How to reset the Xiaomi router to factory settings: 3 proven ways

Forgot the Wi-Fi password, the Xiaomi router is getting glitchy, or just want to sell the device? Factory reset is the universal solution to most software problems. But how do you do it right, so as not to turn the router into a brick? In this article, we will analyze all working reset methods for Xiaomi Mi Router models. 3/4/4A/4C/AX1800/AX3000/AX3600/AX6000, including hidden nuances that are not written in the official instructions.

The procedure seems simple: press the button and it's done. But in practice, users experience a freeze in the interface, loss of access to the control panel, or even complete failure of the device after an incorrect reset. We'll tell you how to avoid these problems, what to do if the router does not respond to the reset, and how to restore it in 99% of cases. And also we'll reveal a secret SSH reset method for advanced users that saves when standard methods do not work.

When you need to reset the Xiaomi router to factory settings

Resetting Xiaomi router to factory settings is not just a matter of selling or transferring the device to another person, but here are the key situations where the procedure is justified:

• 🔒 Lost Wi-Fi or Administrator Panel password (192.168.31.1) Reset is the only way to retrieve access without hacking.
• 🐢 Router slows down: it lags the interface, the Internet speed drops for no reason, devices are constantly disconnected from the network.
• 🔄 Failed firmware update: If the router stops turning on or gives out errors after an update, a reset often helps to return to service.
• 📡 Settings conflict: for example, after manual settings IPTV, VPN or DMZ Key functions have ceased to function.
• 🛡️ Suspicion of hacking: If unknown devices appear on the network or security settings change (for example, disconnected) WPA3).

But resetting is not a cure-all: If the problem is hardware failure (e.g., a WAN port is burned or a chip is overheated), then going back to factory settings is not going to help, and in such cases, repair or replacement of the device is required.

⚠️ Note: After the reset, all user settings will be deleted, including the Wi-Fi name and password, the associated devices in Mi Home, the parental controls and guest network rules. DDNS).

Method 1: Reset via web interface (the safest method)

If you have access to the router's control panel, use this method, which is the least risky, because it's under firmware control and minimizes the chance of the device "bricking."

The manual is suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition, AX3600 and AX6000:

1. Connect your computer or smartphone to your router via cable (LAN) or Wi-Fi.
2. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 (for some models – miwifi.com).
3. Enter the login and password (by default – admin and password from the sticker on the bottom of the router).
4. Go to Settings → Additional → Backup / Reset (or System → Restore in English firmware).
5. Click the Reset to Factory Defaults button and confirm the action.

The router will reboot, and after 1-2 minutes you can go to the control panel with factory settings. If the page does not open, try clearing the browser cache or using another (for example, Firefox instead of Chrome).

Connection to a router (Wi-Fi or cable)

Control Panel Address (192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com)

Login and password (admin + password from the sticker)

Lack of important settings (save screenshots)

Stable power (do not turn off the router during reset)

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Method 2: Hardware reset button Reset (if no access to the interface)

If you forget the password from the control panel or the Xiaomi router does not load, a hardware reset via the Reset button will help.It is located on the back of the device (sometimes hidden in the recess and requires a clip).

Depending on the model, the procedure may differ:

Step-by-step:

1. Turn the router on to the network (if it is turned off).
2. Find the Reset button (can be signed as WPS/Reset).
3. Press and hold it at the exact time for your model (see table). Use a paper clip or toothpick if the button is recessed.
4. Release the button when you see a sign of reset (blinking indicators).
5. Wait for the reboot (1-3 minutes). The router will return to factory settings.

⚠️ Warning: Do not hold the Reset button for more than 30 seconds - this can trigger an emergency firmware mode, from which it will be difficult to exit without special software. If the indicators start flashing red more than 5 times in a row - immediately release the button and turn off the router from the outlet.

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

If you have access to the Mi WiFi app (formerly Mi Router), you can reset your settings directly from your smartphone, which is convenient if the router is physically inaccessible (for example, installed on the ceiling) or the Reset button has broken.

Instructions:

1. Install the Mi WiFi app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect your smartphone to the network of the Xiaomi router (via Wi-Fi).
3. Open the app and log in to your Xiaomi account (if the router is tied to it).
4. Select your router from the list of devices.
5. Go to Settings → General → Reset settings.
6. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take up to 2 minutes).

If the application does not see the router:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and router.
• 📶 Check that you are connected to the correct Wi-Fi network (the name must match the router name in the app).
• 🔒 Make sure you don't use it. VPN Proxies – they can block local connection.

What to do if the Xiaomi router is not reset

Sometimes the reset is incorrect: the router freezes, does not restart, or continues to work with the old settings.

Problem 1: After resetting, the router does not create a Wi-Fi network or the control panel does not open.

• 🔌 Turn off the router for 10 minutes, then turn it on again.
• 🖥️ Try accessing the control panel from another device (e.g., a Mac instead of Windows).
• 🔧 Reset network settings on your computer: Start → Parameters → Network and Internet → Resetting the network.

2.Problem: The Reset button is not working (indicators do not respond).

• 🔍 Check if the button is stuck – gently move it with a paper clip.
• 🔌 Try another power supply (sometimes a power shortage will block the reset).
• 🛠️ If the router is disassembled, check the integrity of the Reset button on the board (contact may be cut off).

3.Problem: The router is loaded into emergency mode (blinks red).

• 🔄 Turn off the router from the outlet, wait 30 seconds and turn it on again.
• 📥 If the problem persists, you will need to reflash through UART or TFTP (For advanced users, see below).

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If the Xiaomi router after reset gives an error "Incorrect password" when entering the control panel, try using the root login and the admin password - sometimes this works for old firmware.

Reset Xiaomi router via SSH (for advanced users)

If standard methods did not work, and the router is still “alive” (power indicator is burning), you can try resetting through the router. SSH-This requires basic command line knowledge, but often saves in desperate situations.

Step-by-step:

1. Make sure that SSH is enabled on the router (default disabled). If you don't have access to the interface, skip this step.
2. Connect your computer to the router via cable (LAN).
3. Open the terminal (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
4. Enter the command to connect: ssh root@192.168.31.1 The default password is admin (or the one you set earlier).
5. Run the reset command: mtd -r erase nvram or (for new firmware): firstboot & & reboot now
6. Wait for the reboot (can take up to 5 minutes).

If SSH is disabled, it can be enabled via the UART emergency console, but this requires disassembling the router and connecting to the board via a USB-TTL adapter. For detailed instructions for specific models, see the 4PDA or OpenWRT forums.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect commands in the SSH You can permanently shut down your router. Don't use this method unless you're sure you're doing it. For example, the mtd erase all team wipes out all the firmware, and then the router becomes a brick without the ability to recover without a soldering iron.

Recovery of Xiaomi router after reset

Once the router is successfully reset, it will return to factory settings, but that doesn't mean it's ready to go.

• 🔐 Change the administrator password. It's empty by default, or admin is not secure.
• 📶 Set up Wi-Fi: Set up a unique network name (SSID) and a strong password (recommended) WPA3).
• 🔄 Update your firmware. Go to Settings. → Update and install the latest version of the software.
• 🛡️ Set up security: Turn it off WPS (vulnerable to hacking. MAC-Addresses (if you need additional protection) Set up a guest network for visitors.
• 📡 Optimize Wi-Fi channels. In manual mode, select the least loaded channel (for example, 40-48 for 5 GHz).

If the router is unstable after reset (for example, the speed is lower than expected), try:

• 🔌 Change the power cable (sometimes the problem in the power supply).
• 🌡️ Check the temperature – if the router is hot, provide better ventilation.
• 📥 Reverse the firmware to the previous version (if instability started after the update).

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After reset, be sure to update the router’s firmware – this closes vulnerabilities and improves the stability of the work.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi router