How to make a complete reset of the Xiaomi router settings: 3 proven ways

Why you might need to reset your Xiaomi router and what it does

Resetting Xiaomi router to factory settings is a procedure that returns the device to its original state, as if you just unpacked it out of the box. It's a radical solution that is resorted to when other methods of adjusting or troubleshooting have failed. But why exactly is the reset becoming the last resort?

First, over time, the router’s firmware accumulates temporary files, configuration errors, and conflicting settings — especially if you often experiment with network settings, guest access, or parental controls. Second, after a failed firmware update (for example, via MiWiFi ROM), the device may start to work unstable: fall off Wi-Fi, slow down the Internet or completely stop distributing the network.

But don’t rush to grab the Reset button. In some cases, the problem can be solved less radically: restarting the router, updating the firmware or resetting only individual settings (for example, the Wi-Fi password). If you are determined to return the device to factory parameters, read on. We will discuss three official methods that are relevant to the models of Xiaomi Router 4A/4C/4Q, Mi Router AX1800/AX3000/AX6000 and others, and also tell you how to avoid typical errors.

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

If the Xiaomi router is turned on and you can connect to its network (even without the Internet), use the web control panel. This method is preferable, since it allows you to save a backup of your settings before resetting and minimizes the risk of errors.

To get started, follow the following steps:

🌐 Open the browser on your computer or smartphone and enter in the address bar 192.168.31.1 (standard). IP If the address doesn't open, check the router's network connection or try miwifi.com.
🔐 Enter your login login and password. It's a combination by default. admin/admin, But if you've changed it, use your data. If you've forgotten your password, go to the method. 2 or 3.
⚙️ Go to the Settings section → Additionally. → Management of the system → Factory settings recovery (the path may vary slightly depending on the model and firmware version).
💾 Press Reset button and confirm the action. The router will reboot automatically.

The process will take 2–5 After restarting, the router will create a new network with a factory name (for example, a new network, Xiaomi_XXXX) and the password that is indicated on the sticker on the device body.

Make sure the router is powered | Connect to the router network (Wi-Fi or cable) | Close all programs using the Internet | Download backup settings (if necessary)

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⚠️ Warning: If the router doesn’t give away Wi-Fi after resetting or flashes an orange indicator, check if the provider connection settings are lost (PPPoE, DHCP). You may need to manually specify the data from the contract with the Internet provider.

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

When the Xiaomi router does not respond to attempts to log in to the control panel (for example, due to a forgotten password or firmware failure), the physical Reset button will help.It is located on the back of the device and is usually recessed into the case to avoid accidental pressing.

Instructions for hardware discharge:

🔌 Do not turn off the router from the outlet – it should be energized.
📍 Find the Reset button (sometimes signed as WPS/Reset). Take a paperclip or toothpick to press it.
⏱️ Hold the 10-15 second button until the router lights start flashing or go out. AX-The series may need to be held for up to 20 seconds.
🔄 Release the button and wait for the automatic reboot (1-3 minutes).

After resetting, all settings, including the Wi-Fi name and password, will return to factory settings. If the router does not respond to the hold of the button, try repeating the procedure 2-3 times or check if the button is mechanically jammed.

What to do if the Reset button doesn’t work?

If the button doesn't work, there may be a problem with mechanical damage or locking at the firmware level. In this case: 1. Try using method 3 (reset via Mi Home). 2. Check if the error indicator is on (red or orange) - this may indicate a hardware fault. 3. For models with a USB connector (for example, Xiaomi Router 4A Gigabit), you can try to flash the device manually through the MiWiFi Repair Tool, but this requires technical skills.

Model router	Reset retention time	Signs of successful discharge
Xiaomi Router 4A/4C	10-12 seconds	All indicators flash 3 times
Mi Router AX1800/AX3000	15-20 seconds	The power indicator goes out and lights up orange
Xiaomi Router Pro	5-7 seconds (short press)	Sound signal and reset
Redmi Router AX5/AX6	12-15 seconds	Wi-Fi indicator flashes blue

Method 3: Reset via Mi Home (for tethered devices)

If your Xiaomi router is linked to your Mi Account and connected to the Mi Home app, you can reset it remotely, which is convenient when there is no physical access to the device (for example, the router is installed in another room).

Step-by-step:

📱 Open the Mi Home app on your smartphone and log in.
🏠 Go to the Devices tab and select your router from the list.
⚙️ Slip on the Settings icon (three dots in the upper right corner) and select Device Settings.
🔄 Scroll down and find Reset to factory settings. Confirm action.

Once confirmed, the router will restart and unplug your Mi Account. Please note that if the device was linked to another region (e.g. China), it may not be in the application – in this case, use methods 1 or 2.

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If the router does not appear in the device list after resetting via Mi Home, try removing it manually from your account: go to Profile → Settings → Devices and delete the router. Then add it again through Add Device.

⚠️ Note: Remote reset via Mi Home only works when the router is actively connected to the Internet. If the device offline (for example, due to a failure), this method does not work - use hardware reset.

What happens to the router after reset: consequences and nuances

Resetting to factory settings completely erases all user data, including Wi-Fi passwords, port settings, guest network, parental controls and Mi Account binding. However, some parameters may be stored depending on the model:

🔄 Wi-Fi name and password are reset to factory (specified on the sticker).
🌍 Provider connection settings (PPPoE, static) IP) — Once reset, the router will try to get IP automatically (DHCP).
📡 Settings 5G/2.4G (Frequency division, channel widths) return to default values.
🔒 Blacklist of devices and restrictions on MAC-Addresses are zeroed out.
📦 The firmware remains the current version (reset does not roll it back to the old one).

If you used the router in repeater mode (WDS) or Bridge, when it's reset, it'll return to the standard Router mode, and all Port Forwarding rules will be removed. DMZ, What can affect the operation of online games, IP-camera-client.

For models that support Xiaomi Mesh (for example, Mi Router AX9000), resetting one node does not affect the rest – they will have to be reset separately or reassemble the network again.

Once a year for prevention | Only in case of serious failure |Never reset |I don't know how to do it-->

Typical Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even a simple procedure like resetting a router can go wrong, and here are some of the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

Interrupt the reset process: If you remove the router from the socket or press Reset again during the reset, the firmware can damage. At best, the device will reboot, at worst, turn into a brick. Solution: do not touch the router until the full reboot (the indicators should stabilize).
Use of the wrong IP-Lots of people are trying to get in. 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1, But Xiaomi is by default used 192.168.31.1. Solution: Check the sticker on the router or use the ipconfig (Windows) / ifconfig command (macOS/Linux) lock-detection.
Mi Account password: Once reset via the Mi Home app, the router may require re-authorization. If you forget your account details, restore them in advance at account.xiaomi.com.
Ignoring backup: Before resetting, you can save your current settings to a file (web interface: Settings → Additional → Backup). Solution: export the configuration, even if you plan to reconfigure the router.

Another common problem is that the router doesn't reset the first time.

Try another browser (such as Chrome or Firefox) for the web interface.
Disable VPN or proxy – they can block access to the control panel.
Use cable instead of Wi-Fi for stability.

How to restore the router after reset: a step-by-step checklist

After a successful reset, Xiaomi’s router is ready to reconfigure. To avoid missing important points, follow this checklist:

Connect to the factory Wi-Fi network. Network name and password are listed on the sticker on the bottom of the router (for example, Xiaomi_1234 / password).
Set up an Internet connection. For PPPoE (the most common option), enter a login/password from your ISP contract. DHCP (automatic IP) No data needs to be entered. IP specify IP-address, mask, gateway and DNS manually.

Change the Wi-Fi name and password.

WPS

Update the firmware.

Settings → Updating the firmware

Set up additional functions (if necessary):

Guest network (for visitors).
Parental control (time/site restrictions)
Port forwarding for games or cameras.
Link the router to Mi Account (optional) and let you manage it through the Mi Home app and receive notifications about new firmware.

How to reset the Xiaomi router if you forget the Mi Account password?

If the router is linked to your Mi Account but you have forgotten the login details: Restore your password on account.xiaomi.com (requires access to an email or phone linked to your account). If recovery is not possible, reset the router using hardware (Reset button). After that, the device will unplug the old account, and you can link it to the new one. ⚠️ Note: When you change your account, all data associated with the old one (for example, the history of devices in Mi Home) will be lost to this router.

Will the firmware on the Xiaomi router drop when rolling back to factory settings?

No, factory reset doesn't roll back firmware to an earlier version. It only resets user settings (Wi-Fi, ports, passwords, etc.) The firmware version will remain the same as it was installed at the time of the reset. To change the firmware, you need to update or reflash the router separately.

Can I reset the Xiaomi router settings via SSH or Telnet?

Theoretically, yes, but this method is not recommended for ordinary users. SSH/Telnet required: Enable access to SSH in router settings (default disabled). Connect via client (e.g. PuTTY) IP-Run the command firstboot & & reboot. A mistake in the commands can cause the device to fail. For most tasks, standard reset methods (web interface, Reset button, Mi Home) are enough).