Losing access to your home network is a bad situation, but it's solvable. If you forget the password from Xiaomi's Wi-Fi router, don't panic. There are several proven ways to restore wireless access or find out current security settings. Modern routers of this brand have a convenient management system, but standard factory data is often lost by users immediately after unpacking the device.
In this article, we will discuss how to find lost security keys using both software methods through a browser and smartphone, and hardware reset. Access recovery is possible in most cases without a professional call. It is important to understand that the methods vary depending on whether you have physical access to the device and whether you are connected to it right now.
Before you jump to radical measures like a full reset, try less disruptive options. Often the information you want is hidden on a case sticker or accessed through an authorized app. Xiaomi routers (formerly known as Mi Router) have their own specifics in organizing the security menu, which we will now examine.
Search for a standard password on the device body
The easiest and often ignored way is to inspect a physical device, and there's always a sticker on the bottom or back of a Xiaomi router, and that's where the manufacturer puts the basic data that you need to set up the initial setup, and if you've never changed the factory security settings, it's 99 percent likely to work.
You need to find a field called Password or Key. Next to it is usually an SSID (network name), which is also useful for connecting. Note that on older models, the password can be printed in fine print, so use good lighting or a magnifying glass. If the sticker is erased or erased, this method, alas, will not help.
⚠️ Note: The standard password is valid only until the user first manually changes the settings. If you or a family member has previously changed the access key, the data on the sticker will become irrelevant.
For ease of checking model and standard key type, see the table below. Different series of routers may have different factory designations.
| Model router | Location of the sticker | Field designation | Key type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Router 4A | Bottom panel. | Password | WPA2-PSK |
| Xiaomi Mi Router Pro | Back wall. | Wireless Key | WPA/WPA2 |
| Xiaomi Mi Router 3G | Bottom panel. | Key | WPA2 |
| Xiaomi Redmi Router AC2100 | Bottom of the hull | Password | WPA2-PSK |
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If the sticker on the router faded, try to gently wipe it with an alcohol napkin - this often helps to show the worn text.
Viewing the saved password on the connected computer
If your Wi-Fi network is already connected to a laptop or desktop computer running Windows, you can easily find out the password through system settings. The operating system stores the access keys to previously used networks in encrypted form, but provides the ability to view them for authorized users.
To do this, right-click on the network icon in the tray and select "Open Network and Internet Options." Then go to Network and Sharing Center and click on your wireless network name. In the status window that opens, click the Wireless Network Properties button, go to the Security tab and tick "Display Typed".
On macOS, the process is also simple. Open Keychain Access through Spotlight. In the list on the left, select System, and then find your Xiaomi network name. Double-click on the network name will open a property window where, in the Show Password field, after entering the Mac administrator password, you will see the desired code.
- 🖥️ Windows. 10/11 The path may differ depending on the version of the interface update.
- 🔑 To view the password on the Mac requires administrator rights.
- 💻 This method only works if the device has already successfully connected to the network.
Using the router web interface
If you have a device connected to your router via cable or Wi-Fi (even if you don’t know the Wi-Fi password, but you do have a cable), you can log in to the Control Panel.The address to log in to Xiaomi routers usually looks like 192.168.31.1 or the domain name miwifi.com. Enter this address in the browser address bar.
The system will ask for an administrator password. Often users will set it the same for Wi-Fi and for logging in. If you remember the admin password, inside the Wi-Fi settings or Wireless Settings section, you can see the current password in plain form or change it to a new one. In some firmwares, the password is hidden with asterisks, but there is a "Show" button.
In case the standard login doesn't work, you may have a special security password set up. Try combinations that you use often. The web interface provides the most complete control over the network, allowing you not only to know, but also to change the type of encryption and the name of the network.
⚠️ Note: After three unsuccessful attempts to enter the administrator password, the system may temporarily block access to the web interface on the Internet. 5-10 Don't try to pick up the password with a poke too quickly.
☑️ Verification of access to the web interface
Mi Wi-Fi app for smartphones
Smartphone owners can use the official Mi Wi-Fi app (or Xiaomi Home for new ecosystems), a handy tool that allows you to control your router remotely. If your phone was previously linked to the router through a Xiaomi account, you can access settings even when you are away from home (via mobile Internet).
Once you log in, select your router from the list of devices. In the management menu, find the section "Wi-Fi settings." This is often displayed here. QR-A code to connect guests to, if you scan this code with another device or just look at it, you can get a password, because it's often shown in the text below. QR-code or can be read by a scanner QR-codes on another phone.
The app’s functionality also allows you to generate guest networks with a separate password, which increases the security of the main network, which is especially useful if you often receive guests and do not want to give them the main access key.
- 📱 The app is available for Android and iOS in official stores.
- 🌐 Authorization is required in the Mi Account to which the router is linked.
- 🔄 The interface of the application may differ depending on the version of the router firmware.
What to do if the app does not see the router?
Full reset to factory settings (Hard Reset)
If none of the gentle methods worked, the last option is a complete reset, which will return the Xiaomi router to the state it was in at the time of purchase, and all user settings, including the provider name, network name and Wi-Fi password, will be deleted and replaced with factory ones.
To perform the reset, find the Reset button on the case. It can be separate or combined with the on button. You will need a thin object, such as a paper clip or toothpick. When the router is on, press the Reset button and hold it for about 5-10 seconds until the system indicator flashes orange (or goes out and lights up again).
Once you reboot, the router will create an open network with the name on the sticker, and you'll need to connect to it and reset the process through your browser or application. The password after reset always matches what you've got on your factory sticker, and that's the only way to restore access if you've forgotten both your Wi-Fi password and your administrator password.
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Hard Reset is a radical measure: Make sure you have the data to set up your Internet connection (login and password from the provider) if it is required for your type of connection (PPPoE, L2TP).