How to reset Xiaomi router to factory settings: the complete guide

Why you might need to reset your Xiaomi router

Resetting Xiaomi router to factory settings is a procedure that solves most of the device’s software problems. You may encounter the need to reset in several cases:

First, if the router began to work unstable: often breaks the connection, β€œbrakes” when transferring data or does not give out IP-Second, a reset is mandatory before you sell or transfer your device to another user, ensuring that new owners do not have access to your network settings, connection history or saved passwords. Finally, zeroing helps to return to work after a failed firmware update or malfunction of the firmware.

It is important to understand the difference between soft reset (reboot) and hard reset (reset to factory settings). The first simply restarts the device without affecting the configuration, and the second completely erases all user settings, including network name (SSID), password, port settings and guest network. If you forget the password from the admin panel or router is locked, hard reset is the only solution.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start zeroing, follow a few critical steps to avoid network setup problems after resetting and keep access to important data.

  • πŸ“ Write down your current settings. Take a picture or copy the Internet connection settings (username, ISP password), settings to a text file. PPPoE/DHCP, and the guest network data, if used.
  • πŸ”Œ Check backup power. Make sure the router is connected to an uninterruptible power source (if any) or that the network is not out of order. Interrupting the reset process can cause the device to "brickle" - when the router stops responding to any commands.
  • πŸ“± Disable dependent devices. Temporarily deactivate smart gadgets (cameras, light bulbs, speakers) connected to the router via Mi Home or Google Home.
  • πŸ”„ Update your firmware (optional). If the router is working but you are planning a reset due to instability, check for updates in the web interface first. Sometimes the problems are solved by installing a fresh version of the software.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi router is connected to the Mi Cloud service (for example, for remote management), after the reset, the connection with the account will be severed. To re-link the device, you will need factory firmware and access to the mail specified during registration.

πŸ“Š How often do you reset your router settings?
Never dropped it.
Once a year for prevention
Only when you sell
After each firmware update

Method 1: Reset via web interface (soft method)

This is the safest way to zero out, as it is done through a standard administration interface, which is suitable if you have access to the router's control panel.

To get started, connect your computer or smartphone to the router’s network via cable (LAN) Then open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 (for most Xiaomi models) or miwifi.com. If the page doesn't open, check. IP-router address in your device's network settings.

After login (standard login/password – admin/admin if you haven’t changed them) go to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Backup and Reset (the path may vary slightly depending on the model). Here you will see the button "Restore factory settings." Press it and confirm the action. The router will reset and all settings will be reset.

Connect to the router network|Open the browser and enter 192.168.31.1|Enter login and password|Find the section "Reserve and reset"|Confirm discharge-->

Model routerWeb interface addressDefault login/password
Xiaomi Mi Router 3/3G/4/4A192.168.31.1 or miwifi.comadmin/admin
Xiaomi Mi Router 4C/4Q192.168.31.1admin/password from the sticker on the body
Xiaomi AIoT Router AX3600192.168.31.1 or miwifi.comIndicated on a sticker under the device
Xiaomi Mi Router Pro192.168.31.1root/admin (depending on firmware)

⚠️ Attention: On routers with MiWiFi firmware ROM (Like Mi Router. 3G) You may need to re-link to your Xiaomi account after the reset. If you forget your account information, restore it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

Method 2: Hardware reset button Reset (hard method)

If access to the web interface is lost (for example, due to a forgotten password or firmware failure), the only option is a hardware reset using the Reset button.This method works on all Xiaomi models, including the Mi Router 4A Gigabit, AX1800 and AX3600.

The Reset button is usually located on the back of the router, next to the LAN/WAN ports. It can be recessed (a paper clip or toothpick is required) or protruding.

  1. Turn the router on (the power indicator should burn).
  2. Find the Reset button and press it holding it for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing or the Wi-Fi LED goes out.
  3. Release the button. The router will automatically restart (it will take 1-2 minutes).

After a successful reset, all LEDs must light up in standard mode (usually blue or orange). If the lights flash chaotically or do not burn at all, the procedure will have to be repeated. Some models (for example, Mi Router 4) require the 30 seconds button to activate the recovery mode until the indicators are completely turned off, and then turn on the power again.

