How to reset the administrator password on the Xiaomi router: all working ways

Why users are losing access to Xiaomi routers and what to do about it

The forgotten password from Xiaomi router admin panel is one of the most common problems among the owners of network equipment of the brand. According to statistics of service centers, one in five requests for repair or setup is associated with loss of access to the device's web interface, the reasons are trivial: rare use of the control panel, changing the password "for the future" without writing, buying a used router with unknown credentials.

Unlike smartphones, where password resets often require a Mi Account link, Xiaomi routers (including the AX6000, AX3000, 4A Gigabit, 4C, etc.) offer several alternative ways to restore access. The main thing is not to panic or try to find a password at random: after 5-10 unsuccessful attempts, many models temporarily block access to the web interface for 5-15 minutes.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of password resetting - from standard hardware reset to advanced methods through Telnet and SSH. Particular attention will be paid to the nuances for the firmware MiWiFi ROM (Chinese version) and Global ROM, as well as the risks that unofficial methods of unlocking carry.

Method 1: Hardware reset via Reset button (most reliable method)

Physical reset to factory settings is a universal solution that works on all models of Xiaomi routers, including Mi Router 3G, 4Q, AC2100 and the new BE7000. The method does not require knowledge of the current password and is guaranteed to return access to the admin panel, but has one significant disadvantage: all user settings (including the SSID network name, Wi-Fi password, attached devices and firewall rules) will be deleted.

To perform the reset correctly, follow the instructions:

1. Turn off the router from power (remove the plug from the socket).
2. Find the Reset button on the back (usually it is recessed in the case to avoid accidentally pressing).
3. Take a paperclip or toothpick, press and hold the button.
4. Without letting Reset go, connect the router to power.
5. Hold the button for another 10-15 seconds until the lights start flashing chaoticly (some models will light up an orange LED).
6. Release the button and wait for the reboot (1-2 minutes).

After reset, the router will create a new network with the name of the species Xiaomi_XXXX (where XXXX — last-minute MAC-Connect to it and use the standard credentials to log into the admin panel:

• 🔑 Login: admin
• 🔑 Password: Admin or leave the field blank (depending on the model).

Make sure the power indicator is green/blue|Connect to the network Xiaomi_XXXX passwordless|Go to the panel at the address 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com|Update to the latest version (if available)-->

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi routers with MiWiFi firmware ROM (Chinese version) after reset may require linking to the account Mi Account through the application Mi WiFi. If the router is purchased on AliExpress or in China, prepare the data from the account to which it was previously associated.

Method 2: Reset password through the Mi WiFi application (official method)

If the Xiaomi router was linked to your Mi Account, you can restore access to the admin panel without a physical reset – through the official Mi WiFi application (available for Android and iOS). This method is suitable for models with MiWiFi ROM firmware (including AX3600, AX1800, 4A Gigabit).

Algorithm of action:

1. Install the Mi WiFi app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (should match the one the router is linked to).
3. In the app's main menu, find your router in the device list. If it's not available, click Add Device and follow the instructions.
4. Go to the section Router Settings → Device Management → Password Reset.
5. Confirm the action via SMS or email (depending on your account settings).

After a successful reset, the app will prompt you to set a new password to log in to the web interface. Please note: this method does not reset Wi-Fi settings, only the admin password. All other parameters (including SSID, guest network and parental controls) will remain unchanged.

⚠️ Note: If the router was bought from hand and tied to someone else's Mi Account, you will not be able to reset the password through the Mi WiFi application. In this case, only a hardware reset (with loss of all settings) or an appeal to the previous owner to untie the device remains.

Method 3: Reset password via Telnet (for advanced users)

The Telnet method is suitable for Xiaomi models with Global ROM firmware or custom firmware (like Padavan) and allows you to reset your admin password without completely resetting your settings, but requires access to the router’s local network and basic command line knowledge.

Before starting, make sure that:

• 🔌 The router is connected to the computer via cable LAN (Wi-Fi may be turned off after changes).
• 🖥️ Telnet client installed on PC (in Windows) 10/11 Turn it on through the Control Panel. → Programme programmes → Enabling or disabling Windows components).
• 📡 You have access to the router network (even if you forget the admin password, the Wi-Fi connection should work).

Instructions:

1. Connect to the router via Telnet: telnet 192.168.31.1 (if the address is changed, use the current IP from your network).
2. Log in with your current credentials (if you know your login, but not your password, try leaving the field blank or entering admin).
3. Execute the command to change the password: nvram set http_passwd="new password(s) nvram commit reboot Replace the new password with the desired one (e.g, 12345678).
4. Wait for the router to restart (1-2 minutes).

If access is blocked over Telnet (which is typical for new firmware), try first to enable it through hidden settings:

1. Open the address in the browser: http://192.168.31.1/cgi-bin/luci/;stok=/api/xqsystem/setting_set?telnet=1
2. Then reconnect to Telnet.

⚠️ Attention: Changing settings through Telnet without understanding commands can lead to loss of access to the router or unstable network operation. /etc/shadow It will block the web interface completely. If you're not sure, use a hardware reset.

Method 4: Using the Xiaomi Router Tool (unofficial method)

For users who do not want to mess with Telnet or do not have access to the physical Reset button, there are informal utilities like Xiaomi Router Tool. The program allows you to reset the admin password, change the Wi-Fi settings and even flash alternative software, but has a number of limitations:

• 🔧 It only works with routers based on MediaTek chips (for example, Xiaomi). 3G, 4A, Mini).
• 🔒 Requires disabling Windows firewall and antivirus (can block access to the router).
• ⚠️ Does not support new models (AX6000, BE7000) firmware-wired 2023+ year-end.

Step-by-step:

1. Download the Xiaomi Router Tool with 4PDA (check reviews for the relevance of the version!).
2. Connect the router to the PC via LAN cable.
3. Launch the utility on behalf of the administrator.
4. In the main window, select your router from the list (if not, click Update).
5. Go to the Control tab and select Reset Password.
6. Enter a new password and confirm the action.

The utility can define the router model as “unknown” if the firmware is heavily modified, in which case try manually specifying the model in the program settings (for example, R3G for Mi Router 3G).

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Before using the Xiaomi Router Tool, back up your router settings via the web interface (if you have access). To do this, go to Settings → System → Backup / Restore and save the configuration file to your PC.

Method 5: Recovery Mode Reset (for power users)

Recovery Mode is a hidden recovery mode available on some Xiaomi router models (e.g. AX3600, AX1800) that allows you to reset or flash a new version of the software without a complete hardware reset. The method is more difficult than previous ones, but can save if the Reset button does not work or the router “blocks” after a failed update.

Instructions:

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 20-30 seconds until the lights start flashing in non-standard mode (for example, all LEDs are lit at the same time).
4. Release the button and the router will go to Recovery Mode.
5. Connect to the router at 192.168.1.1 (in this mode, IP may differ from the standard one!).
6. In the web interface, select Restore Factory Settings.

If the web interface in Recovery Mode is not available, you can try flashing the firmware through TFTP:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from the Xiaomi Support website.
2. Rename the firmware file to miwifi.bin and place it in the root of the C:\ disk.
3. Open the command line and execute: tftp -i 192.168.1.1 PUT c:\miwifi.bin
4. Wait for the firmware to be completed (the router will restart automatically).

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect firmware in Recovery Mode can turn a router into a brick. If the router model is not correctly defined (for example, the router model is not defined, AX3600 recognizable R3G), Do not continue the process – contact the service center.

What to do if no one method helps

If all of these methods do not work, the following reasons are possible:

• 🔌 Hardware malfunction (for example, the Reset button is not working or the flash memory is damaged).
• 🔒 The router is blocked by the operator (if the device was issued by the provider).
• 📱 The firmware is heavily modified (castom assemblies can block standard reset methods).

In such cases, two options remain:

1. Contact the Xiaomi service center (official centers are in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other major cities). For warranty devices, password reset can be free.
2. Swipe the router through UART (requires rations and special equipment), this method is only suitable for experienced users or craftsmen.

If the router is purchased on AliExpress or in China, check if it is linked to the previous owner’s account, in which case contact the seller and request the device uncoupled via Mi Account. Without this, some models (AX6000, AX3600) will require authorization even after the reset.

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Before contacting the service center, check if the router is not guaranteed. To do this, look for the serial number on the sticker (usually begins with SAI or MDZ) and check it on the Mi Verify website.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting your password on Xiaomi routers