How to find out the password of the administrator of the Xiaomi router: step-by-step instructions

Forgot the password from the administration panel of the Xiaomi router and can not log into the settings? This problem is familiar to many users, especially if the device was configured long ago or bought with hands. Unlike smartphones, where access recovery is often tied to the Mi Account account, routers require other approaches. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to regain control of the Mi Router, Mi Wi-Fi Repeater or other models of the brand — from standard combinations to technical bypasses.

In this article, we will look at all possible methods, from simple (checking the sticker on the case) to complex ( logging in via Telnet or resetting to factory settings). It is important to understand that some actions can lead to the loss of current network settings, so save important data before experimenting (for example, a list of connected devices or PPPoE parameters). If the router is rented from the provider, contact him before resetting!

Note: the instructions are relevant for most Xiaomi models, including the Mi Router 4A/4C/4Q, Mi Router AX1800/AX3000, Redmi Router AC2100 and others. However, the interface and available features may vary depending on the firmware version (MiWiFi ROM or Padavan).

1. Standard login and password for Xiaomi

Before you start taking drastic measures, check the factory credentials. Most Xiaomi routers use standard first-in combinations unless the user has manually changed them, which are usually listed on a sticker on the bottom or back of the device.

Typical options:

• 🔑 Login: admin, password: admin (most common)
• 🔑 Login: root, password: blank (for some old firmware)
• 🔑 User: User, password: User (rarely, but encountered)
• 🔑 Unique password generated when you first connect (e.g, Xiaomi_1234)

If the sticker is erased or missing, try connecting to the router via an Ethernet cable (not via Wi-Fi!) and enter one of the IPs in the browser address bar:

• 🌐 192.168.31.1 (main for most models)
• 🌐 192.168.0.1 (alternative)
• 🌐 miwifi.com (redirects to local) IP)

If the standard data doesn't fit, and you're sure the password hasn't changed, you may have already configured the router by the previous owner, so move on to the next one.

2. Password recovery via Mi Wi-Fi app

The official Mi Wi-Fi app (formerly Mi Router) allows you to control your router from your smartphone, including resetting your password.

• 📱 The app is already tied to the router (you've been in it before).
• 📶 The device is connected to the router network (via Wi-Fi or cable).
• 🔄 Remote access is not disabled on the router.

Instructions:

1. Open the Mi Wi-Fi app on your smartphone (you can download it from Google Play or the App Store).
2. If the router is displayed in the list of devices, tap it.
3. Go to Settings → Device Management → Password Reset.
4. Confirm the action via SMS or Mi Account (if linked).

💡

If the application does not see the router, try updating its firmware through Settings → Software Update in the web interface (if you have access).

If the app is not tied to the router, or if you don't remember the login details to the Mi Account, this won't work, so move on to the following methods.

3. Reset router to factory settings

Hard reset is the most reliable way to reset access, but it will completely remove all settings, including network name, Wi-Fi password, PPPoE settings and tied devices. Use it if other methods have not worked.

Instructions for most Xiaomi models:

1. Find the Reset button on the back of the router (usually deepened into the case).
2. Take a paperclip or toothpick and press the button, holding it for 10-15 seconds.
3. Release the button when the indicators on the router start flashing or go out.
4. Wait for the reboot (1-2 minutes).

After discharge:

• 🔄 Connect to the network. Xiaomi_XXXX (passwordless).
• 🌐 Enter the control panel at 192.168.31.1.
• 🔑 Use a standard login/password (admin/admin).

Make sure you have access to the provider’s settings (PPPoE login/password)

Save the list of connected devices (if necessary)

Prepare a paper clip or thin item for the Reset button

Disconnect important devices from the network during reset-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Mi Router) 4A Gigabit Edition) Reset button may work differently. If the 10 seconds holdout didn't work, try pressing it 5 times in a row at 1 second intervals, which will activate the alternative reset mode.

4. Connection via Telnet (for advanced users)

If you have access to a router’s local network (e.g., via Ethernet) but don’t know the admin password, you can try connecting via Telnet, a method that requires basic command line knowledge and doesn’t work on all firmware.

Steps:

1. Install a Telnet client (e.g. PuTTY for Windows or use built-in Telnet on Linux/macOS).
2. Connect to the router via IP 192.168.31.1 via Telnet:

telnet 192.168.31.1

1. If the connection is successful, enter standard credentials (usually root + empty password or admin/admin).
2. Follow the command to change the admin password:

nvram set http_passwd= "new password"


nvram commit




reboot

If Telnet is disabled (which is for new firmware), it can be enabled via SSH, but this requires additional firmware manipulation.

⚠️ Attention: Use Telnet/SSH on routers with current firmware (MiWiFi) ROM 2023+) Attempts to bypass the device can lead to locking the device or triggering the protection of Xiaomi Cloud.

5. Alternative ways: bypassing Mi Accounts and exploits

If the router is linked to your Mi Account, you can try to restore access through the cloud.

1. Go to the Mi Account website and log in.
2. In the Devices section → Find your smart home and find your router.
3. Press Device Control. → Reset password.

If this method didn't work, there are exploits for old firmware that can bypass authorization.

• 🔗 Vulnerability in /cgi-bin/luci (firmware 2019 year-end).
• 🔗 Passage DNS-spoofing (requires settings on PC).
• 🔗 Using scripts to extract password from backup settings.

Example of commands to extract a password from a backup (if you have a configuration file):

strings backup.cfg | grep"http_passwd"

💡

Exploits only work on outdated firmware. On newer versions of MiWiFi ROM (2020+), most vulnerabilities are closed, and attempts to exploit them can lead to locking the device in the Xiaomi cloud.

6. What should I do if nothing helps?

If all of these methods fail, radical measures remain:

• 🔧 Firmware alternative software (like Padavan or OpenWRT) that will delete all data but regain control of the device. 4PDA or OpenWRT Wiki.
• 📞 A call to support Xiaomi.Provide proof of purchase (check or box) - they can help unlock the router through IMEI.
• 💰 Contact the service center. If the router is guaranteed, resetting the password can be free of charge.

To install alternative software, you will need:

1. Download firmware for your model (e.g. Padavan for Mi Router 4A).
2. Connect to the router via Ethernet.
3. Download the firmware via TFTP or the Web Recovery Interface.

⚠️ Note: Firmware unofficial software voids the warranty and may result in loss of features (for example, work with Mi Home or Mesh networks!

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi router passwords