Why it is important to update your Wi-Fi password regularly
Xiaomi routers are among the most popular devices for home networking due to the combination of price, performance and easy management through a mobile application. However, even the most secure devices become vulnerable if you use standard or weak passwords. Changing your Wi-Fi password is not just a recommendation, but a necessary security measure, especially if you notice suspicious devices on your network or have not updated your settings in a long time.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the password on Xiaomi routers (including the Mi Router 4A, AX3600, AX6000, Mi Router 4C and others), as well as look at typical errors and their solutions.
Important: If you forget your current Wi-Fi password or your administrator panel, there's a section at the end of this article about resetting your router to factory settings, but remember that this will result in the removal of all personal settings, including SSID, PPPoE data, and guest networks.
Preparing for a password change: what you need to know
Before you start changing your password, make sure you have:
- π± Mobile device with Mi Wi-Fi app installed (available for Android and iOS) or computer with browser access.
- π Connection to a router: you must be connected to the router network (via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable).
- π Current login data: Password from the Administrator Panel (often the default Wi-Fi password or listed on the router sticker).
- β‘ Stable Power: Do not disconnect the router from the network when changing settings.
If you donβt remember the login details to the admin panel, try the standard combinations for Xiaomi:
- πΉ Login: admin
- πΉ Password: Admin or the last character SN (serial number) router (indicated on the bottom sticker).
π‘
If you have never changed your administrator password, try entering the router's last 8 SN characters in the lowercase, for example, if the SN ends in ABCD1234, the password will be cd1234.
Also check if you have any other devices on your network, so in the Mi Wi-Fi app, go to Devices and see the list of connected gadgets. Unknown MAC-Addresses may indicate network hacking.
Method 1: Change passwords through the Mi Wi-Fi mobile application
The easiest and fastest way is to use the official Mi Wi-Fi app, which automatically defines the router model and provides an intuitive interface.
- Open the Mi Wi-Fi app on your smartphone and connect to your Xiaomi routerβs network.
- On the main screen, tap your router icon (usually displayed at the top).
- Go to the Wi-Fi settings section (or Wi-Fi settings in English).
- Select Change Password (Change Password).
- Enter a new password (minimum 8 characters, it is recommended to use letters, numbers and special characters).
- Confirm the changes and wait for the router to restart (it will take 1-2 minutes).
Once you change your password, all devices will be disconnected from the network, and you will need to reconnect them using a new password.
Enter at least 8 characters | Used capital and lowercase letters | Added numbers or special characters | Recorded password in a safe place | Make sure the router does not overheat
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β οΈ Note: If after changing the password, the Xiaomi router AX3600 or AX6000 Begins to work unstable (Wi-Fi often turns off), try rolling back the firmware or resetting. This may be due to a bug in the latest versions of the dual-band software.
Method 2: Change passwords via web interface (for power users)
If you donβt have access to a mobile app or prefer to work through a browser, you can change your password through the routerβs web interface, a method that is universal and suitable for all Xiaomi models, including outdated ones.
Instructions:
- Connect your computer or smartphone to the router network via cable or Wi-Fi.
- Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com. Click Enter.
- Enter the login and password to log into the admin panel (by default β admin/admin or a combination from SN).
- Go to the Wi-Fi section (or Wireless mode in Russian firmware).
- Select the Security Settings tab (Wireless Security).
- In the Wi-Fi Password field, enter a new password.
- Click Save and wait for the router to restart.
In the web interface, you can also configure additional security settings:
- π Type of encryption: select WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK (More reliable, but not all devices support it).
- π‘ Hiding the network: disable the option Hide SSID, If you want to make the network visible in the list of available.
- π Guest Network: Set up a separate network SSID Password for guests to restrict access to the main network.
What to do if the page 192.168.31.1 does not open?
Method 3: Reset the router to factory settings (if you forgot the password)
If you don't remember the Wi-Fi password or the administrator panel, the only way to get access back is to perform a hardware router reset, which will delete all settings, including passwords, PPPoE configuration and guest network data.
Resetting instructions:
- Find the Reset button on the back of the router (usually it is recessed in the case).
- Take a paperclip or toothpick and press the button, holding it for 10-15 seconds until the indicators on the router start flashing.
- Release the button and wait for the reboot (2-3 minutes).
- Connect to the router network (by default it will be called) Xiaomi_XXXX or MiWiFi_XXXX).
- Use the standard password from the sticker on the router or a combination of SN to log into the admin panel.
After resetting, set up the router again:
- π Specify the settings of the Internet connection (if you use PPPoE, enter the login / password from the provider).
- π Set a new password for Wi-Fi and Administrator Panel (they may differ!).
- π Update the router firmware to the latest version (System Settings section) β Update of the PO).
β οΈ Attention: On Xiaomi routers AX6000 and AX3600 You may need to re-link to your Mi Account after resetting, and if you forget your account information, restore it in advance on account.xiaomi.com, otherwise the router will not be able to configure it!
Typical errors and their solutions
When you change your password on Xiaomi routers, users often face typical problems, and we have collected the most common ones and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Cannot enter the Administrator Panel | Incorrect login/password or IP-router address changed | Try admin/admin or a combination of SN. Check the IP via ipconfig. |
| After changing the password, Wi-Fi does not work. | Incompatible type of encryption or firmware failure | Install WPA2-PSK instead of WPA3. Update the firmware. |
| Router does not save new settings | Insufficient memory or damaged file system | Reset and reset the router. If you have a problem again, contact the service. |
| Mobile application does not find the router | The router is not connected to the Internet or Bluetooth is disabled | Connect to the router via cable or check the Bluetooth settings in the app. |
| The guest network does not work after changing the password | Conflict IP-Addresses or Devices Isolate Option | Check the guest network settings in the Wi-Fi β Guest network section. |
If none of these methods worked, check if your ISP is blocking access to the router settings. Some operators (such as Rostelecom or Beeline) use their own firmware that limits functionality. In this case, contact the provider or run the router with alternative firmware (such as OpenWRT).
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If Xiaomiβs router starts to βslow downβ after changing your password, try turning off the Smart Connect feature (smart switching between 2.4 and 5 GHz bands).
Additional security settings for Xiaomi routers
Changing your password is just the first step to protecting your network, and to keep your router as safe as possible from hacking, you should set the following settings:
- π Update firmware: regularly check for updates in the System settings section β Update: Outdated firmware contains vulnerabilities.
- π« Disable Remote Management: In Security Settings, disable access to the Administrator Panel from the Internet.
- π Connected Device Control: Enable Notify New Devices in the Mi Wi-Fi app.
- π Change of the standard IP-address: in section LAN swap 192.168.31.1 for another (e.g. 192.168.10.1) to make it harder for attackers to access.
- π‘οΈ Firewall setting: activate the built-in Firewall and add rules to block suspicious requests.
Important: Xiaomi routers with firmware older than 2022 are vulnerable to attack through the CVE-2021-27561 exploit, which allows you to remotely reset your settings. Update your firmware or disable access to the web interface from the external network!
For advanced users, there are also:
- π§ Setting up VLAN: Separation of the network into virtual subnets to isolate devices.
- π Port Forwarding: To provide remote access to home servers.
- π‘ QoS setting: Prioritizing traffic for online gaming or video calls.