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

Resetting the Xiaomi router to factory settings is a necessary procedure if the device began to work unstable, “forgot” the Wi-Fi password or you need to transfer it to a new owner. Unlike smartphones, where the reset is performed through the menu, routers have their own nuances: From hidden buttons to features of the firmware MiWiFi. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of resetting for Mi Router models. 4A/4C/4Q/AX3000/AX6000 Others, including rare cases where standard methods do not work.

It's important to understand that resetting isn't just removing Wi-Fi settings. It erases all the network settings: Wi-Fi name and password, port settings, parental controls, guest network, and even Xiaomi account binding. After the procedure, the router will become "clean" as it is after you buy it, and you'll have to reconfigure it. If you're not sure if you need this procedure, try rebooting the device first - sometimes that's enough to fix the problems.

We'll look at three main methods: through the web interface, through the Reset button on the case, and through the Mi Home app, and we'll also look at what to do if the router doesn't respond to reset, and how to avoid typical errors. If your router model is older than 2018 (like Mi Router 3), some steps may differ, and we'll mention that too.

1. When you need to reset the Xiaomi router to factory settings

Resetting is a last resort that should only be used in certain cases, and here are the most common scenarios where the procedure is justified:

• 🔄 Forgot your Wi-Fi password or admin panel, and if you can't log in to your router's settings through 192.168.31.1 or connect to the network, reset is the only way out.
• 🐢 The router is slowing down or constantly restarting.If the device is "glutting" even after rebooting, the reset can eliminate software failures.
• 📦 Transfer of router to another user: All personal data must be deleted before selling or transferring the device.
• 🔧 Mistakes after firmware updates. Sometimes newer versions of MiWiFi contain bugs, and reset helps to return stable operation.
• 🌐 Conflicts with the provider. If the router can't get IP-address from the provider (error) DHCP), resetting may solve the problem.

However, there are situations where resetting will not help or even exacerbate the problem:

• ⚡ Hardware malfunctions: If the router doesn't turn on, overheats or flashes a red light, reset is useless - you need diagnostics.
• 📡 Wi-Fi coverage problems: A weak signal is more likely to be due to interference or router location than settings.
• 🔌 Failure of ports or antennas. Physical damage cannot be repaired by software.

If your case doesn’t make it to the list above, try alternative solutions first:

• 🔄 Restart the router (turn off power for 30 seconds).
• 📱 Update the firmware through Settings → Update.
• 🛠️ Check cables and connectors (especially if the Internet indicator is not on).

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

This is a good method if you have access to the router's admin panel, and it's the most reliable method because it allows you to back up your settings before you reset.

Steps for discharge:

1. Connect your computer or smartphone to the router via cable or Wi-Fi.
2. Open your browser and type in 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com for new models).
3. Enter the login and password (by default – admin and password from the sticker on the router).
4. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup/Reset (or System → Restore in English).
5. Click Reset settings and confirm the action.

On some models (for example, Xiaomi AX3600) the path may be different:

Settings → System → Recovery and Reset → Resetting settings

Backup settings (if necessary) | Write down your current Wi-Fi settings (name, password) | Make sure the router is powered | Do not interrupt the reset process-->

After confirmation, the router will restart (this will take a while). 1–3 The indicators should flash yellow or green, which is a sign of a successful reset, if the router does not issue a Wi-Fi with the name after the reboot. Xiaomi_XXXX, Try to connect to the cable and repeat the procedure.

⚠️ Note: If you use a router with firmware from third-party developers (such as Padavan), resetting through the web interface can lead to the “bricking” of the device.

Method 2: Reset with the Reset button (for all models)

The physical Reset button is on all Xiaomi routers, including old models (Mi Router 3) and new ones (AX6000), which comes in handy if you forget your admin bar password or the router does not respond to the web interface.

Instructions:

1. Find a small hole on the back of the router that says Reset (sometimes hidden under the sticker).
2. Take a paper clip, toothpick or a special tool from the kit.
3. Press and hold the Reset button for 10-15 seconds (until the indicators start flashing quickly).
4. Release the button and wait for the reboot (1-2 minutes).

On some models (e.g. Mi Router 4A Gigabit), the button can be recessed deeper - don't be afraid to press harder, but without fanaticism. If the indicators don't blink, try repeating the procedure with the power turned off:

1. Turn the router off the socket.
2. Press and hold Reset.
3. Without releasing the button, connect the power.
4. Hold for another 10-15 seconds until the blinking begins.

⚠️ Attention: On routers with dual-band Wi-Fi (5 GHz) + 2.4 GHz) only the 2.4 GHz network can be turned on after the reset. To activate 5 GHz, go to the settings and turn it on manually in the Wi-Fi section. → Additional settings.

Method 3: Reset via the Mi Home app (for new models)

If your router supports Mi Home control (such as the AX3000 or AX6000), you can reset your settings directly from the application, which is convenient if you do not have access to your computer or prefer to control the equipment from your smartphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Mi Home app and go to Devices → Your router.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Device Settings.
3. Scroll down and find Reset to Factory.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

In some versions of the application, the path may differ:

Profile → Router settings → Additional → Reset

Once reset, the router will automatically disconnect from the Xiaomi account and have to add it to the Mi Home again. If the application fails to reset, try:

• 📱 Update Mi Home to the latest version.
• 🔄 Reboot the router and try again.
• 🌐 Connect to the router via cable (if you used Wi-Fi).

💡

If the router does not appear in the device list after resetting via Mi Home, try removing it from your account manually: go to Profile → Devices → Delete, then add again through Add Device → Router.

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

Sometimes the reset doesn't go smoothly: the router doesn't respond to the button, the web interface is not available, or after the reboot, the settings remain the same. Here are the possible reasons and solutions:

If none of the methods worked, the router may be in bootloop mode, in which case only flashing through TFTP or UART will help, but this requires technical skills. For Xiaomi models with MT7621 chip (for example, Mi Router 4A), you can try to restore firmware through Breed Web Recovery:

1. Turn the router off the power.
2. Press the Reset button and connect the power.
3. Hold the button for 30 to 40 seconds until the orange light light lights up.
4. Connect to the router at 192.168.1.1 and download the firmware manually.

If the router is not showing signs of life (the indicators are not burning, they are not warming), the problem is most likely in the power supply or motherboard, in which case, contact the Xiaomi service center or check the warranty.

6.Set up Xiaomi router after resetting

After the successful reset, the router will return to the factory settings, and now it needs to be reconfigured.

1. Connect to the network. Xiaomi_XXXX (password is indicated on the router sticker).
2. Open your browser and go to miwifi.com or 192.168.31.1.
3. Create a new password for the admin panel (don’t use admin!).
4. In the Internet section, select the connection type (usually PPPoE or Dynamic IP) and enter data from the provider.
5. Set up Wi-Fi: Set up a network name (SSID), password (we recommend WPA2-PSK) and select a channel (for 2.4 GHz, 1, 6 or 11 are better).
6. Save the settings and restart the router.

For optimal work, we recommend:

• 🔒 Shut down. WPS (wifi → Security, because this protocol is vulnerable to hacking.
• 📶 Enable 5GHz if your devices support this range (less interference, higher speed).
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version (Settings section) → Update).
• 🛡️ Set up parental control if there are children online (Section Additional) → Parental control).

Once reset, Xiaomi routers with MiWiFi R3 and later will automatically block access to the admin panel from the external network. To unlock remote control, go to Settings → Security → Internet access and turn on the option.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when the procedure seems simple, users often make mistakes that lead to additional problems.

• ⏱️ Not enough time to hold the Reset button. Many release it after 5 seconds, but it takes 10-15 seconds to completely reset (before the flashing of indicators).
• 🔌 Reset during firmware updates. This can brick the router. Always wait for the update to complete.
• 📡 Using non-standard firmware. If you have installed Padavan or OpenWRT, a reset over a standard interface can result in loss of access.
• 🔒 Forget to save settings before reset.Always export configuration to file (Backup section).
• 🌍 Wrong region in Wi-Fi settings. After reset, check that in the Wi-Fi section → Region selected by your country (e.g. Russia), otherwise there may be problems with channels.

Another common problem is that the router resets, but it doesn't connect to the Internet.

1. Check if the username/password from the provider is correctly entered (especially if PPPoE is used).
2. Make sure that the cable from the provider is connected to the WAN port (usually highlighted in blue).
3. Call the provider and check if it is tied. MAC-Router address to their equipment (sometimes required to clone) MAC).

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If the router does not distribute the Internet after reset, first check the settings. WAN-Often the problem lies in the wrong type of connection (for example, instead of PPPoE, dynamic is indicated). IP).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions