Situations where the home network is no longer responsive or security settings are in doubt require decisive action. Resetting the Xiaomi Mi Router 4 router to factory settings is an effective way to fix software failures and restore the device to stability. Often users face problems after a failed firmware update or port configuration change, making the memory cleanup the only right solution.
Restore the original state of the device is also necessary when changing your ISP or transferring equipment to new owners.It is important to understand that this process will completely delete all your personal data, including Wi-Fi passwords, PPPoE settings and static IP-Once the procedure is complete, the router will look like you just pulled it out of the box in the store.
Before you start physically impacting your device, make sure you have access to the provider’s cable and login data. A complete reset is an irreversible operation, so you should write down important parameters in advance if they are not stored in the cloud or on paper. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to return the system to its original state.
Preparation for the procedure of restoring settings
Before you start any manipulation of the router's firmware, you need to do a series of preparatory steps: make sure that the device is connected to the power grid and the power indicator is on. If you plan to use the software method through a browser, connect the computer to the router with a LAN cable or wireless Wi-Fi, even if the Internet through it is not working now.
You'll need to find a thin item to press the hidden reset button.In most cases, an unbended paperclip, toothpick or special pin, which often comes bundled with Xiaomi appliances.Using sharp metal objects requires care not to damage internal contacts when pressed.
⚠️ Warning: During the reset process, it is strictly forbidden to turn off the power of the router. Interrupting the recording of the factory configuration can lead to irreversible damage to the software and turn the device into a brick».
It is also recommended to prepare an alternative source of Internet access, for example, a smartphone with mobile traffic, this will be necessary to find the current version of the firmware or drivers if the automatic configuration fails after the reset, and having a backup of important settings, if this feature was used before, will significantly speed up the process of reconfiguring the network.
☑️ Ready to dump
Hardware reset via Reset button
The most reliable and versatile method, which works even when the web interface is not available or the system is frozen. There are several connectors on the back of the Mi Router 4 router, among which you need to find a small hole marked Reset. It is usually located near the food port or LAN-port.
Turn the router on and wait until the loading is complete when the indicators start flashing normally. Take a prepared paper clip and gently press the button inside the hole. Hold it long enough, usually 5 to 10 seconds, until the system indicator starts flashing orange or goes out completely.
- 🔴 Press and hold the Reset button with a thin object.
- 🟡 Watch for status indicator: it should change color or blinking mode.
- 🔵 Release the button only after the light indicator reaction.
- 🟢 Wait for the automatic reboot of the device.
Once you release the button, the router will start the reboot process, which can take a few minutes, during which time the system clears the memory partition where user configurations are stored and restores factory startup scripts. Do not try to connect to the network or log into settings in the first two minutes after turning on.
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If the indicator does not respond to a long press, try to perform the procedure when the power is turned off: press the button, turn on the router and hold the clip for another 10 seconds.
Reset via the web interface of the administrator
If you have access to the router control panel, software reset is a more gentle and controlled option. To do this, open any browser and enter the standard in the address bar. IP-192.168.31.1 or the domain name miwifi.com. Enter the administrator password you set when you first set up.
The interface can be in Chinese or English, depending on the firmware version. You need to find the partition that is responsible for the state of the system. Usually it is called Status or Settings, and the desired button can be called Restore Factory Settings or have a basket icon. In newer versions of MIWiFi, this option is often hidden in the submenus "System" or "General settings".
Once you press the button, the system will request confirmation of your actions, which is a security mechanism that prevents accidental reset, confirm the operation, and the router will independently perform all the necessary steps to clean the memory and restart, while the computer will lose its connection to the network.
| Parameter | Default value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| IP-address | 192.168.31.1 | Address to the control panel |
| Name of Wi-Fi | Xiaomi_XXXX | Basic name of wireless network |
| Wi-Fi password | Network open immediately after discharge | |
| Login admin | admin | User name for entry |
It is important to note that after such a reset, the router may not have access to the Internet until you reset the procedure quickly.
What to do if you forget the administrator password?
Set up a router after a complete reset
Once the device restarts, it will create an open wireless network with a name that contains the router model and unique symbols, connect to it using a smartphone or laptop. The greeting window should automatically open, suggesting that you start setting up. If this does not happen, go to 192.168.31.1 manually.
The system will suggest you to choose the mode of operation. For most home users, the optimal mode is Wireless Router. Then you will need to choose the type of Internet connection: PPPoE for most providers, DHCP (automatically) or static IP, if required by contract.
- 📶 Set a new name for your Wi-Fi network (SSID), to distinguish it from the neighbors.
- 🔐 Create a complex password for a wireless network using a mixture of letters and numbers.
- 👤 Set a new administrator password to protect router settings.
- 🌐 Check the status of the connection to the global network.
In the process of setting up, the system may suggest updating the firmware. For the Xiaomi Mi Router 4 model, it is highly recommended to agree to an upgrade to the latest available version of firmware, which eliminates known security vulnerabilities and improves connection stability, which is especially important for this model.
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Once reset, the router is open access point mode. Don't delay setting a Wi-Fi password so that neighbors don't use your traffic.
Solving typical problems after resetting
Sometimes, when you go back to the factory settings, you find that the Internet doesn't automatically come up. MAC-The address of the provider, in which case you need to clone. MAC-The address of the computer that was previously connected directly to the provider’s cable in the router settings in the Network Settings section.
Another common problem is that you can't log into the configuration interface. Make sure that the computer's network adapter has automatic retrieval. IP-address (DHCP). If static addresses were previously used, they must be removed or switched to the mode of operation of the card in the protocol properties. IPv4.
⚠️ Warning: If the router is constantly restarting after resetting, or the indicator is lit red/orange and does not turn blue/green, the firmware may be damaged.
It's also worth checking the integrity of the WAN cable. If the cable is clamped or damaged, the router will think that the Internet connection is missing, even if the settings are entered correctly. Try replacing the patch cord with a known serviceable one.