How to reset the settings of the Xiaomi 4C router to factory: 3 proven ways

Resetting the Xiaomi Router 4C router to factory settings is a necessary procedure if you forget your Wi-Fi password, are faced with unstable network operation or plan to transfer the device to a new owner. Unlike software problems, which are often solved by rebooting, a hard reset completely clears all user settings, including network name (SSID), password, DHCP parameters, firewall rules and even attached devices in the Mi Home ecosystem.

Many users are afraid to reset because of the risk of “breaking” the router, but in practice the procedure is safe – provided that you follow official instructions and do not interrupt the process. In this article, we will discuss three working methods: through the web interface, using the Reset button on the case and through the mobile application Mi WiFi. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances that the manufacturer does not mention in the documentation, for example, why the Internet may not work after the reset or how to restore a backup configuration.

If your Xiaomi Router 4C has stopped recognizing connected devices, issues an authentication error, or is constantly rebooting, factory reset is often the only solution. However, before you start, make sure that the problem is not at the provider (check the cable, call for support) or at the device itself (overheating, physical damage). Resetting will not help if the router fails due to a voltage surge or mechanical impact - in such cases repair or replacement is required.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset, follow a few critical steps that save time for subsequent setup and prevent the loss of important data.

1. Save your current settings. If the router is still stable, export the configuration via the web interface:

1. Connect to the router network via cable or Wi-Fi.
2. Open your browser and type 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
3. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup / Restore.
4. Click Create a backup and save the file to your computer.

⚠️ Warning: The backup contains passwords and security settings. Store the file in a secure location and delete it after use to avoid data leakage.

2. Write down the Internet connection settings. After the reset, you will need to re-enter the data from the provider:

• 📝 Connection type (PPPoE, Dynamic IP, Static IP).
• 🔑 Login and password (if PPPoE is used)
• 🌐 DNS- servers (if custom servers were used, e.g. 8.8.8.8 from Google).

3. If you have IP- cameras, smart lights, or other Xiaomi gadgets tied to your router, you'll have to reconfigure them. Check in advance which devices are connected:

In the web interface: Settings → Status → Connected devices

Save a backup copy of settings|Record data from the provider (login / password)|Disconnect important devices from the network|Prepare the cable to connect to the router after resetting|Make sure you have access to your Mi Account (if you use the Mi WiFi App)-->

Method 1: Reset via web interface (recommended)

This method is the safest and best if you have access to the control panel of the router. the interface Xiaomi Router 4C supports Russian, so there should be no complications.

Steps for discharge:

1. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi. For stability, it is better to use Ethernet.
2. Open your browser and type 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
3. Go to Settings → Additional → Restore factory settings.
4. Click the Reset button and confirm the action.

It takes about 2-3 minutes. The router will reboot and you will see a standard page of initial setup. If the page does not open after reset, try clearing the browser cache or using another one (for example, Chrome instead of Edge).

⚠️ Warning: If the router doesn't give away Wi-Fi after reset, check if Wireless is on in the settings. Sometimes resets will cancel this option.

Method 2: Hardware reset with the Reset button

If you forget your web interface password or the router doesn’t respond to commands, a physical reset button will help. On the Xiaomi Router 4C, it’s located on the back and recessed into the case to avoid accidental tapping.

How to perform the reset:

1. Take a paper clip or a toothpick.
2. Press and hold the Reset button (marked with RESET or the icon ⭘).
3. Hold it for 10-15 seconds until the lights on the front start flashing yellow/orange.
4. Release the button and wait for the reboot (about 2 minutes).

After a successful reset, the router will return to factory parameters:

• 📶 Network name (SSID): Xiaomi_XXXX (where XXXX are the last characters of MAC- addresses).
• 🔐 Wi-Fi password: Indicated on the sticker under the router (usually 8 digits).
• 🌍 IP- Address: 192.168.31.1.

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If the lights don't flash after 15 seconds of holding the button, try to disconnect the router from power for 30 seconds, then repeat the procedure.

