How to reset your Xiaomi router settings: 3 working ways + problem solving

Resetting Xiaomi router settings to factory settings is a necessary procedure when selling a device, fixing network problems or a forgotten password. However, doing the wrong thing can turn a simple operation into a headache, from losing access to the Internet to completely locking the device. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods of resetting for Mi Router models. 4A/4C/4Q, AX1800/AX3000/AX3600 Others, including hidden nuances that are not written in the official instructions.

Xiaomi routers feature binding to a Mi Account and cloud management through the Mi WiFi app, which complicates the reset process compared to traditional routers. We will show you how to bypass the protection if you forget your account information, and what to do if the router does not distribute the Internet after reset. 3G retroloader).

1.When you need to reset your Xiaomi router: 5 good reasons

Before you start resetting, make sure it is really necessary. In some cases, the problem can be solved with less radical methods, such as updating the firmware or changing the Wi-Fi channel.

  • πŸ”’ Forgot the Wi-Fi password or the administrator panel, the most common case, resetting the standard login/password (admin/admin or indicated on the sticker).
  • πŸ“¦ Selling or transferring the router to another user, without resetting, the new owner will not be able to customize the device to suit his needs.
  • 🐒 Slowing down the network, frequent connection breaks, or the inability to connect new devices are signs of a configuration failure.
  • πŸ”„ Errors after firmware updates, when the router stops responding to commands or cyclically restarts.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Suspicion of hacking – if unknown devices appear or change on the network DNS-server.

Important: If the Xiaomi router is tied to the Mi Account, after the reset, you may need to re-authorize. ROM (For example, Mi Router 3 is a prerequisite – without account data, you will not be able to complete the setup.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi routers with Padavan firmware or OpenWRT (alternative firmware), resetting through the Reset button can lead to the β€œbricking” of the device. UART or TFTP.

πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi router do you have?
Mi Router 4A/4C
AX1800/AX3000
Mi Router 3/3G/3C
Another Xiaomi
Not Xiaomi.

The safest method is if you have access to the admin panel, suitable for all Xiaomi models, including: AX6000 and BE7000. The advantage is that the binding to the Mi Account is maintained, which makes it easier to reconfigure.

Instructions:

  1. Connect to the router network via cable or Wi-Fi.
  2. Open your browser and type in 192.168.31.1 (for most models) or miwifi.com.
  3. Log in (standard login/password β€” admin/admin, unless changed).
  4. Go to Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup/Reset (or System) β†’ Backup/Reset English-language).
  5. Click Reset Settings and confirm the action.

It takes 1-2 minutes, and once you restart, the router will be available in the factory settings, but it will remain:

  • πŸ”— Link to Mi Account (no re-entry required).
  • πŸ“‘ Wi-Fi channel settings (if reset is done via a web interface rather than a button).
  • πŸ”„ Firmware version (not reset to factory).

Make sure that the router is stable (do not disconnect from the outlet)

Connect via cable (recommended to avoid breaks)

Remember the current Wi-Fi settings (SSID, password)

Check the firmware version (in case of errors, you may need to roll back)-->

Method 2: Hardware Reset Button Reset (for blocked routers)

If you forget the password from the admin panel or the Xiaomi router does not respond to commands, the physical Reset button will help. It is located on the back of the device (sometimes hidden under a plug).

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn the router on (the power indicator should burn).
  2. Take a paper clip or toothpick and press the Reset button, holding it for 10-15 seconds (until all the indicators blink).
  3. Release the button and wait for the reboot (2-3 minutes).

For some models (e.g. Mi Router) 4A Gigabit) requires an alternative method:

  1. Turn off the router.
  2. Press the Reset button and, without letting it go, connect the power.
  3. Hold the button for another 30 seconds after activation.
Model routerReset retention timeIs authorization required after resetting
Mi Router 4A/4C10 seconds.No.
Mi Router 3/3G15 seconds.Yeah (linked to Mi Account)
AX1800/AX300010 seconds (before flashing indicators)Yeah (if there was a tie)
Mi Router HD/Pro30 seconds (with power out)Yes.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi routers with Developer firmware ROM (For example, test versions, a hardware reset can lead to a reboot cycle, in which case you will need firmware through the SSH or UART.

What to do if the Reset button doesn’t work?
If the button does not respond to pressing, check: 1. Integrity of the button - perhaps the contacts have oxidized (try to clean with alcohol). 2. Power router - connect to another source (some models block reset at low voltage). 3. Alternative method - for Mi Router 3 and 3G Try holding the Reset button when you turn on (as for the recovery mode). If nothing helps, the router may be "locked" at the bootloader level - you will need to flash through the network. TFTP.

Method 3: Reset via Mi WiFi application (for tethered devices)

If your Xiaomi router is synced with your Mi Account, you can reset your settings via the official Mi WiFi app (available for Android and iOS), a method that is suitable for remote management and does not require physical access to the device.

Instructions:

  1. Install the Mi WiFi app from Google Play or the App Store.
  2. Sign in with the same Mi Account that the router is attached to.
  3. Select your device from the list (if it doesn’t show up, check your internet connection).
  4. Go to Settings. β†’ Device control β†’ Reset the settings.
  5. Confirm the action and wait until the process is completed (up to 5 minutes).

Advantages of this method:

  • πŸ“± No physical access to the router is required.
  • πŸ”„ The history of firmware and logs is preserved (useful for diagnosis).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Automatic re-assignment to the account after reset.

Disadvantages:

  • 🚫 Does not work if the router is disconnected from the Internet or blocked.
  • πŸ”’ Requires access to the Mi Account (if you forgot the data – restore them through the official website).

1. Reboot the application.

2. Turn off/enable Wi-Fi on your phone.

3. Delete the app cache (in the phone settings).

4.Reinstall Mi WiFi.-->

5.What to do after resetting: setting up the router from scratch

After a successful reset, the Xiaomi router will distribute a network with a factory name (for example, the network will be reset by the company, Xiaomi_XXXX) And it's not password-free. It depends on the model and the firmware:

5.1 Initial configuration via web interface

  1. Connect to the router network (Wi-Fi without a password or via cable).
  2. Open in the browser 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com.
  3. Follow the setup wizard: πŸ”‘ Set a new password for Wi-Fi (recommended) WPA2-PSK + password-plate). 🌍 Select a region (important for local frequency standards). πŸ”„ Set up an Internet connection (DHCP/PPPoE/static IP β€” check with the provider).

Re-binding to Mi Account (for cloud models)

If the router requires authorization:

  1. Enter your Mi Account (email or phone) + password).
  2. Confirm the binding through SMS or email (if two-factor authentication is enabled).
  3. Sync your settings with the cloud (optional).

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi routers with MiWiFi firmware ROM (Like Mi Router. 4A) After the reset, you may have a "Device is tied to another account" error, which means that the previous owner has not untied the router. Solution: contact Xiaomi support and provide proof of purchase (check, box with serial number).

Recovery of backup (if any)

If you have created a backup setting before reset:

  1. In the web interface, go to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup.
  2. Download the backup file (extension.cfg or.bin).
  3. Confirm the recovery and restart the router.

πŸ’‘

After reset, be sure to update the router's firmware to the latest version.Outdated firmware contains vulnerabilities that can be used to hack your network.

6. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right reset, users face problems, and we'll look at the typical situations and the ways to fix them.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Router is not reset by Reset buttonFaulty button or lock by the bootloaderTry an alternative method (with power cut off) or firmware through TFTP
After reset, no access to 192.168.31.1I lost it. IP-routerCheck the network card settings (should be an auto) IP) Or use miwifi.com
Requires a link to another Mi AccountThe router was tied to the previous owner.Contact Xiaomi with proof of purchase
Indicators burn non-standard (for example, red)Hardware error or firmware failureRun the firmware through UART Or go to the service center.

If the router resets cyclically after reset, it's a sign of a damaged firmware.

  • πŸ”§ Through TFTP-server (for models with support for emergency mode).
  • πŸ”Œ Through UART-Port (requires soldering works and Putty programs).
  • πŸ“¦ Send the device to the Xiaomi service center.
How to Switch Xiaomi Router Through TFTP?
1. Download the firmware for your model from the official website (Support section). 2. Change the file extension from.bin to.trx (if required). 3. Configure TFTP-server on a PC (for example, Tftpd64) and specify the path to the firmware file. 4. Connect the router to the PC via cable, holding the Reset button when power is turned on. 5. Wait for the firmware to automatically load (indicators should flash during the process). ⚠️ Risk: Wrong firmware can finally put the router out of action!

7.How to avoid problems in the future: safety tips

To avoid having to reset the Xiaomi router, follow these guidelines:

  • πŸ” Update your firmware regularly – new versions close vulnerabilities and improve stability. β†’ Update of the PO.
  • πŸ“ Save a backup of your settings before any changes. The backup file can be exported to Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup.
  • πŸ”‘ Use complex passwords for Wi-Fi and Administrator panels. Avoid standard combinations like 12345678 or admin.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Disable remote control if you are not using it. This feature may be vulnerable to attacks: Settings β†’ Remote access β†’ Shut down.
  • πŸ“‘ Set up a guest network for temporary devices, which will protect the main network from unauthorized access.

For models with Mi Home support (e.g. Mi Router) 4A MiWiFi-based ROM):

  • 🏠 Link the router to the Mi Home app for remote traffic monitoring and connected devices.
  • πŸ”” Enable notifications for new connections: Mi Home β†’ The device β†’ Security settings.

πŸ’‘

Create a separate Mi Account specifically for the router (don’t use the main Xiaomi account) to make it easier to manage your device and reduce the risk of data breaches.

FAQ: Frequent questions about resetting Xiaomi routers

❓ Can you reset the Xiaomi router without losing the binding to the Mi Account?
Yes, if you use a reset via a web interface (192.168.31.1) or the Mi WiFi application. Hardware reset with the Reset button removes the binding, and the router will require re-authorization.
❓ What to do if after resetting the router Xiaomi does not give the Internet?
Check: Connecting the cable from the provider (indicator) WAN It should burn. Network connection settings β†’ Internet (select the right type: DHCP, PPPoE, etc.). MAC-router address (some providers link access to the MAC β€” If the problem persists, contact the provider's technical support.
❓ How to Reset Mi Router 3G, If it is blocked by the previous owner?
Models of the Mi Router 3G Mi Router 3 If the previous owner did not untie the device: Contact Xiaomi support via the form https://www.mi.com/global/support/. Provide proof of purchase (check, photo of the box with the serial number) Wait for unlock (may take up to a few minutes). 7 Alternative: run the router on Padavan or OpenWRT (requires technical skills).
❓ Can you reset the Xiaomi router via Telnet or SSH?
Yes, if you have access to the console. SSH (Login: root, password: admin or the one you set) ssh root@192.168.31.1 Reset to factory settings of firstboot reboot ⚠️ Warning: This method deletes all data, including custom scripts and iptables settings.
❓ Why After Resetting Xiaomi Router AX3000 left out?
Probable causes: πŸ”Œ Faulty power supply – try another adapter with similar parameters (e.g, 12V/1A). πŸ”„ Firmware failure – if the indicators do not light up, you will need firmware through UART. πŸ› οΈ Hardware failure, call the service center, for diagnostics, disconnect the router from the network. 10 If the power indicator doesn't turn on, the hardware is a problem.