Why would you need to reset your Xiaomi router?
Xiaomi routers (including Mi Router models) 4A/4C/4Q, AX3600, AX6000 Redmi Router and Redmi Router are known for stable operation, but even these sometimes require a complete reset, and the reasons can range from simple configuration errors to serious software failures. For example, after a failed firmware update, the router may begin to “glutch” – lose connection, issue an error. DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Or refuse to connect to the internet altogether.
Factory reset is also relevant if you forget your Wi-Fi password or your administrator panel, buy a used device with someone else's settings, or want to sell your router and clear all your personal data. It's important to understand that once you reset, all customization will disappear: the network name, password, associated devices in Mi Home, parental control rules, and even IPTV or VPN settings - you will have to configure everything again.
Method 1: Reset via web interface (without the Reset button)
The safest method is to reset through the router control panel, which is suitable if you have access to a web interface (for example, you remember the username / administrator password), which saves the firmware, but deletes all user settings.
To perform the discharge:
- Connect your computer or smartphone to the network of the Xiaomi router via cable or Wi-Fi.
- Open your browser and type in 192.168.31.1 (for most models) or miwifi.com. If the page doesn't open, check the connection or try another browser (Chrome or Firefox is recommended).
- Enter your username and administrator password. This is often admin/admin by default, but if you've changed your data, use yours.
- Go to Settings → Additional → System Management → Restore factory settings.
- Press Reset and confirm the action. The router will restart (this will take 1-2 minutes).
Connection to the router via cable or Wi-Fi| Login/password from the administrator panel | Stable power to the router (do not turn it off during the process) | A backup of settings (if necessary)
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⚠️ Note: If the router does not give the Internet after reset, check the settings WAN (Re-authorization with the PPPoE provider may be required, or DHCP).
Method 2: Hardware reset with the Reset button
If you forget the password from the admin panel or the Xiaomi router does not load (for example, after a failed update), a hardware reset via the Reset button will help.This method works on all models, including the Mi Router 3G/4 and AX9000.
Instructions:
- 🔌 Turn off the router. Wait 10 seconds.
- 🖱️ Find the Reset button. It's usually located on the back (can be recessed in the case - use a paper clip or toothpick).
- ⚡ Connect the power while holding Reset. Hold the button pressed for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing orange/yellow (this is a signal of a successful reset).
- 🔄 Release the button. The router will restart automatically (the process will take up to 3 minutes).
What to do if the Reset button doesn’t work?
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Mi Router) 4A Gigabit) Reset button is combined with WPS. Hold it for at least 10 seconds, otherwise the function will work. WPS, not dumping.
| Model router | Location of the Reset button | Retention time | Indication of discharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Router 4A/4C | Back panel, next to the power port | 10-15 sec. | Yellow blinking |
| AX3600/AX6000 | Rear panel, recessed in the case | 15 seconds | Orange blinking |
| Redmi Router AC2100 | Bottom panel, under the sticker | 12-15 sec. | Red flashing |
| Mi Router 3G/4 | Back panel, next to antennas | 8-10 sec. | Blue flashing |
Method 3: Reset via the Mi WiFi app (for smartphones)
If you have an Android or iOS smartphone, you can reset your router via the official Mi WiFi app (formerly Mi Router), a method that is handy if you forget your web interface password but the router is connected to your Xiaomi account.
Step-by-step:
- Download the Mi WiFi app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Open the app and log in under the same Xiaomi account that is tied to the router.
- On the main screen, select your router (if there are several).
- Go to Settings → Additional → Resetting settings.
- Confirm action. The router will restart.
⚠️ Note: If the router does not appear in the app, check:
- 📶 Connecting a smartphone to a router network (not via mobile Internet!).
- 🔄 Update the Mi WiFi app to the latest version.
- 🔒 Linking the router to your Xiaomi account (if you bought used - the previous owner could not untie the device).
💡
If the router does not appear in the Mi WiFi app after reset, try reinstalling the app or using the web interface (192.168.31.1).
What to do after resetting the settings?
After a successful reset, the Xiaomi router will return to factory settings.
- Set up an Internet connection. Go to Settings → Internet and select the connection type (PPPoE, DHCP, Static IP – depending on your ISP). Enter your login/password if required.
- Set the name and password of Wi-Fi. By default, the network will be called Xiaomi_XXXX (where XXXX — last-minute MAC-Change your name to a convenient one and set a strong password (recommended). WPA2-PSK).
- Update your firmware. Go to Settings → Update your firmware and install the latest version (this will fix any bugs and improve stability).
- Restore backup (if any). In the web interface or Mi WiFi app, find the Restore option from backup.
🔹 If after reset the router does not connect to the Internet, check the settings VLAN (It's important for providers like Rostelecom or Beeline. Sometimes you need to manually specify it. ID VLAN (For example, 101 for the Internet and 102 for the Internet. IPTV).
Common mistakes and their solutions
Even with the right reset, there can be problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The router is not reset via the Reset button. | Faulty button or firmware lock | Try resetting via web interface or scrubbing the router manually |
| After the reset, there's no internet. | Incorrect settings of WAN or VLAN | Check the connection type with the provider and the PPPoE/DHCP settings |
| I can't get in 192.168.31.1 | IP-Router address changed or network conflict | Check your current IP via ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (macOS/Linux) |
| The router is constantly rebooting. | Damaged firmware or hardware malfunction | Update your firmware manually or contact the service |
🔧 If the router after reset does not turn on at all (the indicators do not burn), check:
- 🔌 Try another adapter with the right characteristics (e.g., power supply, 12V 1A for Mi Router 4A).
- 🔋 Capacitors on board. Bloated capacitors are a common cause of malfunction (visually visible when disassembling).
- 🔌 The power cable, sometimes the problem is the damaged cable, not the router itself.
💡
If the router does not respond to the reset and does not turn on, do not try to disassemble it yourself without experience - this can lead to final breakdown.
How to avoid data loss during resetting?
Resetting to factory settings deletes all user data, but some of the information can be saved in advance:
- 📋 Export settings. In the web interface (192.168.31.1), find the Settings section. → Additionally. → Backup/Restore and save the configuration file to your computer.
- 📱 Take a picture of key settings, such as PPPoE (login/password from the provider) settings), IPTV, DMZ Port forwarding (port forwarding).
- 🔐 Write down passwords. If you use complex passwords for Wi-Fi or administrator, save them to a password manager (like KeePass or Bitwarden).
- 🌐 Check your Xiaomi account binding. If the router is tied to your account, you can quickly find it in the Mi WiFi app after resetting it.
⚠️ Note: Backups of Xiaomi router settings are not universal – file from one model (e.g. Mi Router) 4A) It is not suitable for another (for example, AX3600). It is also not recommended to restore old settings if the reset was performed due to unstable operation of the router - this can return the problem.