Step-by-step setting up L2TP on the Xiaomi Mi Router 4A router: from basic parameters to fine optimization

Xiaomi Mi Router router 4A — One of the most popular network devices in the budget segment, but its capabilities go far beyond basic Wi-Fi distribution. L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol, which allows you to organize secure VPN-It means that all devices on your network, from smartphones to smart lights, will automatically use an encrypted channel without requiring a separate setup on each gadget.

But standard MiWiFi firmware is not always intuitive, especially when it comes to VPNs. Many people face problems: the connection is not installed, the speed drops significantly, the router “forgets” the settings after rebooting. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step setting of L2TP on Xiaomi 4A, taking into account the nuances of recent firmware versions (including MiWiFi R4A 3.0.36), and also tell you how to diagnose and fix typical errors. Special attention will be paid to speed optimization, because L2TP, despite its reliability, is not famous for its high performance.

Before proceeding, make sure you have: 1 Data to connect to L2TP-server address, user name, password and, if necessary, a common key PSK). 2) Latest firmware on the router (how to update - we will tell you below). 3 Access to the MiWiFi web interface (default - 192.168.31.1).

If something from the list is not – no problem: in the relevant sections we will explain in detail where to get it and how to prepare.

1. Preparation of the Xiaomi 4A router for L2TP setting

Before you configure a VPN, you need to make sure that the router is ready for changes, starting with basic checks:

Updating the firmware is a critical step, and older versions of MiWiFi (especially up to 3.0.20) may not support L2TP or contain protocol implementation errors.

  1. Connect to the router network via cable or Wi-Fi.
  2. Open your browser and go to http://192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
  3. Enter the login/password (by default — admin/router sticker).
  4. Go to General Settings → Update firmware and click “Check Updates”.

If the automatic update doesn’t work, download the latest firmware version from Xiaomi’s official website (select the R4A model) and download it manually through the same section.

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If the router starts to “glutch” after the upgrade (for example, breaks the connection or does not save the settings), reset to factory parameters: press the Reset button for 10 seconds. This will solve 90% of the firmware problems.

Compatibility check: L2TP Xiaomi 4A It only works in client mode (that is, the router connects to an external one). VPN-server, but cannot distribute itself L2TP If you need a server, consider alternatives like OpenVPN or WireGuard (the latter supported on custom firmware like Padavan).

Also make sure your internet service provider does not block VPN-Some operators (e.g. Rostelecom or Beeline) restrict ports. UDP 500, 1701 and 4500 are required for L2TP. You can check this out using the YouGetSignal service.

2. Obtaining data for L2TP-connection

Without the right data to connect, you can't configure L2TP, and the sources of this data depend on the purpose of using the VPN:

  • 🔒 Corporate VPN: server address, login/password and PSK-key IT-It's usually like vpn.company.ru with port 1701.
  • 🌍 Commercial VPN-Services: Providers like NordVPN, Surfshark or ExpressVPN provide L2TP-configuration in your personal account. Look for the manual settings section or «L2TP/IPSec».
  • 🏠 Own VPN-server: if you have set up L2TP on VPS (For example, through AlmaLinux. + Libreswan), the connection data is specified when you create the server. Example configuration: Server: your-vps-ip User: vpnuser Password: your_password PSK: SharedKey123!

Important: Xiaomi 4A does not support authentication by certificates - only by login / password + PSK-If you have your key. VPN-Server requires certificates, use alternative protocols.

If you are not sure if the data is correct, check it on another device (like Windows or Android) before setting up your router, which will save you time for diagnosis.

📊 What are you setting up for? L2TP Xiaomi 4A?
Access to work resources
Bypassing lockdowns
Traffic protection
Network testing
Other

3. Step-by-step L2TP setup in the MiWiFi web interface

Now, to the main process, open the router's web interface (192.168.31.1) and follow the following steps:

  1. Go to the VPN: Additional settings → VPN → L2TP.
  2. Activate the function: switch the switch toggle "Enable L2TP" in the "On" position.
  3. Fill in the fields: Connection name: arbitrary name (e.g., "Worker" VPN»). Server address: enter IP or domain (e.g. vpn.example.com) Username and Password: data from VPN-The provider, the common key (PSK): If required (usually for IPSec).

IPSec settings

  • Select the encryption algorithm: AES-256 (recommended) or 3DES.
  • Install Group DH: Group 2 (1024-bit) or Group 5 (1536-bit).
  • Save the settings and restart the router.

4. Optimization of L2TP speed and stability

L2TP is a reliable protocol, but it's not the fastest. To minimize speed losses, follow these guidelines:

  • 🚀 Change. MTU: default Xiaomi 4A use MTU 1,500, which can cause packet fragmentation. Try reducing the value to 1,400 or 1,300 in the Network section. → LAN.
  • 🔄 Turn it off. IPv6: if you don't use IPv6, Deactivate it on the network. → WAN. This will reduce the overhead costs of tunneling.
  • 📡 Select the nearest server: if you have a VPN-The provider has several locations, connect to the one that is geographically closer (for example, for Moscow - a server in Moscow, not in Amsterdam).
  • 🔌 Use a cable connection: when setting up L2TP Wi-Fi delays are possible. Connect the router to the PC via Ethernet.