What to do if the Reset button doesn’t work?
If the Reset button does not respond to pressing, check: 1. Physical condition of the button - maybe contacts oxidized or the button stuck (relevant for routers after flooding). 2. Power router - connect it to another power supply (voltage should match the indicated on the sticker). 3. Alternative method - some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi Router HD) support reset via holding the WPS button for 30 seconds. If nothing helps, the router may require flashing through UART or service center.

πŸ’‘

If the router does not distribute Wi-Fi after reset, check if the mode "Access Point" is turned on" (AP Mode) in settings. This mode disables DHCP-server, because of which devices do not receive IP-address.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Home (for new models)

Xiaomi’s latest-generation routers (such as the AX3000, AX5 or BE7000) support management via the Mi Home mobile app, which is convenient if you don’t have access to a computer or prefer to configure your network from a smartphone.

Instructions for resetting via Mi Home:

  1. Open the app and go to the Devices section β†’ Your router.
  2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
  3. Scroll down and find the option β€œReset to Factory” (or Reset to Factory in English).
  4. Confirm action. The router will reboot and return to factory settings.

Once reset, the router will automatically disconnect from your Xiaomi account. To manage it again via Mi Home, you will need to re-assign: click Add Device (+) in the app and follow the instructions on the screen. Make sure your smartphone is connected to the router network (even if the Internet is not working).

⚠️ Note: If the router was part of the Mesh system (e.g. two Xiaomis) AX3600 I'll be in mesh mode, and when one of the devices is reset, the connection between them will be broken.

What to do after resetting: initial setup

Once reset, the Xiaomi router returns to a "out of the box" state, which means that:

  • πŸ”„ Name of the network (SSID) drop off (Xiaomi_XXXX).
  • πŸ” Wi-Fi password will be the same as on the sticker under the device (or 12345678 for older models).
  • 🌐 Internet connection settings (PPPoE, DHCP, Static IP) will be erased.
  • πŸ“‘ Guest network, parental control and access schedule will be shut down.

To restore the network to work:

  1. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi (use the data from the sticker).
  2. Open the web interface (192.168.31.1) and run the original setup wizard:

Settings β†’ Software Update

For models that support Mi Home (such as AX3600 or BE7000) after reset, you will need to re-assign the router to your account.

  1. Open Mi Home and tap Add the device.
  2. Select the router category and follow the instructions.
  3. Bring the smartphone to the router (for some models you will need to scan). QR-sticker-code).

For complex breakdowns (for example, a faulty Wi-Fi module or a burned-out WAN port), it is better to contact the service center.The cost of repairing Xiaomi routers usually does not exceed 1–2 thousand rubles, but for budget models (for example, Mi Router 4C) it is cheaper to buy a new one.

πŸ’‘

If the router is older than 5 years and its repair costs more than 50% of the price of a new device, it is more cost-effective to purchase a modern model (for example, Xiaomi AX3000 or Redmi Router AX6).

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi routers

Can I reset a Xiaomi router without a Reset button?
Yes, if you have access to a web interface or Mi Home application, which resets in a few clicks, and if access is lost and the Reset button doesn't work, you just have to flash it through UART or the service center.
Once reset, the router requires a username and password from Xiaomi.
This means that the router was linked to a Xiaomi account for remote management. Enter your account details (if you created one). If you forgot your password, restore it to account.xiaomi.com. If the router was bought from hand and the previous owner did not untie the device, contact him or reset it via Mi Home from his account.
I dropped the router, but the Internet's not working.
Most likely, the ISP connection is not configured. After resetting all settings (PPPoE, VLAN, MAC-Go to the web interface (192.168.31.1) and enter the data from the provider (they are specified in the contract). DHCP (automatic IP), Check if this mode is enabled in the settings WAN.
How to reset the Xiaomi router if you forget the password from Wi-Fi and admin panel?
The only reliable way is to reset hardware with the Reset button, hold it for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing, and after the restart, the router will return to factory settings, and you can connect by default (data on the sticker).
Can the reset be cancelled after it is launched?
No, the zeroing process is irreversible. Once you have confirmed the reset (via the web interface, Mi Home or button), the router will begin to erase the data. Interrupting the process (for example, turning off the power) can damage the firmware and "brick" the device. Wait for a full reboot (1-3 minutes).