How to change MAC- address on the Xiaomi router: all available ways

Changing MAC- addresses on Xiaomi router can be necessary in several cases: to bypass the limitations of the provider, solve network connection problems or increase anonymity. Unlike smartphones, where changing MAC often boils down to enabling randomization, on routers, the process has its own nuances. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, from standard cloning to manual change via SSH and Telnet, and also tell you which models Xiaomi support this or that function.

It is important to understand that not all Xiaomi routers allow you to change the MAC- address directly. For example, budget models like Mi Router 4A or Mi Router 4C have a stripped down functionality, while the flagship AX3600, AX6000 or BE7000 give more freedom. It is also worth considering that some providers tie network access to the MAC- address of the device - its re-author may require its change.

If you've never worked with network settings at the firmware level, we recommend starting with the simplest method, MAC cloning. For experienced users, we have prepared a manually modified section through the console, including commands to back up the original address. Remember that any manipulation of the firmware can lead to a loss of warranty or unstable device operation.

Why change the MAC- address on the Xiaomi router?

MAC- is a unique identifier for a network device that is assigned during the manufacturing phase, which is not required to be changed in most cases, but there are situations where it becomes necessary:

• 🔄 Bypassing ISP restrictions: Some ISPs link network access to a MAC- device address. If you replace a router but fail to notify the ISP, Internet access may be blocked.
• 🛡️ Increased anonymity: Although the MAC- address is only transmitted within the local network, changing it can make it harder to track your hardware.
• 🔧 Solving compatibility issues: It is rare, but it happens that certain devices (e.g., older printers or IP- cameras) conflict with the MAC- addresses of new routers.
• 📡 Network settings testing: When configuring complex networks (e.g., with multiple VLAN), emulation of different devices may be required.

However, before you change the MAC- address, make sure that the problem is really there. Often the reason for the lack of Internet is the wrong settings PPPoE, DHCP or problems on the provider side. Also remember that some Xiaomi models (especially with MiWiFi firmware) can reset the user MAC after the update.

⚠️ Warning: Changing MAC- addresses on routers running Padavan or OpenWRT firmware can lead to conflicts if the new address matches another device on the network. Always check the uniqueness of MAC before saving the changes.

Method 1: Cloning MAC- addresses via web interface

The simplest and most secure method is to clone the MAC- address of another device (such as an old router or computer) through Xiaomi’s standard web interface, which works on most models, including the Mi Router 4A Gigabit, AX1800 and AX3600.

Instructions:

1. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi.
2. Open your browser and go to 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
3. Log in using the router login and password (by default – admin/admin or indicated on the device sticker).
4. Go to the section Additional settings → Network → Local network (on some firmwares the path may differ: Settings → Internet → MAC-cloning).
5. In the MAC- field, enter a new address in the XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX format (e.g., 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E) or click the Clone button of MAC to copy the current device address.
6. Save the settings and restart the router.

If there is no cloning button, try updating your router firmware to the latest version, and on some models (such as Mi Router 3G), this feature only appears after the upgrade.

Make sure the router is connected to the internet

Write down the original MAC- address (on the sticker or in the settings)

Check the format of the new MAC (6 pairs of hexadecimal characters)

Reboot the router after the changes

-->

After the reboot, check if the changes have been applied.

1. Connect to the router via SSH (instruction below) or use the command in the computer terminal: arp -a 192.168.31.1
2. Compare the MAC you have displayed to what you have entered.

⚠️ Warning: On routers with MiWiFi RU firmware (Russian localization), the MAC cloning function can be disabled at the request of regulators, in which case alternative methods will have to be used.

Method 2: Change the MAC over SSH (for advanced users)

If the web interface does not allow you to change the MAC- address or requires more flexible configuration, you can use access via SSH. This method is suitable for models based on OpenWRT firmware, Padavan or modified versions of MiWiFi.

Before proceeding, make sure that:

• 🔌 The router has SSH- access enabled (deactivated on most models by default).
• 🖥️ You have a program to connect, such as PuTTY (Windows) or an embedded terminal (Linux/macOS).
• 📝 You have recorded the original MAC- address (located on the router sticker or in the web interface).

Steps to change the MAC through SSH:

1. Enable SSH on your router: Go to the web interface at 192.168.31.1. Go to Additional Settings → System → SSH. Activate access and set a password (remember it!).

