Set up Xiaomi router in Chinese: a complete guide from login to security

Buying a Xiaomi router on Chinese sites is often more profitable than buying a global version, but many users face a problem: the device runs on Chinese firmware with an incomprehensible interface, where even basic settings turn into a puzzle. Chinese version MIUI routers not only have different menu language, but also may have functional limitations (for example, the lack of support for some regions for cloud services).

In this article, we’ll look at how to set up a Xiaomi router in Chinese without knowing the characters, from the first login to the control panel to the subtle Wi-Fi settings, security and parental control. You’ll learn how to temporarily change the interface language, where to look for key parameters, and what nuances are important to consider when working with Chinese firmware. And for those who are planning a full Russification, we have prepared a separate section with instructions for installing alternative firmware.

⚠️ Important: Chinese versions of Xiaomi routers (e.g. Mi Router) 4A Gigabit Edition or Redmi Router AX6S) There may be hardware limitations on signal transmission power in some countries. Check local regulations before setting up to avoid legal problems.

1. Preparation for setting up: what will be needed

Before you start changing your router settings, make sure you have everything you need:

• 📄 Documents out of the box: passport of the device with factory data (login / password for login, MAC-They're often pasted on the bottom of the router.
• 🔌 Ethernet Cable: For the first connection to the router, it is better to use a wired connection to a PC or laptop.
• 📱 Smartphone with Mi Wi-Fi: the official application (even in Chinese) will help simplify some settings.
• 🌐 Browser with translator: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge with automatic page translation.

If you've bought a router from hand, be sure to reset it to factory settings. To do this, press and hold the Reset button (usually located on the back) for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing. This will remove all previous settings, including passwords and firewall rules.

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Use Google Chrome in incognito mode to log into the router control panel, which will help avoid conflicts with cache and plugins that can block access to Chinese IP-address.

2.Access to the control panel: IP-address and authorization

By default, Xiaomi’s Chinese routers use one of three IP-addresses for accessing the web interface:

• 192.168.31.1 is the most common version.
• 192.168.1.1 – used in some Redmi Router models
• miwifi.com is a domain name (may not work without the Internet).

To enter the panel:

1. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi (the default network name is usually Xiaomi_XXXX).
2. Enter one of the browser's address bars IP-addresses above.
3. Enter the login and password (by default – admin and admin, or indicated on the sticker of the router).

If the page does not open:

• 🔄 Check what your computer is getting. IP-address (DHCP).
• 🛠️ Turn it off. VPN Proxies – they can block access to the local network.
• 🔌 Try another browser or device.

3. Basic settings: language change and network name

Chinese firmware doesn't support Russification out of the box, but the interface language can be changed to English temporarily.

1. In the control panel, find the tab with hieroglyphs (Settings) → (Status of the system).
2. Look for the item (language) and select English.
3. Save the changes with the button (Save).

After the router restarts, part of the menu will remain in Chinese, which is normal for Chinese firmware, DHCP, Security will be in English.

Now you can change the name of the network (SSID) password:

1. Go to Wi-Fi Settings → Basic Settings.
2. In the Wi-Fi Name field, enter a new name (Latin).
3. In Wi-Fi Password, specify a password (minimum 8 characters).
4. Select the type of security: WPA2-PSK (recommended WPA3-SAE (new devices).

Name of the network (SSID) modified|Password contains ≥8 symbolism|Type of security — WPA2/WPA3|Wi-Fi channel – automatic or ≤6 for 2.4 GHz|Hiding the network (Hide) SSID) disconnected-->

4. Internet setting: PPPoE, DHCP double NAT

Xiaomi’s Chinese routers are often set to receive automatically IP-address (DHCP), But most Russian providers will require a manual configuration:

For PPPoE (the most common option):

1. Go to Internet Settings → Connection Type.
2. Select PPPoE.
3. Enter the username and password from the provider (specified in the contract).
4. Install. MTU = 1480 (optimum for most providers).
5. In the field DNS Specify 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google) to speed up the Internet.

⚠️ Note: If your provider uses a binding MAC-address, copy MAC-address of the old router (or computer) and paste it in the field MAC Clone is in the Internet Settings section, otherwise the Internet may not work.

5.Security: Firewall, Parental Control and Guest Wi-Fi

Chinese firmware often has simplified security settings, but the basic features are available:

• 🔒 Firewall: Enable in Security → Firewall: Recommended to keep Medium or High protection levels.
• 👶 Parental Control: In Advanced → Parental Control can restrict access to sites by time or keywords (e.g., blocking" - "games").
• 📡 Guest Wi-Fi: In Wi-Fi → Guest Network set up a separate network with a speed limit (useful for cafes or offices).

To enhance safety:

1. Disable UPnP in Advanced → UPnP (Vulnerability for DDoS Attacks).
2. Include DoS Protection in Security.
3. Update the firmware in System → Firmware Update (even if the Chinese version is in English).

6. Advanced settings: port forwarding and QoS

If you need to open ports for gaming servers, IP-Cameras or torrent clients, use Port Forwarding:

1. Go to Advanced. → Port Forwarding.
2. Add a new rule (Add Rule).
3. Enter: Service Name (e.g., Minecraft); External Port (e.g., 25565); Internal IP — local IP Devices (e.g. 192.168.31.100); Internal Port (often coincides with external port).

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To prioritize traffic (for example, for streaming or online gaming), set up QoS:

1. In Advanced. → QoS, turn on the function.
2. Select By Device and specify MAC-Addresses of devices that need priority.
3. Set a speed limit for other devices (e.g. 50 Mbps out of 100 Mbps).

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Port forwarding works only at static IP-address of the device on the local network. DHCP fittingly MAC-address DHCP → Reservation.

7. Russification and alternative firmware

If you don’t like the Chinese interface, there are three ways to Russify:

1. Official Update: Some models (e.g. Mi Router) 4C) Get global firmware through Firmware Update. Check for updates once a month.
2. Patched firmware: Enthusiasts create modified versions with Russian. 4PDA or MIUI SU.
3. OpenWRT/LEDE: Completely replace firmware with an open system. Not all models support (list of compatible ones - openwrt.org).

To install the patched firmware:

1. Download the firmware file (usually with the.bin extension).
2. Go to System. → Manual Update.
3. Download the file and wait for the reboot (5-10 minutes).

8. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after you've set it up properly, you can have difficulties.

If the Xiaomi router does not save the settings after the reboot:

• Check the file system (the flash memory may be damaged).
• Update the firmware to the latest version.
• Reset the settings and reset the router.

To diagnose the network, use the command in the terminal (Windows/Linux):

ping 192.168.31.1 -t

If the ping passes, but the Internet is not available, the problem is on the provider side or in the PPPoE settings.

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If the router does not reset the settings IP-address DHCP, hand-appoint IP ranged 192.168.31.X (e.g. 192.168.31.100) with mask 255.255.255.0 and lock 192.168.31.1.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions