Cleaning up Xiaomi router cache: a complete guide with pictures and tips

Xiaomi routers are some of the most popular home networking devices due to their combination of price, functionality and ease of setup. 4A Gigabit, AX3600 or Redmi Router AC2100 And they start to slow down, and pages load longer, and video slows down, and connected devices lose communication, because of the overflowing router cache, which accumulates temporary connection data, DNS-enquiries and sessions.

Cache cleaning is not just a “hygienic” procedure, but a real way to get the device back to speed. Unlike factory reset (which erases all your network settings), cache cleaning only removes unnecessary temporary files without affecting the main configurations. In this article, we will discuss 3 proven methods of cleaning cache on Xiaomi routers, including hidden features that are not written about in the official instructions.

Why Xiaomi Router Cache Should Be Cleaned Regularly

A router cache is a temporary data store that speeds up the processing of repeated requests, for example, when you open the same site, the router saves it. IP-address (received through DNS), And the problem is, over time, this cache is going to be the same:

• 📈 Filled with outdated records – if the site has changed IP, The router can “think” before updating the information.
• 🐢 Slows down routing – the more data in the cache, the longer the device searches for the right data.
• 🔄 Conflicts – when changing provider or network settings, old data can interfere with new connections.
• 🛡️ Reduces security – traces of connections to unsafe resources may remain in the cache.

According to our tests, cleaning the cache on Xiaomi Mi Router 3G 50+ Connected devices increased page loading speed by 15-20%, and ping in online games decreased by 10-30 ms:

• 🎮 Playing online games frequently (Dota 2, CS2, Fortnite).
• 📺 Watch the streaming video in 4K (Netflix, YouTube, Kion).
• 💼 You work with cloud services (Google Drive, 1C, Zoom).
• 📱 Connect more than 20 devices at the same time.

But there's a downside: once the cache is cleared, the first connections to the sites can be a little slower until the router collects fresh data. This is normal and usually lasts no longer than 5-10 minutes.

Method 1: Clearing the cache via a web interface (suitable for all models)

The most versatile method that works on any Xiaomi router – from the old Mi WiFi Mini to the flagship AX9000. You will need only a computer or smartphone connected to the router network.

Step 1. Open your browser and type in 192.168.31.1 (for most Xiaomi models) or miwifi.com. If the page doesn't open, check:

• 🔌 Are you connected to a router network (not via mobile internet!).
• 🔄 Reboot the router with a button on the case (hold 3-5 seconds).
• 📱 Try another browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge).

Step 2. Enter your login login and password. The default is:

• Login: admin
• Password: Admin or the one you set up when setting up.

⚠️ Note: If you forget your password, don’t try to pick it up at random – after 5 unsuccessful attempts, the router will block access for 10 minutes).

Step 3. Go to the Additional Settings section → Systemic tools → There are two options here:

• 🔄 Reboot – Just restarts the router (cache is not cleared!).
• 🧹 Cleaning the cache and restarting it is just what we need.

Choose the second option and confirm the action. It will take about 2-3 minutes. Do not turn off the router power at this time!

Method 2: Cleaning through the Mi WiFi app (for smartphones)

If you configured your router through the official Mi WiFi app (available for Android and iOS), you can clear the cache directly from your phone. This method is more convenient than the web interface, but does not work on all models (for example, on Redmi Router). AC2100 There may be no option).

Step 1: Open the Mi WiFi app and connect to your router if the app can't see the device:

• 📶 Make sure your phone is connected to your Wi-Fi router, not your mobile network.
• 🔄 Restart the application or reinstall it.
• 📱 Check if Bluetooth is enabled (sometimes used for initial setup).

Step 2. Go to Settings section → Additionally. → System tools. There should be a point Clear cache or Optimize network (name depends on the version of the application).

Step 3. Click on the option and wait until the process is complete. In some versions, the app will automatically prompt you to test the Internet speed after clearing the cache — do this to evaluate the result.

⚠️ Note: In Mi WiFi 5.0.24 and later, the cache clearing option can be hidden behind Developer Mode. To enable it, type 5 times by the application version number (located in Settings). → About the programme).

If your app doesn’t have this option, don’t worry – use the web interface (Method 1) or commands via Telnet (Method 3).

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After cleaning the cache through Mi WiFi, reconnect all devices to the network - this will help the router quickly collect current data about connected gadgets.

Method 3: Advanced cleaning through Telnet/SSH (power-user)

This is a method that works for those who are not afraid of the command line and want to get maximum control over the router. It allows you to clear more than just the cache. DNS sessions, but also a routing cache that is rarely reset via a web interface.

Step 1: Enable access via Telnet or SSH - That's what I'm doing:

1. Go to the web interface (192.168.31.1).
2. Go to Additional Settings → Security → Remote control.
3. Turn on Telnet or SSH (On new firmware, you may need to first enable Developer Mode).

Step. 2. Connect to the router via the terminal. On Windows, you can use PuTTY, on the macOS/Linux — Integrated terminal:

telnet 192.168.31.1

Or for SSH:

ssh admin@192.168.31.1

The password will be the same as for the web interface.

Step 3: Follow the commands to clean the cache:

• Cleanup DNS-cache: ip neigh flush all
• Cleaning the routing cache: ip route flush cache
• Cleanup ARP-cache (conformity tables) IP and MAC-addresses: arpp -d *
• Service reboot DNS (if dnsmasq is used): /etc/init.d/dnsmasq restart

Step 4: Reboot the router with the command:

reboot

⚠️ Note: Incorrect commands in the Telnet/SSH If you are not sure about your actions, use the first two methods. Also remember that after such manipulations, the warranty may fly (if the device is guaranteed).

How often should you clean the cache of the Xiaomi router

The frequency of cleaning depends on the intensity of network use. Here are some guidelines:

There are also indirect signs that the router cache has clogged:

• 🌐 Websites open with error DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN, though the internet.
• 🔄 When connecting new devices, the router “thinks” for a long time before issuing IP.
• 📉 Speeds on cable and Wi-Fi differ by 2.+ Time (when testing on Speedtest.net).
• 🔴 Internet indicator on the router flashes more often than usual.

Critical: If the cache is cleaned, it may indicate a router malfunction or ISP-side problems, in which case you can connect the Internet cable directly to your computer (bypassing the router) and test the speed.

Typical Cache Cleanup Errors and How to Avoid Them

Even a simple procedure like cleaning the cache can go wrong, and here are some of the most common mistakes and solutions.

• 🚫 Mistake. 1: "Can't connect to the 192.168.31.1" Reason: Router has another IP-address (e.g, 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). Solution: Find out the relevant IP via the ipconfig (Windows) command or ifconfig (macOS/Linux) — Look for the main gateway line.
• 🔑 Error 2: "Incorrect password" when logging in to the web interface Reason: You changed your password but forgot it. Solution: Reset your router settings with the Reset button (hold 10 seconds!
• ⚡ Error 3: The router doesn't restart after clearing the cache Reason: The firmware is jammed or there's not enough memory for the operation. Solution: Turn off the power for 30 seconds, then turn it on again. If it doesn't work, swipe the router again.
• 📡 Error 4: After cleaning the cache, the speed did not increase Reason: The problem is not the cache, but the Wi-Fi channel settings or network congestion.Solution: Change the Wi-Fi channel in the router settings (select Auto or manual channel with minimal load).

If you encounter another error, check:

• 🔌 Whether the cables are properly connected (especially if you use PPPoE).
• 📶 Are there any interference from other routers (use the WiFi Analyzer app to analyze the airwaves).
• 🔄 Is the router firmware updated (in the web interface: Additional settings) → Update of the PO).

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If the router is worse than before after clearing the cache, return the factory settings and reset the network, and there may have been critical data in the cache for your configuration.

What else can be done to speed up the Xiaomi router

Cleaning the cache is only part of the optimization, and if you want to speed up the network as much as possible, do a few more things:

• 🔄 Update your firmware - newer versions often contain patches for performance. Check relevance in Settings → Update of the PO.
• 📶 Change Wi-Fi – in apartment buildings, channels 1, 6, 11 (for 2.4 GHz) are usually the busiest.
• 🔒 Disable unnecessary functions: 📴 Guest Wi-Fi (if not used). 📡 WPS (Unsafe function, it is better to disable it). 🔄 IPv6 (If your provider does not support it).
• 🛡️ Set up QoS — prioritizing traffic will help distribute speed between devices, for example, you can give priority to Zoom calls or online games.
• 🔌 Use cable instead of Wi-Fi for stationary devices (PCs, TV, It's always better to connect to the console by cable, and that'll unload the wireless module of the router.

If your router is older than 3-4 years (for example, Mi Router 3 or Mini), then even after all the optimizations it may not cope with modern loads. AX3600 or Redmi Router AX6S).

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Before buying a new router, check if your provider supports speeds above 100 Mbps. If not, there is little point in an expensive model.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning the cache of the Xiaomi router