SSH

ssh root@192.168.31.1

The password is the one you set in the previous step.

ifconfig

We are usually interested in eth0 (LAN) and ra0 or wlan0 (Wi-Fi).

eth0

ifconfig eth0 down


ifconfig eth0 hw ether 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E




ifconfig eth0 up

Replace 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E with the desired address.

ifconfig eth0 | grep HWaddr

vi /etc/config/network

Add the option macaddr '00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E' line to the corresponding interface section.

On Xiaomi routers with Padavan firmware, the path to the configuration file may be different: /etc/ethernet.conf or /etc/wireless.conf. Always back up before editing!

💡

If the router stopped giving out internet after the MAC change, check if the new address conflicts with another device on the network. Return the original MAC and try another one.

Method 3: Using Telnet to temporarily modify MAC

Telnet is a less secure, but sometimes more affordable method than SSH. It is suitable for temporarily changing a MAC- address without saving it after rebooting. This method is relevant for models where SSH is disabled, but Telnet is available by default (for example, on some versions of the Mi Router 3).

Instructions:

1. Activate Telnet on your router: Download MiRouter Telnet Enabler (available on 4PDA forums). Connect to your router via Wi-Fi. Launch the utility and follow the instructions to turn on Telnet.

Telnet

telnet 192.168.31.1

The default login and password are root and admin (or empty password).

br-lan

ifconfig br-lan down


ifconfig br-lan hw ether 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E




ifconfig br-lan up

ifconfig br-lan

Note that changes over Telnet will not persist after the router is restarted. For permanent effect, you need to edit configuration files, as in the SSH method.

Through the web interface (simple and secure)

SSH (Flexibility and Control)

Telnet (Temporary Solution)

Another way.-->

Resetting MAC- addresses to factory settings

If after experimenting with the MAC- address, the router becomes unstable or you want to return the original settings, there are two ways to reset:

1. Software reset via web interface: Go to Additional Settings → System → Reboot and Reset. Select Reset to factory settings. Confirm action and wait for reboot.

Hardware discharge

Reset

• Press and hold the Reset button on the back of the router (10-15 seconds).
• Indicators should blink and go out - this is a signal of a successful reset.

Once the MAC- is reset, the address will return to the original value on the device sticker. If the router has not restored the factory MAC, it may have been modified, in which case the firmware will help to flash to the official version via MiWiFi Recovery.

⚠️ Warning: On routers with OpenWRT firmware, a factory reset may not return the original MAC if it was changed at the bootloader level, in which case manual editing of the file /etc/config/network will be required.

Problems and Solutions When Changing MAC- Addresses

Even with the exact instructions, you can have difficulties, and let's look at the typical problems and the ways to solve them:

• 🚫 The router does not save the new MAC after the reboot: Reason: no changes were made to the configuration files. Solution - edit /etc/config/network (for OpenWRT) or /etc/ethernet.conf (for Padavan) and add a line with the new MAC.
• 🌐 No Internet access after changing MAC: Reason: ISP tied access to old MAC Solution - report new MAC in support of ISP or return the original address.
• 🔒 Unable to connect to SSH/Telnet: Reason: Access is disabled in settings. Solution: turn it on via web interface or use an activation utility (e.g. MiRouter Telnet Enabler).
• ⚠️ The router got stuck after the change MAC: Cause: address conflict or incorrect format MAC Solution - perform hardware reset with the Reset button.

If the router has stopped responding to any queries, try:

1. Turn off the power for 30 seconds, then turn on again.
2. Connect by cable and check if IP- address is assigned (IPconfig command in Windows or ifconfig in Linux).
3. Recover the firmware through Recovery mode (press the Reset button when power is turned on).

Safety and risk of changing MAC- addresses

Changing MAC- addresses is not a harmless procedure, and can involve a number of risks that you should be aware of in advance:

• 🔍 License Violation: Some providers prohibit changing MAC- addresses on their networks, which can cause blocking.
• 🛡️ Local Area Network Conflicts: If the new MAC matches the address of another device, it will cause network failures.
• 🔄 Warranty Loss: Modifying firmware or configuration files may void Xiaomi’s warranty.
• 📵 Update issues: Some models will no longer have official updates installed after manually modifying MAC.

To minimize the risks:

• Always write down the original MAC before making changes.
• Use unique addresses (can be generated using online services).
• Before experimenting, back up your router settings.
• Do not change the MAC on devices connected to corporate or public networks.

If you change the MAC to circumvent the provider’s restrictions, please note that this may be considered a violation of the rules for the provision of services.

💡

Changing a MAC- address does not make you anonymous on the Internet. MAC is transmitted only within the local network, while outside of it you are identified by the IP- address and other data.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the MAC on Xiaomi routers