The situation when the home network stops functioning correctly is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi equipment. The router can freeze, stop seeing connected devices or simply start to work unstable after another firmware update. In such cases, the most effective solution is often a complete return to factory parameters, which eliminates software errors and configuration conflicts.
However, the reset process does not always go smoothly, especially if the user does not have access to the administrative panel or forgot the password from the Wi-Fi network. It is important to understand the difference between a simple reboot and a full reset, since these actions lead to different results.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways to restore the factory state of the Mi Router and Redmi Router routers. You will learn about physical methods using a button, software methods through a web interface and mobile applications, and what to do if standard methods do not work.
Preparation for the resetting procedure
Before you take drastic action, you need to be aware of the consequences. Resetting to factory settings will completely remove all your personalizations: network name (SSID), passwords, ISP PPPoE settings, speed limits and lists of prohibited devices. So it is critical to make sure you have access to an ISP contract that lists your login and password to connect.
⚠️ Attention: After reset, the Xiaomi router will return to the "out of the box" state. IP-Firewall addresses and rules will be irretrievably lost.
It's also worth checking the physical connection of the device. Make sure the router is plugged in and the indicators are on normal. If you plan to reset settings through the web interface, it's best to connect your computer to the router by using the LAN-cable to prevent communication breakdown at the most critical time.
If you don't have access to the cable, make sure your mobile device or laptop is connected to the router's Wi-Fi network. In some cases, when the router is in an error state, it may not be giving out the Internet, but the local network to manage will remain available. Check if the system indicator is on blue or yellow, which usually indicates that the device is working.
The interfaces of older models, such as the Mi Router 3G or Mi Router 4A, may differ from new versions with support for Wi-Fi 6. However, the logic of action remains the same throughout the smart home ecosystem.
Hardware reset with the Reset button
The most reliable and versatile method that works even in cases where the web interface is not available or the router is “hung”. On the body of almost all Xiaomi and Redmi routers there is a special button or hole, signed as Reset or Res. The location of this element depends on the specific hardware modification.
To perform the procedure, you will need a thin object, for example, an unbended clip, a toothpick or a special needle from the set for SIM-Carefully find the hole on the back or bottom of the device. Press the button inside the hole and hold it. The critical thing is retention time: keep the button pressed. 5-10 seconds.
- 🔴 The system indicator will start flashing orange or yellow, signaling the start of the recovery process.
- 🟢 Release the button immediately after the color change of the indicator or the appearance of a characteristic sound signal (if the model supports sound).
- 🔄 The router will automatically restart, which can take 1 to 3 minutes.
Don't panic if the device goes out for a few seconds after the button is released, at which point the internal NVRAM memory, where the configuration files are stored, is cleaned, and the router will look for the basic firmware and apply the standard settings after turning on.
☑️ Pre-reset check
There's a short-press nuance. On some models, like the Mi Router AX3600, a short press can either turn off the microphone or switch modes, so you need to hold the button until the light indicator reacts, and if the indicator lights up blue and then flashes again or turns orange, the process is successful.
Reset via the web interface of the administrator
If you have access to the router control panel, software reset is a more convenient and secure way, because the system itself will warn of the consequences. Open any browser on the connected device and enter the standard in the address bar IP-address: 192.168.31.1 or domain name miwifi.com.
Once you enter the administrator password (which you set up when you first set up), you will be taken to the main status page. The interface can be in Russian or English, depending on the firmware version (CN or Global), you will need to find the partition responsible for system functions, usually called Settings, Common Settings or Status.
Inside the settings menu, look for a System or Advanced subsection. That's where the reset button hides. It can be called Restore Factory Settings, Reset, or have a basket/arrow icon. In Chinese firmware versions, this option is often at the bottom of the list or in the System Status tab.
| Model router | Path to the menu (Global) | Path to the menu (CN) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Router 4A | Settings -> System -> Restore | -> -> | Password confirmation required |
| Mi Router AX3600 | Settings -> System -> Factory Reset | -> -> | Long tap on the interface |
| Redmi Router AC2100 | Settings -> Advanced -> Reset | -> -> | Double confirmation may be required. |
| Mi Router 3G | Settings -> Status -> Reset | -> -> | Old interface, button down. |
When you press a button, the system will issue a final warning, press OK or Confirm. The router will start the procedure, which will take about a minute. Unlike the hardware method, here you see a progress bar or status message, which reduces user anxiety.
What to do if you forget the password from the web interface?
It is important not to interrupt the router’s power during a software reset. Although modern JFFS2 or SquashFS file systems used in Xiaomi have crash protection mechanisms, abrupt power outages during configuration recording can cause the bootloader to fail.
Using the Mi Home app to reset
Smartphone owners often find it easier to manage their network through the official Mi Home app, which is especially relevant for newer router models that are initially designed for mobile control. Make sure your phone is connected to the router's Wi-Fi network that you plan to reset.
Run the app and find your router's card in the device list, which is usually at the top of the screen or in the Devices section. Click on the router icon to go to the control menu, and it shows Internet speed, number of connected devices, and network status.
In the upper right corner of the screen, there is often a three-dot icon or a gear that opens additional settings. Scroll down to the Settings or System section. There should be an option to Reset the router or Factory Reset. The application will request confirmation of the operation, as this action is irreversible.
- 📱 Open the Mi Home app on your smartphone.
- 📡 Select your router from the list of devices in the main menu.
- ⚙️ Go to the settings (three dots or gear) and find the reset point.
The advantage of this method is that the application can offer to back up some settings before resetting if you are logged in to your Mi Account, which allows you to quickly restore network operation after restarting, but it is worth remembering that complex settings, such as port browsing or static routes, through the cloud are rarely saved.
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If the Mi Home app doesn't see the router, try temporarily switching the region in the app settings to "China." Some Xiaomi routers have Chinese firmware and don't show up in the "Russia" or "Europe" region.
Solution and access to MiWiFi
Often users are faced with a situation when after reset the router does not go online or the page miwifi.com does not open. DNS browser-based or incorrect settings IP-Try clearing your browser cache or using Incognito mode".
If the web interface does not open by domain name, use direct IP-Enter 192.168.31.1. If that doesn't work, check your PC's network card settings. Make sure you're automatically receiving it. IP-address (DHCP). Sometimes, after reset, the router changes the subnet, and the static IP on the computer, blocking access.
⚠️ Note: If the router indicator is lit red after reset or flashes yellow constantly, the firmware may be damaged. USB-port or recovery via console UART, which is a complex procedure.
Another common problem is that the router does not see the provider's cable, and after a reset, the connection type often changes to "Dynamic." IP), While many providers require login and password (PPPoE) or binding MAC-Go to the settings. WAN Choose the correct type of connection specified in the contract.
For models that support Mesh, you'll need to reset the main router, and you'll need to re-add satellite modules, and they won't automatically pull the old settings, but you'll have to re-pair through a button or application to restore the unified coverage network.
Set up Xiaomi router after resetting
After successful resetting, the router will create an open Wi-Fi network with a name like Xiaomi_xxxx or MiWiFi_xxxx. Connect to it. When you first connect, the browser will automatically redirect you to the greeting page, where the quick setup wizard will start.
The first step is to create an administrator password, remember it or write it down, because that's what's going to be used to log in to the settings in the future, and then the router will try to automatically determine the type of Internet connection, and in most cases, DHCP mode works, and the Internet comes up immediately.
If the automatic definition didn't work, choose the connection type manually. For PPPoE, enter data from the contract with the provider. Also, at this stage, it is recommended to immediately update the firmware if the system suggests doing so. New versions of the software contain security vulnerabilities fixes and improve stability.
The final step is to set up the Wi-Fi network name and password, and WPA2/WPA3 encryption is recommended for maximum protection, and once you have set up the router, you can reboot and connect to an already secure network with a new name.
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After resetting and initial setup, be sure to check for firmware updates in the "Status" or "Common settings" section, as factory firmware may contain bugs.