Smart device users today often think about the security of their home network, especially when Xiaomi and Redmi routers come into play. One of the most vulnerable entry points for attackers is WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup), which is often activated by default on many routers. This feature is designed to quickly connect gadgets to the network without entering a long password, but it represents a serious breach in the system of protecting your Internet connection.
In this article, we will explain in detail why you need to disable WPS, what risks it entails, and how to properly perform this procedure on devices of the Chinese brand. You will learn not only about standard methods through the web interface, but also about the nuances of setting up through a mobile application that is actively promoted by the manufacturer. Understanding these processes will allow you to create a reliable shield around your personal data.
We will look at various scenarios, including situations where the standard setting is hidden or changed by the provider, and we will also focus on alternative methods of network security that will be an effective replacement for the vulnerable protocol, your goal is not just to press a button, but to fully understand the security architecture of your local network.
Why WPS Technology Is Considered Vulnerable
WPS was designed with the good intentions of simplifying the life of the average user by eliminating the need to memorize complex character combinations. However, implementation of this standard contains critical flaws that make it almost useless in today's cyber threats. The mechanism of operation is based on a pin code that should theoretically be random, but in practice often has a predictable structure or is checked by brute force.
The main problem is that the protocol does not lock the device after several failed attempts to enter. PIN-This allows hackers to use specialized software to automatically match code using brute-force, a process that takes anywhere from minutes to a couple of hours, after which an attacker gains full access to your network, even if the main Wi-Fi password contains 20 characters.
In addition, many Xiaomi routers and other budget models have hardware or software features that make attacking via WPS even more effective. Even if you change the standard pin code, the algorithm for generating it can be known to information security professionals.
- 🔓 No blocking: The protocol does not limit the number of entry attempts PIN-code, which makes it possible to automatically select.
- 📡 Remote vulnerability: The attack can be carried out remotely if the attacker is within range of your Wi-Fi signal.
- 🔑 Weak cryptography: The encryption algorithms used in the WPS, are considered obsolete and easily bypassed by modern computing power.
⚠️ Note: Even if you do not use the quick button connection feature, the very fact of an active service is the fact that you are using the button. WPS In the background, leaves the door open for burglars.
Preparation for setting up the router
Before making changes to the configuration of network equipment, you need to carry out a number of preparatory activities, which will help to avoid situations where after disabling the function you will lose access to the control of the router or remain without the Internet. First of all, make sure that your device (laptop or smartphone) is connected to the Xiaomi router either via cable or via Wi-Fi.
You will need credentials to log in to the administration panel. By default, Xiaomi and Redmi routers often don't have a password or match the login unless you've previously installed it. If you've changed your security settings, use your admin password, and it's also recommended that you have a power cable handy in case you need to reboot your device.
It is important to understand that the customization process may vary depending on the firmware version. MiWiFi interface is periodically updated, changing the location of some menu items. Don't panic if the tab names are slightly different from those described below - the logic of the structure is usually retained.
☑️ Preparing for changes in security settings
It’s also worth noting that some ISPs may provide Xiaomi routers with custom firmware where access to certain features is limited, and in such cases, standard paths may not work and you’ll need to find specific solutions for your model.
Disabling WPS through the web interface
The most reliable and detailed way to manage router settings is to use a web interface. Open any browser on your computer or phone and type in the address bar IP-For most Xiaomi devices, it is 192.168.31.1 or the domain name miwifi.com. After going to the address, the system will ask for the administrator password.
Once you've logged in, you'll be taken to the main network status page, and you'll find the section that handles your Wi-Fi settings. Depending on the version of the interface, it can be called "Wi-Fi settings," "Wireless," or just displayed by a signal icon. Look for a tab or subsection called WPS.
Inside this section, you'll see the function status switch, which is often in the Enabled position by default, and your task is to turn it into Disabled. Once you change the setting, be sure to click the Save or Apply button, which is usually located at the bottom of the page, and the router can briefly restart the Wi-Fi module.
Standard path on the menu:
Settings → Wi-Fi → WPS → Turn off (Off)If you don't find a separate WPS tab, try looking for it in the advanced wireless settings, which manufacturers sometimes hide deeper to protect inexperienced users from random changes, although in the case of WPS, it creates a false sense of security.
⚠️ Note: Once you save the settings, all devices connected over Wi-Fi may lose connection for a short time.
Managing Functions through Mi WiFi Application
For smartphone users, Xiaomi has developed a handy Mi WiFi app (also known as Mi Home in some regions) that allows you to control your router remotely.It’s a great tool for quickly checking security status when you don’t have access to your computer. Download the official app from the App Store or Google Play and log in to your accaMi Account.
From the app's main menu, select your router from the device list. The app's interface is more concise than the web version, so some hidden settings may not be available.Look for the Settings section (usually the gear icon) and go to "Wi-Fi settings."
This should show the status of the WPS function. If the option is available to control, you will see a switch. However, it is worth noting that in recent versions of firmware and applications, the manufacturer often removes the ability to turn on WPS at all, leaving the function only off or hiding it completely, which can be considered a step towards improving security by default.
- 📱 Mobility: The ability to check the settings from anywhere in the world where there is Internet.
- 👁️ Visualization: The app shows a list of connected devices, which helps identify uninvited guests.
- 🔄 Automatic updates: the application will tell you if you need to update the router firmware to eliminate vulnerabilities.
Nuances for different models and firmware
Xiaomi’s networking equipment and Redmi sub-brand are extremely extensive, and there is no single interface standard for all models. Older models, such as the Mi Router 3G or 4A, may have a classic interface where WPS is displayed in a prominent place. New models with Wi-Fi 6 support, such as the AX3600 or AX9000, often run on an updated platform with altered menu logic.
Special attention should be paid to routers designed for the Chinese market, where the interface is entirely in Chinese, and finding the right option can become a quest, in such cases, it is recommended to change the system language to English or Russian (if the firmware version allows) to avoid errors. Keywords for search: WPS, Pin, QSS (It's sometimes called WPS Other manufacturers, but Xiaomi rarely).
There is also a category of "gray" routers, flashed by enthusiasts on alternative OSes, such as OpenWrt or Padavan. In such systems, the approach to security is radically different, and WPS is often absent as a class or disabled through text configuration files. If you bought a router from hand, check whether there is a stock firmware.
| Model router | WPS location | Features of the interface | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Router 4A | Settings → Wi-Fi → WPS | The classic green interface | Disable via the web |
| Redmi AC2100 | Settings → System → WPS | Minimalist design | Check in the annex |
| Mi AX3600 | Hidden or disabled | New UI, focus on security | Make sure the update is in place. |
| Mi Nano | Basic settings | Simplified version of the software | Be sure to turn it off. |
What to do if the WPS item is not on the menu?
Alternative methods of network protection
Once you have turned off WPS, don't think your network is completely impregnable. Security is a set of measures. First of all, make sure your Wi-Fi has a modern WPA3 encryption protocol or at least WPA2-Personal (AES). The old WEP protocol or mixed WPA/WPA2 (TKIP) mode is outdated and easily hacked.
The second important step is to change the router's administrative panel password, factory passwords like admin are known to all hackers, come up with a complex combination that you can't find from the dictionary, and it's also recommended that you disable Remote Management if you don't use it all the time to block access to the router's settings from the external network.
Regular updates to the router firmware are another critical aspect: manufacturers release patches to close new security holes. Xiaomi routers often have auto-update enabled, but it is better to manually check status periodically through an app or web interface.
- 🛡️ Use a minimum of 12 characters, including numbers and special signs, to protect your Wi-Fi network.
- 🚫 Shutdown WPS: Guarantees protection from selection PIN-The code we talked about above.
- 🔄 Software Update: Covers zero-day vulnerabilities and errors in router code.
⚠️ Attention: Using a Guest Network for visitors is a great practice.It isolates the main network with your smart lamps, cameras and personal data from other people's smartphones.
💡
Periodically (every 3-6 months) change the password from the Wi-Fi network. This is an effective measure that will reset the connections of all devices, including those on which spyware may have been installed or that were previously compromised.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the WPS shutdown affect internet speed?
Can I turn WPS back on if I forget my Wi-Fi password?
Is WPS really necessary for Mi Connect?
What if the WPS stopped connecting after the shutdown?
💡
Disabling WPS is a basic but critical step in setting up any router, which eliminates one of the easiest ways to hack your network.
To sum up, managing Xiaomi router security settings is a simple task, but it requires attention. By disabling a vulnerable protocol and introducing the habit of regularly updating passwords, you will significantly improve the level of protection of your digital space. Remember that in the world of the Internet, prevention is always more effective and cheaper than treating the consequences of hacking.