How to reset the settings of the Xiaomi Mi Router 4A router: full instructions with nuances

Xiaomi Mi Router 4A is one of the most popular network devices in the brand’s lineup, but even with it, there are periodic problems, from forgotten passwords to unstable work after a firmware update. Resetting to factory settings is a universal solution in 80% of these cases, but many users are afraid to perform it themselves, fearing to finally β€œbreak” the device.

In this article, we will discuss three official reset methods (via the web interface, the Reset button and the Mi Home app), explain how to avoid typical errors when restoring the router, and give a checklist of actions after a reset.

If your Mi Router 4A has stopped giving out the Internet, constantly reboots or prevents you from logging into the control panel, do not rush to carry it to the service. In 95% of cases, the problem is solved by resetting in 5-10 minutes, the main thing is to follow the instructions and not miss steps.

1.When you need to reset settings on Xiaomi Mi Router 4A

Resetting to factory settings is not a panacea, but a tool for specific situations. Before you click on Reset, make sure your problem does require drastic measures.

  • πŸ”’ Forgot your Wi-Fi password or your administrator panel (192.168.31.1) and that's the most common reason you can't reset your access.
  • πŸ”„ The router is cyclically restarted (turns on for 1-2 minutes, then goes back to the rebuke), most often this is the result of a broken firmware.
  • πŸ“‘ No access to the web interface (192.168.31.1 not open), although the indicators are on normally.
  • πŸ”Œ No settings are saved after rebooting (e.g., PPPoE binding or static settings) IP "fly off").
  • πŸ› οΈ Problems after updating the firmware, if the router began to work worse (low speed, communication breaks).

In some cases, the reset will not help:

  • ⚑ Physical damage (water hit, fall, burnt ports) needs diagnostics or repairs.
  • 🌐 ISP-side problems (all devices lack internet, even when connecting the cable directly to the PC).
  • πŸ“Ά A weak Wi-Fi signal in remote rooms is a matter of router location or need for a repeater.

⚠️ Note: If you are resetting your router due to low Wi-Fi speed, first check the channel settings in the web interface. It may be enough to change the channel from Auto to a fixed (for example, 6 or 11) in the Wi-Fi section. β†’ Wireless network settings.

πŸ“Š Why you decided to reset your router settings?
Forgot my Wi-Fi password.
Router glitches after update
No access to the web interface
Other

2.Resetting preparation: what to do in advance

Resetting is like formatting your hard drive: all user data will be erased. To avoid problems after the procedure, follow the necessary preparatory steps:

  1. Save your current settings (if you have access to the web interface). Go to Settings β†’ System β†’ Backup and download the configuration file. This will help you quickly restore the settings after reset.
  2. You will need to specify the data for the Internet connection. You will need: Connection type (PPPoE, Dynamic IP, Static IP), login and password from the provider (if PPPoE), VLAN ID (if used).

This data is usually specified in the contract with the provider.

Prepare the device for setting up

Check the power.

Resetting at low voltage can cause firmware damage.

If you are not sure about the type of Internet connection, use this table:

Type of connectionSigns.What data are needed
PPPoERequires login / password entry when setting upLogin, password, sometimes VLAN ID
Dynamic IP (DHCP)The Internet works out of the box without settingsNothing (automatic receipt)
Static IPThe provider has issued a fixed IP-addressIP, subnet mask, gateway, DNS
L2TP/PPTPUsed. VPN-connectionServer address, login, password

⚠️ Attention: If your Mi Router 4A linked to Xiaomi account (configured via Mi Home), after a hard reset, you may need to re-authorize!

β˜‘οΈ Checklist before reset

Done: 0 / 4

Method 1: Reset via web interface (soft reset)

This is the safest method, as it retains a Xiaomi account binding and some network settings, which is fine if you have access to the administrator panel (192.168.31.1).

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect to the router via Wi-Fi or cable.
  2. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
  3. Enter the login and password (by default β€” admin/admin, unless changed).
  4. Go to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Restore factory settings.
  5. Press the Restore button and confirm the action.

πŸ’‘

If the web interface doesn’t open after reset, try clearing your browser’s cache or using another one (like Mozilla Firefox instead of Chrome).

Method 2: Reset button (hard reset)

This method is used when the web interface is not available. It completely erases all data, including the link to the Xiaomi account, so use it only as a last resort.

How to perform a hard reset:

  1. Find the Reset button (a small hole with the inscription RESET) on the back of the router.
  2. Take a paperclip or toothpick, press and hold the button for at least 10 seconds.
  3. The indicators on the router will start flashing orange – release the button.
  4. Wait for the reset (about 2-3 minutes). All indicators should light up steadily.

Key points:

  • ⏱️ Hold time is critical: if you release the button before 10 seconds, reset will not occur.
  • πŸ”Œ Do not turn off power during the procedure - this can "brick" the router.
  • πŸ”„ After a hard reset of the Mi Router 4A It will return to the factory firmware (maybe not the freshest).

⚠️ Warning: If the indicators do not flash after holding Reset, and the router does not restart, check: The button is correct (sometimes it "drows" in the case). Power is available (the Power indicator should burn). If nothing helps, try repeating the procedure with the Internet cable turned off.

What if the router does not respond to Reset?
If the Reset button doesn’t work, it may indicate a hardware fault of the controller, in which case there are two options: 1. Try resetting via Mi Home (method 3). 2. Reflash the router manually via SSH (requires technical skills).

5. Method 3: Reset via the Mi Home app

If the router is linked to a Xiaomi account, it can be reset remotely via the Mi Home app, which is convenient when physical access to the device is difficult.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Mi Home app on your smartphone.
  2. Go to the section with your router (Mi Router 4A).
  3. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings of the device.
  4. Scroll down and click Remove Device (or Reset Settings, depending on the version of the app).
  5. Confirm the action, the router will reboot and unload the account.

Nuances:

  • πŸ“± For this method, the router must be online (connected to the Internet).
  • πŸ”„ After resetting via Mi Home, the account is linked, but all network settings are reset.
  • πŸ”’ If the router is not tied to the account, this method will not work.

If there is no reset option in Mi Home, upgrade to the latest version or try logging in to another device.

πŸ’‘

Mi Home reset is the safest way, because it doesn't require physical access to the router and keeps the account tied, but it only works when the device is connected to the Internet.

6.Router Restore after Reset

Once reset, the Mi Router 4A will return to factory settings, and you will need to reconfigure it to work with your ISP. Here is a step-by-step action plan:

  1. Connect to the router: Wi-Fi: the network will be called Xiaomi_XXXX (where XXXX β€” last-minute MAC-The password is on the sticker at the bottom. Cable: connect the PC to any one. LAN-port.
  2. Log in to the web interface: Open 192.168.31.1 in the browser. the default login and password is admin/admin.
  3. Set up an Internet connection: Go to the Internet β†’ Connection type. Select your type (PPPoE, Dynamic IP, etc.) and enter data from the provider.
  4. Set up Wi-Fi: In the Wi-Fi section, set a new network name (SSID) and a strong password (we recommend WPA2-PSK). Select a channel manually (for example, 6 or 11) if automatic selection is unstable.

Update the firmware

  • Go to Settings β†’ Update the firmware and install the latest version.

If you have a backup of your settings (see section 2), you can restore it to Settings β†’ System β†’ Restore from backup. However, note that this will return all settings, including possible configuration errors that caused you to reset your router.

⚠️ Note: After reset, check the settings DHCP (section of the Local Network β†’ DHCP). If the server DHCP Disabled, devices will not be able to automatically receive IP-address.

7.Typical errors and their solution

Even with the right reset, there can be problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
After discharge, no 192.168.31.1 opens.Wrong. IP-browser addressClear the cache or use another browser. Check the cable connection.
Router doesn't give away Wi-FiWireless module disabledLog in to the control panel and turn on Wi-Fi in the Settings β†’ Wi-Fi section.
No Internet accessIncorrect PPPoE or VLAN settingsCheck the data from the ISP. Try the Dynamic IP connection type.
The router is constantly rebooting.Damaged firmware.Update the firmware manually through Settings β†’ Update.
Cannot enter Mi Home after resettingReset is done via the Reset button (hard reset)Link the router again: click Add the device to Mi Home and follow the instructions.

If none of these things worked, it may be the hardware that's the problem, in which case, contact Xiaomi's service center or a skilled wizard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I reset the settings if I forget the password from the web interface?
Yes, in this case, use a hard reset button (mode 2). After the procedure, the password will be reset in the factory (admin).
What if the router does not turn on after resetting?
Check the power supply and the cable. If the lights aren't on at all, there may be a hardware problem. Try connecting the router to another power source. If the Power indicator flashes but the router doesn't load, the firmware may be damaged, you'll need to flash it through TFTP (requires technical skills).
How do I know what type of connection my provider is using?
This information can be found: in the contract for Internet services, in the personal account on the provider's website, by calling support (check if you need PPPoE, VLAN ID or static IP). If you don't have access to this data, try the Dynamic IP type, which works for most providers.
Can I restore the router settings without a backup?
Yes, but manually. You'll need to re-enter: Internet connection settings (login/password for PPPoE, VLAN ID, etc.) Wi-Fi settings (network name, password, channel), Port Forwarding rules, if you've used them. If you don't remember all the settings, contact your provider for connection data.
Why did the internet speed get lower after the reset?
This may be due to: Automatic Wi-Fi channel selection - go to settings and select the channel manually (e.g. 6 or 11). MTU β€” If your provider has a non-standard value, set it in the Internet section. β†’ Additional settings. With outdated firmware, update the router's software through the web interface. Also check if there are heavy devices (torrents) connected to the router, IP-traffic-consuming cameras.