How to set up bridge mode on the Xiaomi router: connect networks without losing speed

Connecting two routers to a single network via bridge mode (or bridge) is a popular solution to expand Wi-Fi coverage without laying cables. Owners of Xiaomi Mi Router 4/4A/5/AX routers often face the need to connect devices when the main router does not cope with the load or the signal does not reach remote rooms. However, standard MIUI firmware hides some settings, and an incorrect configuration can lead to dual NAT and speed drops of up to 30-50%.

In this guide, we will discuss three working ways to set up bridge on Xiaomi – through the web interface, the Mi Wi-Fi mobile application and the alternative firmware Padavan. IP-Addresses and what to do if the Internet disappears after setting up. MIUI 2023-2026 and chipset models MT7620/MT7621/Qualcomm IPQ4018.

What is bridge mode and why it is needed on Xiaomi

Network bridge is a technology that allows two networks to be connected at the L2 channel layer, making them logically one. In the context of Xiaomi routers, this means:

• 📶 Wi-Fi expansion without losing speed (unlike a repeater that reduces bandwidth by 50%).
• 🔄 Connecting networks from different providers (for example, if you have two Internet connections from Rostelecom and MTS).
• 🖥️ Connection of wired devices (IP-camera, NAS) to the main network via the second router.
• 🛡️ Isolation of traffic between network segments (if configured) VLAN).

On Xiaomi routers, bridge is implemented through two protocols:

1. WDS (Wireless Distribution System) is a wireless connection that operates at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, but requires support on both devices.
2. LAN-WAN Bridge is wired through ports. It's more stable, but you need cables.

⚠️ Note: If your primary router is not Xiaomi (like Keenetic or TP-Link), check for support. WDS Some models (e.g. Mi Router) 4C) They can't work in bridge mode.

Preparation for setup: what to check before creating a bridge

Before you combine routers, follow the mandatory steps:

Update the firmware on both routers to the latest version

Write it down. MAC-Device addresses (on the sticker or in Settings) → Status)

Turn off DHCP on the secondary router (if it will run in bridge mode)

Check the compatibility of Wi-Fi frequencies (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz)

Connect routers with cable (for LAN-WAN Bridge) or place them in the zone of the confident signal (for WDS)

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Critical parameters that need to be considered:

If you are planning to use a wireless bridge (WDS), consider:

• 📉 The speed of the connection will decrease by 30-50% signal-relay.
• 🔄 Routers must support the same Wi-Fi standard (for example, both of them — 802.11ac).
• 🔒 Wi-Fi passwords on both devices must match.

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If you have a Mi Router AX3600 or newer, use a wired LAN-WAN Bridge – it supports speeds up to 1 Gbps without loss.

Method 1: Configure WDS-bridge via web interface (wireless association)

This method is suitable for Mi Router 4/4A/4C/5 models with MIUI firmware. The instruction is relevant for the 2026 version of the web interface.

Steps to set up:

1. Connect to a router that will run in bridge (secondary), cable or Wi-Fi mode.
2. Open your browser and go to 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
3. Log in (login and password from the sticker on the router).
4. Go to Additional Settings → Operation Mode → Bridge (WDS).
5. Turn on the Bridge Mode (WDS) switch and press Next.
6. In the list of available networks, select the main router (if it is not available, check whether WDS is enabled on it).
7. Enter the password from the main router's Wi-Fi and save the settings.

After settings have been applied:

• The secondary router will reboot and connect to the main one.
• Its Wi-Fi will be turned off (unless you turn on the relay manually).
• All devices connected to it by cable will receive IP-address from the main router.

⚠️ Note: If the Internet disappears after setting up, check: Is it disabled? DHCP on the secondary router (Settings) → Local area network → DHCP-Is there any conflict between the servers? IP-addresses (e.g., both routers have 192.168.31.1) WDS (Some Keenetics need to enable Access Point WDS manually).

Method 2: Wired LAN-WAN Bridge (most stable variant)

This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models and guarantees top speeds (up to 1 Gbps). 5e higher).

Algorithm of settings:

1. Connect the secondary router to the main one via the LAN→LAN port (do not use the WAN port!).
2. Go to the secondary router web interface (192.168.31.1).
3. Go to Additional Settings → Local area network.
4. Turn it off. DHCP-server (switch to off position.).
5. Change. IP-For example, if the main router has 192.168.31.1, set the secondary router to 192.168.31.2.
6. Save the settings and restart the device.

Advantages of this method:

• 🚀 Maximum speed (no relay losses).
• 🔌 Stability (no interference as in wireless mode).
• 📡 Support for all devices (even if routers are different brands).

⚠️ Note: If the devices on the network do not see each other after setting up, check: the cable is connected to ports LAN, not WAN. Main router is on. IGMP Snooping (Settings) → Local area network: Firewalls or filtering disabled MAC-address.

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Wired LAN-WAN Bridge is the best choice for gaming consoles (PS5, Xbox), Smart TV and IP-In the case of low latency, low latency.

Method 3: Configure the bridge through the firmware Padavan (for advanced)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., on Mi Router 3G/4Q), you can use Padavan’s alternative firmware, which supports advanced bridge settings, including:

• 🔗 Bridge between VLAN (traffic isolation).
• 📡 WDS Multi-point (combining more than two routers).
• 🛠️ Set up QoS to prioritize traffic.

Instructions for installation of Padavan:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official Padavan repository.
2. Go to the router’s web interface and update the firmware through Additional Settings → Software Update.
3. After the reboot, go to the new interface (192.168.1.1).
4. Go to Network → LAN → Bridge and add the desired interfaces (e.g. eth0 and wlan0).
5. Save the settings and restart the device.

Warnings:

• ⚠️ Padavan Installation Resets All Settings to Factory.
• ⚠️ On some models (Mi Router) 4A Gigabit may not work 5GHz Wi-Fi.
• ⚠️ The firmware does not support official updates from Xiaomi.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the bridge setup right, there can be problems.

If the speed has dropped by more than 50% after adjusting the bridge, check:

• 📶 Signal power between routers (must be at least 70%).
• 🔌 Cable quality (for LAN-WAN Bridge use Cat 6).
• 🔄 Wi-Fi mode (for example, 802.11n slower 802.11ac).

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To diagnose the speed between routers, use the iperf3 utility (installe on your computer and check bandwidth).

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up a bridge on Xiaomi