How to reset the Xiaomi 4C router: full instructions with photos and tips

Why would you need to reset the Xiaomi 4C router?

Xiaomi Mi Router 4C is a popular home networking solution due to its stable operation and affordable price, but even with such a reliable device, there are sometimes problems: sudden Wi-Fi failures, inability to connect to the control panel, forgotten administrator password or conflicts after a firmware update, in which case resetting to factory settings becomes the only effective solution.

It's important to understand that resetting is not just a reboot, it's a complete deletion of all user settings: network name (SSID), Wi-Fi password, parental controls, port settings, and even attached devices in the Mi Home ecosystem. After the procedure, the router will return to the "out of the box" state, and you will have to reset it, but often this is the only way to bring the device back to life, especially if it stops responding to commands or gives out "Unable to connect" errors.

In this article, we will go through all the possible ways to reset Xiaomi 4C, including hidden nuances that are not mentioned in the official instructions. You will learn how to avoid typical errors, what to do if the router does not respond to the Reset button, and how to restore the network after reset. And if you are in doubt whether you need this procedure, at the end of the article there is a checklist that will help you make a decision.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, make sure you consider all the important things: An unprepared procedure can lead to loss of Internet access on all devices or even damage to the router's firmware.

  • 📡 Save your current settings. If the router is still working, take a screenshot or write down: Network name (SSID) Wi-Fi password; Internet connection type (PPPoE, dynamic) IP etc.) and login/password from the provider; port settings, if you have changed them (for example, for torrents or cameras); List of devices with associated IP (if you used reservations DHCP).
  • 🔌 Check the power. Make sure the router is plugged into the outlet through the original power adapter. Resetting at unstable voltage can damage the bootloader, in which case the router will turn into a brick and require flashing through the back door. UART.
  • 📱 Prepare alternative Internet access. After the reset, you'll need a phone or computer with mobile Internet to reconfigure the router. If you only have one device, download the Mi WiFi app in advance or bookmark 192.168.31.1.

If you reset your router because of Internet problems, first check if the provider is to blame. To do this, connect the cable directly to the computer (bypassing the router) and check the connection. If the Internet is working, the problem is definitely Xiaomi 4C, and the reset is justified.

📊 Why you want to reset your Xiaomi router 4C?
Forgot my Wi-Fi password.
Router glitches and reboots
You need to sell/give the device
Other

Method 1: Reset via web interface (if the router is running)

This is the safest method, as it does not require physical intervention and allows you to save some settings (for example, firmware), Suitable if you remember the administrator password or the router is still responding to connections.

Instructions:

  1. Connect to the router network. Connect your computer or phone to Xiaomi Wi-Fi 4C (Or connect to one of the cables. LAN-port).
  2. Open the control panel. Enter 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com and press Enter. If the page does not open, check if the router's IP has changed (you can find out through the command line: ipconfig on Windows or ifconfig on macOS/Linux).
  3. Enter the username and administrator password (admin and admin by default if you haven’t changed them).
  4. Go to the reset section. From the menu, select: General settings → Additional → Factory Reset Or (depending on the firmware version): System tools → Backup/Reset → Reset
  5. Confirm the action. The system will ask you to enter the password again, and after confirmation, the router will restart (this will take 2-3 minutes).

If the page 192.168.31.1 does not open after reset, try:

  • Clear your browser cache or use another one (e.g. Firefox instead of Chrome);
  • Disable VPN or proxy;
  • Connect to the router via cable.

☑️ Checklist before reset via web interface

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Hardware reset with the Reset button

If the router is not responsive to the connections or you forgot the administrator password, you will have to use the physical Reset button. On Xiaomi 4C, it is located on the back of the power port and has a small hole - this is protection against accidental pressing.

Attention! Incorrect use of the Reset button may result in a firmware reset to the factory version, requiring it to be re-installed.

  1. Turn on the router. Make sure the power indicator is on steady (does not flash).
  2. Find the Reset button. Take a paper clip or a toothpick to press through the hole.
  3. Press the button for 10-15 seconds. First, the indicators on the router will go out. After 5-7 seconds, the orange indicator will light up - this is a signal that the reset has begun. Release the button only after the indicator starts flashing quickly (this means that the router is rebooting).

Wait for the full reboot.

If the router does not turn on after reset or flashes orange for more than 5 minutes, this is a sign of firmware damage, in which case you will need to reflash the device through UART or contact the service center.

What to do if the Reset button doesn’t work?
If the button does not respond to pressing, check: - Is there any mechanical damage (for example, the hole is clogged with dust). - Are you using a thin enough object (the paperclip is better than a pencil). - Is the button itself broken (when pressed, a slight click should be felt). If the button is really faulty, then only a reset via the Mi WiFi App (method 3) or disassembly of the case for direct access to the board.

Method 3: Reset via the Mi WiFi app (for smartphones)

The official Mi WiFi app (available for Android and iOS) allows you to control your router remotely, including resetting, which is convenient if you don’t have access to your computer or the Reset button doesn’t work.

Instructions:

  1. Install the app. Download Mi WiFi from the App Store or Google Play. Make sure you have the latest version - older releases may not support Xiaomi 4C.
  2. Connect to the router network. In your phone's Wi-Fi settings, select your Xiaomi network. 4C (If the router does not provide Wi-Fi, connect via cable OTG-adapter).
  3. Sign in. Enter your router login and password. If you forget them, use method 2 (Reset button).
  4. Go to the router settings. In the main app menu, tap on your Xiaomi 4C icon, then select: Settings → Additional → Resetting
  5. Confirm the reset. The app will ask you to enter the password again, and once confirmed, the router will restart.
  6. Set up Wi-Fi. Set up a new network name (SSID) — you should not use personal information. Choose the security type: WPA2-PSK (recommended) or WPA3 (if all your devices support it); Come up with a strong password (at least 8 characters, with numbers and letters).

Update the firmware.

Update of the PO

If the Internet does not work after setting up:

  • 🔄 Check if the connection type and data from the provider are correctly entered.
  • 🔌 Reconnect the cable from the provider to the port WAN (It's usually blue).
  • 📞 Call the provider for help – there may be a temporary problem on your line.

💡

After reset, be sure to change the default administrator password (admin). Use a complex combination to protect the router from hacking.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the seemingly simple reset procedure, users often make mistakes that lead to even bigger problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

  • ⏳ Interruption of the discharge process. ⚠️ Attention! If you release the Reset button early or pull the power cord during the reset, the router may lose the firmware, in which case it will flash orange and not turn on. UART. Solution: Wait until the light flashes quickly (it takes 10-15 seconds.
  • 🔄 Use of a non-original power supply. Power supplies from other devices can give unstable voltages, which will cause failure during reset. Solution: Always use the original adapter on the device. 12V/1A (The parameters are indicated on the block itself).
  • 📶 Attempt to reset via Wi-Fi when the signal is unstable. If the signal is weak, the connection can be interrupted at the most critical moment. Solution: Connect to the router via cable or make sure that the Wi-Fi signal level is at least 70%.
  • 🔑 Forgotten password from the control panel.Many users change the administrator password and then forget it, making it impossible to reset via the web interface.Solution: Store the password in the password manager (e.g. Google Password Manager or KeePass).

If the router behaves strangely after resetting (for example, spontaneously restarts or does not save settings), try:

  1. Reset it again (sometimes double reset helps).
  2. Update the firmware to the latest version.
  3. Reset your browser settings or use another (e.g. Mozilla Firefox instead of Google Chrome).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi 4C reset

Can I reset the router if it does not turn on (no indicator is lit)?
If the router doesn't respond to the power button completely and no indicator is on, the problem is probably a power supply or hardware malfunction. Try: Connect another power supply with the same parameters (12V/1A). Check if the power cable is damaged. If nothing helps, the router will require repair (possibly the voltage converter burned).
Once reset, the router will give an error, "No Internet connection," even though the cable is connected. What do you do?
This problem is usually associated with incorrect connection settings. Check: Connection type (PPPoE, dynamic IP, etc.) - it should be the same as what your provider uses. Login and password (if PPPoE) - often users confuse them with data from Wi-Fi. Cable - try to connect it to another port or replace it with a known working one. If all is true, but the Internet does not work, contact the provider - perhaps on your line technical work.
How to reset a router if the Reset button is broken?
If the button doesn't work mechanically, there are two options: Reset via the Mi WiFi app. Suitable if the router still gives you Wi-Fi. Disassembly of the case. The router board has reset contacts (usually signed by RST or RESET) that can be closed with tweezers or a screwdriver, but this requires care so as not to damage the board. If you're not sure of your skills, you better contact the service.
I dropped the router, and now it's asking for a login and a password to log into the control panel.
After resetting, the username and administrator password return to the factory: Login: admin Password: admin If this data does not fit, the reset may have been incorrect. Try repeating the procedure or resetting the router through the Reset button (hold it for 15-20 seconds).
Can the reset be cancelled after it is launched?
No, you can't cancel the reset after confirmation. The only thing you can do is pull the power cord, but it's highly discouraged because it could damage the firmware. If the reset has already started, wait until it's finished (even if it takes longer than usual).