How to change the administrator password on the Xiaomi router: all ways

Forgot the password from the control panel of the Xiaomi router or want to improve the security of the home network? Changing the administrative password is a key step to protect against unauthorized access. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to change the password on Mi Routers 3/4/4A/4C/5/AX, including models with firmware in Russian and Chinese.

It's important to understand that the administrator password is different from the Wi-Fi password. The first one gives you access to the router settings, the second one only to the network. If you lose both, you will need to completely reset your device. We'll also look at how to avoid blocking after unsuccessful entry attempts and what to do if the router does not accept the new password.

The instructions in the article are relevant for MiWiFi firmware ROM (official) and alternatives like Padavan or OpenWRT. If your model is running Xiaomi HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi Router) BE7000), Some steps may be different, we will warn you separately.

1.Preparation for changing the password: what you need to know

Before changing your password, make sure that:

• 🔌 The router is connected to the power supply network and is turned on.
• 📶 Your device (PC, smartphone, tablet) is connected to the router’s Wi-Fi network or via cable LAN.
• 🔑 You have the current administrator password (if not, go to the section about resetting settings).
• 📱 On the smartphone installed Mi WiFi application (current version) or any browser for PC.

If you are using the Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition or newer model, check the firmware version in Settings → System Status: Outdated versions (below 2.0.100) may not support some features, such as two-factor authentication.

⚠️ Warning: Once you change your password, all devices connected to Wi-Fi will remain online, but access to the admin panel will be blocked until you enter a new password.

If a router issues a 403 Forbidden error when trying to log in, it may mean that:

• 🔒 Incorrect password entered more than 5 times – the device is temporarily locked (wait 10 minutes).
• 🌐 IP-Your device address is locked in the router’s security settings.
• 🔄 There was a firmware failure - a reboot is required.

2. Method 1: Change password through the web interface

The most versatile method, which works on all Xiaomi models, is suitable for users who have a current administrator password.

Steps to enter the control panel:

1. Open your browser on a PC or smartphone and type in 192.168.31.1 (for most models) or miwifi.com.
2. Enter your current username and password. If you haven't changed them, the default is a combination of a sticker on the bottom of the router.
3. Click Login (or Login in English version).

Follow the instructions for changing the password:

1. Go to the Settings section → System system → Administrator Password (or Advanced Settings) → System → Modify Password in English).
2. Enter your current password, then a new password (twice for confirmation).
3. Press Save. The router will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Note: The new password must contain at least 8 characters, including upper and lower case letters, numbers or special characters. Passwords like 12345678 or password will be rejected by the system.

If the router does not restart after saving, do this manually:

• 🔄 Click the Reboot button in the web interface (Settings) → System system → Reboot).
• 🔌 Or turn off the power for 10 seconds and turn it on again.

The current password is entered correctly|

New password is complex (8)+ symbolism)|

Password confirmation matches|

Wi-Fi settings are saved (if you change them at the same time)-->

3. Method 2: Change password through the Mi WiFi app

The official Mi WiFi app (formerly Mi Router) lets you control your router from your smartphone, which is convenient if you change your settings frequently or want to use biometric authentication (fingerprint).

Download the app:

• 📱 Android (Google Play)
• 🍎 iOS (App Store)

Instructions for changing password:

1. Open Mi WiFi and connect to your router (automatically or manually via Add Device).
2. Go to Settings. → Account. → Administrator password.
3. Enter the current password, then a new one (with confirmation).
4. Click Save. The app will prompt you to save a new password in the smartphone password manager.

Features of working with the application:

• 🔐 If two-factor authentication is enabled (2FA), will require a code SMS Mi Account applications.
• 🌍 Chinese firmware may require region change to China Mainland in app settings.
• 📵 When changing your password through Mi WiFi, the router doesn’t always reboot – do it manually.

💡

If the app doesn't find the router, check if you're connected to its Wi-Fi network. Android may also need permission to access the location (to scan the networks).

Method 3: Reset the administrator password (if you forgot the current one)

The only way to restore access to the router if you forget your administrator password is to completely reset your factory settings, which will delete all personal data, including your Wi-Fi settings, guest network, parental controls, and port-to-port.

How to perform the reset:

1. Find the Reset button on the back of the router (usually recessed in the case).
2. Take a paperclip or toothpick and press the button, holding it for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing.
3. Release the button. The router will restart (it will take 1-2 minutes).

After discharge:

• 🔄 Network settings will be reset to factory: the name of Wi-Fi will be Xiaomi_XXXX, password on the sticker.
• 🔑 Administrator password will become standard: admin (or unique code from the sticker for new models).
• 📡 All connected devices will be disabled – they will have to be connected again.

⚠️ Attention: On routers Xiaomi Router AX6000 and BE7000 Reset button reset may not work due to protection against accidental pressing. In this case, use the program reset via Mi WiFi (Settings section). → Additionally. → Reset).

If the router does not reset IP-address (not opened 192.168.31.1):

1. Check what your device is getting. IP automatically (DHCP).
2. Manually assign yourself. IP subnet 192.168.31.x (for example, 192.168.31.100).
3. Try the alternative addresses: 192.168.0.1 or miwifi.com.

5. Features for different models of Xiaomi routers

Not all Xiaomi routers are the same, with different firmware, interfaces, and even authentication methods, and the table below shows the key differences:

For routers with Padavan firmware (e.g. Mi Router) 3G v2):

• 🔧 Password changes in Administration → System.
• 🔒 It is possible to disable password authentication (not recommended!).
• 📌 After changing your password, please click Apply Changes.

6. Additional security measures after changing the password

Simply changing your password is not enough to fully protect your router, and we recommend following the steps:

• 🔐 Disable Remote Access (if not used): Settings → Security → Remote control.
• 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version: Settings → Status of the system → Update.
• 🛡️ Turn on firewall and filtering MAC-Addresses (for advanced users).
• 📱 Link router to Mi Account to restore access via Mi WiFi.

If you use a router in an office or public place:

• 🔒 Create a guest network with a separate password (Settings) → Wi-Fi → Guest network).
• ⏰ Set up a Wi-Fi schedule (such as overnight shutdown).
• 📊 Enable event logging to track entry attempts.

⚠️ Warning: Never use the same password for router administrator and Mi Account. In case of data leak, attackers will have access to both network settings and your Xiaomi cloud services.

💡

Change your administrator password and Wi-Fi password regularly (every 3-6 months), which reduces the risk of hacking even if your network has been compromised.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

When you change your password, you often have a common problem, and we'll look at some of the most common ones.

If after changing the password, the Xiaomi router began to “glutch” (reboot independently, lose the connection):

• 🔄 Return the old password and check for stability.
• 🔌 Turn it off. USB-devices (if connected).
• 📡 Change the Wi-Fi channel in settings (Settings) → Wi-Fi → Canal).

On routers with alternative firmware (Padavan, OpenWRT) after changing the password, you may need:

• 🔧 Manually restart the httpd service through SSH:

ssh admin@192.168.31.1


service httpd restart

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)