How to Recover Administrator Password on Xiaomi Router: Official and Alternative Methods

A forgotten password from Xiaomi’s router admin panel is a problem that one in five users face. Especially when it comes to urgently changing network settings, updating firmware or restricting Internet access for individual devices. Unlike smartphones, where restoring access often boils down to resetting through a Mi Account, routers are more complicated: there is no universal “forgot password” and each method depends on the device model, firmware version, and even how you initially set up.

In this article, we will look at all possible ways to recover an administrator password, from official (via the Mi Wi-Fi app or web interface) to alternative (using firmware vulnerabilities or hardware reset).We will focus on the Mi Router 4A, AX3600, AX6000 and Mi Router 4C models, as their firmware has key differences. Importantly, some methods can lead to the loss of current network settings or even “bricking” of the device, so we will detail the risks and precautions.

1.Official method: Recovery via Mi Wi-Fi app

The safest and most recommended method is to use the proprietary Mi Wi-Fi app (formerly Mi Router), which only works if:

• 📱 The router was originally configured through this application (not through the web interface).
• 🔗 You have access to the Xiaomi account that was used in setting up.
• 📶 The router is connected to the Internet (for synchronization with Mi Cloud servers).

Instructions:

1. Open the Mi Wi-Fi app and select your router from the list of devices.
2. Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Router control → Forgot your password?.
3. Enter the username and password from the Xiaomi account associated with the router.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to reset the administrator password.

⚠️ Note: If the router was configured via a web interface (192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com), this method will not work.

2. Reset password via web interface (if the current one is known)

If you remember the current administrator password but want to change it, do it through the control panel:

1. Connect to the router network (via Wi-Fi or cable).
2. Open your browser and go to http://miwifi.com or 192.168.31.1.
3. Enter your current login (admin) and password.
4. Go to Settings → System → Administrator password.
5. Enter the old password, then the new one (twice) and save the changes.

🔹 Important: On some firmware (e.g. Mi Router) 4A s MIUI ROM) The password change field may be hidden, in which case update the firmware to the latest version via Settings. → Update.

3. Hardware reset of the router (if the password is lost)

If none of the previous methods worked, it leaves you with a full factory reset, which will remove all user settings, including Wi-Fi password, firewall rules, and Xiaomi account binding, and most Xiaomi models reset like this:

1. Find the Reset button on the back of the router (usually recessed in the case).
2. Take a paperclip or toothpick, press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing.
3. Release the button and wait for the reboot (2-3 minutes).
4. Connect to the network. Xiaomi_XXXX (without password and reset the router.

📌 Features for different models:

⚠️ Note: On routers with Padavan or OpenWRT firmware, a hardware reset may result in loss of access to alternative software. TFTP.

4. Password recovery via Telnet/SSH (for advanced users)

On Xiaomi routers with firmware MIUI ROM (standard) by default, Telnet access with login / password is open root/[empty root/admin. This allows you to change the administrator password without resetting, but requires technical skills.

Instructions for Mi Router 4A (firmware 2..):

1. Connect to the router via Wi-Fi or cable.


2. Open the command line (Windows: cmd, Linux/macOS: Terminal).




Enter:




telnet 192.168.31.1




Login: root




Password: [leave blank or enter admin]




5. execute the command to change the password:




nvram set http_passwd= "new password"




nvram commit




reboot

🔹 Important: On new firmware (3. and above), Telnet is disabled by default:

• 🔧 Firmware hacking through vulnerability (e.g, CVE-2021-27561 for AX3600).
• 📦 Installation of alternative firmware (Padavan, OpenWRT).

⚠️ Attention: Use Telnet/SSH On routers with current firmware, it may be considered a violation of the license agreement of Xiaomi.

💡

Before working with Telnet, back up your router settings via a web interface (Settings → Backup) to help quickly restore the network in case of an error.

5. Alternative methods: firmware vulnerabilities and authentication circumvention

Some versions of Xiaomi firmware contain vulnerabilities that can bypass password requests, such as:

• 🕳️ Passage URL: On the routers with firmware 2.0.66 and below you can access the settings by adding to the address bar: http://192.168.31.1/cgi-bin/luci/;stok=[token]/web/home (Token can be selected or extracted from browser cookies).
• 📄 Exploit for AX3600: Vulnerability CVE-2021-27561 allows you to execute commands without authentication through a special request.
• 🔄 Downgrade firmware: Some models can roll back firmware to a version with known vulnerabilities, then reset the password.

Critical information: The use of vulnerabilities can lead to the blocking of the router by Xiaomi servers (through the Mi Cloud Protection mechanism).In 2023, the company began actively closing such loopholes, so the methods do not work on all devices.

📌 How to check the firmware version:

1. Connect to the router via Wi-Fi.
2. Open http://miwifi.com/cgi-bin/luci/;stok=/web/home.
3. The lower part of the screen will show a version (for example, MiWiFi_R4A_firmware_2.28.13).

💡

Use of vulnerabilities is a last resort. Before trying to bypass your password, check whether Mi Cloud Protection is blocking your model (information can be found on the 4PDA forums or en.miui.com).

6.What to do if nothing helps: appeal in support of Xiaomi

If all methods are exhausted, official support remains, contacting different regions.

📄 What to indicate in the appeal:

• 🆔 Router serial number (on the sticker at the back).
• 📅 Date of purchase (if there is a check).
• 🔧 Firmware model and version.
• 💬 Detailed description of the problem (e.g.: “Forgot the administrator password, reset does not help").

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi support can request proof of ownership of the device (photo box with serial or check.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the administrator password on Xiaomi routers