How to flash Xiaomi Mi Router 3 under Padavan: full instructions with nuances

Xiaomi Mi Router 3 firmware on alternative firmware Padavan gives access to advanced features that are not available in the stock software: support for WireGuard, flexible QoS configuration, the ability to use external drives and even install additional packages through entware. However, the process requires accuracy - an error at any stage can turn the router into a "brick". In this guide, we will analyze all the steps from unlocking the bootloader to the final configuration, and also tell you how to avoid typical problems.

It’s important to understand that the Mi Router 3 (the R3 or R3G model) has hardware limitations: just 128MB of RAM and 16MB of flash memory, which means that some Padavan builds may not work smoothly. We tested the instruction on current firmware versions (2023-2026) and took into account the nuances for different board revisions. If you’re new to networking firmware, we recommend that you first read the FAQ at the end of the article, which is where frequent fears and myths are parsed.

1.Preparation: What will be needed for firmware

Before you start, make sure you have everything you need, and without proper preparation, the process can be delayed or fail.

• 🔌 Xiaomi Mi Router 3 (any revision, but check the model on the sticker!) Supported versions of R3, R3G, R3P (with reservations).
• ⚡ Power supply 12V/1A (use original or certified analogue – unstable power supply may interrupt firmware).

Programmes will also be required:

• 🛠️ MiWiFi Unlock Tool – to unlock the bootloader (Windows only).
• 📡 Tftpd64 or Atftpd — to transfer files over TFTP.
• 🔍 PuTTY or any other SSH- client (for Linux/Mac a terminal will do).

⚠️ Warning: If your router was purchased after 2020, there is a good chance that it has a new type of locked bootloader installed, in which case an additional step will be required using the UART- adapter (soldering!).

2. Unlock the bootloader: bypass the limitations of Xiaomi

The Mi Router 3 stock firmware blocks third-party software installation, and to get around that, you need to unlock the bootloader. There are two methods:

1. Software (via MiWiFi Unlock Tool) – works for most devices until 2020.
2. Hardware (via UART) – requires a soldering iron and electronics skills.

Let’s consider the first method (software), as it is available to most users.

Unlocking steps with MiWiFi Unlock Tool

1. Download the MiWiFi Unlock Tool and unpack the archive.
2. Connect the router to the PC via LAN- cable (Do not use the WAN port!).
3. Press the Reset button on the router and turn on the power. Hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes yellow.
4. Start the MiWiFi Unlock Tool, select the port (unless you’re automatically determined) and press Unlock.
5. Wait for the message Success. The router will reboot - now the bootloader is unlocked.

⚠️ Warning: If the tool gives a Failed to connect error, check: Firewalls/antiviruses are disabled; network card drivers are installed correctly; and original cable is used (some cheap cables don't transmit data at 100 Mbps).

3. Installation of an alternative Breed loader

Breed is a versatile bootloader that will allow you to easily switch between firmware and restore the router in the event of a failure.

Instructions for Breed installation

1. Download the breed-mt7620-xiaomi-r3.bin file (e.g., from here).
2. Rename the file to breed.bin and place it in a folder with Tftpd64.
3. Launch Tftpd64, go to the TFTP Server tab and specify the folder with the file.
4. Connect the router to the PC via LAN, press Reset and turn on power. Hold the button until the flashing yellow indicator (restore mode) appears.
5. In Tftpd64, in the Server interfaces field, select IP- for your PC (e.g., 192.168.31.100).
6. Open the command line and execute: ping 192.168.31.1 -t If ping is coming, the router is ready to receive the file.
7. In Tftpd64, click Show Dir and make sure the breed.bin file is available.
8. In the command line, run: tftp -i 192.168.31.1 PUT breed.bin Wait for the transfer to be completed (usually takes 1-2 minutes).
9. After a successful boot, the router will restart to Breed (the interface will be available on 192.168.1.1).

If the router does not respond after the reboot:

• 🔄 Check that the indicator is blue (meaning Breed is loaded).
• 🌐 Try opening 192.168.1.1 in another browser (we recommend Firefox or Chrome).
• 🔌 Reconnect the cable to another LAN- port.

4.Install Padavan firmware via Breed

Now that you have Breed installed, you can start with the Padavan firmware. The main rule is: use the build designed specifically for the Mi Router 3. Firmware for other models (for example, Mi Router 4) will not work!

Step-by-step instruction

1. Download the appropriate build of Padavan.We recommend: Optimus (stable, with support for WireGuard). bit.ly.ua (often updated, but may contain bugs).

The file must be called padavan-R3-XXXX.trx.

Open the Breed web interface (192.168.1.1) and go to the Firmware Update section.

Click Select File and download the downloaded Padavan firmware.

Remove the box after the firmware reboot (this is important!).

Click Update and wait until the process is complete (usually 2-3 minutes).

After you have finished manually go to the Reboot section and select Reboot.

The first Padavan download can take up to 5-7 minutes. Don't interrupt the process or turn off the power! If the router indicator flashes red, that's OK, the file system is initialized.

1. Turn off the power for 30 seconds, then turn it on again.

2. log into Breed (click Reset when turned on) and repeat the firmware.

3. Check that the firmware file is not corrupted (compare checksum) MD5 original).-->

5.Padavan's Initial Setup

Once the firmware is successfully installed, the router will be available at 192.168.123.1 (or 192.168.1.1, depending on build) and the default login/password will be admin/admin.

Basic settings

1. Go to Network → WAN and set up an internet connection (select PPPoE, Dynamic IP or Static IP type depending on the provider).
2. In Wireless → Basic, set up a network name (SSID) and password for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (if supported).
3. In Administration → System, change the administrator password to a secure one.
4. Update the time zone list in Administration → Time (select Europe/Moscow or your region).

Possible problems and solutions

Even if you follow the instructions accurately, you can have difficulties. Let's look at the most common ones.

⚠️ Warning: If the router starts to overheat after the Padavan firmware (the body is hot to the touch), check the load on CPU in System Status. Resource-intensive functions (e.g., Torrent client or VPN- server) may be enabled.

7.Stocking back to stock firmware

If Padavan did not make a mistake or there were critical errors, you can return the original firmware Xiaomi.

1. Download stock firmware for Mi Router 3 (e.g., with XDA Developers or 4PDA).
2. Download to Breed (click Reset when turned on).
3. In the Firmware Update section, download the stock file (.bin).
4. After the firmware, the router will automatically restart to the original system.

Warning: After rollback, all Padavan settings will be lost! it may also be necessary to re-assign the router to your Xiaomi account via the Mi WiFi app.

💡

Before you return to stock firmware, back up your Padavan settings in Administration → Backup, which will allow you to quickly restore configuration if you decide to install alternative software again.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions