Resetting the Xiaomi router to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi router to factory settings can be necessary in a variety of situations, from banal password forgetfulness to serious network failures. The procedure seems simple, but users often wonder what to choose, how not to lose important settings, and what to do if the router does not respond to standard methods. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of reset, from classic Reset to hidden functions in the firmware, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors and quickly restore the network after zeroing.

Xiaomi

Mi Router 4A

AX9000

MiWiFi ROM

Mi Account

If you've never reset a router before, don't worry: 90% of the time, it takes less than 5 minutes. The key is to choose the right method and follow the step-by-step instructions. FAQ with solutions to the most common problems.

1.When do I need to reset the Xiaomi router?

Setting back is a last resort if other ways of dealing with problems have not worked, and here are the key situations in which a reset is justified:

• 🔒 Forgot the password from Wi-Fi or pin code admin panel – especially important if the router configured someone else (for example, the wizard when installing the Internet).
• 🔄 The router glides or slows down: spontaneously reboots, distributes the Internet intermittently, does not open the web interface.
• 📡 Device connectivity problems: Smartphones, laptops or Xiaomi smart appliances (such as Mi Home gadgets) can’t connect to the network, although the password is entered correctly.
• 🔧 Errors after firmware update: if the router stopped working correctly after an automatic update.
• 🏠 Selling or transferring a router to another user – to delete all personal data (logins, passwords, connection history).

But resets aren't always necessary, for example, if a router is just slowly distributing the Internet, check first:

• 📶 Signal quality from the provider (possibly problems on the line).
• 📱 Number of connected devices (too many gadgets can overload the network).
• 🔌 Power cable and Ethernet cable (sometimes it is enough to reconnect them).

⚠️ Note: If the Xiaomi router is connected to the Mi Home system (for example, to manage a smart home), after resetting all scripts and automation will have to be configured again. First, try rebooting the router through the power button - this often solves temporary crashes without losing data.

2. Method 1: Reset via Reset button (hardware method)

This is the most reliable way to do this, and it works even if the router doesn't turn on or open the web interface. The Reset button is on all Xiaomi models, but its location may vary:

• 📍 On Mi Router. 4A/4C/4Q — small hole on the side or back (you need a paper clip or toothpick).
• 📍 Nana AX1800/AX3600/AX6000 — physical button on the back (sometimes signed as WPS/Reset).
• 📍 At Mi Router Pro (HD) — button hidden under the removable cover.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn the router on (the power indicator should burn).
2. Find the Reset button and hold it for 10-15 seconds (for models with a hole, press the paperclip carefully).
3. The indicators on the router will start flashing orange or red – this is a signal that the reset is started.
4. Release the button and wait for the reboot (1-2 minutes).

Disconnect all devices from the Wi-Fi router|

Prepare a paperclip/denture brush to press the button|

Make sure the router is connected to the power supply|

Take a picture or take a picture of your current settings (if available)-->

If the indicators do not flash after holding the button, try:

• 🔌 Turn off and turn on the power again, then repeat the procedure.
• 🕒 Hold the button longer (up to 20 seconds) – some models require longer pressing.
• 🔧 Check if the button is stuck (relevant for old routers).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi routers with MiWiFi firmware ROM v3+ hardware reset may require additional authorization through Mi Account (if previously linked account). Without access to the mail or phone associated with the account, the router will not be able to reconfigure!

3. Method 2: Reset via web interface (if there is access to the admin)

If the router works but you want to return factory settings without physical intervention, use the web-based control panel.This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Mi Router. 3G/4/4A/AX.

How to go to settings:

1. Connect your computer or smartphone to the router network (via Wi-Fi or cable).
2. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com.
3. Enter the login and password (by default — admin/admin, unless changed).

Resetting instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Additional → System Management (or System → Restore in English).
2. Find the Restore Factory Settings button (or Restore Factory Settings).
3. Confirm the action by entering the password of the admin panel.
4. Wait for the reboot (the router will shut down and turn on again).

If the web interface does not open after reset:

• 🔄 Restart your router manually (turn off power for 10 seconds).
• 📱 Try to log in from another device or browser (sometimes cache prevents the page from opening).
• 🔧 Reset the browser cache or use incognito mode.

Through the Reset button|

Through the web interface |

Through the Mi WiFi app|

Never dropped |-->

Method 3: Reset via the Mi WiFi app (for smartphones)

The official Mi WiFi app (available for Android and iOS) allows you to control your router remotely, including resetting, a method that is handy if you don’t have access to your computer or the Reset button is broken.

How to reset the router through the application:

1. Download and install Mi WiFi from Google Play or App Store.
2. Connect your smartphone to the router network (via Wi-Fi).
3. Open the application and log in (if the router is linked to the Mi Account).
4. Go to the Devices section → [Your router] → Settings → Reset.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ No need to look for a Reset button or a paper clip.
• ✅ You can reset the router remotely (if it is in another room).
• ✅ The application shows the status of the process in real time.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires a router network connection (it won’t help if Wi-Fi isn’t working).
• ❌ On some models (Mi Router 3 and older), the application reset function may not be available.

💡

If the Mi WiFi app doesn’t see the router, try updating it through the web interface or reinstall the app. Also check if the Bluetooth on the smartphone is enabled – some Xiaomi models use it for initial setup.

5.What to do after resetting: setting up the router from scratch

Once it's gone, Xiaomi's router goes back to "out of the box" status, which means:

• 📶 Name of the network (SSID) Wi-Fi password reset to standard (Xiaomi_XXXX and the password on the sticker).
• 🔌 All connected devices will be disabled.
• 📡 Port settings, DMZ, UPnP and QoS will be reset.
• 🔒 If the router was linked to Mi Account, you will need to re-authorize.

Step-by-step adjustment after reset:

1. Connect to the router: Find the network Xiaomi_XXXX (password on the sticker at the bottom of the device) and connect.
2. Set a new password: Open up 192.168.31.1 In the browser. Enter the username/password (admin/admin). Go to Settings. → Wi-Fi and change the network name and password.

Set up the internet:

• In the Internet section, select the connection type (PPPoE, Dynamic). IP etc.).
• Enter the data from the provider (login / password for PPPoE or MAC-address, if cloning is required).
• Update the firmware: Go to Settings → Update and install the latest version of the software.
• Link to Mi Account (optional): This will allow you to manage the router remotely and restore settings when reset.

Typical errors when setting up after resetting:

• 🚫 Incorrect type of connection: If you choose a static IP Instead of PPPoE, the Internet will not work.
• 🚫 Authentication error: Check if the username/password from the provider is correctly entered (registrar is important!).
• 🚫 Conflict IP-Addresses: If the router does not give away the Internet, try to disable DHCP temporarily or reset the network settings on the computer.

6. Problem Solving: The router is not reset or turned on

Sometimes the reset goes wrong, and let's look at some of the most common problems and their solutions.

If the router is “bricked” (does not respond at all):

• 🔌 Try to stitch it through UART (You'll need a soldering iron and cable USB-TTL).
• 📥 Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
• 🛠 Contact the service center if you are not sure about your skills.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi routers with a chip MT7621 (Like Mi Router. 4A Gigabit) Incorrect reset may result in the loss of the bootloader. JTAG flash-replacement.

7.How to avoid resetting in the future: stable job tips

To avoid having to reset the router regularly, follow these recommendations:

• 🔄 Update your firmware regularly: New versions fix bugs and vulnerabilities. Check for updates every 1-2 months.
• 🔒 Use a strong password: For admin panel and Wi-Fi, set complex passwords (at least 12 characters with numbers and special signs).
• 📡 Optimize the load: If more than 20 devices are connected to the router, divide them into a guest network or use QoS to prioritize traffic.
• 🔌 Protect against voltage surges: Connect the router through a network filter or UPS – this will save you from failures when power outages.
• 📱 Create a backup of settings: In the web interface (Settings) → Backups: Save configuration in case of failure.

What NOT to do:

• ❌ Change your settings if you do not understand their purpose (for example, MTU or VLAN).
• ❌ Install custom firmware (such as OpenWRT) without experience – this may deprive you of warranties.
• ❌ Ignore updates – older software is more likely to be hacked.

💡

Backing up settings takes 2 minutes, but saves hours on resetting after resetting. VLAN, Static routes, Port Forwarding).

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi router