The Xiaomi 4 router (including the Mi Router 4, 4A and 4C models) is a popular home networking device, but even it sometimes requires a reboot. Hanging up, slow internet, device connectivity issues or firmware updates – in all these cases, rebooting the router can be an easy and effective solution.
In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to reboot (via the web interface, mobile app, and hardware button), and how a conventional reboot differs from a factory reset — and when to apply it.
Important: The instructions in this article are relevant for all Mi Router 4 versions (including the Gigabit Edition and the international version).If your model is different, check the name of the model in the device settings.
Why Reboot Xiaomi 4 Router: 5 Reasons
Rebooting a router is not just about turning it off and on, it helps solve a lot of network problems, and here are the main reasons why you might need to restart your device:
- 🔄 Router freeze: the device does not respond to connections, all the indicators flash or only one (usually) burns SYSTEM or INTERNET).
- 🐢 Slow Internet: Lower than the ISP’s stated speed, despite stable network connection.
- 🔌 Device connectivity problems: Smartphones, laptops, or smart appliances can’t connect to Wi-Fi, even though the password is correctly entered.
- 🔄 Update: After installing a new version of the software, the router may require a restart to apply the changes.
- 🔒 Resetting: If you changed your network settings (such as your Wi-Fi name or password) and the router started to work unstable.
Rebooting is also useful as a preventive measure, and many users notice that after restarting the router, the Internet speed temporarily increases, due to clearing the cache and resetting temporary network connections.
⚠️ Note: If the Xiaomi 4 router restarts on its own (without your involvement) several times a day, this is a sign of malfunction. Possible causes: overheating, unstable power supply or damage to the firmware.
Method 1: Reboot via web interface (the most secure method)
If the Xiaomi 4 router is stable but you want to reboot it for new settings or prevention, the best way is to use a web interface.
To restart the router via the browser:
- Connect your computer or smartphone to the router network (via Wi-Fi or cable).
- Open any browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 (standard IP for Mi Router 4).If the address doesn't open, check the connection or try miwifi.com.
- Enter your login login login and password. It's admin/admin by default, but if you've changed your data, use yours.
- Go to Settings → System → Reboot (or Status → Reboot in English version of firmware).
- Press the Reboot button and confirm the action.
The router will start the reboot process, which will take 1-2 minutes, during which time all connected devices will be disconnected from the network, and after completion, the indicators should light up in normal mode (usually SYSTEM burns and INTERNET flashes if the cable is connected).
Make sure the router is connected to the network
Connect to your Wi-Fi or via cable
Close all important network tasks (download, streaming)
Remember. IP-router address (192.168.31.1)
Prepare a login / password for the entrance-->
⚠️ Note: If the router does not turn on or only one indicator burns after rebooting through the web interface, this may indicate firmware damage. In this case, try a hardware reset (see method 3) or reflash the device.
Method 2: Reboot via the Mi WiFi mobile application
For Android or iOS smartphone owners, the official Mi WiFi app (formerly called Mi Router) is more convenient to use, allowing you to control the router remotely, including restarting.
Instructions for restarting through the application:
- Download and install the Mi WiFi app from Google Play or the App Store.
- Connect your smartphone to the network of the Xiaomi 4 router.
- Open the application and log in (use the same data as for the web interface).
- On the home screen, tap your router icon (usually displayed as Mi Router 4).
- Go to Settings → Reboot (or Tools → Reboot).
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
The advantage of this method is the ability to restart the router from anywhere in the house without physically approaching it. However, if the router is very got stuck and does not respond to network requests, the application may not connect - in this case, use the hardware button (mode 3).
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If the Mi WiFi app doesn't find your router, try upgrading to the latest version or reinstall it. Also check that the smartphone and router are on the same network.
Method 3: Hardware Reset (Reset button)
If the Xiaomi 4 router is completely frozen (it doesn’t respond to the web interface or app, all the indicators flash), the only way to reboot it is to use the physical Reset button.It is on the back of the device and is usually recessed into the case to avoid accidentally pressing.
Depending on the situation, the Reset button can work in two modes:
- 🔄 Short press (1-3 Seconds – soft reboot (analogue of command via web interface).
- 🔧 Long pressing (5-10 seconds – complete reset to factory settings (all data will be deleted!).
To simply restart the router:
- Take a thin object (a paper clip, toothpick or a special tool from the kit).
- Find the Reset button on the back of the router (usually signed or circled in red).
- Carefully press and hold the button for 1-2 seconds until the indicators start flashing.
- Release the button – the router will start restarting (it will take up to 2 minutes).
Important: if you hold the Reset button for longer than 5 seconds, the router will reset to the factory settings, and then you will have to reconfigure it (enter data from the provider, configure Wi-Fi, etc.).
| Action. | Retention time of the button | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Soft reset | 1-3 seconds | Router restarts without losing settings |
| Tough reset | 5 seconds | Reset + Reset temporary data (cache) |
| Reset to factory settings | 10+ seconds | Remove all settings (including Wi-Fi password) |
⚠️ Note: If after hardware reboot the Xiaomi router 4 It doesn't turn on (the lights don't turn on), check the power supply. It may not be getting enough voltage (5V/2A).
What to do if the Xiaomi 4 router does not restart
Sometimes the router can freeze so much that none of the methods described here work.
- Check the power: Turn the power supply off the router and network for 30 seconds. Check if there is any damage to the cable or adapter. Connect the power supply back and try turning on the router.
- Try another power source: Use a different adapter with the right options (5V/2A). Connect the router to USB-computer port (if the model supports such power supply).
- Reset to factory settings: Hold the Reset button 10+ seconds until the indicators flash. After reset, reset the router via the web interface.
Check for overheating.
- Turn off the router and let it cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Make sure the ventilation holes are not closed.
If the router is still unresponsive, there may have been a hardware breakdown (memory chip, power controller, etc.) in which case, it is recommended to contact the Xiaomi service center or network equipment repair specialists.
How to distinguish a software failure from a hardware failure?
Reboot vs. factory reset: what’s the difference
Many users confuse reboot and reset, although these are completely different procedures with different consequences.
| Parameter | Reboot (Reboot) | Reset (Reset) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Cleaning of RAM, the use of new settings | Return to the original settings (as after purchase) |
| Implementation time | 1-2 minutes | 2-5 minutes |
| Loss of data | No (all settings are saved) | Yes (passwords, Wi-Fi name, provider settings removed) |
| When to use | When hanging, slow Internet, after updating the firmware | If you forgot the password, in case of critical firmware failures, before selling the router |
If your goal is to just refresh your router, always start with a reboot. Factory reset is an extreme measure that requires you to configure the device from scratch.
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Factory resets not only remove the Wi-Fi password, but also the data to connect to the Internet service provider (PPPoE, VLAN, etc.), without which the router will not be able to distribute the Internet, even if the INTERNET indicator is on.
How to Reboot Xiaomi 4 Router Remotely (If You Are Not Home)
Situation: you've left home and your family complains that the Internet isn't working. Can you reboot the Xiaomi 4 remotely? The answer is yes, but with reservations.
Remote Reboot Options:
- 🌍 Through the Mi WiFi cloud service: If the router is linked to a Xiaomi account, you can manage it through the Mi WiFi app from anywhere in the world. Open the app, select your router and click Reboot.
- 🔌 With a smart outlet: If the router is connected to a smart outlet (like Xiaomi Smart Plug), you can turn off and turn on power via the Mi Home app.
- 📱 Through SMS-commands (for advanced users): Some firmware (for example, Padavan) support management of the SMS. Preliminary adjustment is required SIM-router.
Important: for a remote reboot, the router must be connected to the Internet (at least through mobile). 4G-If the connection is completely lost, remote methods will not work.