Many Xiaomi ecosystem owners have a problem connecting a new gadget to their home network and the access key is lost or forgotten, which may be because you changed your security settings a long time ago, or the digital infrastructure has changed in your family, and fortunately, there are several mechanisms for recovering this information in the MIUI operating system and router firmware.
There are two main scenarios: when you already have a device connected to the network, and when no gadget has access. The first one is solved with a couple of clicks through the standard interface. The second one requires a deeper intervention in the settings of the router or the use of physical buttons. We will look at all the current methods, from the simplest to the most advanced.
It's important to understand that the security of your local network depends on the complexity of your password, but even the most reliable code is useless if you can't remember it at the right time. Current encryption methods WPA3 and WPA2 secure the data you transmit, but require precise character input when you authorize new devices.
View saved password on the Xiaomi smartphone
The fastest way to know the access key is to look it up on an already connected phone, starting with MIUI 10 and up, and also in current versions of HyperOS, it's built in natively, so you don't need superuser rights or third-party software, just go to the wireless settings section.
It'll appear on screen. QR-It's a code that can be scanned by another device for instant connection, but the password itself is often hidden with asterisks, and to see it in text, you have to click on an eye icon or use a scanning function. QR-code on the second phone with a scanner app installed that can read a text string SSID and encryption key.
The algorithm is very simple and does not require technical training, the user needs to open the settings, select the desired menu item and activate the display data, the system automatically generates a pattern lock and a text string for convenience.
- 🔹 Open “Settings” and go to the “Wi-Fi” section».
- 🔹 Click on the active network name or arrow next to it.
- 🔹 Find the “Show Password” button or an eye icon.
- 🔹 If required, go through biometric authorization or enter the screen unlock pin.
⚠️ Note: on some custom firmware assemblies or in Chinese versions MIUI Without global localization, the function of displaying the password as text can be hidden. QR-camera-code.
It is worth noting that to work this feature, the phone must have an active connection session, and if the network was “forgotten” or removed from the list of saved, this method will not work, and you will have to look for alternative ways to restore access through the administration panel of the router.
Log in to the web interface of the Xiaomi router
If you do not have a connected smartphone, the only option is to log in to the settings of the router itself. Xiaomi routers and sub-brands (for example, Redmi) have a convenient web interface, available on a standard basis. IP-To log in, you will need a computer or phone connected to the router by cable or Wi-Fi (if the password from the guest network is known).
The login address is usually 192.168.31.1 or the domain name miwifi.com. In older Chinese versions, the address may differ, for example, 192.168.1.1. If standard addresses do not open, you need to check the network adapter settings on your computer to find out the default gateway address.
When you first log in, the system can request to create or log in to a Mi Account, which is a security measure that allows you to manage the router remotely. If you haven't previously linked the device, you'll need to create an account. If the router was set up by another person, you'll need to log in.
| Parameter | Default value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| IP-address | 192.168.31.1 | Standard for most models |
| domain | miwifi.com | It only works within the network. |
| Login. | admin | Or a Mi Account binding |
| Password. | Wi-Fi password | Often coincides with the network key |
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If you didn’t change the router administrator password when you first set up, try using the same password you used to connect to Wi-Fi. 80% of the time, they match by default.
Once you have successfully logged in, you'll see a control panel that displays the connection status, the list of connected customers, and the basic security settings. Navigation on the menu may vary depending on the router's firmware version, but the logic remains the same.
Search for password in wireless network settings
If you're inside the web interface, you'll need to find the partition that's responsible for setting up your wireless connection, and depending on the firmware version (Chinese or global), this section can be called "Wi-Fi Settings," "Wireless," or "Wi-Fi Settings," and that's where all the key settings of your local network are stored.
Inside this section, you'll see the Password or Encryption Key field, which is the default text hidden by characters, and next to the input field is often the Show button or the eye icon, and when you click on it, you'll see the current key in plain view.
If the password field is empty or displays dots but does not allow viewing, this may mean that a security mode is used that requires re-entering. In some cases, re-authorization with administrator rights is required to display the password. Be careful when changing this data: if you accidentally change the password and click Save, all devices will lose communication with the network.
- 📶 Find the “Settings” tab in the top menu.
- 📶 Select "Wi-Fi Settings" (Wi-Fi Settings).
- 📶 In the block «2.4G Wi-Fi" or «5G Wi-Fi Find the Password field.
- 📶 Press the display button or copy the value.
⚠️ Note: when you change your Wi-Fi settings through the web interface, the router may reboot. Make sure you keep the new password if you decide to change it so you don't lose access to device management.
You can also change the network name (SSID) and encryption type in this section, use WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode for maximum compatibility and security, and avoid using an open encryption type (None), as this will make your data available to anyone within the range of the signal.
☑️ Checking security settings
Use of the Mi Home mobile application
For owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem, the Mi Home app is a very convenient tool, which allows you to manage not only smart lamps and vacuum cleaners, but also the company’s network equipment. If your router is linked to an account, you can access its settings directly from your phone, even when you are away from home (provided that you have configured remote access).
Once you add a router to the app, the app will have an icon on the home screen. Going to the device menu, you can see network status, Internet speed and a list of connected gadgets. In some versions of the router plugin, you can view or change your Wi-Fi password without having to log into the web interface through the browser.
The application interface is more user-friendly than the web version and is fully translated into Russian (when choosing the appropriate region), and you can also set up a guest network, limit speed for individual devices or block uninvited guests.
Access to management functions requires:
- Install the Mi Home app from the official store.
- Sign in with the same account as on the router.
- Select a region (usually "Russia" or "China", depending on the version of the device).
- Find the router in the list of devices and go to its settings.
What if the router is not displayed in the application?
Reset router settings to factory
If none of the above methods worked (administrator password is lost, no access to connected devices), the last radical method is a complete reset (Hard Reset), which will return the router to the state “out of the box” by removing all user settings, including the network name and password.
The case of the Xiaomi router has a small hole with the inscription Reset. To activate the reset, you need to turn the device on the network, find this hole and press inside with a thin object (clip, toothpick). Hold the button for about 5-10 seconds until the system indicator begins to flash orange.
Once the button is released, the router will restart, which takes about 1-2 minutes. Once booted, the network will be available with the name on the sticker at the bottom of the device and without asking for a password (or with a password also indicated on the sticker).
| Action. | The result | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Short press. | Nothing's happening. | No. |
| 5-10 sec retention | Resetting settings | Loss of provider settings |
| Retention > 30 seconds | Recovery mode (Failsafe) | Requires flashing. |
⚠️ Note: Before resetting, make sure you have a contract with an internet service provider or authorization data (PPPoE, L2TP), Once reset, the router will not be able to access the Internet without reconfiguring the connection type.
Once reset, you have to reset the initial setup process, and the router creates a new hotspot, and once you connect to that, you can set a new password that you know and secure the network.