How to connect Xiaomi router to another router: 3 proven ways

Have you bought a second Xiaomi router and want to expand Wi-Fi coverage or divide the load between devices? Connecting two routers to the same network is a challenge many users face, especially in large apartments or country houses. But how to do it right, so as not to lose speed, avoid conflicts IP-Addresses and ensure the smooth operation of all gadgets?

In this article, we will analyze three main ways to connect Xiaomi routers to each other: via a network cable (the most stable option), via Wi-Fi (for convenience) and in bridge mode (WDS) (Each method has its pros and cons, and you can choose according to your goals, for example, if you just want to increase the range of Wi-Fi, wireless connectivity is good, and if speed and stability are critical (for example, for game consoles or Smart). TV), better use the cable.

Important: Before setting up, check if your Xiaomi model supports the selected mode. For example, not all budget routers (like Mi Router) 4C) They can work in bridge mode, whereas flagship models (for example, Xiaomi) AX6000) And you can also consider that when you're wireless, you can drop to 50 percent of your original speed because of dual data.

1.Preparation for connection: what to check before starting

Before you connect two routers, make sure both devices are ready to configure. Here are key points that are often overlooked:

• 🔌 Power and Location: Both routers must be connected to the network and placed in a confident signal reception zone (if you plan to have a wireless connection). Avoid areas with thick walls or household appliances that cause interference (microwaves, radio phones).
• 📋 Firmware versions: Update the firmware on both routers to the latest version via the Mi Wi-Fi app or web interface.Odd software can cause errors when configuring a bridge or repeating Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 Reset: If you have already used the router, reset to factory settings (reset button for 10 seconds) and this will eliminate conflicts with previous parameters.
• 📡 Wi-Fi channels: Check that both routers are running on different channels (e.g., the main one on channel 6 and the second one on channel 11.

Pay special attention IP-By default, most Xiaomi routers use the 192.168.31.1 subnet. If you connect the second router unchanged, there will be a conflict. Solution: assign the second router another router. IP In the same subnet, for example, 192.168.31.2.

⚠️ Note: if you connect a Xiaomi router to a device from another manufacturer (e.g., TP-Link or other devices). ASUS), Turn off the function on the second router DHCP-server. Otherwise, the devices on the network may receive incorrect IP-Addresses that will cause problems with Internet access.

Method 1: Connection via network cable (LAN-to-LAN)

This is the most reliable and fastest way to connect two routers, which is suitable if you have the ability to lay a cable between devices (for example, through walls or a plinth).

• 🚀 Maximum data transfer speed (up to 1 Gbps when using gigabit ports).
• 🔒 Minimum delays (ping), ideal for online gaming and streaming video.
• 🛡️ Higher stability compared to Wi-Fi.

To connect you will need a network cable (twisted pair, category not lower than Cat). 5e). The cable should not exceed 100 meters in length, otherwise the signal will start to fade. If the routers are in different rooms, use a cable with connectors. RJ-45 Or squeeze it yourself.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect one end of the cable to LAN-port of the main router (the one that distributes the Internet).
2. Second end inserted LAN-The second router port of Xiaomi (not in the WAN-port!).
3. Power both devices.
4. Go to the second router's web interface at 192.168.31.1 (or another if you have changed it).
5. Go to Settings. → Network → Local area network (LAN).
6. Change. IP-address of the second router to the free one in the main subnet (for example, 192.168.31.2).
7. Turn it off. DHCP-server on the second router (in the section) DHCP).
8. Save the settings and restart the device.

Check the length and category of the cable|Change. IP second-route|Shut down. DHCP router|Connect the cable to LAN-ports (not ports) WAN!)|Reboot both devices-->

Once rebooted, both routers will be running on the same network, and devices connected to either will access the Internet and see each other on the local network (for example, to transfer files or print to a network printer).

⚠️ Note: if the Internet on the second router does not work after connecting, check that the cable is connected to the Internet. LAN-port, not to WAN. Also make sure that the main router is on. DHCP-server - it should be distributed IP-address.

Method 2: Wireless connection (Wi-Fi Repeater)

If you can't or can't get the cable running, you can connect a second Xiaomi router over Wi-Fi in repeater mode, which is easier to set up, but has limitations:

• ⚡ The speed of the Internet on the second router will be lower (about the same time). 30-50%), The data is transmitted "over the air" twice.
• 📶 Signal quality depends on the distance between routers and the presence of interference.
• 🔄 Not all Xiaomi models support repeater mode (e.g. Mi Router). 4A Gigabit Edition can do this, but the basic version 4A — no).

Before setting up, make sure that:

• Both routers operate in the same range (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
• Main router is on. WPS (If you plan to use this feature for a quick connection).
• You know. SSID (network name) and password of the main router.

Instructions for setting:

1. Connect the second Xiaomi router to the power and wait for it to load.
2. Go to the second router's web interface (192.168.31.1).
3. Go to Settings. → Mode of work → Repeater (Repeater).
4. Select the main router network from the list and enter the password.
5. Save the settings. The router will reboot and connect to the main network.

Once successfully connected, the second router will relay the main signal, increasing the coverage area. Note: in this mode, you will have one Wi-Fi network with the same name (SSID), But when moving between routers, devices will have to manually reconnect (automatic roaming is not supported in budget models).

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If your Xiaomi router does not support repeater mode, you can use the function WDS (It works in a similar way, but requires manual channel setting and security.

Method 3: Connecting in Bridge Mode (WDS)

Regime. WDS (Wireless Distribution System allows you to combine two routers into one network over Wi-Fi, saving the original SSID And passwords. This is a more complex setup method than a repeater, but it gives you more control:

• 🔗 Connect networks with different names (SSID), But leave the Internet to the public.
• 📡 Use different channels to reduce interference.
• 🔒 Set up separate security settings for each router.

Cons WDS:

• ⚠️ Not all Xiaomi models support this mode (check in the specifications).
• ⚡ The speed is also reduced by approximately 30-40% due to double data transmission.
• 🔧 Manual channel and encryption configuration required.

Step-by-step adjustment WDS:

1. Connect the second Xiaomi router to your computer via cable and go to its web interface.
2. Go to Settings. → Wireless mode (Wi-Fi).
3. Turn on the option. WDS and press Search.
4. Select the main router network from the list and enter its password.
5. Install the same channel and encryption type as the main router.
6. In the section LAN change IP-address of the second router (for example, on 192.168.31.2).
7. Turn it off. DHCP-server.
8. Save the settings and restart the device.

Once the second router is restarted, it will connect to the main router in bridge mode, and the devices connected to it will receive the same router. IP-addresses from the main router and have access to the Internet.

⚠️ Note: if after setting up WDS Internet is not working, check that the main router has the option "Allow other devices to connect in mode" WDS" (in some firmware it is hidden in additional settings of the wireless network).

5. Set up additional parameters for stable operation

After successfully connecting two routers, Xiaomi is advised to optimize several options to avoid problems in the future:

• 🔄 Automatic roaming: if your routers support 802.11k/v/r (for example, Xiaomi AX6000), Turn on these options for smooth switching devices between access points.
• 📶 Transmission power: In Wi-Fi settings, you can increase signal power (Tx Power option), but this can cause the router to overheat.
• 🔒 Guest network: If you want an isolated network for guests, set it up on the main router and turn it off on the second one.
• 📊 Traffic Prioritization (QoS): On the main router, assign the highest priority to devices sensitive to delays (e.g., Smart). TV game console).

It's also useful to set up a backup channel for Wi-Fi, so if the main channel is loaded, the router will automatically switch to a less loaded channel.

1. Go to Settings. → Wireless mode → Additionally.
2. Enable the option of automatic channel selection.
3. Set a checkmark to Use the backup channel.

If you use Xiaomi routers with Mesh support (for example, AX3600 or AX6000), We recommend you turn on AiMesh or EasyMesh mode, which will allow devices to automatically select the best access point and switch between them without breaking the connection.

Possible problems and solutions

Even if you set it up properly, you can have problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If after all the manipulations the problem remains, try:

• 🔄 Reset the settings of both routers to the factory and configure again.
• 📋 Update the firmware through the Mi Wi-Fi app (in some cases bugs are fixed in new versions of the software).
• 📡 Reduce Wi-Fi transmission power if routers are too close and cause interference.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using VPN or Parental Control on the main router, these settings may not apply to devices connected to the second router in mode WDS Or repeater. For centralized control, configure these functions on the main device.

7. Comparison of connection methods: which one to choose?

Which method is best depends on your tasks and conditions. Below is a comparison table:

Selection recommendations:

• 🏠 For home or office with the possibility of laying cable → Choose a LAN-to-LAN.
• 📶 Temporary expansion of Wi-Fi (for example, in the country) → Repeater is fine.
• 🔧 For advanced users who need control of the network → tune in WDS.

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If you want maximum speed and stability, use cable. Wireless methods are more convenient, but always lose in performance.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi routers