Why Xiaomi Modem May Need a Reboot
Xiaomi routers are some of the most popular on the market because of the combination of price, performance and functionality. But even the most reliable technology sometimes fails: the Internet goes down, speeds go down, and indicators go off the way they normally do. In 80% of cases, these problems are solved by a banal reboot. But how do you do it right so as not to make things worse?
Rebooting a modem is not just about turning off and on the power, it is a procedure that resets the cache, updates routing tables and restarts system processes, especially for the Mi Router 4A, AX3600 and Redmi Router AC2100 models, where the MIUI firmware for routers sometimes conflicts with the provider's settings, for example, after a software update or a tariff change without rebooting, new parameters may not apply.
In this article, we will discuss all the working ways of rebooting, from the hardware button to commands via SSH, and also tell you how to avoid the typical errors that cause the modem to finally βdie.β If your Xiaomi freezes so that even the indicators do not respond, do not panic: in 95% of cases it will be βresuscitatedβ without contacting the service.
Method 1: Classic reboot through the power button
The easiest and safest method is to use a physical button on the body, which is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Mi Router 3G/4G and AX6000. The main advantage is that it does not require access to a web interface or application.
How it works:
- π Find the Reset or Power button on the back of the modem, which is usually recessed in the case to avoid accidentally pressing it.
- π Carefully press it once (don't hold it!) on Mi Router models 4C The button can be touch-sensitive - a light touch is enough.
- β³ Wait 1-2 minutes until the indicators start flashing normally (usually blue or orange is replaced by stable white).
βοΈ Preparation for hardware reboot
Important: If the button does not respond to a short press, do not try to hold it for more than 5 seconds, this will lead to a complete reset to the factory settings (which is signaled by the rapid blinking of the orange indicator), in which case you will have to adjust the modem again.
β οΈ Note: Xiaomi Mi Router Pro and AX9000 Reset button is combined with the button WPS. To avoid accidental reset, press it strictly once and no longer than 1 second.
Method 2: Reboot via web interface (192.168.31.1)
If the modem is responding to ping, but the Internet is unstable, reboot it through the admin panel.This method is suitable for all firmware, including MIUI Router OS and OpenWRT (if you installed it).
Step-by-step:
- Open your browser and type in 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com for new models).
- Sign in under the admin login and the password you specified when setting up (by default β empty or admin).
- Go to Settings β System β Reboot (in English firmware: Settings β System β Reboot).
- Press the Reboot button and confirm the action.
What to do if you do not enter the web interface?
On some firmware (e.g., Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition), the reboot section may be in Additional Settings β System Management. If you don't see the button, update the firmware through Software Update in the same menu.
| Modem model | The Way to Reboot in the Web Interface | Reset time |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Router 4C | Settings β System β Reboot | 40-60 seconds |
| Mi Router AX3600 | Advanced β System β Reboot | 60-90 seconds |
| Redmi Router AC2100 | Management β Reboot | 30-50 seconds |
| Mi Router Pro | Settings β System Tools β Reboot | 90β120 seconds |
Method 3: Reboot via the Mi Home app
If you use the Xiaomi ecosystem, you can manage the modem through the official Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS), which is convenient when you are away from home and need to remotely restart the router.
Instructions:
- π± Open the Mi Home app and log in to your Xiaomi account.
- π Find your modem in the list of devices (for example, Mi Wi-Fi Router). AX3600).
- βοΈ Slip it, then select the settings. β Reboot.
- β³ Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (the app will show a notification).
1. is it connected to the Internet (at least through a 3G/4G backup channel).
2. Is it linked to your Xiaomi account (web interface: Settings β Cloud β Account Linking).
3. Has the modem firmware been updated to the latest version.-->
Limitation: Remote reboot via Mi Home only works if the modem is connected to the Internet (at least through a backup channel). If the main connection is cut, use methods 1, 2 or 4.
Method 4: Reboot via SSH (for advanced users)
If you have installed an alternative firmware (such as Padavan or OpenWRT) or simply prefer to work through the terminal, you can reboot the modem with the SSH command.
Step-by-step:
- Make sure that SSH is enabled in the modem settings (in the web interface: Settings β SSH β Enable).
- Connect to the modem via PuTTY (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) at 192.168.31.1 with port 22.
- Log in under the root login and password (by default - the password from the web interface).
- Enter the command: reboot or for forced reboot: reboot -f
Warning: Forced reboot -f can cause unsaved settings to be lost if the modem is writing data to memory at this point. Use it only as a last resort.
β οΈ Attention: On models with firmware MIUI Router OS access SSH If the reboot command doesn't work, try: echo 1 > /proc/sys/kernel/sysrq echo b > /proc/sysrq-trigger This will force the system to restart, but may cause file system errors when used frequently.
Method 5: Complete reset (if the modem is hanging dead)
If none of these things work, and the modem lights are not running properly (e.g., orange flashing all the time), you'll have to do a hard reset, which is a factory reset, and this is a last resort, after which all settings (including the Wi-Fi password) will reset.
How to perform the reset:
- π§ Find the Reset button on the back of the modem (usually signed or circled in red).
- π Hold it for 10-15 seconds (until the lights start flashing quickly).
- β³ Release the button and wait for a full reboot (3-5 minutes).
- π After reset, the modem will create a new Wi-Fi network with a name Xiaomi_XXXX (where XXXX β last-minute MAC-address).
1. reconfigure the Internet connection (enter data from the provider).
2. Change the name and password of Wi-Fi.
3. Update the firmware to the latest version (via Settings) β Update of the PO).-->
On Xiaomi Mi Router 4Q and Redmi Router X5 models, the reset can take up to 10 minutes - do not interrupt the process even if the indicators are gone. If the modem does not turn on after reset, check the power supply or contact the service.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Rebooting the modem seems like a simple procedure, but many users make mistakes that lead to even bigger problems.
1. Interrupting the reset process
If you pull the power cable while the lights flash, the modem can "blink" and only a hard reset will help. Always wait until the lights light up in a stable color.
2. Use of non-original power supply
Xiaomi modems are sensitive to voltage. If the power supply produces unstable 12V (for example, cheap Chinese counterparts), the router will spontaneously reboot. Use only original or certified adapters.
3. Ignoring firmware updates
If the modem restarts on its own, check the firmware version. Outdated versions often contain bugs that cause freezes. Update the software via Settings β Software Update or manually download the firmware from the official website.
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The modem does not turn on after restarting | Firmware failure or power supply | Check the power supply, perform hard reset |
| Indicators flash orange > 5 minutes | Failed update or reset | Wait 10 minutes if it doesnβt help β reset your settings |
| There's no internet after the reboot. | PPPoE/DHCP settings are lost | Check the data to connect to Settings β Internet |
| The modem spontaneously reboots | Overheating or unstable nutrition | Check the ventilation, replace the power supply |