How to change the password on the Xiaomi router, if you forgot the old one: a step-by-step guide

Forgot the password from Xiaomi router and can not connect to Wi-Fi? This situation is familiar to many — especially if the password was set a long time ago or someone else invented it. Fortunately, you can reset the router and set a new password yourself, without going to the service center. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods, from hardware reset to recovery through the mobile application Mi WiFi.

It's important to understand that the procedure varies depending on the router model. For example, on the Mi Router 4A and AX3000, the reset algorithm is almost identical, but on older versions like the Mi WiFi Mini, there may be nuances. We took all the features into account and collected universal instructions that will work for most Xiaomi devices (including the Redmi Router). If you are afraid of damaging the settings, don't worry: resetting to factory parameters does not break the router, but only returns it to its original state.

Before you start, check if you have a password written anywhere, sometimes it is stored in:

• 📱 Phone settings (section "Wi-Fi" → stored-network).
• 💻 Network Manager on Windows/macOS (You can see it through the Network Management Center").
• 📄 Router box – the sticker at the bottom often shows the factory password (unless it has been changed).

1. reset of the Xiaomi router to factory settings (Hard Reset)

The most reliable way to reset access to the router is through a hardware reset, which erases all user settings, including the Wi-Fi password, the network name, and the ISP connection settings, and after the reset, you can go to the control panel and configure the router from scratch.

How does it work? There's a hidden Reset button on the router's case (sometimes signed as WPS/Reset) that you hold for 5-10 seconds until the lights start flashing. Here's a step-by-step instruction:

1. 🔌 Turn off the router power (remove the plug from the socket).
2. 🔍 Find the Reset button – it is usually recessed in the case and located on the back panel (near the ports). LAN/WAN).
3. 📍 Take a paperclip, toothpick or other thin object.
4. ⚡ Turn the router back on to the network.
5. 🕒 Hold the Reset button for 8-12 seconds until all the indicators go out and light up again (on some models, the orange LED flashes).
6. 🔄 Release the button – the router will restart (it will take 1-2 minutes).

Wait 2–3 minutes before the router is fully restarted|Connect to a network with a factory name (for example, Xiaomi_XXXX)|Open the browser and go to the address 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com|Set a new password in the control panel-->

⚠️ Warning: Once reset, the router will return to factory settings:

• 📡 Wi-Fi network name (SSID) will become standard (for example, Xiaomi_ABCD).
• 🔑 The password will be reset to the value from the sticker on the case (if it is not – it will be empty or admin).
• 🌐 Internet settings (PPPoE, IP-address, DNS) I'll have to re-introduce.

If the Reset button doesn’t work, try:

• 🔄 Hold it longer (up to 15 seconds).
• 🔌 Remove the power supply for 30 seconds, then repeat the procedure.
• 🛠️ Check if the button is contaminated (wipe it with alcohol).

2. Change password through the web interface (if you know the current one)

If you remember your current Wi-Fi password but want to change it, you can do it through the router control panel. This method does not require resetting and saves all settings. The instructions are suitable for Mi Router 4/4A/4C, AX1800/AX3000 and others with MiWiFi firmware.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer or smartphone connected to the router network.
• 🌐 Browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
• 🔑 Current Wi-Fi or Admin Password (if changed).

Steps:

1. 🔗 Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com.
2. 🔐 Enter the login and password to log into the control panel (by default — admin/admin, unless changed).
3. ⚙️ Go to the Settings section → Wi-Fi (or Advanced) → Wireless in English version).
4. 🔑 In the Wi-Fi Password field, enter a new password (minimum 8 characters).
5. 💾 Click Save – the router will reboot.

💡

If you can't log in to the control panel, try another browser or clear the cache. Sometimes it helps to connect via cable (LAN-port).

🔹 Security tip: Use a complex password with numbers, letters and symbols. Avoid obvious combinations like 12345678 Or qwerty. Example of a strong password: Xiaomi@2026_Router!.

3. Password recovery via Mi WiFi app (no reset)

If you have an Android or iOS smartphone, you can try changing your password through the official Mi WiFi app. This method only works if the router was previously linked to your Xiaomi account (via Mi Account).

The advantage of the method is that it does not require resetting and retains all network parameters. However, it is not suitable for all models - check compatibility in the table below.

Instructions:

1. 📱 Install Mi WiFi from Google Play or App Store.
2. 🔑 Log in to your Xiaomi account (the same one used to set up your router).
3. 🔍 In the main menu of the application, find your router (it should display automatically).
4. ⚙️ Put it on him. → Wi-Fi settings → Change the password.
5. 🔐 Enter the new password twice and save the changes.

⚠️ Note: If the router does not appear in the app, check:

• 📶 Are you connected to your Wi-Fi network.
• 🔄 Is the router firmware updated (older versions may not support Mi Account).
• 🔒 Have you changed your account link in your router settings before.

If the application does not help, only hardware reset remains (described in the first section).

Reset via Reset button|Web interface (192.168.31.1)|Mi WiFi appendix|Never changed your password.|Another way.-->

4. What to do if the discharge does not work?

In rare cases, a router may not respond to the Reset button or freeze after a reset.

🔧 Extreme measures: If the router does not respond at all, you may need to flash through TFTP-It's a complicated procedure that's only suitable for power users. On Xiaomi routers with MiWiFi firmware, flashing through the flashing machine. TFTP It is possible only if there is a backup copy of the configuration or special software from the manufacturer.

If nothing helps, contact Xiaomi’s support team with the following:

• 🆔 Router models (on the sticker below).
• 🔄 Description of the problem (what exactly is not working).
• 📅 Purchase dates (if router is guaranteed).

5. How to protect the router after changing the password?

Changed the password, great! Now you need to take care of security to avoid future problems. Here are 5 key recommendations:

• 🔐 Use a complex password (at least 12 characters with mixed case, numbers and signs).
• 🔄 Update the router firmware (there is an Update section in the control panel).
• 🛡️ Turn it off. WPS — This protocol is vulnerable to hacking (find the option in Settings) → Wi-Fi → WPS).
• 📡 Hide. SSID (Network name if you don’t want the router to be visible to everyone (Hide the network option).
• 🔒 Set up a guest network for friends – they won’t know the main password.

📌 Useful Lifehack: Take a photo of the router sticker (where the factory password is specified) and save the photo in a secure place (for example, in password notes or in Google Keep.

💡

Check your connected devices regularly in the router control panel (Device or DHCP section). If you see unfamiliar gadgets, change your password immediately!

6. Frequent errors when changing your password to Xiaomi

Even in a simple procedure, there are pitfalls.-5 Mistakes that users make:

1. 🔌 Reset without power outage – Reset button must be held after the router is turned on, not before the network.
2. 🕒 Insufficient retention time – if you release the button before 8 seconds, the reset will not occur.
3. 🌐 Attempting to enter the old IP — The address may change after the reset (check 192.168.31.1 and 192.168.0.1).
4. 📱 Using an old password in the application - after reset, you need to connect to the network with a factory name.
5. 🔄 Ignoring updates – outdated firmware can block access to some features.

🔹 Example: Users have dropped Mi Router 4A, But I couldn't go to the control panel on miwifi.com, and it turned out that after the reset, the router automatically appropriated itself. IP 192.168.0.1 (not 192.168.31.1) The solution is to check. IP via the command line (ipconfig on Windows).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions