How to update the firmware on the Xiaomi Mi Router 4A router: a detailed guide

Xiaomi Mi Router 4A remains one of the most popular budget solutions for the home network due to stable operation and extensive configuration options. However, over time, even the most reliable device requires software updates. Router firmware not only adds new features, but also closes security vulnerabilities, improves compatibility with modern devices and optimizes performance.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to update the firmware for Xiaomi Mi Router 4A — from the official automatic method to manual installation through the web interface and even alternative firmware for experienced users. We will pay special attention to the typical errors that can occur in the process, and give recommendations on how to avoid them. If you have never updated the firmware of the router before, do not worry: step-by-step instructions with illustrations and explanations will help even a beginner to cope with the task.

Why it is important to update the router firmware

Many users have not updated their routers for years, considering it unnecessary, but outdated software can cause serious problems:

• 🔒 Security vulnerabilities: Older versions of firmware often contain flaws that can be exploited by hackers to access your network, such as a critical vulnerability in Xiaomi routers that allows remote code execution in 2022.
• 📶 Unstable connection: New firmware optimizes the work with modern Wi-Fi standards (for example, 802.11ac Wave 2, reduce delays and improve coverage.
• 🔄 New features: The manufacturer regularly adds support for new technologies such as Mesh networks, improved parental controls or integration with Xiaomi Home.
• 🛠️ Bug Fix: Updates fix bugs that cause the router to spontaneously restart or “lose” connected devices.

According to AV-Test, more than 60 percent of home routers run on outdated firmware, making them an easy target for cyberattacks, and updating regularly is not just a recommendation, it’s a necessity to protect your data.

Preparing for the update: what to do in advance

Before you start the update, follow a few important steps to avoid crashes and loss of settings:

1. Check the current firmware version. Go to the router's web interface (192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com) and go to Settings → State → firmware version. Write it down or take a screenshot.
2. Download the backup of the settings. In the same web interface, find the Settings section → Additional → Backup / Restore. Save the configuration file to your computer.
3. Get the power source ready. Connect the router to a UPS or a full-battery laptop. Upgrade through a battery-powered laptop increases the risk of a discharge failure.
4. Check the stability of the Internet connection. If you update through the web interface, make sure that the cable from the provider is connected directly to the router (without intermediate devices).

If you have a Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition (a yellow sticker model of R4A), note that it may come out with separate firmware versions.

Make a backup copy of settings|Check the current version of the firmware|Connect the UPS or laptop to the network|Disconnect all devices from Wi-Fi except one (for stability)|Close background programs that consume the Internet-->

Method 1: Automatic update via web interface

This is the easiest and most recommended method for most users, and it requires no technical skills and is executed in a few clicks.

Instructions:

1. Connect your computer or smartphone to your router via cable (LAN) or Wi-Fi.
2. Open your browser and enter the address 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com. log in (by default login and password – admin).
3. Go to the Settings section → Update the firmware.
4. Press the Check Updates button. If a new version is available, the system will prompt you to install it.
5. Confirm the update and wait until the process is complete (usually takes 3-5 minutes).

If the update button is inactive or gives an error, try:

• 🔄 Update the browser page (F5 Ctrl+R).
• 🌐 Use a different browser (Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is recommended).
• 📡 Reconnect to router via cable (Wi-Fi may be unstable during upgrade).

💡

If the router doesn't boot after the upgrade, wait 10-15 minutes — sometimes the first download of a new firmware takes longer.

Method 2: Manual installation of firmware through file

If the automatic update doesn’t work or you want to install a specific firmware version (like rolling back on the old one), use the manual method.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the firmware from Xiaomi's official website: Go to Xiaomi's support page. Select the Mi Router 4A model (check: standard or Gigabit Edition version). Download the latest stable version (file with.bin extension).

.zip

.rar

192.168.31.1

Settings → Updating the firmware

Select a file

Confirm the installation and wait until the process is completed (don’t interrupt!).

Importantly, the firmware files for the Mi Router 4A and Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition are not interchangeable. Installing the wrong firmware will lead to the "bricking" of the device.

Method 3: Update via the Mi WiFi mobile app

For Android or iOS smartphone users, it is more convenient to update the firmware through the official Mi WiFi app (formerly Mi Router), which is suitable if you do not have access to your computer.

How to update through the application:

1. Install the Mi WiFi app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect your smartphone to the network of the Xiaomi 4A router.
3. Open the application and log in (use the same login/password as for the web interface).
4. Go to the Settings section → Update the firmware.
5. If a new version is available, click Update and confirm the action.

💡

The Mi WiFi mobile app is suitable for basic updates, but does not provide flexibility in choosing firmware versions. For advanced users, it is better to use a web interface or SSH.

Method 4: Update via SSH (for power users)

This method is designed for advanced users who want to install custom firmware (such as OpenWRT or Padavan) or debug the router. It requires command line knowledge and can lead to loss of warranty.

Instructions for updating via SSH:

1. Turn it on. SSH-Access to the router’s web interface: Go to Settings → Additionally. → SSH. Activate the switch and save the settings.

SSH

PuTTY

ssh root@192.168.31.1


Password: Admin (or your current password)

cd /tmp


wget http://bigota.mi.com/rom/miwifi_r3g/firmware/miwifi_r3g_firmware_XXXX_2.28.151.bin

(Replace XXXXX with the current version number).

mtd -r write /tmp/miwifi_r3g_firmware_XXXX_2.28.151.bin firmware

Wait for the reboot (about 5 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Incorrect commands in the SSH If you are not sure about your actions, use official ways of updating.

To install alternative firmware (for example, Padavan) you will need:

1. Unlock the bootloader (bootloader) through a special script.
2. Install firmware through TFTP-server-side.

Detailed instructions for installing custom firmware can be found on the 4PDA or OpenWRT forums.

Common Update Errors and Solutions

Even if you follow the instructions, you can have errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If the router has stopped responding to any actions (the indicators do not burn, do not respond to ping), try:

1. Turn off the power for 30 seconds, then turn it on again.
2. Press the Reset button for 10-15 seconds to reset to factory settings.
3. If that doesn’t work, use the Xiaomi service center.

⚠️ Note: If the router "bricked" after installing custom firmware, the Xiaomi warranty does not apply to it. UART-solder-iron.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Mi Router update 4A