How to restart Xiaomi router correctly: from a simple reboot to a complete reset

Xiaomi routers are some of the most popular home networking devices because of the combination of price, performance and functionality. But even the most reliable technology sometimes requires a restart: the Internet starts to slow down, Wi-Fi suddenly shuts down, the device stops responding to commands. In 80% of cases, these problems are solved by a banal reboot or resetting, but how do you do this correctly, so as not to aggravate the situation?

In this article, we will explore all the possible ways to restart Xiaomi routers, from soft reboot through the web interface to hard reset to factory settings with a hidden button. We will focus on the Mi Router 4A, 4C, AX3600 and AX6000 models, since their interfaces have key differences, and you will learn how to avoid typical reset errors and what to do if the router does not turn on after restart.

When to restart the Xiaomi router: 7 obvious signs

Many users only reboot the router when the internet is completely gone, and there are actually a number of “symptoms” that signal the need to restart long before a critical breakdown occurs:

• 🌐 Pages in the browser load longer than 5 seconds, although the speed on the test is normal.
• 📶 Devices (smartphone, laptop) constantly lose connection to Wi-Fi, although the router is turned on.
• 🔄 Internet indicator (WAN) flashing yellow or red, although the provider does not perform work.
• 🖥️ In the personal account of the router (192.168.31.1) there is an error "No Internet connection", although the cable is connected.
• 🔌 The router does not respond to button or command presses through the Mi Wi-Fi app.
• 🔒 Wi-Fi password suddenly stopped working, even though you didn’t change it.
• 📡 Wi-Fi speeds on devices drop 2-3 times for no apparent reason (for example, from 300 Mbps to 50 Mbps).

If you notice at least 2-3 signs from the list, this is a reason to restart. Important: frequent failures (usually 1 time per week) can indicate hardware problems - overheating, power supply malfunction or firmware damage.

Method 1: Soft reboot via web interface (without losing settings)

The safest method that doesn’t affect Wi-Fi settings, passwords and firewall rules is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including Mi Router 3G/4A/4C new AX-You're going to need a series for this:

• 💻 Computer, laptop or smartphone connected to a router via cable or Wi-Fi.
• 🔑 Login and password from the admin panel (by default — admin/admin or listed on the router's sticker).

Instructions:

1. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 (for some models – miwifi.com).
2. Enter your login and password. If the standard one doesn't fit, check the sticker on the bottom panel of the router.
3. Go to Settings → System → Reboot (on new firmware, the path may be General Settings → Restart).
4. Click the “Reset” button and confirm the action.

The router will restart within 1-2 minutes, and all settings (including SSID, Wi-Fi password and Mi Account binding) will be saved, and this method is recommended to use first, since it does not carry risks.

Method 2: Reboot via the Mi Wi-Fi mobile application

If you don’t have access to a computer or prefer to operate your router from your smartphone, use the official Mi Wi-Fi app (available for Android and iOS), which is convenient because it allows you to restart the router remotely – even if you are not at home.

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Wi-Fi app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Sign in under the same Mi Account that the router is attached to.
3. Select your router from the list of devices (if there are several).
4. Go to the Settings section → General. → Reboot.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (about 1-2 minutes).

An important nuance: if the router does not respond to commands through the application, this can mean:

• 🔌 Power problems (check the power supply and cable).
• 📡 Firmware failure (reset to factory settings will be required).
• 🔒 The router is untied from your Mi Account (you need to link it again).

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If the Mi Wi-Fi app doesn’t see the router, try connecting to its Wi-Fi directly (even without internet) and try again.

Method 3: Hard Power button reboot (when getting stuck)

If the router is completely getting stuck — does not respond to commands via a web interface or application, and the indicators are lit non-standard (for example, all LEDs flash at the same time) — a physical reboot of the power button will help.

How to do this:

1. Find the Power button on the back of the router (usually highlighted in red or blue).
2. Press and hold it for 5-10 seconds until all the indicators go out.
3. Release the button and wait until the router turns on again (it will take up to 2 minutes).

Critical: don't confuse the Power button with the Reset button! The latter is usually recessed in the case and requires a pin. Pressing Reset will return the router to factory settings, which is not always desirable.

Method 4: Complete reset to factory settings (Reset)

This method should only be used in extreme cases, as it removes all settings:

• 🔐 Wi-Fi password and network name (SSID).
• 📋 Firewall rules, parental controls, guest network.
• 🔄 Port settings, DMZ, UPnP.
• 🔗 Reference to Mi Account (re-authorization required).

After resetting, the router will return to the state of “out of the box”.

How to perform the reset:

1. Take a paper clip or toothpick and find a recessed Reset button on the back of the router (usually signed or circled in red).
2. Press and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the lights start flashing quickly or go out.
3. Release the button. The router will restart and return to factory settings (the process will take 2-3 minutes).

After discharge:

• 🔧 Reconfigure router via 192.168.31.1 or Mi Wi-Fi app.
• 🔒 Set a new Wi-Fi password (do not use admin!).
• 📡 Update the firmware to the latest version (see section below).

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Factory reset is the last chance to bring the router back to life if other methods have not worked, but remember: after it, all personal data will be lost!

Method 5: Restart over SSH (for advanced users)

If you are an experienced user and want to restart the router through the command line, you can use the SSH protocol. This method is suitable for models based on OpenWRT (for example, Mi Router 3G, R3P) or stitched custom software.

Instructions:

1. Make sure that SSH is enabled in the router settings (Settings → Additional → Remote Access).
2. Connect to the router via SSH using PuTTY (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux):

ssh admin@192.168.31.1

1. Enter the password (by default - admin, if not changed).
2. Run the reboot command:

reboot

The router will restart in 30 seconds, a method that is useful for automation (e.g., if you need to reboot the router on a schedule via cron).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi routers with factory firmware SSH It's disabled by default, and turning it on can break the warranty and open up vulnerabilities for hacker attacks!

What to do if the router does not turn on after restarting

In rare cases, after a reboot or reset, the router may not turn on: the indicators do not burn, Wi-Fi does not appear, and access to 192.168.31.1 is absent.

If none of the methods worked, the router might have failed.

• 🔧 Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (if warranty is in effect).
• 🛠️ Check the capacitors on the board (bloated capacitors are a common cause of malfunctions).
• 🔄 Try to manually run the router through TFTP (Only for experienced users!).

FAQ: Frequent questions about restarting Xiaomi routers