Method 3: Reset via Mi WiFi App

If you have a smartphone, you can reset your settings via the official Mi WiFi app (available for Android and iOS), which is convenient when you don’t have access to your computer, but requires that the router be linked to your Mi Account.

Instructions:

1. Install the Mi WiFi app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Connect to the router network via Wi-Fi.
3. Open the app and select your Xiaomi Router 4C from the device list.
4. Go to Settings → Additional → Resetting settings.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.

After the reset, the app will suggest reconfiguring the router. If the device does not appear in the list, check:

• 📱 Connect to the correct Wi-Fi network.
• 🔄 Update the application to the latest version.
• 🔒 Make sure you use the Mi Account that the router is linked to.

Through the web interface |Reset button on the case | Through the Mi WiFi | application I haven't tried-->

Firmware recovery after reset (if the router does not work)

In rare cases, a reset can damage the firmware, especially if the process has been interrupted (e.g., power is turned off).If the router does not turn on, flashes red or does not respond to commands, manual software recovery will be required.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer.
• 🔌 Ethernet cable.
• 📁 Firmware for Xiaomi Router 4C (download from the official website).
• 🛠 The MiWiFiRepairTool utility (available on Xiaomi forums).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the router to your computer via LAN-port.
2. Set IP- address on your PC: 192.168.31.2 (255.255.255.0 mask).
3. Run MiWiFiRepairTool and select the downloaded firmware.
4. Press Start and wait until it is completed (about 5 minutes).
5. After restarting the router, reset the Reset button again.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use firmware from other router models (e.g., Xiaomi Router 4A or 3G) – this will cause the device to fail. Check the firmware version using the model: R4CM for the global version, R4C for the Chinese version.

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If the router does not save settings after restoring the firmware, check the power supply. Unstable voltage can cause failures when writing the configuration to the device memory.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even when following instructions, users often encounter problems, and let's look at common mistakes and how to fix them.

1.The router is not reset by the Reset button.

• 🔌 Check that the router is on the network.
• ⏱ Hold the button for at least 15 seconds (many release too early).
• 🔄 Try another item to press (e.g., a needle instead of a paper clip).

2. There's no internet after the reset.

• 📡 Make sure that the cable from the provider is connected to the WAN port (usually highlighted in blue).
• 🔧 Check the connection type in the settings (PPPoE, Dynamic IP, etc.).
• 🔄 Reboot the router and modem provider.

3. Can't log into the web interface.

• 🌐 Try alternative addresses: miwifi.com or 192.168.31.1.
• 🔒 Clear the browser cache or use incognito mode.
• 🖥 Check the network settings on your computer (must be retrieved IP automatically).

Setting up a router after resetting: a step-by-step guide

After a successful reset, you’ll need to reconfigure the Xiaomi Router 4C. Let’s take a look at the key steps to regain internet and Wi-Fi access.

Initial setting:

• 🌍 Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi (network Xiaomi_XXXX, password from the sticker).
• 🖥 Open 192.168.31.1 in your browser and follow the setup wizard.
• 🔐 Create a new password for the web interface (at least 8 characters).

2. Internet connection setting:

• 📡 Select the connection type (PPPoE for most providers in Russia).
• 🔑 Enter the username and password from the provider (specified in the contract).
• 🔄 If the Internet is not available, check the settings VLAN (for some providers, for example, Rostelecom, you need to specify ID).

Wi-Fi settings:

• 📶 Set a new network name (SSID) and a strong password (WPA2-PSK is recommended).
• 📡 Turn off the Hide option SSID — this does not increase security, but makes it harder to connect.
• 🔄 Select the 2.4GHz channel manually (e.g. 6 or 11) to avoid interference from neighboring networks.

4. Additional settings (optional):

• 🛡 Enable DDoS Protection in Security.
• 📊 Set up bandwidth control to limit traffic to individual devices.
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version (Update section).

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If you have a dual-band router (like the Xiaomi Router 4A Gigabit), set up 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks with different names separately.This will make it easier to connect devices that don't support 5GHz (like some smart bulbs).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions