How to change the region on the Xiaomi router: official and alternative methods

Changing the region on Xiaomi router is a challenge faced by users who bought a device abroad or received it with incorrect default settings. The wrong region can limit functionality, from the inaccessibility of some Wi-Fi channels to problems with firmware updates. In this article, we will analyze why this happens, which models support the change of region, and how to perform the procedure without the risk of “bricking” the device.

It’s important to understand that the manufacturer doesn’t officially support manual region change on most models, but there are workarounds, from using hidden menus to flashing through SSH. We’ll look at all the current methods, including their pros and cons, and also warn against typical errors that can make a router fail.

If you are not sure about your technical skills, we recommend that you first read the section on risks or consult a specialist. For experienced users, we will provide detailed instructions with commands and screenshots (where possible).

Why you need to change the region on the Xiaomi router

Xiaomi routers have regional restrictions to comply with local communication regulations. For example, Europe and the United States have different frequency standards for Wi-Fi, and in China, some 5 GHz channels may be banned for civilian use. If your router was released for one market but is used in another, you may face the following problems:

• 📶 Limited Wi-Fi Channels: For example, in China, the router will not show channels 12-14 ranged 2.4 GHz, which are allowed in Europe.
• 🔄 No firmware updates: Xiaomi servers can block updates for devices with a “foreign” region.
• ⚡ Mesh function incorrect: Some models (e.g, AX3000) Refusing to create a Mesh network with routers from another region.
• 🛑 Blocking access to local services: Google may be disabled in China, for example DNS default.

In addition, the wrong region can affect signal transmission power – in some countries it is artificially restricted by law, for example, in Japan, the maximum Wi-Fi power is lower than in Russia or the EU.

⚠️ Warning: Changing your region may disrupt your device’s certification in your country, and in theory, it could lead to warranty issues or even regulatory penalties (e.g., if you use a restricted frequency.

What Xiaomi models are supporting the change of region

Not all Xiaomi routers allow you to change the region. Below is a table with the current data on popular models (2026). Note that the possibility of changing depends not only on the model, but also on the firmware version.

Important: Starting with firmware 3.0.15 for the AX3000 and AX6000, Xiaomi has blocked region change through standard methods. These models will require custom firmware installation (such as Padavan), which voids the warranty.

If your model is not in the table, check it for compatibility through OpenWRT. Alternatively, you can try the method with SSH, but without guaranteeing success.

Official way: changing the region through the web interface

The safest method is to use the built-in functionality of the web interface, which works on older models (Mi Router 3G/4A) and some new ones with international firmware.

1. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi (a wired connection is recommended for stability).
2. Open your browser and go to 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
3. Sign in under the administrator (login / password is usually indicated on the sticker of the router).
4. Go to the section Additional settings → System tools → Region (the path may differ depending on the firmware).
5. Select the country from the drop-down list (e.g. Russia, Europe, China).
6. Save the settings and restart the router.

If the Region section is missing, your model does not support the official shift, in which case you can switch to alternative methods.

Download PuTTY or Termux to access SSH

Find out. IP-router address (usually 192.168.31.1)

Check the firmware version in the web interface

Create a backup of settings (Settings → Backup)

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Alternative method: changing the region through SSH

For models where the web interface does not provide a region change option (e.g., AX3000), you can use SSH access. This method requires activation of Telnet/SSH and operation with the command line.

Steps to activate SSH:

1. Download the MiRouter SSH Enabler utility (available on 4PDA).
2. Connect the router to the computer via cable.
3. Run the utility and follow the instructions to access (required) MAC-router).
4. After activation, connect to SSH via PuTTY or Termux:

ssh root@192.168.31.1


Password: Admin (or your current password from the web interface)

Next, run commands to change region (example for AX3000):

nvram set country_code=RU


nvram commit




reboot

Where RU is the country code (for Europe use EU, for the USA use US), the full list of codes can be found in ISO 3166-1.

⚠️ After the change of region through SSH The router may stop receiving official updates, and Xiaomi may also block access to cloud-based features (e.g., management via the Mi Wi-Fi app).

Reflashing the router to change the region

If neither the web interface nor SSH helped, the radical method is custom firmware installation, which is suitable for advanced users and allows you not only to change the region, but also to unlock additional features (for example, OpenVPN or AdGuard Home).

Popular firmware for Xiaomi routers:

• 🔧 Padavan: Optimized for AX3000 and AX6000, Supports region change through web interface.
• 🌐 OpenWRT: Universal firmware with support for most models, but requires manual configuration.
• 🛠️ Breed Bootloader: Allows you to install any firmware, but is difficult to set up.

Instructions for installation of Padavan:

1. Download the firmware for your model from the official repository.
2. Connect the router to the computer via cable.
3. Press the Reset button and turn on the power - hold 5-7 seconds until the orange indicator flashes.
4. Open your browser and go to 192.168.1.1 (Recovery Mode).
5. Download the firmware file via the web interface and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off the power!).

After installing Padavan, the region change is done in the Wireless → Country Code menu. Select the desired country and save the settings.

💡

Before flashing, disconnect all devices from the router and use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to reduce the risk of failure when upgrading.

Risks and Possible Problems in Changing Regions

Changing a region is not a safe procedure, and even if you do it successfully, you may face the consequences of:

• 🚫 Loss of warranty: Xiaomi considers region change a violation of terms of use.
• 🔌 Unstable Wi-Fi: Some channels may conflict with local devices.
• 🔄 Lack of updates: Router may stop receiving firmware from Xiaomi.
• 🛑 Blocking Cloud Features: Mi Wi-Fi App May Fail to Connect.
• ⚡ Firmware damage: Incorrect commands in SSH Or if you have a snail, it will cause a snail".

The most common problem after a region change is that the router stops giving out the Internet. ISP tie-in MAC-address that may change after resetting:

1. Check if your PPPoE settings have reset (if you use this type of connection).
2. Clone. MAC-Address of the old router in the settings of the new (Network section) → MAC Clone).
3. Contact your provider and report a change of equipment (a new MAC may be required).

⚠️ Note: If after changing the region the router stopped turning on (all indicators are burning or do not react to a reset), do not try to flash it again without an adapter. UART. In this case, contact the service center - self-repair can aggravate the problem.

How to Reclaim the Original Region

If you have problems after you change region, you can return the factory settings, depending on the method you used:

1. via the web interface (if the region has changed officially):

• Go to System Tools → Restore Factory Settings.
• Confirm the reset and wait for the reset.

2. via SSH (if the region has changed commands):

nvram set country_code=CN # For China


nvram commit




reboot

After flashing on custom software:

• Download the original firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website.
• Set it through Restore Mode (similar to the instructions for Padavan).

If the router does not respond to a reset, try a hardware reset:

1. Turn off the router.
2. Press the Reset button and, without letting it go, connect the power.
3. Hold the button for 15-20 seconds until the indicators start flashing in non-standard mode.
4. Release the button and wait for the reboot (can take up to 5 minutes).

💡

If the router stopped loading after changing the region, do not try to re-stitch it without diagnosis. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by a hardware reset, but improper actions can lead to a break in the flash memory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the region on Xiaomi routers