Have you bought a used Xiaomi router, lost your box, or simply forgotten your router model? Without the exact model name, it’s hard to download the right firmware, find a setup instruction, or even buy compatible accessories. In this article, we’ll go through all the possible ways, from obvious (inspection of the case) to technical (analysis of MAC- addresses and SSH- access).
Complicating the problem, Xiaomi has dozens of router models, from the budget Mi Router 4A to the flagship AX9000, and their appearance is often similar. In addition, the Chinese versions (for example, with the prefix R in the name) can differ from the global ones, which is critical when choosing firmware.
We have collected 7 universal methods that work even if you do not have access to the web interface or the router does not turn on. Choose the right one depending on your situation - from simple to complex.
1. Inspection of the case and the factory sticker
The fastest way is to look at the device carefully, and most Xiaomi routers have a model that says:
- 📌 On the bottom sticker (under rubber legs or on the body) look for the Model, Type, or simply the name (e.g. Mi Router 4C).
- 🏷️ On the box, if it is preserved, the model is usually duplicated on the end or under the barcode.
- 🔍 On the back of some models (e.g. AX3600) - the name is engraved in small print.
Please note the additional markings:
- 🌍 CN - Chinese version (may not support some Wi-Fi channels in Russia).
- 🌐 Global or RU is an international/Russian firmware.
- ⚡ Pro, Lite, Gigabit are modifications of a single model (e.g., Mi Router 4 vs Mi Router 4 Pro).
⚠️ Warning: On some routers (e.g., Mi Router 3G), the sticker may be hidden under a removable antenna cover, and tuck it carefully with a plastic card so that the mounts are not damaged.
What to do if the sticker is erased?
2. Verification through the router web interface
If the router is on and connected to the network, you can access the control panel even without the Internet.
- Connect to the router’s Wi-Fi network (or connect it to your computer with a LAN cable).
- Open your browser and type in the address bar: 192.168.31.1 (for most Xiaomi models) or miwifi.com.
- Enter the username / password (by default - admin/ password from the sticker or empty password).
The router model is displayed:
- 📱 In the upper right corner of the home page (e.g., MiWiFi R3G).
- 🔧 In the Status → Device section (for firmware in English – Status → Device Info).
- ℹ️ In the basement of the page (footer) next to the firmware version.
| Model on the sticker | Display in the web interface | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Router 4A | R4A or MiWiFi R4A | It can be different for the Chinese (R4AC) and global versions. |
| AX3600 | RA79 or MiWiFi RA79 | The internal designation of the platform. |
| Mi Router Pro | R2D | The older model is often confused with the Mi Router 3 Pro. |
⚠️ Warning: If the page does not open after entering 192.168.31.1, check the network settings on your computer: IP must be in the range 192.168.31.x (e.g., 192.168.31.100).
3 Use of the Mi Home application
The official Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS) automatically determines the model of the connected router.
Connect to the Wi-Fi router|Open the Mi Home app|Go to the "Devices" section"|Choose your router|Press three points (⋮) → "Device information"-->
In the Device Information section, look for the lines:
- 📋 Model (e.g. Xiaomi Router 4Q).
- 🔄 Firmware version – often contains an internal designation (e.g., RM2100 for AX6000).
- 🌐 Region: CN (China), RU (Russia) or Global.
If the router is not displayed in the app:
- 🔌 Reconnect to its network (sometimes resetting the network settings on your phone helps).
- 🔄 Update the Mi Home app to the latest version.
- 📱 Try another Xiaomi account (Chinese models may not show up in a global account).
💡
If you have a router that supports Mesh (such as the AX9000), only the main node can be displayed in the Mi Home app. To see the rest, go to Mesh Network.
4 Analysis of MAC- Addresses and Network Data
Each model of Xiaomi router corresponds to a unique range of MAC- addresses. From the first 6 characters (OUI) you can identify the manufacturer and sometimes the model.
- Connect to the router via Wi-Fi or cable.
- On Windows: Open Command Prompt (Win + R → enter cmd) and run: ipconfig /all Look for the Primary Gateway line is the IP router. Then run: arp -a [IP_ router] For example: arp -a 192.168.31.1.
- On Linux/macOS: arp -n | grep 192.168.31.1
As a result, you will see the MAC- address of the 7C:1E:52:XX:XX:XX species. The first 3 byte (7C:1E:52) is the OUI manufacturer. Compare them with the table:
| OUI (first 6 characters of MAC) | Possible model | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 7C:1E:52 | Mi Router 3/3G/3 Pro | It is also used in some versions of the Mi Router 4. |
| B4:FB:E4 | Mi Router 4A/4C/4Q | Budget models with MT7628. |
| D8:5D:4C | AX3600/AX6000/AX9000 | Modern models with Wi-Fi 6. |
For the precise definition of the MAC model:
- 🔍 Use the MAC Vendors database — enter the full MAC- address.
- 📊 Check lists of OUI in forums (e.g. 4PDA) where users share data on specific models.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi routers (especially) OEM-Operator versions may have MAC-In this case, the method will not work.
5. Checking through SSH and Command Prompt
If you're familiar with Linux or you're willing to experiment, you can connect to a router using SSH and execute commands to determine the model, and this method works even if the web interface is blocked.
Instructions:
- Activate SSH on the router: For OpenWRT-based firmware: go to Settings → Additional → Terminal. For standard firmware: use an exploit (requires technical skills).
SSH
PuTTY
ssh root@192.168.31.1The default password is a password from the web interface or empty.
cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep "machine"or
dmesg | grep "board_name"The result could look like a Xiaomi Mi Router 4A or a miwifi-r4a.
Additional useful commands:
- 📋 View firmware version: cat /etc/openwrt_release
- 🔧 List of network interfaces (helps identify chipset): ifconfig
💡
If you see the name of the platform (e.g., mt7621 or ipq8074) as a result of the command, compare it with the table of Xiaomi chipsets – this will help narrow the range of possible models.
6. Definition by appearance and characteristics
If no technical methods are available, you can try identifying the router by design and specifications.
- 📦 Body: 🟥 Mi Router 4A/4C is a small white square with 2 antennas. ⚪ AX3600 is a black glossy body with 6 antennas. 🟨 Mi Router 3G/Pro is a white perforated cylinder.
- 🔌 Ports: 1 port WAN + 2 ports LAN - most likely Mi Router 4 or 4A. 1 port 2.5G WAN - AX6000 or AX9000.
- 📶 Antennas: 4 antennas - Mi Router 4 or AX1800. 6 antennas - AX3600 or AX5.
Check the light indicators:
- 🟡 Orange indicator is characteristic of Mi Router 3 and 3G.
- 🔵 Blue indicator is the AX- series or Mi Router 4 Pro.
How to distinguish Xiaomi Router 4 from 4A?
7. Alternative methods (for experienced users)
If the standard methods did not help, try:
- 🔍 Traffic analysis: Use Wireshark to capture packets from a router. DHCP Offer or HTTP- headers may contain a model (look for Xiaomi or miwifi strings).
- 🔧 Disassembly of the case: The router board usually has a model marking (e.g., PCB: MiWiFi-R3D). Careful: this voids the warranty!
- 📡 Wi-Fi Scanner: Applications like WiFi Analyzer (Android) or NetSpot (macOS/Windows) can show the manufacturer and model in the network list (if the router is broadcasting SSID).
For advanced users:
- 🐧 Firmware analysis: Download the firmware dump via SSH (dd if=/dev/mtd0 of=/tmp/fullflash.bin) and scan it for lines with the model name (use Binwalk or HxD).
- 🔗 SNMP- Request: If the router supports SNMP, send the request: snmpwalk -v 2c -c public 192.168.31.1 1.3.6.1.2.1.1.1.0 The response may be a model.
⚠️ Warning: Disassembling a router or operating a firmware through SSH may result in a loss of warranty or device failure. Use these methods only if other options are exhausted.