Xiaomi's modern devices are famous for their reliability and stability, but even the most advanced hardware sometimes requires radical intervention. When the router starts to malfunction, loses the network or you forget the password from the administrative panel, the only sure solution is to return to the original state.
Factory resetting is a standard maintenance procedure for network equipment that solves 90% of software problems, and all stored data, including provider settings, Wi-Fi network names and passwords, are deleted in the process. It is important to understand that once you complete the procedure, you will need to reconfigure your Internet connection, so you should check with your provider in advance.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the available ways to return to factory settings for the Mi Router and Redmi Router line, learn how to physically reset through the Reset button, how to use the web interface and the Mi Home mobile application, and discuss the typical errors and nuances that can occur in the process.
Preparation for the resetting procedure
Before you start taking action, you need to carry out a number of preparatory activities, which will help to avoid unnecessary problems and loss of important data, first of all, make sure that you have access to your ISP account or a contract with the data specified in it for authorization.
If you have the opportunity, write down the current settings or take screenshots of the configuration. WAN and LAN. This is especially true for those who use static IP-address or specific settings DNS. Also check the physical connection: the device must be plugged into the socket and the provider’s cable must be plugged into the port. WAN.
⚠️ Note: Reset will result in the complete deletion of all user data. If you do not know the username and password from the Internet, do not start the procedure until you receive this information from the provider.
To perform the operation, you will need:
- 🔌 A well-functioning Xiaomi or Redmi router.
- 📱 Smartphone or computer with access to the local network (optional).
- 📄 Contract with the provider or data for setting up PPPoE/L2TP.
- 🧷 Thin object (clip, toothpick) to press the hidden button.
Make sure the device is getting power consistently. Unstable voltage on the network can interrupt the memory cleanup process, which will lead to a software failure, in which case the router may stop responding to requests and require flashing through the console.
Physical reset via the Reset button
The most common and reliable way to return to factory settings is to use a physical Reset button, which is located on the back or bottom of the device, depending on the model, it can be a separate button or combined with the Power button.
To start, find a hole marked Reset. If the button is recessed in the case, you'll need a thin object, such as an unbended clip. Press and hold the button for 5-10 seconds. The indicators on the front will flash or change color, signaling the beginning of the cleaning process.
☑️ Physical discharge checklist
It's important to keep the button on too early. If you let it go in 2-3 seconds, the router can just reboot, save all settings, hold it until the system indicator lights up in orange or yellow (depending on the model), and then the device automatically restarts.
Some models, such as the Mi Router 4A or Redmi Router AC2100, require holding the button for about 10 seconds when power is on. Other models may require pressing the button when power is turned on. Always pay attention to the behavior of light indicators: a quick blink usually means the beginning of a reset.
⚠️ Warning: Do not turn off the router power while holding the button. Interrupting the process of recording the factory configuration can lead to the device "brickling.
Resetting settings via web interface
If you have access to the router's administrative panel, you can do the reset software-based, which is convenient because you can do it remotely from the same Wi-Fi network. To start, open any browser and type in the address bar. IP-The address of the device is usually 192.168.31.1 or the domain name miwifi.com.
Once you enter the address, you need to enter the administrator password, and if you forget it, this method will not work, and you will have to use a physical button. Once you log in, go to Settings or Common Settings. Find System Status or System About.
Inside the menu, find the Reset or Factory Reset button. The system will ask you to confirm the action, warning you of data loss. Press the confirmation, and the router will start the procedure. The entire process will take about 1-2 minutes, after which the device will restart.
What to do if the web interface does not open?
The advantage of software reset is that it is less susceptible to the human factor associated with button timing, but if the router system is getting stuck or is not working properly, the web interface may not be available.
Using the Mi Home app to reset
Owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem often manage the network through the Mi Home mobile app.This way allows you to reset settings directly from your smartphone, which is especially convenient if you don't have a computer at hand.
Launch the app and find your router in the list of devices. Click on the device icon to go to control. The top right corner of the screen usually has the menu icon (three dots or a gear). Click on it and select Settings or Router Management.
Scroll down to System Tools, where you will find Reset, the app will warn you that all settings will be deleted, confirm the action, and the router will execute the command remotely.
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Before resetting via the app, make sure your smartphone has not switched to mobile internet (4G/5G).If the Wi-Fi signal is weak, the phone can automatically use the mobile network and the reset command will not reach the router.
This is a good way to visualize the status of the device in real time, but it requires that the router be set up and linked to your Mi Account, and if the router is new or just bought from hand, it won't work.
Model table and discharge features
Different models of Xiaomi and Redmi routers may have slight differences in the reset procedure. Below is a table with the main characteristics for popular models.
| Model router | Location Reset | Retention time | Indication of discharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Router 4A | Back, hole. | 5-10 seconds | Blink blue |
| Redmi Router AC2100 | Back, hole. | 10 seconds. | Orange color |
| Mi Router 3G | Bottom of the hull | 10 seconds. | Blinking yellow |
| Mi Router Pro (R3P) | Back, button. | 10 seconds. | LEDs pulse |
Note that retention times can vary, so if the standard 10 seconds don't work, try extending the time to 15-20 seconds, and the key is to wait for the lights to react.
Setting up the router after resetting
Once the reset procedure is successfully completed, the router will restart and create an open Wi-Fi network, Xiaomi_XXXX or Redmi_XXXX. Connect to this network from any device.
When you try to open any site, the browser will automatically redirect you to the quick setup page. If this does not happen, type in the address bar 192.168.31.1. Select the language (Russian available) and click the Start button.
The system will offer two configuration modes: router mode (main) and repeater mode. Select router mode. Then select the connection type. In Russia and CIS countries, the most common is PPPoE, L2TP or Dynamic IP (DHCP).
In the next step, set a name for your Wi-Fi network and come up with a strong password. It is recommended to use a mixed register of letters and numbers for security. Also set a password to log into the administration panel so that outsiders can not change your network settings.
Frequent problems and their solution
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users sometimes face difficulties. One of the common problems is that the router does not reset. If you held the button for 20 seconds and the indicators do not respond, it is possible that the Reset button is physically malfunctioning or oxidized, in which case you carefully clean the hole or contact the service.
Another problem is that the router is resetting but not going online, and you probably have incorrect authorization data or the wrong type of connection, check the ISP contract, and make sure that the ISP cable is inserted into the WAN port (usually blue) rather than the LAN.
⚠️ Attention: If the router is constantly restarted after resetting (cyclic reboot), this may indicate firmware damage. TFTP or contacting a service center.
If you use a fiber optic terminal (ONT) from a provider, make sure it is in Bridge mode if your Xiaomi router needs to authenticate. If ONT itself distributes the Internet, then you need to choose Dynamic IP mode on the Xiaomi router.