How to change the password on the Wi-Fi router Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

Xiaomi routers are among the most popular in Russia due to the combination of price, performance and ease of setting. However, even with them users face difficulties when changing the password: the web interface does not open, the Mi Wi-Fi application gives an error, the new settings do not apply. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the password on Xiaomi routers (including the Mi Router 4A, 4C, 5, AX3000 and AX6000 models), as well as how to avoid errors and what to do if you lose access to the router.

Important: the procedure varies depending on the firmware and the way you connect. For example, on older versions of the MiWiFi ROM, the settings menu looks different than on OpenWRT or Padavan. We will look at the official methods (via the application and the web interface), as well as alternative options for power users. If you have never gone to the router control panel, don't worry: step-by-step instructions with pictures will help even a beginner understand.

1.Preparation: What to Know Before Changing Your Password

Before changing your password, make sure that:

• 📶 The router is connected to the power supply and is on (the power indicator is lit blue or orange).
• 💻 You have a device (PC, smartphone, tablet) connected to this router via cable or Wi-Fi.
• 🔑 You know the current Wi-Fi password or login/password to log into the control panel (by default, admin/admin).
• 📱 If you use the Mi Wi-Fi app, it’s updated to the latest version (check out Google Play or the App Store).

If you don’t remember the login data, you’ll have to reset to factory settings (see section 5). Also note the router model: the Xiaomi Mi Router 4A and 4C interface is easier than flagships like the AX6000, which add advanced security settings.

⚠️ Attention: If you change the password on a router connected to the provider via PPPoE (for example, Rostelecom or MTS), after changing the settings, you may need to reset. Authorization in the personal account of the provider. MAC-Your router's address to your account.

2. Method 1: Change password through the web interface (for all models)

It’s a universal method that works on any Xiaomi router, regardless of the firmware, and works if you don’t have access to the Mi Wi-Fi app or it doesn’t work.

Step 1. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi. Open the browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari) and type in the address bar:

192.168.31.1

If the page doesn’t open, try alternative addresses:

• miwifi.com (for new firmware)
• 192.168.0.1 (for some versions of Padavan)

Step 2. Enter your login and password. This is the default:

• Login: admin
• Password: Admin or the last 8 characters of the router's SN (serial number) (indicated on the sticker below).

Step 3. After you log in, go to Settings → Wi-Fi (or Advanced → Wireless on English firmware).

• 🔒 Wi-Fi Password – enter a new password here.
• 🔄 Password confirmation - repeat it.

Password contains at least 8 characters |

Upper and lower case letters are used |

There are numbers or special symbols (e.g.!, @, #)|

You have written down the new password on paper or in the password manager-->

Step 4: Press Save. The router will reboot (it will take 1-2 minutes), and then all devices will be disconnected from Wi-Fi, and you will have to reconnect with a new password.

⚠️ Warning: On routers with Padavan firmware, the guest network setting may be lost after changing the password. Check it in the Guest Network section.

3. Method 2: Change password through the Mi Wi-Fi application

The official Mi Wi-Fi app (formerly Mi Router) makes it easier to control your router from your smartphone, but it doesn't work with all models and firmware, and if you have a Mi Router 4A or 4C with the latest firmware, it's the best way to do it.

Step 1. Download and install the application:

• 🤖 Mi Wi-Fi for Android
• 🍎 Mi Wi-Fi for iOS

Step 2. Open the app and connect to the router. If you've already set it up, the router will appear in the list of devices. If not, click Add router and follow the instructions.

Step 3. Go to the Wi-Fi section. Here you will see:

• 📡 Network name (SSID)
• 🔒 Password (hidden by dots)
• 🔄 Button Change password

Click Change password, enter a new one (minimum 8 characters) and confirm. the app will automatically apply the settings and reconnect your smartphone to the network.

💡

If the app doesn’t see the router, check that your smartphone is connected to its Wi-Fi. Also try restarting the app or router (power button for 10 seconds).

4 Method 3: Change password through SSH (for power users)

This method is suitable if you have custom firmware installed (OpenWRT, Padavan) or a standard web interface is not available. It requires basic knowledge of working with the command line.

Step 1. Make sure the router has SSH- access enabled.

1. Go to the web interface (192.168.31.1).
2. Go to Advanced Settings → System → Administration.
3. Enable SSH- access and save the settings.

Step 2: Connect to your router via SSH from your PC or smartphone, for example, on Windows you can use PuTTY, on Linux/macOS you can use a terminal.

ssh root@192.168.31.1

The default password for OpenWRT is empty or admin. For Padavan, admin.

Step 3. Edit the Wi-Fi configuration file. Enter:

vi /etc/config/wireless

Find the option key' your current password and replace it with a new password. Save the changes (:wq in vi).

Step 4: Restart the Wi-Fi service:

wifi down && wifi up

5. Reset router to factory settings (if you forgot the password)

If you don't remember the Wi-Fi password or the login data to the control panel, the only way out is to reset completely, and that will bring the router back out of the box, and you'll have to reconfigure it.

Step 1. Find the Reset button (usually recessed in the case) on the back of the router. Take a paper clip or toothpick.

Step 2: Press and hold the Reset button for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing yellow (in some models, a quick blink of blue).

Step 3. Release the button. The router will restart (it will take 2-3 minutes).

• 🔄 The Wi-Fi name will be dropped to factory (e.g. Xiaomi_XXXX).
• 🔑 The password will be blank or 12345678 (depending on the model).
• 🖥️ Data for entering the control panel: admin/admin.

⚠️ Warning: Once reset, the router will automatically update the firmware to the latest version if it's connected to the Internet. This can take up to 10 minutes -- don't turn it off at this time!

Typical errors and their solution

Even after a successful password change, users face problems.

Error 1: “Incorrect password” when connecting to Wi-Fi

• 🔍 Check the letter register (password and password are different!).
• 📱 Reboot the device you are connecting to (sometimes the network cache gets knocked down).
• 🔄 Go to Settings → Wi-Fi on the router and check that the password is saved without typos.

Error 2: After changing the password, the Internet is gone.

• 🌐 Check if the settings WAN are not at fault (go to Settings → Internet).
• 🔌 If the PPPoE connection may require re-authorization from the provider.
• 📡 Reboot the router (power button or via web interface).

Error 3: The web interface does not open (192.168.31.1).

• 🔌 Check that the cable is connected to the port WAN (usually highlighted in blue).
• 📱 Make sure your device is connected to a router (not another network).
• 🔄 Try resetting your browser cache or using another (e.g. Firefox instead of Chrome).
• 🛠️ If the router is new, an initial setup may be required via the Mi Wi-Fi app.

💡

If you change your password, you're constantly rebooting your router, you're probably having a broken firmware setting. Try updating it manually through the Web interface's Update section.

7. Security Tips: How to Come Up with a Strong Password

A weak Wi-Fi password is like an open door for hackers to not only hook up on your Internet, but also to intercept personal data.

• 🔐 Length: minimum 12 characters (optimally 16)+).
• 🔤 Composition: upper and lower case letters, numbers, special characters (!@#$%).
• 🚫 Do not use: dates of birth, names, dictionary words, repeating characters (1111, qwerty).
• 🔄 Update: Change your password every 3-6 months.

Examples of strong passwords:

• Tr0p!c@l_Isl@nd_2026
• C0ff33_With_M!lk$h@k3
• V3ry_L0ng_P@$$w0rd#99

To remember passwords, use managers like KeePass, Bitwarden, or 1Password. Never store them in plaintext (like a sticker on a router)!

💡

If you have many devices (smartphones, smart appliances, IR remotes), make a list of them before changing your password. Once you update your settings, you will have to connect each one again, and some gadgets (such as Xiaomi Vacumm or Yeelight) may require re-connection to the network.

FAQ: Frequent questions