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

Resetting Xiaomi router to factory settings is a necessary procedure if the device has started to work unstable, forgotten the Wi-Fi password or requires a complete configuration reinstallation. Unlike smartphones, where the reset is performed through the menu, in routers the process depends on the model and the current state of the firmware. Wrong actions can lead to locking the device or loss of access to the network, so it is important to follow the verified instructions.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of reset for Xiaomi routers (including Mi Router 4A/4C/4Q/AC2100 models and others), pay attention to hidden nuances (for example, what to do if the Reset button does not work), and explain how to avoid typical errors.

When you need to reset the Xiaomi router to factory settings

Resetting is not always a panacea, but in some cases it is the only way to get the device back on track.

• 🔄 Forgot your Wi-Fi password or administrator panel (192.168.31.1) without a reset, you can't restore access unless you've used a backup Mi Account.
• 🐢 The router slows down or spontaneously restarts, often due to damaged settings after an incorrect firmware update.
• 🔌 It is not possible to connect to the network (indicators burn abnormally, the Internet is absent with a working provider).
• 📦 Before selling or transferring the router to another user – to delete personal data (logins, passwords, connection history).
• 🔧 After a failed firmware experiment (for example, attempts to install OpenWRT or custom software).

However, resetting won’t help if the problem is hardware, such as a power supply burned or an antenna damaged, and in such cases, repair or replacement of the device is required.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi routers with MiWiFi firmware ROM (Chinese version) after reset, you may need to link to the Mi Account that was used when you first set up, and if you don't remember your account details, the device will become a brick».

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

If you have access to the router's administrator panel, this method is preferable to others - it allows you to save some settings (for example, Mi Account data) and minimizes the risk of errors. 4A Gigabit Edition and AX3600.

Steps for discharge:

1. Connect your computer or smartphone to your router via cable (LAN) or Wi-Fi.
2. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 (for some models, miwifi.com). If the page does not open, check the connection or reset the browser cache.
3. Enter your username and password (admin/admin by default if you haven’t changed it) on Chinese firmware, you may need to log in via Mi Account.
4. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset (or System → Restore in English).
5. Press the Reset to Factory Defaults button. Confirm the action.

The process will take 1-2 minutes. The router will restart and all settings (including Wi-Fi name, password, PPPoE settings) will be deleted. Exception: if the router is linked to Mi Account, after reset, you will need to re-authorize.

Save current settings (Site "Backup")|Confirm power stability (do not turn off the router during the process)|Prepare data for reconfiguration (login/password from the provider)|Pertify if the router is linked to Mi Account (for Chinese versions)

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Method 2: Hardware reset with the Reset button

If the web interface is lost (for example, forgotten password), it is mechanically resetted using the Reset button, which is located on the back of the router and is usually recessed into the case to avoid accidental pressing. You will need a paper clip, a toothpick or other thin object.

Instructions for most models:

1. Turn the router on (the power indicator should burn).
2. Find the Reset button (on some models, such as the Mi Router 4C, it is signed as WPS/Reset).
3. Press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds (until the indicators start flashing orange or go out). AX-The series may need to be held for up to 20 seconds.
4. Release the button. The router will reboot and return to factory settings.

If the indicators do not respond, check:

• 🔌 Is the power supply connected correctly (try another connector).
• 🔄 Does the router freeze (wait 5 minutes and try again).
• 🛠️ Is the Reset button damaged (on some devices, after falls, it can fall off the board).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi routers with Developer firmware ROM (For example, for the Mi Router 3G) Hardware reset may result in loss of binding to Mi Account. Access recovery will be impossible without contacting support.

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

Xiaomi routers with Mi Home support (such as Mi Router 4A or AX3600) can be reset via the official app, which is convenient if you do not have access to your computer, but have a smartphone with Mi Home installed.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Mi Home app and make sure the router is connected to your account.
2. Go to the Devices section → [Your router] → Settings (⚙️).
3. Select General settings → Reset settings.
4. Confirm action. The router will restart and be ready to reconfigure.

The advantage of this method is to keep the Mi Account attached, which eliminates the need for re-authorization, but it only works for routers added to the application before the loss of access.

What Happens After Resetting: Consequences and Recovery

Resetting to factory settings completely removes all user data, including:

• 📶 Wi-Fi name and password.
• 🔐 Settings PPPoE/DHCP (data-driven).
• 📋 Rules of parental control, guest network, port forwarding (Port Forwarding).
• 🔄 Connected device logs and traffic statistics.
• 🔑 Linking to some services (e.g. Xiaomi Cloud).

What is not removed:

• 🔄 Firmware version (remains current if downgrade was not executed).
• 📦 Hardware settings (for example, antenna mode).
• 🔐 Reference to Mi Account (on most models).

After reset, the router will be available as standard IP-address (192.168.31.1), The name Wi-Fi will return to factory (usually the same name) Xiaomi_XXXX, where XXXX — last-minute MAC-The Internet will need to be restored:

1. Connect to the router via cable or factory Wi-Fi.
2. Go to the web interface and enter data from the provider (PPPoE, L2TP, etc.).
3. Set up a Wi-Fi name and password.
4. If necessary, restore the backup of the settings (if it was created before the reset).

1. the correctness of the data entered from the provider (especially for PPPoE).

2. Settings MAC-Addresses (some providers link access to a specific service) MAC).

3. cable condition (try connecting it directly to your computer to rule out a problem on the router side).

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the seemingly simple procedure, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

1. Router not reset by Reset button. Causes: 🔌 Insufficient retention time (it takes 10-15 seconds, not 2-3 seconds). 🛠️ Damaged button (try an alternative method with power outage). 🔄 Firmware freeze (solution - to turn off power for 30 seconds, then repeat resetting).
2. After resetting, the router requires a link to Mi Account, whose data is lost. Solution: Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase (check, box). In 80% of cases, they help to untie the link. The alternative is firmware via UART (power users only).
3. You can't log in to the web interface after you reset: 🌐 Correctness of the input IP-addresses (192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com). 📶 Connection to the router (indicator) LAN burn). 🔄 Browser cache (try opening the page in incognito mode).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi routers with Padavan firmware (alternative firmware), a reset button with Reset can return the device to the MiWiFi stock firmware ROM. This will result in the loss of all Padavan features and require re-routing.

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If the router does not turn on after reset (the indicators do not burn), check the power supply with a multimeter. A common reason is the failure of the capacitors in the block, not the router itself.

Reset Xiaomi routers with alternative firmware (OpenWRT, Padavan)

If your router has custom firmware installed (such as OpenWRT or Padavan), standard reset methods may not work or lead to unexpected results.

• 🔄 Padavan reset via web interface (Administration) → Restore/Reset) It will return the settings to the factory, but the firmware will remain.
• 🔧 On OpenWRT, a hardware reset can return the device to the MiWiFi stock firmware ROM (model).
• 📦 To return to the full stock firmware will require firmware through TFTP or UART.

If you are not sure about your actions, back up the current firmware before resetting.

1. Connect to the router via SSH (for example, via PuTTY).
2. Run the command: sysupgrade -b /tmp/backup.tar.gz (the backup file will appear in the /tmp folder).
3. Download the file to your computer for further recovery.

For firmware via TFTP (if the router does not boot):

1. Download the stock firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Rename the file to miwifi.bin.
3. Launch it. TFTP-server on a computer (for example, Tftpd64).
4. Connect the router to the computer over a LAN, holding Reset, and turn on the power.
5. Wait for the firmware to load (indicators should flash).

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi routers