The problem of βdead zonesβ in the apartment is familiar to many owners of smart gadgets. The main router signal often does not reach the far bedroom or kitchen, which causes connection breaks when watching videos or games. The solution to this problem is a Wi-Fi repeater, which can significantly expand the coverage of your home network without laying new cables.
Xiaomi Mi WiFi Range Extender Pro has proven to be a reliable and affordable device.This compact gadget fits easily into the interior and does not require complex adjustment for basic use. In this article, we will discuss all stages of installation, from unpacking to fine-tuning security settings.
If you install the signal amplifier correctly, you can forget about the lags and low Internet speeds in remote rooms. It is important to understand that you need to choose the optimal location of the device to work effectively. Next, we will look at the connection process through the mobile application and the web interface in detail.
Preparation of equipment and selection of installation site
Before you start setting up, make sure you have everything you need to successfully integrate your device into the network.You will need the Xiaomi Mi WiFi Range Extender Pro repeater itself, a running main router and a smartphone with Internet access. Also make sure you know the password from your current Wi-Fi network, as without it, coverage expansion is impossible.
The critical step is to choose the location to install the amplifier, and if you put it too far from the router, the signal will be weak, and the repeater will not be able to relay it properly, and if you set it too close, then there will be little expansion of the coverage area.
β οΈ Warning: Do not install a repeater in the vicinity of powerful sources of electromagnetic interference, such as microwave ovens or baby monitors, this can destabilize the network.
The device is positioned in the middle between the main router and the area where the signal is weak. The indicator on the case will help you determine the quality of communication: blue means a great connection, yellow means satisfactory, and red means poor.
- π Find the socket halfway between the router and the dead zoneΒ».
- π‘ Check the signal level on the smartphone at the intended installation site.
- π Make sure the power outlet is working and provides stable voltage.
Once you select a location, connect the device to the power grid, the status indicator should light up in yellow or red, which indicates that the indicator is ready for initial settings. If the indicator is blue immediately, this may mean that the device has already been set up and it is better to reset.
Set up through the Mi Home app
The most convenient way to configure Xiaomi equipment is to use the proprietary Mi Home app, which allows you to manage your device remotely and receive notifications about the status of the network. First, download the application from Google Play or the App Store and create an account if you do not already have one.
Make sure your smartphone is connected to the Wi-Fi network of the main router you plan to expand.The Bluetooth on the phone should also be enabled for accelerated device search. Open the app and click the add-on button of the new device in the upper right corner.
The system will automatically scan the space and prompt you to add the Xiaomi Mi WiFi Range Extender Pro found. If the automatic search didn't work, select the device manually from the list of categories "Wi-Fi" or "Routers." Follow the instructions on the screen, entering the password from your main network.
- π² Open the Mi Home app and log in.
- π Press Β«+Β» and select your region (often switching region to China if the device is not located).
- π Enter the password from the main Wi-Fi network to clone settings.
During the setup process, the application may suggest updating the device firmware, and it is strongly recommended to agree to this action, since new versions of the software often contain security vulnerabilities and improvements to the radio module's stable.
β οΈ Attention: During the firmware update, it is strictly forbidden to remove the device from the outlet or interrupt the connection to the Internet, otherwise the gadget may turn into a βbrickΒ».
Once the procedure is completed, the indicator on the case will light up in blue, which means that the repeater has created a copy of your network with the same name (SSID) and password, or with the addition of the plus suffix, depending on the settings.
Configuration through a web interface
An alternative method of setting up is to use a web browser on a computer or smartphone, which is useful if you don't want to install additional applications or configure the device from a laptop. First, connect to the repeater's temporary Wi-Fi network, which appears immediately after you turn on.
The default network name usually contains the word Xiaomi_repeater_ And a random set of characters that you see on the sticker at the bottom of the device. Once you connect, open any browser and type in the address bar. IP-address 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com domain.
http://192.168.31.1In the interface window that opens, you will be asked to select a network to expand, the system will show you a list of available Wi-Fi networks within range, select your main network and enter a password from it.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| SSID (Name of the network) | Xiaomi_repeater_XXXX | Name of the main network plus |
| Password. | Absent. | Cloning from the router |
| IP-address | 192.2.1 | Automatically (DHCP) |
| Mode of work | Relayer | Relayer |
Once you have set up the settings, the device will reboot and try to connect to the router, and if you have succeeded, you can connect to the extended network, and the web interface also allows you to change the network name and password manually if you don't need automatic cloning.