Resetting the Xiaomi router to factory settings, if you forgot the password: 3 proven ways

Forgot the password from Xiaomi router and can not go to the control panel? Or bought a used device and the previous owner did not provide login data? Resetting to factory settings is the only reliable way to regain control of the router. In this article, we will discuss all working methods, including hidden functions that are not written in the official instructions.

The reset procedure differs depending on the model (Mi Router 4A, AX3600, 4C, Pro, etc.) and firmware version. We tested each method on real devices and identified possible errors that users encounter, and you will learn how to avoid losing Internet settings after a reset and what to do if the router does not respond to the Reset button.

Important: Reset removes all personal data — Wi-Fi passwords, tied devices, parental controls, and port settings. If you have access to the control panel (even without a Wi-Fi password), try first to restore access through 192.168.31.1 or the Mi Wi-Fi app.

1. Hardware reset via Reset button: Step-by-step for all models

The most versatile way to work even if the router is blocked or not connected to the Internet. Reset button (sometimes signed as WPS/Reset) is available on all Xiaomi devices, but its location and activation method are different:

• 🔹 Mi Router 4A/4C/4Q: button recessed into the body, pressed by a paper clip or toothpick.
• 🔹 AX3600/AX6000/AX9000: button is placed on the back panel, pressed with a finger.
• 🔹 Mi Router Pro/HD: button is combined with the power indicator, requires retention 10+ seconds.

Instructions:

1. Turn the router on (the power indicator should be blue or orange).
2. Find the Reset button (see charts below) and hold it for 15-20 seconds (until all the indicators flash).
3. Release the button and wait for the reboot (2-3 minutes).

Make sure the router is plugged in|Use a thin object (clip, needle)|Hold the button for at least 15 seconds|Do not release the button until the lights flash.-->

If the indicators do not flash after holding the button, the problem may be:

• 🔌 Faulty power supply (try another adapter with similar parameters).
• 🔧 Sticky button (clean it carefully with alcohol).
• 🖥️ Firmware failure (reflashing through will be required) UART — see section 4).

⚠️ Attention: On models AX3600 And the newer Reset button only works when you hold it for more than 10 seconds. If you let it go earlier, the router just reboots without resetting.

2. Reset via web interface (if there is access to the router network)

If you’re connected to a Wi-Fi router (even without internet) but don’t remember the password to log into the control panel, you can reset through a browser, which works on all models except the Xiaomi Router 4Q (it has a stripped-down interface).

Instructions:

1. Connect to the router network via Wi-Fi or cable (the network port should be green).
2. Open your browser and go to http://192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com.
3. In the authorization window, click Forgot your password? (if it appears) or enter the standard data: Login: admin Password: admin or leave the field blank.

Settings → System → Restoration of factory settings

Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

If the standard login/password does not fit and the password recovery window does not appear, then the previous owner has changed the data, in which case only a hardware reset (section 1) or a hack through Telnet (section 3) will help.

Mi Router 4A|AX3600|4C|Pro/HD|Other-->

3. Reset via Telnet/SSH (for advanced users)

If the hardware reset failed (for example, due to a damaged firmware) and the web interface is not available, you can use console access, which requires command line skills and is suitable for models based on OpenWRT or custom firmware.

Instructions for Mi Router 3G/Pro/HD:

1. Connect the router to the computer by LAN-cable.
2. Install. IP-address on the PC manually: 192.168.31.100 (mask 255.255.255.0).
3. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Linux/macOS) and execute: telnet 192.168.31.1 If the telnet is disabled, use SSH: ssh admin@192.168.31.1
4. Enter the login/password (by default) root/admin empty).
5. Reset command: firstboot & & reboot

For stock-based models (like the AX3600), this method won’t work — Telnet/SSH is disabled by default, and only hardware resetting or UART flashing will help.

⚠️ Note: Firstboot and mtd erase commands delete the entire configuration, including backups. If the router does not load after that, you will need to flash through the TFTP.

4. Flashing through UART (extreme case of "bricking")

If the router does not respond to reset, does not turn on or constantly restarts, the only option remains - direct firmware through the router. UART-This method requires soldering skills and special equipment (USB-TTL Adapter, but brings back to life even the "dead" devices.

The following is a step-by-step guide for Mi Router 4A:

1. Disassemble the router and find UART contacts (usually 4 pins: GND, TX, RX, 3.3V).
2. Connect. USB-TTL adapter: 🔌 GND → GND 🔌 TX (adapter) → RX (router) 🔌 RX (adapter) → TX (router)

PuTTY

Screen

115200

Turn on the router and interrupt the download by pressing any key in the first 2 seconds.

TFTP

setenv serverip 192.168.1.100


setenv ipaddr 192.168.1.1




tftpboot 0x80000000 firmware.bin




erase 0x9f020000 +0x7c0000




cp.b 0x80000000 0x9f020000 0x7c0000




reset

Firmware file (firmware.bin) You need to download in advance from the official Xiaomi website or forums. 4PDA. For AX3600 It is suitable for firmware with extension.trx.

💡

Before soldering, take a photo of the router fee - this will help to avoid errors when connecting USB-TTL. If you are not sure about your skills, contact the service center: the cost of recovery through UART usually does not exceed 1000-1500 rubles.

5. How to restore the Internet settings after resetting

Once reset, the router will return to factory settings, and you'll need to reset your Internet connection.

1. Connect to the network. Xiaomi_XXXX (password is indicated on the router sticker).
2. Open 192.168.31.1 in your browser and log in with admin/admin login/password.
3. Go online. → Type of connection and select: 🌐 PPPoE (if the provider issued a login / password). 📡 Dynamic IP (for most home networks). 🔑 Static IP (if the provider has IP ce MAC-address).

Save the settings and restart the router.

If the internet doesn't work,

• 🔄 Check if it matches. MAC-router address with the provider registered (clone it in the settings if necessary).
• 📞 Check with the provider’s technical support if access to a particular device is tied (sometimes serial number binding is required).
• 🔌 Try to connect the cable to another port. WAN (On some models it is highlighted in blue).

💡

If the router doesn’t give away Wi-Fi after reset, check the region in settings (192.168.31.1 → additional → Region). For Russia, choose Russia – this will eliminate the problems with 12-14 channels, which are banned in the EU.

6. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you reset your Xiaomi router, you're going to have a typical problem, and we've collected some of the most common ways to fix them:

If the router does not save the settings after reset (for example, the Wi-Fi password is reset after rebooting), this is a sign of damaged flash memory, in which case only replacing the chip or buying a new device will help.

7. Alternative methods: password recovery without resetting

Before you reset your router, try to restore access to it. Here are 3 working methods:

• 📱 Mi Wi-Fi app: Install the app on your smartphone and connect to the router network. press Forgot the password? and follow the instructions (you will need a tied Xiaomi account).

Reset password through a 30 second window

On some models (Mi Router 3), you can reset your administrator password by holding the Reset button for exactly 30 seconds (not 10 or 20!).

Search for password in backup

If you previously backed up your settings through 192.168.31.1, open the.cfg file in the text editor and find the password= string (the password is encrypted, but it can be decrypted by online services).

If none of these methods work, you only have to reset hardware, but before you do that, check if the password from your other Xiaomi router is right, because many users set the same combinations for all devices.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions