. If a new version is available, click Update.
3. Do not turn off the router during the process (it can take up to 10 minutes).

Disable remote control

The remote control feature allows you to configure the router over the Internet, but it also opens a potential loophole for hackers to disable:

1. In the web interface, go to Settings → Remote management.
2. Turn off the option to Enable Remote Access.
3. Save the settings and restart the router.

💡

Change your Wi-Fi password regularly (every 3-6 months) and check the list of connected devices in Settings → Connected Devices. Unknown gadgets may indicate a network hack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)