How to disable DHCP on Xiaomi router

Many users, when expanding their home network or implementing complex routing schemes, are faced with the need to change the standard settings of the router. IP-Addresses conflict with the provider’s equipment or the second router, which requires manual configuration. In Xiaomi devices, known for their concise interface, the deactivation procedure of this service has its own nuances that must be considered for the stable operation of the entire system.

Disabling a DHCP server turns your router into a simple switch or access point, transferring address management rights to another device on the network. This is a critical step in organizing a cascading connection, where one router distributes Internet, and a second one (for example, Xiaomi) only expands Wi-Fi coverage. Incorrect configuration can lead to a complete lack of Internet access for all connected devices, so it is important to clearly understand the sequence of actions.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of disabling the automatic host configuration service on various Mi Router and Redmi Router routers models. You will learn how to avoid typical errors, what parameters need to be changed before the basic manipulations begin, and how to properly configure static addresses to ensure uninterrupted connection.

Why you should disable the DHCP server on your router

The main reason that home network administrators have to turn this off is to eliminate addressing conflicts, where two active physical networks are running on the same physical network. DHCP-servers, devices begin to receive incorrect gateway settings or DNS, Xiaomi routers are aggressive by default and always try to assign addresses to connected customers, ignoring the presence of other control devices.

The second scenario is a complex segmented network where a dedicated server or a more powerful router (such as MikroTik or Keenetic) distributes addresses and Xiaomi’s device is used solely as an access point, in which case it is unacceptable to have its own address pool on the secondary router, and it must operate in “transparent bridge” or similar mode, simply transferring data packets.

⚠️ Attention: Before disconnection DHCP Make sure that there is at least one active address server on the network. If you turn off the service on a single router, no device will be able to access the service. IP-The address will be automatically accessed and the web interface will be lost.

It is also worth noting that manual control IP-You know exactly what device is what address is, and you can set up traffic filtering or port-over rules to specific statics. IP. For Mi Router routers 4A or AX3600 This is especially true when setting up a smart home, where the stability of device addressing is critical for the operation of automation scenarios.

Preparation for changing the network settings of the router

Before making changes to the configuration of the Xiaomi Router, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. The most common mistake is to change the settings without first fixing the current parameters. If something goes wrong, you'll need to know the source data to restore access. IP-gateway address, subnet mask and range of addresses issued.

It is important to ensure a stable connection to the device during setup. LAN-port, because in the process of reconfiguring the wireless connection can break. If you use a laptop, connect it with a cable to any port of the router, except for the router. WAN (If it is not configured with access point mode).

It’s also worth checking your device’s firmware version. On older versions, the interface may be different and some features may be hidden. Updating to the current version of MIUI for Router ensures you see all the options available. Go to the system status section and check for updates before you start.

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Save a screenshot of the current LAN settings before any changes, which will help quickly restore the network to work in the event of an error in the settings.

Log in to the web management interface Xiaomi Router

To access the settings, you need to open the browser and enter the default gateway address. Most Xiaomi models have 192.168.31.1 or the domain name miwifi.com. In the address bar, type one of these addresses and press Enter. IP-Router address, use current data.

The system will ask for an administrator password. Please note that this is not necessarily a Wi-Fi password. If you set up a router for the first time, the password may have been set separately or matched to the wireless key. Once you have successfully logged in, you will be taken to the main status page, which displays the list of connected devices and traffic speeds.

The management interface can be in English or Chinese, depending on the regional version of the firmware. For convenience, it is recommended to switch the language to English or Russian (if available) to accurately understand the names of menu items. Switching is usually in the upper right corner or in the Settings section. → Status → Language.

Step-by-step instructions for disabling DHCP

The process of deactivating the address service on Xiaomi routers is as follows: After logging into the control panel, go to the Settings section. Depending on the version of the interface, this item may be called Advanced Settings or have a gear icon. We need a subsection responsible for the local network.

Find the menu. LAN Settings (Settings) LAN). And that's where the internal network parameters are. DHCP Server that is activated by default (labeled On or Enabled). To turn off, you need to switch the switch to the Off or Disabled position.

Path to setup:


Settings → LAN Settings → DHCP Server → Off

After changing the position of the tumbler, the interface can warn you that the devices will no longer receive the device. IP-Important: Immediately after settings, your computer may lose communication with the router if it relied on the router. DHCP. You will have to manually prescribe static IP-address on the computer network card to get back into the settings.

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After disabling DHCP on the Xiaomi router, all devices must receive addresses from another server on the network, otherwise the Internet will not work.

Static IP Configurement and Conflict Resolving

If you're offline. DHCP, But if you want to keep the router running, you need to manually set the static. IP-Go to the network adapter settings in your OS (Windows/macOS/Linux). In the properties of the protocol IPv4 specify IP-address from the same subnet as the router, but not the same as its address.

For example, if the router address is 192.168.31.1, your computer can be assigned 192.168.31.2. Leave the subnet mask as standard 255.255.255.0. As the gateway and DNS, specify the address of the router itself (192.168.31.1) or the address of the main gateway of the network if the Xiaomi router operates in a cascade.

The table below provides examples of correct settings for different use cases:

When organizing a cascade, it is important to connect the cable from the main router to the LAN-Xiaomi router port (not in the WAN, If it does not support the bridge mode automatically when switched off DHCP). In some Xiaomi firmware when disconnected DHCP port WAN It may stop working as an input, turning into a regular switch.

Diagnosing problems and restoring access

After making changes, the network can behave unpredictably. If the Internet is lost, the first thing you do is check if the device is receiving the information. IP-In the command line, type ipconfig and look at the "Principal Gateway" field. 169.254.x.x, signifier, DHCP It is not working and no static address is assigned.

A common problem is the “loop” of addresses, when an old device that distributes a message is accidentally left on the network. DHCP. Check all connected routers and access points. Also make sure that the range of addresses you plan to use for statics doesn't overlap with the range of other ones. DHCP-server, if it remains active.

⚠️ Note: If you lost access to the router after disconnecting DHCP And you can't pick up static. IP, The only way out is hardware reset, which will bring back factory settings, including the setup. DHCP server.

For advanced users, it is useful to use network scanning utilities such as Advanced. IP Scanner or Fing on your smartphone, which will show you all the active devices on the network and help you identify who is giving out. IP-This is especially useful in large apartments or offices with complex wiring structures.