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

Resetting Xiaomi router to factory settings is a universal solution for most problems with connection, Internet speed or forgotten password from Wi-Fi. The procedure returns the device to its original state by removing all personal data: network name, passwords, parental controls and even guest networks. However, not all models support the same reset methods, and improper actions can lead to locking the device.

In this article, we will discuss three official ways: through the web interface, the hardware Reset button and the Mi Home app. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for popular models - Xiaomi Mi Router 4A/4C/4Q, AX3600 and AIoT Router AC2350, and also tell you how to avoid typical recovery errors. If you encounter a white screen after a reset or the router does not respond to the button - at the end of the article there is a section with solutions.

Before you start, make sure you have access to:

  • πŸ”Œ Power supply to the router (do not turn it off during the procedure!).
  • πŸ“± Smartphone or PC to connect to the web interface or Mi Home application.
  • πŸ“„ Data from the provider (login/password for PPPoE if you use this type of connection).
πŸ“Š What model of Xiaomi router you use?
Mi Router 4A/4C
AX3600/AX1800
AIoT Router AC2350
Another model
I don't know.

This method is suitable if you have access to the router's control panel - for example, you remember the Wi-Fi password or are connected over a cable. Advantage: you can choose a partial reset (network settings only) or a full one (including passwords).

Instructions:

  1. Connect to the router via Wi-Fi or via Ethernet cable.
  2. Open your browser and type in 192.168.31.1 (for most Xiaomi models) or miwifi.com.
  3. Enter the login and password (by default – admin and password from the sticker on the router).
  4. Go to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Restore (or System β†’ Restore in English).
  5. Select Reset to factory settings and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: If the router does not issue after resetting IP-address (no access to 192.168.31.1), check the network card settings on your PC. IP ranged 192.168.31.x (e.g. 192.168.31.100) with mask 255.255.255.0.

Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi|Check 192.168.31.1 in the browser|Enter the login / password (admin or from the sticker)|Find the section "Recovery"|Confirm reset and wait for reset-->

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

If you can't log in to the web interface, use the physical Reset button on the router's body. Importantly, it works on all Xiaomi models, but the button retention time is different!

Step-by-step:

  • πŸ”Œ Do not turn off the router power during the procedure!
  • πŸ“ Find the Reset button (usually recessed in the case and signed or circled in red).
  • πŸ–ŠοΈ Take a paperclip/toothpick and press the button: For Mi Router 4A/4C/4Q: hold on 5–7 - I'll be right there. AX3600/AX1800: hold on 10–15 seconds (until the indicator goes out and flashes orange).
  • ⏳ Wait for the reboot (1-2 minutes). Router will return to factory settings.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. AIoT Router) AC2350) Reset button is combined with WPS. If the router did not reset after holding, try pressing the button short (1 second) - this may turn on pairing mode rather than resetting.

What to do if the Reset button doesn’t work?
If the router does not respond to the hold of the button, check: 1. Power: the indicator should burn (if flashing - the router is already in recovery mode). 2. The position of the button: on some models (for example, Mi Router 3G/4G), the button is hidden under the removable cover. 3. Alternative method: turn off the power, press Reset, turn on the power and hold the button for another 10 seconds.

3. Reset via the Mi Home app (for account-based routers)

If your Xiaomi router is linked to your Mi Account, you can reset remotely via the Mi Home app, which is suitable for Mi WiFi-enabled models (e.g., AX3600 or AIoT Router).

How to do this:

  1. Open the Mi Home app and log in to your account.
  2. Select a router in the list of devices.
  3. Go to Settings β†’ General β†’ Reset settings.
  4. Confirm the action and wait for completion (the router will restart).

πŸ”Ή Limitations of method:

  • ❌ It does not work if the router is untied from the account or there is no access to the Internet.
  • ❌ On models without Mi Home support (for example, Mi Router) 4A Gigabit, this method is not available.

1. Reboot the application.

2. Delete the router from the account and add again (button + β†’ Add device).

3. Check if the indicator on the router is on (if not, a power problem).-->

Model routerWeb interfaceReset buttonMi HomeTime to reset
Mi Router 4A/4Cβœ… Yes (192.168.31.11.11.11.1)βœ… 5-7 seconds.❌ No.1-2 minutes.
AX3600/AX1800βœ… Yes (miwifi.com)βœ… 10-15 sec.βœ… Yes.2-3 minutes.
AIoT Router AC2350βœ… Yes.βœ… 10 seconds (button combined with button) WPS)βœ… Yes.3 minutes.
Mi Router 3G/4Gβœ… Yes.βœ… 15 seconds. (button under the lid)❌ No.3-5 minutes.

✍️ If your model doesn't support Mi Home reset, but it has a Reset button, use the hardware method. 3G/4G-modem (e.g. Mi Router) 4G) After resetting, reconfiguration may be required. SIM-map.

5.What to do after resetting: setting up the router from scratch

After a successful reset, Xiaomi router will create a new Wi-Fi network with a default name (for example, the default name, Xiaomi_XXXX) And the standard password (indicated on the sticker:

  • πŸ” Connect to the network and log in to the web interface (192.168.31.1).
  • πŸ“ Set a new password for Wi-Fi (we recommend using it) WPA2-PSK).
  • 🌍 Set up the type of Internet connection (usually PPPoE or Dynamic) IP β€” check with the provider).
  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware (Settings section) β†’ Update).

⚠️ Note: If the router does not connect to the Internet after reset, check:

  • πŸ”Œ Cable from the provider (must be in port) WAN, blue-colored).
  • πŸ“‘ PPPoE settings (logins/passwords are often reset!).
  • πŸ”„ Router mode (should be a Router, not an Access Point).

πŸ’‘

After a reset, always update the router’s firmware – this fixes security vulnerabilities and improves stability.

6. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even after the proper reset, problems can arise, and let's look at the typical situations and how to fix them:

πŸ”΄ Problem 1: The router is not reset by the Reset button

  • πŸ”Œ Check power: the indicator should burn blue (if flashing orange – the router is already in recovery mode).
  • ⏱️ Hold the button longer (up to 20 seconds for models) AX-series).
  • πŸ”§ If the button is not pressed, try using another item (such as an unbended clip).

πŸ”΄ Problem 2: No access to 192.168.31.1 after reset

  • πŸ“‘ Connect to the router via cable (Wi-Fi may not work before setting up).
  • πŸ–₯️ On a PC, manually ask IP-address 192.168.31.100 with mask 255.255.255.0.
  • πŸ”„ Restart the router (turn off power for 30 seconds).

πŸ”΄ Problem 3: The router is stuck in the reset phase (orange indicator burns)

  • ⏳ Wait 5-10 minutes – some models (AX3600) longer-term.
  • πŸ”Œ Turn off the power for 1 minute, then repeat the reset.
  • πŸ“ž If the indicator continues to blink, contact Xiaomi support (possibly damaged firmware).
How to restore the router if the reset did not help?
If the router does not respond to reset and does not turn on, try: 1. TFTP (PC and special software required). 2. Contact the service center - for models for the guarantee repair free. 3. Check the power supply - if the indicator does not burn at all, the problem may be in the adapter. ⚠️ Self-firmware is risky and can lead to a complete loss of the device’s performance!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Will I reset the settings if I just turn off the router from the outlet?
No, a short-term power outage doesn't reset settings. To completely reset, you need to hold the Reset button or use a web interface.
❓ Can you reset your Xiaomi router without the Reset button?
Yes, if you have access to a web interface (192.168.31.1) or the Mi Home app, the hardware button is only needed for forced reset.
❓ After resetting, the router asks for a login and password to log in to the settings?
The default login is admin, the password is listed on the sticker under the router (usually a combination of 8 characters).If there is no sticker, try admin or leave the field blank.
❓ How to reset Xiaomi router if you forget the password from Mi Account?
If the router is linked to an account but you have forgotten your password, restore access through the Xiaomi website. Without a linked account, the reset is only possible through the Reset button.
❓ Why Internet speeds have become lower after reset?
You may have reset your Qos or Wi-Fi settings. Go to the web interface and: Check Wi-Fi mode (802.11ac or AX is recommended for modern devices); Change the channel to a less loaded one (in the Wi-Fi section β†’ Additional); disable Band Steering if it is enabled (may cause conflicts).