How to rename your Xiaomi router: 3 ways and 5 errors that spoil the signal

Why is the standard network name Xiaomi_XXXX dangerous for your safety

When you first connect a Xiaomi router to power, it automatically creates a network with a name like Xiaomi_1234 or MiWiFi_5678. It's convenient at first glance -- you don't have to set up anything -- but it's not just boring, it's dangerous to your network security.

The fact is that Xiaomi’s standard SSIDs contain part of the serial number of the device, and attackers can use that information to find vulnerabilities in a particular router model, or even to use a password from a leak database, and if your router is named the same as hundreds of other users, it creates confusion when connecting new devices — especially in apartment buildings where networks overlap.

Renaming a router is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also the first step to protecting personal data. In this article, we will discuss how to change the network name on all popular Xiaomi Mi Router, Redmi Router and AX-series models, as well as discuss hidden settings that will help improve connection stability.

What Xiaomi models support network renaming

Virtually all modern Xiaomi routers allow you to change the name of Wi-Fi, but the ways you access this feature may vary.

• 🔹 Mi Router: Mi Router 3/3C/3G/4/4A/4C, Mi Router Pro, Mi Router HD
• 🔹 Redmi Router: Redmi Router AC2100, Redmi Router AX5/AX6/AX6S
• 🔹 AX-Series: Xiaomi Router AX1800/AX3000/AX3600/AX5400/AX6000/AX9000
• 🔹 Smart routers: Xiaomi Mi AIoT Router AC2350, Xiaomi Mi Mesh Router

If your model is not on this list, don’t worry – Xiaomi’s settings interface is unified and the instructions are likely to work. Except for older devices (Mi Wi-Fi Mini, Mi Router 1S), which may require firmware from third-party developers.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi routers with MiWiFi firmware ROM (Chinese version) the settings menu can be in Chinese. To switch to English, look for the icon in the upper right corner. 🌐 and choose English.

Method 1: Rename via the Mi Wi-Fi mobile application (the easiest one)

The fastest way to change the name of the network is to use the official Mi Wi-Fi app (formerly Mi Router), which is available for Android and iOS and is suitable for most router models.

1. Download and install the Mi Wi-Fi app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect to your Xiaomi router network (if not already connected).
3. Open the app and wait for it to find your router. Click on its icon.
4. Go to the Wi-Fi settings section (or Wi-Fi settings in the Russian version).
5. Click on the Wi-Fi name field and enter a new name. The name should not exceed 32 characters, and you can only use Latin letters, numbers and characters -,.
6. Save the changes. The router will reboot, and in 1-2 minutes, the network will appear with a new name.

If you rename some devices, you don't automatically connect them, you have to re-enter the password, which is normal, because that's how Wi-Fi security works.

Is the router connected to power?

Is there access to the Mi Wi-Fi app?

Does the current Wi-Fi password (in case of reset) be remembered?

Is it off? VPN or a proxy on the phone-->

Method 2: Change your name through a web interface (for advanced users)

If you don’t have the ability to use a mobile app or prefer to work through a browser, you can rename the network through the web control panel. This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including those that are not supported by the latest version of Mi Wi-Fi.

Here's how to do it:

1. Connect your computer or phone to the Xiaomi router network (via Wi-Fi or cable).
2. Open any browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com. Click Enter.
3. Enter the login login login password. By default, this is the admin and password you specified when you first set up (or the standard password from the sticker on the router).
4. Go to the Wi-Fi Settings section (or Wi-Fi Settings → Basic Settings).
5. Find the Wi-Fi Name (2.4G) and Wi-Fi Name (5G) fields, and you can specify the same or different names for the two bands.
6. Enter new names, save changes and wait for the router to restart.

If the router doesn’t respond after saving, don’t panic — wait 3-5 minutes. Sometimes it takes longer to restart, especially on older models like the Mi Router 3.

Method 3: Rename via SSH (for power users)

This method is suitable for those who like full control of the device or want to automate the settings. SSH-Access allows you to change the router parameters via the command line, but requires some technical knowledge.

Warning: Incorrect commands can disrupt the router, so use this method only if you are confident in your actions.

Instructions:

1. Turn on SSH on the router. Go to the web interface (192.168.31.1), go to Advanced Settings → Developer Mode and activate the Enable SSH option.
2. Connect to the router via SSH using PuTTY (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux). Enter the command: ssh root@192.168.31.1 The default password is the same as for the web interface.
3. Execute the command to change the name 2.4 GHz: nvram set wl0_ssid="NEW NAME FOR 5 GHz:
4. Save settings and restart router: nvram commit reboot

⚠️ Note: If you use firmware from third-party developers (such as Padavan or OpenWRT), commands to change SSID You can specify them in the documentation for your firmware.

5 Rename Mistakes That Destroy Wi-Fi Signals

What would seem to go wrong with a change in network name? It turns out that many users make mistakes that lead to a bad signal, permanent breaks, or even security vulnerabilities.

Another common problem is when the network becomes invisible to some devices after renaming it, and this is due to the SSID concealment mode enabled. To return visibility, go to the Wi-Fi settings and turn off the Hide SSID option.

Neutral (e.g. HomeWiFi)|Funny (e.g., funny, FBI Surveillance Van)|Complicated (with numbers and symbols)|Left it standard.|Other-->

How to Create a Safe and Memorable Name for Your Network

Your Wi-Fi network name is not just a set of characters, it's a business card of your home network.

• 🔐 Safe – do not contain personal data;
• 📶 Unique – not to match the networks of neighbors;
• 😊 Remembering - so guests can easily connect;
• 🛡️ Neutral – not to provoke conflicts (for example, names like HackMeIfYouCan can attract the attention of hackers).

Here are some ideas for inspiration:

• 🏠 For the house: HomeSweetHome_2.4G, CastleBlack_5G, NarniaGateway
• 🎮 For gamers: NoLagHere, PingGodMode, LANParty24/7
• 🐾 For animal lovers: CatVideoStream, DoggoApproved, ParrotWiFi
• 🚀 For those who love science: SchrodingersWiFi, E=MC_Hammer, 42IsTheAnswer

If you want to add some humor, you can use names like PrettyFlyForAWiFi, TheForce or HideYoKidsHideYoWiFi. The main thing is not to overdo it with mystery, otherwise guests will not be able to connect.

💡

To check if your neighbor's network name is being used, open the list of available Wi-Fi on your phone and see if there are any matches. If you do, come up with another option.

What to do if the Internet disappeared after renaming

Sometimes, when you change your network name, the router stops sharing the Internet. Don't panic -- 90 percent of the time, it's solved in 5 minutes.

1. Check if the WAN indicator is on the router, and if it isn't, the problem is on the ISP or cable side.
2. Restart the router by disconnecting it from power for 30 seconds.
3. Make sure that the network name does not contain any prohibited characters (spaces, Cyrillic, special characters except - and ).
4. Check if your Internet connection settings are wrong. Go to Network Settings → Internet and make sure that the type of connection (PPPoE, DHCP, etc.) matches the one specified in the contract with the provider.
5. If nothing helps, reset the router to factory settings (reset button for 10 seconds) and configure it again.

⚠️ Note: If a router requires authorization through Mi Account after a reset and you don’t remember the linked account, it will be difficult to restore access. Xiaomi links routers to accounts to protect against theft, so always write down the account details you used when you first set up.

💡

If the internet is working after renaming but the speed has dropped, check if the devices have switched to a different range (2.4 GHz instead of 5 GHz or vice versa).

FAQ: Frequent questions about renaming the Xiaomi router