How to change MAC-Address on the Xiaomi router: 3 working methods (2026)

Shift. MAC-Addresses on Xiaomi routers may be required in several cases: linking to the provider at the physical address of the device, circumventing network restrictions or resolving conflict problems. IP. Unlike smartphones, where MAC It changes software in seconds, and routers are more complex, because the manufacturer often blocks direct editing through the standard interface. Telnet/SSH or even hardware reset.

In this article, we will analyze all the current methods for Mi Router models. 4/4A/4C/5/AX (including OpenWRT-based firmware, we'll point out the risks of each method and make recommendations for choosing the best option. MAC-address may violate warranty conditions or lead to the blocking of the device in the provider’s network – before you start, check the contract with the Internet provider for binding to the physical address.

Why You Might Need a Shift MAC-Xiaomi addresses

MAC-Media Access Control is a unique identifier for network equipment that is stitched into a chip during the manufacturing phase:

• 🔒 Subscriber binding to the device (for example, when renting a router or promotional rates).
• 🚫 Blocking access after non-payment or violation of rules.
• 📡 Limiting the number of connected devices on the network (for example, in hostels or hotels).
• 🔄 Conflicts IP, When two devices on the network have the same MAC.

In practice, Xiaomi users face the need to change the MAC in the following scenarios:

• 📦 Replacement of router: the provider has tied the tariff to MAC-address.
• 🔌 Connect to a corporate network where only certain addresses are allowed.
• 🛡️ Bypassing the “gray” locks (for example, after changing the tariff or moving).
• 🔍 Network Testing: Stability Testing for Different MAC.

⚠️ Note: Some providers (for example, Rostelecom or Beeline) fix not only MAC router, but MAC WAN-In this case, changing the address on the device itself will not help - you will need additional configuration through the device. VLAN or.

Method 1: Cloning MAC-addresses via the web interface (official method)

The easiest and safest way to do this is cloning. MAC-It works on most Xiaomi models (except Mi Router). AX6000 And new firmware with limited functionality:

1. Connect the router to your computer via cable (recommended) or Wi-Fi.
2. Open the web interface by going to 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com) in your browser.
3. Go to the section Additional settings → Network → MAC-cloning (the name may vary depending on the firmware).
4. Press the Clone button. MAC-address – the system automatically pulls the address from the network card of your PC.
5. Save the settings and restart the router.

If there is no cloning option (for example, on the Mi Router). 4C with the latest firmware, try manually entering MAC-field WAN MAC. Format: XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX (Latin letters, no spaces).

Make sure your computer is connected to the router by cable

Disable VPN and proxy in the browser

Check that there is no static IP on your PC.

Record the router's current MAC (in case of rollback)

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After the reboot, check the new MAC through the command in the terminal (Windows):

ipconfig /all | findstr "Physical Address"

Or on Linux/Mac:

ifconfig | grep ether

⚠️ Attention: Cloned MAC will reset to the factory after updating the firmware or resetting settings. To avoid this, turn off automatic updates in the router settings (System) → Update of the PO).

Mi Router 4A

Mi Router 4C

Mi Router 5/5G

Mi Router AX1800/AX3000

Another (write in the comments)-->

Method 2: Change the MAC via Telnet/SSH (for advanced)

If the web interface does not allow you to change the MAC, you can use console access via Telnet or SSH. This method works on firmware up to MiWiFi R3G v2.28.23 (later Xiaomi disabled Telnet by default).

To start, turn on Telnet:

1. Download PuTTY (Windows) or use the built-in terminal on Linux/Mac.
2. Connect to the router via IP 192.168.31.1 on port 23 (Telnet).
3. Log in with the root login and password (by default – admin or empty).

Next, follow the commands to change the MAC:

nvram set et0macaddr=XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX


nvram commit




reboot

Where XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX — new MAC-address (e.g, 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E). For the Mi Router 4A use a variable wan_mac_addr instead et0macaddr.

If Telnet is disabled, it can be activated via an exploit (for models on Qualcomm chips):

curl -s http://192.168.31.1/cgi-bin/luci/;stok=/api-xqsystem/login?username=admin&password=`nvram get http_passwd`|grep 'stok'

Then use the resulting stok to turn on Telnet:

curl "http://192.168.31.1/cgi-bin/luci/;stok=YOUR_STOK/api-xqsystem/set_telnet" -d "enable=1"

Method 3: Resetting the MAC to factory value

If you are experimenting with MAC-Addresses and want to return the original, do the following:

1. Find the factory MAC on the sticker under the router (usually listed next to the serial number).
2. Log in to the web interface and manually enter it in the WAN MAC field (if the option is available).
3. If the interface is blocked, perform a full reset settings: 🔧 Press the Reset button for 10 seconds (until the indicator flashes). 📡 Wait 2-3 minutes for the router to restart. 🔄 MAC It will return to factory, but all settings (Wi-Fi, passwords) will reset.

For models with OpenWRT or custom firmware, the reset is performed through the command:

firstboot && reboot now

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware (e.g. MiWiFi) R4A Gigabit Edition: Reset is not returned MAC In this case, only the flashing through the factory will help. TFTP or UART.

💡

Before resetting, save your current router settings to a file via Settings → Backup.This will allow you to quickly restore Wi-Fi, ports and other settings after reset.

Problems and mistakes when changing MAC to Xiaomi

Even when the instructions are followed correctly, users are faced with typical errors:

• 🚫 «No Internet access after the shift MAC: Problem: Provider blocks new MAC. Solution: Call support and provide a new address or use cloning from an authorized device.
• ⚠️ «Incorrect format MAC»: Problem: Introduced incorrect format (e.g. with spaces or Cyrillic) Solution: Use only Latin characters and colons (XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX).
• 🔄 MAC Resets after rebooting: Problem: Changes not saved in NVRAM. Solution: Repeat the nvram commit command or flash custom firmware.
• 🔌 «Unable to connect to router" after changes: Problem: Incorrect MAC conflicted IP. Solution: Reset the Reset button.

If the router stopped responding after changing the MAC:

1. Shut down the power for 30 seconds.
2. Connect to the cable and check availability on 192.168.31.1.
3. If the web interface does not open, use TFTP to restore the firmware.

💡

Before any manipulations with MAC-Check the provider’s policy at the address – some operators (for example, MTS or TTK) block devices with changed addresses at the level DHCP.

Alternative methods: OpenWRT firmware or Padavan

If standard methods don't work, consider installing custom firmware. OpenWRT and Padavan give full control over the system. MAC-addresses and other network parameters.

The advantages of custom firmware:

• ✅ Change MAC for each interface (LAN/WAN/Wi-Fi).
• ✅ No restrictions from Xiaomi.
• ✅ Additional functions (VPN, AdBlock, QoS).

Cons:

• ❌ Installation difficulty (risk of “bricking” router).
• ❌ Loss of guarantee.
• ❌ Need for manual adjustment.

Instructions for Padavan firmware for Mi Router 4A:

1. Download the firmware from the official repository.
2. Go to 192.168.31.1 → Additional settings → Software update.
3. Download the firmware file and wait for the reboot (5-10 minutes).
4. After installation MAC Changes to the Network section → MAC Clone.

For OpenWRT, use the command:

uci set network.wan.macaddr='XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX'


uci commit




/etc/init.d/network restart

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the MAC to Xiaomi