Resetting the Xiaomi router to factory settings: all ways and nuances

Resetting Xiaomi router to factory settings can be necessary in a variety of situations, from banal password forgetfulness to serious network failures. However, not all users know that an incorrect reset can turn a router into a “brick” – especially if we are talking about models with alternative firmware or unofficial modifications. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of reset for popular Xiaomi routers (Mi Router 4A, AX3600, 4C and others), including the software method through the web interface and hardware – using the Reset button.

It’s important to understand that resetting isn’t just removing Wi-Fi settings. The procedure brings the device back out of the box, erasing all user settings from network and password to port settings, parental controls, and even a list of connected devices. If you’re using the router in conjunction with a Xiaomi smart home (e.g., to manage Yeelight light bulbs via Mi Home), you’ll have to reset the integration after the reset. Before you start, make sure you have access to a backup configuration — or at least have basic Internet connection settings (connection type, login/password from the provider).

When do I need to reset the Xiaomi router?

Reset the Xiaomi router to factory settings is advisable in the following cases:

• 🔒 Forgot your Wi-Fi password or administrator panel (192.168.31.1) which is the most common reason - especially if the router was set up by someone else.
• 🐢 Network brakes for no apparent reason: low speed, connection breaks, inability to connect new devices.
• ⚙️ Failure after firmware updates. Sometimes new versions of software conflict with current settings, and reset helps restore stability.
• 🔄 Selling or transferring a router to another user, so to prevent access to your network, it's best to return the device to factory status.
• 🛠️ Incorrect settings that cannot be fixed through the web interface (for example, locking all ports or crashing) DHCP).

However, reset is not a panacea. If the problem is due to a hardware malfunction (for example, a WAN port burned out or a power supply burned out), then returning to the factory settings will not help. In such cases, diagnostics or repairs are required. Also, you should not reset the Xiaomi router for the sake of experiment: some models (for example, Mi Router 3G or R3P) after repeated resets may begin to glittle due to wear of flash memory.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you click on the Reset button, follow a few simple steps to avoid problems:

1. Download the backup of your settings (if the router is still running). In the web interface (192.168.31.1) go to Settings → System → Backup / Restore and save the configuration file to your computer. This will help you quickly restore the network after a reset.
2. Write down the data from the provider: connection type (PPPoE, dynamic IP, static IP), login/password, VLAN ID (if used), without this information, the Internet will not work after the reset.
3. Disconnect important devices from Wi-Fi. If you have a Xiaomi-based smart home, temporarily transfer critical gadgets (such as cameras or sensors) to the mobile Internet or another router.
4. Prepare alternative network access. Once reset, the router will distribute Wi-Fi with a factory name (e.g., a factory name, Xiaomi_XXXX), You will need to connect to it to set up the Internet.

If you use a Xiaomi router with unofficial firmware (for example, Padavan or OpenWRT), note: a reset via the Reset button can return the device to the MiWiFi stock firmware, and this will lead to the loss of all advanced features.

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If you have a Xiaomi AX3600 or AX9000 router with Mesh support, you will have to reconfigure the Mesh network after the reset.

Method 1: Reset via web interface (software method)

This is the safest way, as it does not affect the bootloader and firmware. Suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Mi Router. 4A, 4C, AC2100 and AX-The main condition is access to the administrator panel (192.168.31.1).

1. Connect your computer or smartphone to the router via Wi-Fi or cable (LAN port).
2. Open your browser and type in 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
3. Go to Settings → System → Reboot (or Restore factory settings depending on the model).
4. Press Reset and confirm the action. The router will reboot and return to factory settings.

The discharge time usually takes 1–2 After restarting, the router will create a new Wi-Fi network with the default name (for example, Xiaomi_1234) And you can access it without a password. Connect to this network and set up the Internet through the installation wizard (192.168.31.1).

Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi|

Log in to the administrator panel (192.168.31.1)|

Find the section "Restore factory settings" |

Confirm the reset and wait for the reset-->

Method 2: Hardware reset with the Reset button

If you forget the password from the admin panel or the Xiaomi router does not respond to connections, the physical Reset button will help. It is located on the back of the device (sometimes hidden in a small hole - then you will need a paper clip or toothpick).

The discharge procedure depends on the model:

Step-by-step:

1. Turn the router on to the network (if it was turned off).
2. Find the Reset button on the back. If it's recessed, use a paper clip.
3. Press and hold the button for at least 10 seconds (up to 20 seconds for older models). The indicators on the front panel should start flashing orange or go out.
4. Release the button and wait for the reboot (1-3 minutes).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi routers with Padavan or OpenWRT firmware, a hardware reset may result in firmware loss and the need to re-install it via the Padavan or OpenWRT. TFTP. If you are not sure about the type of firmware, use a software reset.

What to do if the Xiaomi router is not reset?

Sometimes the reset doesn't go smoothly: the router doesn't respond to the Reset button, the web interface is not available, or after the reboot, the settings remain the same.

• 🔄 The Reset button doesn't work. Make sure you hold it long enough (some models take up to 30 seconds). If the button is recessed, try another object (e.g., an unextended clip).
• 🌐 The web interface doesn't open after reset. Make sure you're connected to the correct Wi-Fi network (with a factory name). Try resetting your browser's cache or using another (like Firefox instead of Chrome).
• ⚡ The router is stuck after reset. Turn off power for 10 minutes, then turn on again. If the lights aren't on, check the power supply.
• 🔧 The settings haven't reset. Maybe it's a firmware failure. Try updating the software through Settings. → Update the firmware (if available).

If none of these things worked, the router could fail, in which case you can try manually flashing it through the recovery mode (you'll need a computer, an Ethernet cable, and a MiWiFi Repair Tool program), and you can find instructions for specific models on the 4PDA or OpenWRT forums.

Recovery after reset: step-by-step adjustment

After a successful reset, the Xiaomi router will distribute a Wi-Fi network with a factory name (for example, a new version of the system, Xiaomi_XXXX) To restore access to the Internet, follow the following steps:

1. Connect to the Wi-Fi router network (no password required).
2. Open the Administrator Panel at 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com.
3. Select the connection type (PPPoE, dynamic IP, etc.) and enter the data from the provider. If you do not know the parameters, check them in technical support.
4. Set up your Wi-Fi name and password. We recommend using WPA2-PSK (or WPA3 if supported) and a complex password (at least 8 characters with numbers and letters).
5. Update the firmware (if an update is available) through the Settings → Firmware Update section.

If you have backed up your settings, restore it through Settings → System → Backup/Restore. However, remember that restoring the old configuration can bring back old problems (such as DHCP crashes), in which case you’d better configure the router from scratch.

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After reset, be sure to change the administrator password (it is empty or admin by default) and this will protect the router from unauthorized access.

Features of reset for popular Xiaomi models

Despite the general logic, some Xiaomi routers have nuances when reset.

• 📶 Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition.Once reset, manual assignment may be required IP-computer address (192.168.31.X) web-based.

For routers that support Xiaomi HomeShield (such as the AX9000), security settings (parental controls, site blocking) are also reset after reset.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi routers with Padavan firmware, a hardware reset (Reset retention of more than 30 seconds) can erase the bootloader. UART or TFTP — procedure.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi routers