How to connect the second router to the Xiaomi router: 3 proven ways

Expanding Wi-Fi coverage or organizing a separate network for guests are challenges that one in three owners of Xiaomi routers face. 3, 4C, AX3600 or AX6000) This allows you to solve these problems without buying expensive Mesh systems, but the wrong setup often leads to conflict. IP», double NAT or drop in speed 30-50%.

In this article, there are three working ways to connect (via cable, via Wi-Fi in repeater mode and through the Internet). WDS-bridge, step-by-step instructions with screenshots of the MiWiFi interface, as well as a table of compatibility of Xiaomi models with each other. DHCP, channeling 2.4 GHz/5 GHz and solving common mistakes like “Not accessing the Internet».

If you just need to amplify the signal in the far corner of the apartment, repeater mode is enough. To create two independent networks (for example, for work and personal devices), you will need a cable connection with a shutdown. DHCP It's on a secondary router. AX-series (e.g, AX3600) We recommend using WDS-bridge – it retains speeds up to 90% of the original, unlike a classic Wi-Fi repetitor.

1.Preparation: What will be needed to connect

Before you start setting up, check out three critical points:

1. Model of the main router. Xiaomi devices on chips MT7621 (Like Mi Router. 3G) supportive WDS-The bridge, unlike the models on Qualcomm IPQ8071A (AX3600, AX6000).
2. Firmware version, MiWiFi routers. ROM After 2022, the Bridge Mode option may not be available. → General. → Firmware update.
3. Type of cable. Use wired connection LAN-cable 5e or 6 (twisted pair) The length should not exceed 100 meters.

Also prepare:

• 🔌 Initial data from the main router: IP-address (usually) 192.168.31.1), login/password (by default — admin/admin), Wi-Fi name and password.
• 📱 Mobile device with Mi WiFi app (available for Android and iOS) or PC to access the web interface.
• ⚡ Power supply for the second router – it cannot be connected via a Powerline adapter during setting up.

If the second router is not Xiaomi (for example, TP-Link or XP) ASUS), The setting may be different. In this case, turn off. DHCP on a secondary device and assign it a static IP from the main router subnet (e.g. 192.168.31.2).

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Before setting up, reset the second router to factory settings: press the Reset button for 10 seconds.

Method 1: Connecting via cable (LAN-to-LAN)

This is the most stable method, guaranteeing minimal speed losses (up to 5%), suitable for creating two independent networks (for example, for a home and an office in the same apartment), or for connecting devices over a wire (IP-camera, NAS).

Connection diagram:

1. Connect the ports LAN Main and second routers with cable (do not use port) WAN secondary!).
2. Turn off the second router. DHCP-server and assign a static IP subnet.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the second router to the PC via cable (in any case) LAN-port).
2. Go to the web interface at 192.168.31.1 (or another if you have to IP modified).
3. Go to Settings. → Local area network (LAN):

Wireless network (Wi-Fi)

SSID

Save the settings and restart the device.

Now you can connect to the second router via both Wi-Fi and cable, and all devices will be on the same network (for example, a printer connected to the first router will be accessible from a laptop connected to the second).

Ping between routers passes (ping command 192.168.31.1 from a PC connected to the second router)|Devices get IP from the main router range (check in Settings) → DHCP → List of clients)|Internet speed on the second router is not lower than 90% of the main router|Wi-Fi networks of both routers are visible and available for connection-->

Method 2: Connecting over Wi-Fi (Repeater Mode)

This method does not require wires, but reduces the speed of the 30-50% It's suitable for temporary signal amplification or if the cable is not possible.

Limitations:

• ⚠️ Does not work on Xiaomi routers with OpenWRT firmware (only original MiWiFi) ROM).
• ⚠️ The maximum speed is limited by the first router’s Wi-Fi standard (for example, if the main router only supports the first router). 802.11n, even AX3600 speed will not exceed 300 Mbit / s).

Instructions:

1. Connect the second router to power and wait for the load.
2. Go to the web interface (192.168.31.1) and go to Settings → Mode of work.
3. Select the Repeater Mode.
4. In the list of available networks, select the Wi-Fi of your main Xiaomi router and enter your password.
5. Set up the network name (SSID) for repeater (you can leave the same as the main router, or add a suffix, for example, _EXT).
6. Save the settings and wait for the reboot (up to 2 minutes).

The most important thing is that the name Wi-Fi (SSID) The repeater matches the main router, the devices will automatically switch between them, but this can cause delays when roaming (up to the time of the switch). 3-5 To avoid problems, use different network names.

4. Method 3: Connecting through WDS-bridge (for advanced)

WDS (Wireless Distribution System is a technology that allows you to combine two routers over Wi-Fi without losing speed (unlike repeater mode). ROM version 2.0.7+ (for example, AX3600, AX6000, Mi Router 4A Gigabit).

Advantages WDS:

• 🚀 Speed drops by no more than 10% (versus 50% in repeater mode).
• 🔄 All devices are on the same network (you can exchange files between them).
• 🛡️ Encryption is supported WPA3 (unlike the old WPA2 repeater).

Setting up WDS on Xiaomi routers:

1. On the main router: Go to Settings → Wireless network → Additional settings. Enable the option Enable WDS. Write it down. MAC-Main router address (required for second device).
2. On the second router: In the same section (Wireless network) → Additional settings) include WDS. In the field MAC-Enter the address of the remote bridge, enter the address of the main router, set the same channel and wireless network mode (for example, 802.11ac), It's like the main device (LAN) turn off DHCP-server and assign a static IP (for example 192.168.31.2).

Reboot both routers.

⚠️ Note: If after setting up WDS If the devices are not getting the Internet, check: Do the Wi-Fi channels on both routers match (should be the same) Is it turned off? DHCP Is the main router using encryption? TKIP (I need to switch. AES).

5. Compatibility table of Xiaomi routers

Not all Xiaomi models support the same connectivity modes, and below is the compatibility table for popular devices:

If your model is not in the table, check mode support in the official documentation or through the Settings menu. → Mode of operation in the web interface.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the right setup, there can be problems, and let's look at the 5 most common mistakes and how to fix them:

1. "No Internet access" on the second router

• 🔹 Reason: Wrongly appointed IP-subnet.
• 🔹 Solution: Check that IP The second router is included in the main subnet (for example, 192.168.31.X) and DHCP switched off.

2.Low Wi-Fi speed on the second router

• 🔹 Reason: Repeater mode is used or channel is incorrectly selected.
• 🔹 Solution: Switch to WDS (If supported, or select a free channel in Settings → Wireless network (use Wi-Fi Analyzer to analyze channel loads).

3. Devices can't see each other on the network

• 🔹 Reason: Different subnets or enabled AP Isolation (customer isolation).
• 🔹 Solution: Turn off the isolation in Settings → Wireless network → Make sure you have additional settings and check that both routers have IP subnet.

4. Permanent communication breakdowns

• 🔹 Reason: Weak signal between routers or interference from other networks.
• 🔹 Solution: Reduce the distance between devices or switch to 5GHz (less busy). Also check if the router is overheating (temperature above 70).°C may cause failures).

5. Access to the second router's web interface is not working

• 🔹 Reason: IP-The second router’s address conflicts with another device on the network.
• 🔹 Solution: Assign a static router to the second router IP off-range DHCP the main router (for example, if the DHCP gives addresses from 192.168.31.100 to 192.168.31.200, assign 192.168.31.2).

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If after all the manipulations the second router does not work, reset to factory settings (reset button for 10 seconds) and repeat the setting from scratch.

7. Network optimization after connection

After successfully connecting the second router, set up the network for maximum performance:

1. The division of frequencies 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz:

• 📶 Assign different names (SSID) for frequencies (e.g, MyWiFi_2G and MyWiFi_5G).
• 🎯 Connect devices sensitive to delays (smart TVs, game consoles) to 5 GHz.
• 📱 Low-power devices (smart light bulbs, sensors) leave at 2.4 GHz.

QoS (Quality of Service) setting:

Include QoS in Settings → Additionally. → QoS and prioritize traffic:

• 🎮 Games: Maximum priority for ports UDP 3074 (Xbox), TCP/UDP 27000-27030 (Steam).
• 📺 Streaming: Priority for Netflix, YouTube (ports) TCP 443, UDP 3478-3479).
• 💼 Work: Priority for Zoom (UDP 8801-8810), Microsoft Teams (TCP 80, 443).

Update of firmware:

Check the relevance of the software on both routers:

1. Go to Settings. → General. → Firmware update.
2. If a new version is available, upgrade (don’t interrupt the process!).
3. After the update, reboot.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi routers with OpenWRT firmware, the second router is configured via the console SSH. This will require a command: uci set wireless.default_radio0.disabled='0' uci set wireless.default_radio0.mode='sta' uci set wireless.default_radio0.ssid='Name Network' uci set wireless.default_radio0.key='Password uci commit reboot Without experience with OpenWRT, it is better to return the original firmware via MiWiFi.

FAQ: Frequent questions