How to Reset Your Password on Xiaomi Router 4A: All the ways (2026)

Forgot the password from Xiaomi Mi Router 4A And you can't go into settings or connect to Wi-Fi, and this is a problem that many people know -- especially if the device was set up a long time ago or the password was automatically entered. Fortunately, you can get access back to the router in a number of ways, and most of them don't require special knowledge.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of resetting passwords on Xiaomi 4A — From a standard hardware reset to a recovery via the Mi Wi-Fi mobile app, you'll learn how to reset to factory settings, save network configuration, and avoid common errors. And if you're afraid of losing data, we'll show you how to back up before resetting.

The procedure is different depending on which password you have forgotten:

• 🔑 Wi-Fi Password (to connect devices to the network)
• 🔐 Admin password (to enter the control panel of the router on 192.168.31.1)
• 📱 Password from Mi Wi-Fi app (if the Xiaomi account link is lost)

Regardless of the situation, 90 percent of the time, you can fix a problem in 5 to 10 minutes, and let's start with the simplest and most reliable method.

1. Hardware reset of Xiaomi router 4A factory-wise

It's a universal way that works even if you forget your Wi-Fi password and your login data, and the only downside is that all your personal settings (network name, passwords, device priorities) will be erased, and it's guaranteed to work on any version of Mi Router firmware. 4A (including 4A Gigabit Edition).

You'll need:

• 📍 Paperclip, toothpick or needle (to press the Reset button)
• ⚡ Power supply (the router must be connected to the network)
• ⏱️ 10-15 minutes of free time (for a full reset and reconfiguration)

Step instructions:

1. Find the Reset button on the back of the router (usually it is recessed in the case and signed or circled in red).
2. Turn the router on and wait until the power indicator lights up.
3. Take a paperclip, unbend it, and press the Reset button, holding it for at least 10 seconds (until the indicators start flashing yellow).
4. Release the button – the router will automatically restart and return to factory settings.

Make sure the indicator is green (router ready to set up)|Connect to a Wi-Fi network with a name Xiaomi_XXXX (passwordless)|Open the browser and go to the address 192.168.31.1|Follow the master of the initial setup

-->

After reset, the router will create an open network with the name of the species. Xiaomi_XXXX (where XXXX — last-minute MAC-Connect to it from your phone or computer, open your browser and type in the address bar. 192.168.31.1. The system will offer to create a new password for Wi-Fi and control panel.

⚠️ Warning: If the router doesn’t create a network after resetting or the indicators are lit in red, check the power supply. 4A It's sensitive to voltage surges, and an unstable power supply can cause a firmware failure (5V/1A) Or connect the router via the UPS.

2. Reset password through the mobile application Mi Wi-Fi

If the router is linked to your Xiaomi account, you can restore access without hardware reset – through the official Mi Wi-Fi application. This method saves all network settings, but requires:

• 📱 Installed Mi Wi-Fi app (download to Google Play or App Store)
• 🔄 Access to the Xiaomi account that was used when setting up the router
• 📶 Connect to any Wi-Fi network (not necessarily your router)

How to reset your password:

1. Open the Mi Wi-Fi app and log in to your Xiaomi account.
2. In the main menu, find your Mi Router router. 4A (It should be displayed in the list of devices).
3. Slip on it and select the router control option → Password reset.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
5. Set a new password for Wi-Fi and the administration panel.

Through the Mi Wi-Fi mobile app|Through the Web Interface (192.168.31.1)|Through third-party utilities (for example, RouterOS)|I don't manage, I set it up once and forgot.

-->

If the router is not displayed in the app:

• 🔄 Update the application to the latest version.
• 📡 Make sure the router is connected to the Internet (indicator) WAN must burn blue).
• 🔧 Try reconnecting your account: go to Settings → My devices and click Update list.

⚠️ Note: If the router was purchased by a used router or you don’t remember which Xiaomi account is linked to it, this method will not work, in which case only a hardware reset (section 1) or a request to support Xiaomi with proof of purchase remains.

3. password recovery via the web interface (if the administrator password is known)

If you remember the password to log into the router control panel (192.168.31.1), but forgot the Wi-Fi password, it can be changed without completely resetting. 4A on any firmware, including international versions with English interface.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your computer or phone to your router via an Ethernet cable (if Wi-Fi is not available) or any other network.
2. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
3. Enter the admin login and password (by default — admin/admin, unless changed).
4. Go to Wi-Fi → Security Settings (or Wireless → Wireless Security in English).
5. In the Wi-Fi Password field, enter a new password (minimum 8 characters, with numbers and letters).
6. Save the changes and restart the router.

If the device does not connect to Wi-Fi after changing the password:

• 🔄 Reboot the router (Reboot button in the web interface or physical button on the case).
• 📱 On your phone/laptop, “forget” the old network and connect again.
• 🔧 Check if the Hidden Network is enabled. SSID) customized.

💡

If you often forget passwords, save them in your password manager (like Bitwarden or KeePass) or take a screenshot. QR-Wi-Fi code (it can be printed and pasted on the router).

4. Password reset via Telnet/SSH (for advanced users)

This method is suitable if you have access to a router over Telnet or SSH (For example, if you have previously enabled this debugging mode, it allows you to reset your password without losing settings, but requires knowledge of the command line. For beginners, this method is not recommended - an error in commands can lead to a "bricking" of the router.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/Linux macOS (and installed PuTTY or Terminal)
• 🔌 Connecting to the router via Ethernet cable
• 🔑 Access to Telnet/SSH (Default is disabled on Xiaomi 4A)

Instructions:

1. Connect your computer to the router with a cable and check what you are getting. IP-address (e.g, 192.168.31.XX).
2. Open PuTTY (or terminal) and connect to 192.168.31.1 via Telnet (port 23).
3. Log in under the root and admin password (if you haven’t changed, try admin).
4. Run the command to reset the Wi-Fi password: nvram set wl0_key="New password: nvram commit reboot
5. Wait for the router to restart (2-3 minutes).

⚠️ Note: Changing your settings via Telnet may disrupt your router if you enter incorrect commands.The only safe way to do so is to use official methods (sections 1-3.

5. How to avoid losing your password in the future: 5 work tips

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow these guidelines:

• 📝 Keep your password safe: Use password managers (1Password, KeePass) or write it down on paper and store it next to the router.
• 🔄 Link the router to your Xiaomi account: this will allow you to restore access through the Mi Wi-Fi application.

If your home has children or guests who often connect to Wi-Fi, create a guest network with a separate password:

1. Go to the router's web interface (192.168.31.1).
2. Go to Wi-Fi. → Guest network.
3. Enable guest access and set a simple password (for example, guest1234).
4. Limit the speed for the guest network so that it does not overload the main channel.

💡

Guest network not only makes it easier for temporary users to access, but also increases security – devices in it are isolated from your local network.

6.Alternative firmware for Xiaomi 4A: should be installed?

If you often face access problems or want to expand the functionality of the router, you can install custom firmware, for example:

• 🌐 Padavan – adds support for OpenVPN, AdBlock and advanced Wi-Fi settings.
• 🛡️ OpenWRT – open firmware with flexible customization options (for experienced users).
• 🔧 Official Mod – modified versions of stock firmware with corrected bugs.

The advantages of alternative firmware:

• ✅ More features (e.g. parental controls, network load schedules).
• ✅ The ability to restore the password through SSH even after discharge.
• ✅ Regular security updates (unlike Xiaomi’s stock firmware, which is rarely updated).

Cons:

• ❌ Risk of "bricking" router if installed incorrectly.
• ❌ Loss of warranty (if router is guaranteed).
• ❌ Some features (such as Mi Wi-Fi control) may stop working.

If you decide to use the firmware, follow this algorithm:

1. Download the firmware from a trusted source (e.g. 4PDA).
2. Connect the router to the computer via cable.
3. Use the MiRouter Flash Tool or Breed Web Recovery utility to install.
4. After firmware, reset to factory settings (Reset button).

- R4A (common),

- R4AC (5GHz-enabled),

- R4A Gigabit Edition (with Gigabit ports).

The firmware from one version will not fit another!-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting your password on Xiaomi 4A