How to reset your Xiaomi 4 router settings: 3 working methods + tips for setting up after resetting

Resetting the settings of the Xiaomi 4 router (including the Mi Router 4, 4A, 4C models) is a procedure that returns the device to a factory state. This can be necessary if you forget your Wi-Fi password, network instability, connection errors or before selling the device. However, an improper reset can lead to the loss of all personal settings: network name (SSID), password, attached devices in Mi Home, parental control rules and even firmware (in rare cases).

In this article, you will find three proven ways to reset — through the web interface, the Reset button and the Mi WiFi mobile application. We will also discuss what to do if the router does not reset, how to restore network access after the procedure and what settings should be reconfigured first. Importantly, a reset to Xiaomi 4 with firmware older than 2021 may require re-authorization in the Mi Account if the device was previously associated with it.

If you've never set up your router yourself, don't worry, the reset process is as simple as the manufacturer can make, but there are nuances that aren't mentioned in the official instructions, like why the Internet sometimes doesn't work after resetting through the Reset button, or how to avoid locking the device by linking it to an old Mi Account.

1. When you need to reset your Xiaomi 4 router: 5 good reasons

Reset router settings should only be in extreme cases, here are typical situations where the procedure is justified:

• 🔒 Forgetting your Wi-Fi password is the most common case, and if you didn't write the combination or it was generated automatically (like when you first connected), resetting is the only way to get access back.
• 🌀 Network instability: persistent connection breaks, slow speed, inability to connect new devices, often due to setting conflicts after a firmware update.
• 🛠️ Firmware errors: For example, after a failed update, the router stopped turning on or boots in emergency mode (Orange Light).
• 📦 Preparing for sale or transfer: To prevent the new owner from gaining access to your data (connection history, passwords), the router must be returned to a factory state.
• 🔄 ISP conflict: Some operators (e.g. Rostelecom or Beeline) require specific PPPoE settings or VLAN, which can "fly" after failure.

However, resetting doesn’t always solve the problem, for example, if the Xiaomi 4 router doesn’t turn on at all (no indication), it may be a hardware breakdown, and in such cases, it’s better to contact the service center.

Also note: after reset, all devices on your network (smartphones, laptops, smart light bulbs) will automatically disconnect from Wi-Fi. You will have to connect them again, entering a new password.

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

This method is suitable if you have access to the router's control panel, and the advantage is that you can choose the type of reset (save some settings or delete everything).

Steps for discharge:

1. Connect your computer or smartphone to the network of the Xiaomi 4 router via cable (LAN) or Wi-Fi.
2. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 (standard IP for Mi Router). If the page doesn't open, try miwifi.com.
3. Enter the login and password (by default – admin and password from the sticker on the bottom of the router).
4. Go to General Settings → Additional → Backup/Reset.
5. Click Reset settings and confirm the action.

It takes 1-2 minutes, and the router will restart, and you can log into the control panel with the factory settings.

Make sure the router is connected to the network

Connect to it via cable or Wi-Fi

Record your current settings (if you plan to restore)

Check the firmware version in Status → Update-->

⚠️ Note: If the Xiaomi 4 router was linked to a Mi Account, you may need to re-authorize after the reset!

3. Method 2: Hardware reset button Reset (if you forgot the password)

If access to the web interface is lost, there is a physical reset. On the case of Xiaomi 4 there is a Reset button (usually recessed into the case to avoid accidental pressing).

Instructions:

1. Turn the router on (the power indicator should be blue or orange).
2. Take a paper clip or toothpick and press the Reset button (hold on for 5-10 seconds until the indicators start flashing).
3. Release the button. The router will reboot and return to factory settings.

If the indicators don’t blink, try holding the button longer (up to 15 seconds).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 4C With firmware before 2020, a hardware reset may result in a device being locked if it was tied to a Mi Account. In this case, you will need to contact Xiaomi support to unlock it.

Method 3: Reset via the Mi WiFi app (for smartphones)

If you have an Android or iOS smartphone, you can reset your router through the official Mi WiFi app, which is convenient when you don't have access to your computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Mi WiFi app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect your smartphone to the network of the Xiaomi 4 router over Wi-Fi.
3. Open the app and log in to your Mi Account (if the router is linked to it).
4. Select your router from the list of devices.
5. Go to Settings → Additional → Resetting settings.
6. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

The advantage of this method is the ability to back up your settings before reset (the option is Backup in the same menu). After reset, you can restore some of the settings (for example, the Wi-Fi name and password).

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If the Mi WiFi app doesn’t see the router, try disabling the VPN on your smartphone or reconnecting to the Xiaomi 4 network again.

5.What to do if the router is not reset?

Sometimes the reset may not work the first time, and here are the reasons and solutions:

• 🔌 No power. Make sure the power supply is connected correctly and the indicator on the router is on. Try another cable or socket.
• ⏳ Pressing Reset too short. Some firmware requires holding the 10-15 second button.
• 🔒 Blocking the Mi Account. If the router is linked to the account, after reset, you may need to enter a login / password.
• 🖥️ Firmware problems. If the router is stuck in Orange Light mode, you'll need to flash it through TFTP (guideline).

If none of these methods worked, try an alternative reset method:

1. Turn the router off the power.
2. Press the Reset button and, without letting it go, connect the power.
3. Hold the button for 15-20 seconds until the indicators start flashing orange.
4. Release the button and wait for the reboot (up to 5 minutes).

6.Setup of Xiaomi 4 router after reset

Once reset, the router will return to factory settings, and you'll need to reconfigure it. Here's the minimum checklist:

• 🌐 Internet connection. Enter the data from the provider (login / password for PPPoE, VLAN ID if required).
• 🔐 Wi-Fi security. Set a new password (recommended) WPA2-PSK + compound+ symbolism).
• 📡 Channel and frequency: For stable operation, choose a 40–48 (5 GHz) or 1–11 (2.4 GHz) channel manually to avoid interference.
• 🔄 Update firmware. Check the relevance of the software in the section Update.

If the router was linked to the Mi Account, you will need to re-authorize after the reset.

1. Log in to the web interface (192.168.31.1).
2. Choose Link to your account and enter data from your Mi Account.
3. Confirm the link via SMS or email.

If you have forgotten the data from your old account, you can restore access on the Xiaomi website. In extreme cases, contact support with proof of purchase of the router.

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After reset, be sure to change the standard administrator password to a more secure one, which will protect the router from hacking through web interface vulnerabilities.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even after a successful reset, users face problems.

If the Xiaomi 4 router is constantly restarting or does not save settings after reset, this may indicate a hardware malfunction (for example, damaged flash memory), in such cases only repair or replacement of the device will help.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions