How to remove flashing light bulbs on the Xiaomi router: all ways to turn off indicators

Flashing LEDs on Xiaomi router are a useful feature for diagnosing network status, but not always appropriate. Bright blue or orange lights can interfere with sleep, distract from work, or simply annoy with their intrusiveness, especially if the router is standing in the bedroom or next to the desktop. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to disable them – from simple settings in the web interface to advanced methods through the Internet. SSH.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of turning off light bulbs on popular models Xiaomi Mi Router 3/4/4A/4C/5/AX, And you'll learn how to completely turn off the indicators or customize their behavior without the risk of breaking the device. And if the standard methods don't work, we'll show you alternative solutions, including physical dimming.

We warn you beforehand that some methods require access to root rights or change system files. If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to focus on the safe options from the first sections.

Why are the lights on Xiaomi router burning or flashing?

The indicators on the case of the Xiaomi router carry a specific meaning, their behavior depends on the device model, the firmware version and the current network status.

  • πŸ”΅ Blue LED (constantly on) – the router is turned on and works normally, the Internet connection is active.
  • πŸ”΅ Blue flashing – data transfer is underway (for example, downloading files or streaming videos).
  • 🟠 Orange (amber) constant – no Internet connection (problems with the provider or incorrect settings) WAN).
  • 🟠 Orange flashing – the router is loaded or resetting settings occurs.
  • βšͺ White/No Lights – Device is turned off or not connected to power.

On some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi Router) 4A Gigabit added a separate indicator for ports LAN, And in OpenWRT, the logic of how LEDs work can be very different, where they behave by hand.

If the indicators behave outside the box (e.g., flashing orange for no reason or not responding to settings), this may indicate:

  • 🐞 Firmware failure (especially after a failed update).
  • πŸ”Œ Problems with the power supply (unstable voltage).
  • πŸ“‘ Hardware malfunctions (damage to the LED or controller).
πŸ“Š What kind of router model Xiaomi you have?
Mi Router 3/3G
Mi Router 4/4A/4C
Mi Router 5/AX1800/AX3000
Mi Router Pro
Another model

Method 1: Turning off light bulbs via web interface (the easiest method)

Most Xiaomi routers on standard MiWiFi firmware allow you to disable the indicators directly from the control panel. This method requires no additional knowledge and works on Mi Router models. 3/4/4A/4C/5 (Other than some versions for the Chinese market).

Step instructions:

  1. Connect to the router network (by cable or Wi-Fi).
  2. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com.
  3. Log in using the login and password (by default – admin and password from the sticker on the bottom of the device).
  4. Go to the Additional Settings section β†’ Systemic tools β†’ Status indicator (name may vary depending on firmware version).
  5. Activate the switch Turn off the indicator or select the "Switch off" mode.
  6. Save settings and restart the router (Reboot button in the same section).

If there is no point setting the indicator, then your model does not support this function through the web interface, in which case move to the next method.

Make sure the router is connected to the power

Check the device’s network connection (Wi-Fi or cable)

Remember the login / password for entering the control panel

Update the firmware to the latest version (if available)

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Method 2: Control LEDs through the Mi Home app

The Mi Home app (now Xiaomi Home) offers an alternative way to control the router, including setting up indicators. However, here’s a caveat: the light bulb-off feature is not available for all regions and models. ROM).

How to check and disable:

  1. Install the Mi Home app from Google Play or the App Store.
  2. Add the router to the app (if it is not already connected): click + β†’ Add the device β†’ Network β†’ Router.
  3. Select your router from the list of devices.
  4. Go to Settings. β†’ General. β†’ Status indicator.
  5. Turn off the option to turn on the indicator or select Night mode (if available).

If there is no such item in your application, try:

  • 🌐 Change the region in the Mi Home profile to China (in the account settings).
  • πŸ”„ Update the router’s firmware through the application (Settings section) β†’ Update of the PO).
  • πŸ“± Install an alternative version of the app (e.g. Mi Home China for Android).

πŸ’‘

If the indicators in Mi Home are turned off after they reboot, try to fix the settings via the web interface (method 1).

Method 3: Disconnection through SSH (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work, you can turn off the LEDs through SSH β€” protocol for remote device management. This method is suitable for routers running MiWiFi firmware (with enabled). SSH) Warning: Incorrect commands can cause a router to crash!

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn it on. SSH router: For MiWiFi: go to the web interface, go to Additional settings β†’ SSH and activate access: SSH The password is the one you set up when you set up the).

PuTTY

Terminal

ssh root@192.168.31.1

The default password for MiWiFi is the same as for the web interface.

Model routerCommand to shut downNote
Mi Router 3/3Gecho 0 > /sys/class/leds/system/brightnessTurns off the system LED.
Mi Router 4/4A/4Cecho 0 > /sys/class/leds/blue:status/brightnessGasting the blue indicator
Mi Router 5/AX1800echo 0 > /sys/class/leds/orange:status/brightnessTurns off the orange light.
OpenWRTuci set system.led_wifi.trigger='none'uci commitRequires a reboot.
echo "echo 0 > /sys/class/leds/blue:status/brightness" >> /etc/rc.local

If after the execution of the commands, the LEDs continue to burn, check:

  • πŸ” Correct path to the brightness file (may differ in different firmware). See the list of available LED-controllers by the ls command /sys/class/leds/.
  • πŸ”„ Access rights. If the command returns a Permission denied error, try executing it with sudo or changing file rights.
What to do if SSH Disabled and the web interface does not allow access?
If the manufacturer has switched off SSH In your firmware, you can try alternative methods: 1. Install custom firmware (for example, OpenWRT or Padavan), where SSH 2. Use vulnerabilities to gain root access (e.g., exploit for Mi Router 3 via UART). 3. Restore the factory firmware with the switched on SSH Warning: these techniques require deep knowledge and can lead to the "bricking" of the device!

Method 4: Physically shutting down or dimming the indicators

If software methods didn't work, or you don't want to risk firmware, you can go the radical way of physically locking the LEDs, and it won't affect the router, but it will require care.

Options for dimming:

  • πŸ–ŒοΈ Sticker or tape: stick a piece of black tape or opaque tape on the indicator. Minus, it can spoil the appearance.
  • 🎨 Corrector or nail polish: gently paint the LED with a black corrector or varnish.
  • πŸ”ͺ Disassembly and soldering: for experienced users, to open the case, find the LED on the board and solder it off (or snack on the leg!
  • πŸ“¦ Case or box: hide the router in an opaque box with ventilation holes.

The advantage of physical methods is that they work 100 percent and they don't depend on firmware.

⚠️ Attention: disassembling the router will void the warranty Xiaomi. If the device is warranty, it is better to use software methods or dimming without opening the case.

For models with vents (e.g. Mi Router) AX3000) It is important not to block the air access - this can lead to overheating.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you turn off the indicators, users often encounter common errors, and consider the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Indicators are not disabled through the web interfaceOutdated firmware or regional restrictionsUpdate the software or use it. SSH
After restarting, the light bulbs are on again.Settings are not saved in autoloadAdd a command to /etc/rc.local (for SSH)
SSH The error is called "Connection refused")Service disabled in firmwareActivate. SSH via the web interface or through custom software
Teams for LED Not working (file not found)The location of the controller in the new firmware has changedCheck the list. LED ls /sys/class/leds/
Router stopped responding after changes SSHError in commands or conflict settingsReset the settings with the Reset button (hold 10 seconds)

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • πŸ“‹ Compatibility of your model with the chosen method (some budget versions, for example, Mi Router) 4C For the Chinese market, there may be a cut-down setting).
  • πŸ”§ Integrity of firmware (if signs of failure - reflash the device).
  • πŸ”Œ Power supply operation (unstable voltage can cause chaotic flashing of indicators).

πŸ’‘

If the router is purchased in China, it is likely that many functions, including indicator management, are disabled in its firmware, in which case only flashing to an international or custom version of the software will help.

Alternative solutions: night mode and automatic shutdown

If you don’t need to turn off the indicators forever, but only reduce their brightness in the dark, consider alternative options:

1. Night mode in firmware

Some firmware (such as Padavan or OpenWRT) supports setting up a LED schedule, for example, you can program a router to automatically turn off the light bulbs from 23:00 to 7:00.

  1. Install firmware with support for cron (task scheduler).
  2. Add the task to /etc/crontabs/root: 0 23 * echo 0 > /sys/class/leds/blue:status/brightness 0 7 * echo 1 > /sys/class/leds/blue:status/brightness

2.Smart sockets with a timer

Connect the router to a smart outlet (for example, Xiaomi Mi Smart Plug) and set up an automatic power outage for the night. Minus - the Internet will also shut down, which is not always convenient.

3.Dazzling stickers with light sensor

There are special stickers on sale that automatically darken in the dark (for example, for the purpose of using the device). LED-You can paste them on the router's indicators.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I turn off the light bulbs on the Xiaomi router without access to settings?
Yes, but only by physical means: tape the indicator with opaque tape, paint it with a proofreader or hide the router in a box. SSH shut off the LEDs is impossible.
Why did the indicators catch fire again after the firmware update?
The update resets user settings, including LED settings, and after the update, you need to turn off the light bulbs again via the web interface or SSH. To avoid this, add a shutdown command to the autoboot (/etc/rc.local).
Is it safe to take the LEDs off the board?
Technically, yes, if you're a power user. LEDs don't affect the router, but: You're out of warranty. There's a risk of damaging nearby board elements. Without indicators, it's going to be harder to diagnose problems (like no internet).
How to turn off indicators on Mi Router AX6000?
On models AX6000 and AX9000 LED control is implemented differently. Try: In the web interface: Settings β†’ Systemic tools β†’ LED lights, through. SSH: echo 0 > /sys/class/leds/white:status/brightness. If it doesn’t work, upgrade to the latest version.
What to do if after disconnection SSH router stopped working?
It was probably the wrong command that damaged the system files. Try: Reset the settings with the Reset button (hold 10-15 seconds); If it doesn't help, flash the router through Recovery mode (clamp Reset when you turn on, connect to 192.168.1.1 and download the firmware); Contact the service center if the self-repair failed.