The situation when in the back room or in the kitchen the Wi-Fi signal from the main router almost disappears, is familiar to many users. Instead of buying a separate signal amplifier, owners of Xiaomi equipment often wonder whether it is possible to use a second router of the same brand as a repeater. Fortunately, the Mi Home ecosystem allows you to turn a compatible router into a powerful repeater, significantly improving the quality of wireless communication throughout the house.
The setup process doesn't require a deep knowledge of network technology, but it has its own nuances depending on the firmware version and the specific device model. Unlike the standard router mode, where the device distributes the Internet from the provider, in repeater mode it receives a signal from the main access point and broadcasts it further, which allows you to create a single network with a seamless transition or simply expand the physical range.
Before you start configuring, make sure your main router is stable and the Xiaomi device that will act as an amplifier is reset to factory settings. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the stages of connecting through the mobile application and web interface, and also consider the typical mistakes that users encounter when organizing such a bundle.
Preparation of equipment and compatibility check
The first step is to check the compatibility of your hardware, as not all Xiaomi router models support the “out of the box” repeater mode. 3G/4/4A/Pro It's important to understand that for a stable operation of the router-repiter bundle, it is desirable that both devices be from the same manufacturer, although they work in universal client mode (WDS) It is theoretically possible with other equipment.
You'll need a main router that's already configured and giving away the Internet, and a second Xiaomi router that we'll repurpose. LAN-cable to prevent packet loss over the air during setup, also make sure you know the password from your main Wi-Fi network, as it will be needed to pair devices.
There are two main ways to turn a Xiaomi router into a repeater: through the official Mi Wi-Fi mobile application (or Xiaomi Home) and through the web interface at 192.168.31.1. The first option is more visual and automated, the second one gives access to advanced settings if the application suddenly does not see the device in the desired mode.
⚠️ Warning: Before setting up, be sure to reset the second Xiaomi router to factory settings. To do this, press and hold the Reset button on the device body during the course of the process. 5-10 So, the second that the light starts flashing orange, that's not going to be a conflict. IP-addresses and old configurations.
☑️ Preparation for repeater setup
Configure via the Mi Wi-Fi mobile application
The easiest and most popular configuration method is to use a smartphone. To do this, install the official Mi Wi-Fi app (available from Google Play or the App Store) and log in to your Xiaomi account. Connect your smartphone to the Wi-Fi network of your new, unconfigured Xiaomi router, which should be in factory settings mode.
Once the device is detected, the app will offer a standard setup procedure. In the connection type selection phase, you will need to select either Repeater Mode or Amplifier Mode. If this option is not available in the automatic wizard, you may need to set up the router as the primary router first, and then switch mode in additional settings, although new versions of the software may have different logic.
During the setup process, the app will ask you to select the network to be strengthened. Select your main Wi-Fi from the list of available networks and enter the password from it. Xiaomi router will reboot and try to establish a connection with the main access point. Successful connection will be signaled by burning a blue indicator on the device body.
- 📱 Download and install the Mi Wi-Fi app on your smartphone.
- 🔌 Connect your phone to the Xiaomi router’s temporary network.
- 📡 Select your main Wi-Fi network to expand from the list.
- 🔑 Enter the correct password from the main network.
It is important to note that in the repetitive mode IP-The main router, not Xiaomi, will give the devices the addresses, which means that all the gadgets will be on the same subnet, which is convenient for organizing a local network, for example, to access a printer or a printer. NAS-storehouse.
Configuration through a web interface
If the mobile application is not working well or you prefer to work from a computer, you can use a web interface. LAN-Open your browser and enter the standard address 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com in the address bar. You will be prompted to create an administrator password or log into an existing account.
In the management interface, go to the “Settings” section) → «Working Mode: Here you'll see the switch between Router and Repeater. Select the repeater mode. The system will warn you that the device will reboot and change the way it distributes. IP-address.
Once you restart, the router will go into scanning mode for available networks, find your main network in the list, enter your password and save your settings, and the web interface may become unavailable at the old address, because the old address may be inaccessible. IP-The main router now gives the address. To get back into Xiaomi's settings, you need to see which address the main router gave it, through the list of customers. DHCP.
| Parameter | Rowther regime | Repiter regime |
|---|---|---|
| IP Distribution (DHCP) | Handing out Xiaomi | Handing out the main router |
| Subnetworking | Yeah, my range. | No (shared network) |
| Access to settings | 192.168.31.1 | IP from the main router |
| Use of LAN ports | Active for customers | It works like a switch. |
Using a web interface gives you more detailed control over security settings and communication channels. You can manually set static. IP for the router-repiter itself, to always have access to it, even if the main DHCP-server will change the address.
What to do if the web interface is not opened?
Organization of seamless roaming
One of the main goals of creating a system from a router and a repeater is the ability to move around the house without breaking the connection. To implement the technology of seamless roaming (Seamless Roaming), you need to ensure that the network name (SSID) and password on the main router and on the Xiaomi repeater are exactly the same as the symbol.
But simple name matching isn’t enough for a perfect job: Modern protocols like 802.11r/k/v aren’t supported by all customers’ devices (smartphones, laptops), and Xiaomi’s repeater routers try to emulate this feature, but switching between access points still depends on how your phone’s network module works.
For better efficiency, it is recommended to place the repeater not in the dead zone, but about halfway between the main router and the low reception zone. If you put the repeater where the signal is no longer there, it will have nothing to amplify, and the speed will drop to a minimum.