The Xiaomi Router 4 is one of the most popular network devices in the Xiaomi lineup, combining affordable price, stable operation and extensive customization options. However, many users face difficulties in the initial configuration, especially if they try to do this through a computer rather than a mobile application Mi Wi-Fi. In this article, we will discuss all the steps from physical connection to fine network optimization using only a Windows PC or macOS.
The main advantage of setting up via computer is more flexible control over network parameters, the ability to use advanced features (for example, SSH or Telnet for power users), and the ease of working with a large screen. But there are also nuances: some features in the Xiaomi web interface are hidden or require additional manipulation, we will show how to circumvent these restrictions and configure the router as efficiently as possible.
Preparation for the setup: what will be needed
Before you start configuring the Xiaomi Router 4, make sure you have everything you need:
- π Ethernet Cable (usually bundled with router) β required for initial connection to PC.
- π» Computer with a network card (any laptop or PC with a port is suitable) RJ-45).
- π Internet access via provider (the cable from the ISP must be connected to the port) WAN router).
- π Data from the provider: connection type (PPPoE, DHCP, Static IP), login and password (if required).
If you donβt know the type of connection or you have forgotten the login details, contact your ISPβs support team. Without this data, the router will not be able to access the Internet, even if all other settings are correctly executed.
We also recommend that you update your router firmware in advance if you have access to the Internet through another device, which will help avoid compatibility errors. Check the current firmware version on the sticker under the router - if it is older than 2.XX.XX, it is better to update before setting up.
Connecting the router to the computer
The first step is to physically connect the devices, and then do the following:
- Connect the cable from your ISP to the WAN port on the back of the Xiaomi Router 4 (usually highlighted in blue).
- Connect the router to your computer using an Ethernet cable by inserting one end into any of the LAN ports (yellow) and the other end into the PC network card.
- Connect the power supply to the router and plug it into the socket. Wait until the indicator on the front stops flashing and lights up in blue (this means that the device is ready to go).
If the indicator flashes orange or does not light up at all, check:
- π Correct cable connection (possibly the connector is not fully inserted into the port).
- π Power supply failure (try another cable or socket).
- π₯οΈ Network card settings on PC (sometimes you need to manually enable receipt) IP down DHCP).
π‘
If you do not have an Ethernet cable, you can temporarily connect to the router via Wi-Fi (the network will be called the Ethernet). Xiaomi_XXXX, However, for the initial setup, it is better to use a wired connection, it is more stable.
Log in to the router's web interface
After you connect, you need to go to the router control panel through the browser.
- Open any browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) on your computer.
- In the address bar, type 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com and click Enter.
- If the page does not open, check the network settings on your PC: On Windows: Start β Parameters β Network and Internet β Ethernet β Adjust the adapter settings. Right-click on Ethernet, select Properties β IP version 4 (TCP/IPv4) And make sure you're ticked off. IP-Address automatically and get the address DNS-On macOS: System settings β Network β Ethernet β Set up IPv4 (DHCP).
admin
admin
If you forget your password and can't log in, you'll have to reset your router to the factory settings.
β οΈ Attention: Press and hold the Reset button for 10 seconds with a paper clip or toothpick.All settings will be reset, including the Wi-Fi password and Internet connection settings.
Basic Internet connection setting
Once you log in to the web interface, you'll see the main page with the basic parameters, and the first thing you need to do is set up your Internet connection:
- Go to the Internet section (Internet).
- Choose the type of connection your provider uses: π DHCP (dynamic IP) β If the provider automatically assigns an address. π PPPoE β if you need to enter a login and password (the most common option). π Static IP β if the provider has issued fixed addresses IP, DNS, Gateway.
PPPoE
Save.
If the Internet does not work after saving, check:
- π Correctness of cable connection to the port WAN.
- π Correctness of the entered data (especially sensitive to the password register in PPPoE).
- π Settings MAC-addresses (sometimes providers link access to a specific address) MAC β In this case, you need to clone. MAC your previous router or PC).
βοΈ Checking the Internet connection
Setting up a Wi-Fi wireless network
Now, we're going to move on to Wi-Fi configuration. In the Wi-Fi (Wireless) section, you can:
- πΆ Change the name of the network (SSID) β Choose a unique name so as not to be confused with neighboring networks.
- π Set a password - use it. WPA2-PSK (The password must contain at least 8 characters, including letters and numbers.
- π‘ Select a channel and bandwidth β for Xiaomi Router 4 channel 6 or 11 (less loaded) and width 20/40 MHz for Balance between Speed and Stability.
- π Enable guest network β useful if you want to share access for guests and major devices.
Example of optimal settings for a city apartment:
| Parameter | Recommended value | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| SSID | MyXiaomiWiFi_5G | Unique name without spaces and special symbols |
| Security | WPA2-PSK | The most secure protocol to date |
| Canal | 11 (2.4 GHz) / 36 (5 GHz) | Less congested channels in apartment buildings |
| Channel width | 20/40 MHz (2.4 GHz), 80 MHz (5 GHz) | Balance between coverage and speed |
Once you save the settings, the router will restart and you can connect to the new Wi-Fi network. If the speed leaves much to be desired, try changing the channel or reducing the bandwidth (for example, from 40 MHz to 20 MHz for 2.4 GHz).
How do I know which Wi-Fi channel is less crowded?
Additional settings for experienced users
The web interface of Xiaomi Router 4 hides some advanced features, but they can be activated via SSH or Telnet.
- π§ Change of change DNS-Servers β you can use 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google) to speed up loading of sites.
- π QoS setting β Prioritize traffic (for example, for online games or video calls).
- π Manual firmware update β if the automatic update doesnβt work.
- π Disable remote management β to improve security (by default, Xiaomi can send data to its servers).
To turn on SSH-access:
- Go to the Supplementary β Developer β SSH.
- Activate the switch and save the settings.
- Connect to the router via PuTTY (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) at 192.168.31.1 with root login and sticker password.
Example of a command to change DNS:
nvram set wan_dns="1.1.1.1 8.8.8.8"
nvram commit
rebootβ οΈ Note: Incorrect commands in the SSH If you are not sure about your actions, it is better not to change the settings manually or pre-backup the configuration through the web interface (Additional) β Backup).
Update firmware and reset to factory settings
Regular firmware updates improve stability and add new features.To update the Xiaomi Router 4:
- Go to the Supplementary β Firmware update.
- Click Check Updates. If the new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen.
- Do not turn off the router during the upgrade (the process takes 3-5 minutes).
If the router is unstable or you have forgotten your password, reset:
- Press and hold the Reset button on the back for 10 seconds.
- After restarting, the router will return to factory settings (network name β Xiaomi_XXXX, password - from the sticker).
If the automatic update does not work, you can download the firmware manually from the official Xiaomi website and install it through the web interface. Please note that the firmware for Xiaomi Router 4 and Xiaomi Router 4A/4C are incompatible - check the model on the sticker under the device.
π‘
Update your firmware only through official sources. Using third-party firmware (such as OpenWRT) can deprive you of warranty and lead to unstable work.
Troubleshooting
If the Internet does not work after setting up or Wi-Fi periodically shuts down, check the following points:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No Internet access | Incorrect PPPoE settings or MAC-address | Check the username/password, clone the MAC of the previous router |
| Wi-Fi is slow to work. | Channel congestion or interference | Change the channel to 1, 6 or 11 in the settings |
| Router overheats | Poor ventilation or high load | Move the router to a ventilated location, disable unnecessary devices |
| The web interface is not open | Conflict IP-addresses or router failure | Reset settings with the Reset button or check PC network settings |
If the problem persists, try:
- π Restart router (turn off power for 30 seconds).
- π‘ Update the firmware to the latest version.
- π Contact Xiaomi or your provider (if you have an internet problem).
To diagnose the network, you can use the command in Windows:
ping 8.8.8.8 -tIf packets fail (Request timed out), the problem is on the ISP or router side. If they pass, but the sites do not open, check the DNS settings.