How to return the Xiaomi router to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Resetting Xiaomi router to factory settings is a procedure that can be required in a variety of situations, from the banal forgetfulness of the Wi-Fi password to critical failures in the device. However, many users are afraid to perform this operation for fear of losing important settings or completely disabling the device. In fact, with the right approach, the reset is completely safe and takes no more than 5-10 minutes.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods – through the web interface, the physical Reset button and the Mi Home app – and how to prepare for the procedure to minimize risks.

If your Xiaomi Mi Router 4A/4C/AX3600 or other router is slowing down, not connecting to the Internet or is not behaving in a stable way, don’t rush to buy a new device. In 80% of cases, a factory reset solves the problem, the main thing is to follow a clear algorithm and not miss important steps.

When you need to reset the Xiaomi router to factory settings

Resetting the Xiaomi router is not only necessary in critical situations, but also for prevention.

• 🔑 Forgot the password from Wi-Fi or Administrator panel is the only way to restore access without using third-party utilities.
• 🐢 The router slows down or spontaneously resets – reset helps eliminate software conflicts that have accumulated after updates.
• 🌐 Internet connection problems when the device does not receive IP-Address from the provider (error "Without access to the network").
• 🔄 Failed firmware update, after which the router stopped working correctly.
• 🏠 Moving or changing the provider – it’s easier to reset and configure the device again than editing old settings.
• 🛡️ Suspicion of hacking – if unknown devices appear on the network or security settings change.

It is important to understand that resetting is a last resort. If the problem is related to unstable Internet, first check the cable from the provider, restart the router and update the firmware. Also, make sure that the failures are not caused by external factors, such as overheating of the device (relevant to the models of Xiaomi Mi Router 3G/4Q passive cooling).

⚠️ Note: If the router is guaranteed, resetting via the Reset button can be regarded by the service center as an attempt to repair yourself.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you drop your Xiaomi router, prepare for the procedure to avoid unpleasant surprises. Here is a checklist of mandatory actions:

Save your current Wi-Fi settings (network name and password)

Download the latest firmware version for your model

Disconnect all important devices from the network (IP-cameras, smart lamps, etc.)

Prepare an Ethernet cable to connect to your PC (if necessary)

Write down the data for entering the personal account of the provider (logins, passwords, VLAN ID)

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Pay special attention to backup settings. Xiaomi routers have a configuration export function that allows you to save all parameters to the file and restore them after reset.

1. Connect to the router’s web interface at 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
2. Go to the section Additional → System → Backup / Restore.
3. Click Create a backup and save the file to your computer.

If your router supports cloud management through Mi Home, check if it is linked to your account.

⚠️ Warning: Backup saves all settings, including Wi-Fi passwords, but does not include data about connected devices on the network.

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If you have a router that supports Mesh network (for example, Xiaomi Mesh System), before resetting, disable all additional nodes. Resetting the main router will automatically break communication with satellites, and they too will have to be configured again.

Method 1: Reset via web interface (the most secure)

This is a good method if you have access to the router's admin panel, and it's considered the safest method, because it allows you to save some settings or perform a soft reset.

Step instructions:

1. Connect your computer or smartphone to the router network via cable or Wi-Fi.
2. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com. If the page doesn't open, check the connection or reset the browser cache.
3. Enter the login and password (by default – admin and password from the sticker on the router).
4. Go to the section Additional → System → Reboot.
5. Select the option to Restore factory settings and confirm the action.

The process will take 2–3 The router will restart and you will be able to connect to it by default (network name will be Xiaomi_XXXX, where XXXX — last-minute MAC-address).

If your router model does not have a System partition, try an alternative path:

Settings → General settings → Recovery and reset → Resetting

Important: Xiaomi routers with MiWiFi-based firmware (such as Mi Router 3G) may require re-association with Mi Account after reset. Without this, some features (such as parental controls) will not be available.

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Reset via the web interface saves the login and password to log into the admin panel if you have changed them.

Method 2: Hardware reset button Reset (for blocked routers)

If you forgot the password from the admin panel or the router doesn't respond to connections at all, the physical Reset button will help.It's located on the back of the device and is usually recessed into the case to avoid accidentally tapping.

Algorithm of action:

1. Take a thin object (clip, toothpick or needle) and press the Reset button.
2. Hold it for at least 10 seconds until the indicators on the router start flashing orange or yellow.
3. Release the button and wait for the reboot (about 2-3 minutes).

After reset, all settings will be deleted, including:

• 📶 Wi-Fi name and password
• 🔌 Connection settings to the provider (PPPoE, L2TP etc.)
• 🔒 Administrator password
• 📊 Firewall and Parental Control Rules

If the indicators have not changed color after holding the Reset button, try:

• 🔌 Turn off the router from power, hold the button for 15 seconds, then turn on the power without releasing the button (another 10 seconds).
• 🔄 Use another object to press – sometimes the button does not work due to insufficient pressure.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Router) 4A Gigabit Edition: Long-term retention of the Reset button (more than 30 seconds) can put the device in firmware recovery mode. TFTP.

Method 3: Reset via Mi Home (for smart routers)

If your Xiaomi router supports management via the Mi Home app (relevant to the AX3600, AX6000, AIoT Router AC2350 models), the reset can be done remotely.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Mi Home app and go to the section with your router.
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings of the device.
3. Scroll down and find the option Reset (or Remove the device).
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

Once reset, the router will automatically unplug your Mi Account, and you'll have to add it again.

1. Click Add the device in the app.
2. Select the router category and follow the instructions on the screen.
3. Connect to the temporary network Xiaomi_XXXX and enter the data to set up.

Note that Mi Home does not have a full reset, but a soft reset that saves some basic settings (e.g. region).

What to do after resetting: setting up the router from scratch

After a successful reset, Xiaomi's router will go back to factory settings. You'll need to reconfigure it. Here's a step-by-step algorithm:

1. Connect to the router via Wi-Fi (the network will be called) Xiaomi_XXXX) via cable.
2. Open the web interface at 192.168.31.1 and log in with admin and a password from the sticker.
3. Set up an Internet connection: For PPPoE, enter the username and password from the provider. For Dynamic IP (DHCP), just save the settings. For Static IP, specify the data provided by the provider.

Set up Wi-Fi.

• Please specify a new network name (SSID).
• Select the WPA2-PSK or WPA3 encryption type.
• Set a strong password (at least 8 characters, with numbers and letters).
• Update the firmware (if an update is available) in the Additional → Update section.

If you have previously made a backup, restore it in the Additional → System → Restore section, but note that some settings (such as the Wi-Fi password) may not be restored, but you will have to re-enter them.

For models with Mi Home support, after reset, you may need to:

• 📱 Re-linking to the account through QR-code.
• 🔄 Update regional settings (if the router was purchased abroad).
• 🌍 Time and time zone setting (in some firmware resets to UTC).

⚠️ Note: If after resetting the router Xiaomi AX6000 or other model with support OFDMA It's unstable, disable this feature in your Wi-Fi settings. It can conflict with older devices on the network.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the correct reset, users often face problems, and consider typical situations and ways to fix them:

If the router after resets the error "Impossible to connect to the Internet", check:

• 🔌 Cable from the provider (possibly damaged or not tightly inserted).
• 📡 Type of connection (e.g. some providers require specification) VLAN ID).
• 🔄 Settings MAC- (cloning MAC-addresses), if the provider links access to a particular device.

Xiaomi Mi Router 4A and 4C models may require manual DNS setup after reset. If sites don't open, try specifying Google's public DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).

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If the router after reset gives an error "Unknown error" when trying to connect to the Internet, reset it again and wait for a full reboot (indicators should burn stably for at least 1 minute).

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi router