Why Wi-Fi Password on Xiaomi 4C Can Be Lost
Xiaomi Router 4C is a popular device among users due to its stable operation, compact size and integration with the Mi Home ecosystem. However, even with such a reliable gadget, typical problems arise: a forgotten password from Wi-Fi, a lost data sticker or resets after a firmware update.
Unlike smartphones, where passwords can be restored via email or SMS, routers are more complex: there is no universal βforgot password.β But the Xiaomi 4C has some unique features that make it easier to do, such as the device supports recovery through the proprietary Mi Wi-Fi app (even without a network connection), and the web interface allows you to export a configuration with passwords. In this article, we will examine all the current methods, from the simplest to the radical (like resetting to factory settings).
Before you start, make sure that the problem is the password, not hardware malfunctions. If the indicators on the router are ill-fated (for example, blue LED flashes quickly or yellow LED burns constantly), first check the power supply and cables. MAC-Address β this feature is in Xiaomi firmware and can interfere with the connection of new devices.
Method 1: Checking standard data on the router sticker
The most obvious but often ignored step is to inspect the device itself.There is a factory data sticker on the bottom panel of the Xiaomi Router 4C that says:
- π€ SSID (Network name - usually in format Xiaomi_XXXX or MiWiFi_XXXX;
- π Wi-Fi password β a string of 8-12 characters (numbers and letters in lower case);
- π The web interface address is most commonly 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com;
- π Login / password for login - by default admin/admin or listed separately.
Important: If you have previously changed your password through settings, the data on the sticker will be irrelevant. However, if the router was reset to factory settings (for example, after firmware), factory credentials will recover. MAC-address β it is useful for linking the device in the Mi Wi-Fi application.
β οΈ Note: On some batches of Xiaomi 4C (Especially sold through informal channels, the sticker may be damaged or missing.
If the sticker is intact but the password doesnβt fit, try entering it in uppercase or with possible typos (e.g., an βOβ instead of a β0β). Also check if your device has auto-replace characters on it when you type.
Method 2: Recover passwords through the Mi Wi-Fi app
The Mi Wi-Fi app (formerly Mi Router) is Xiaomiβs most convenient router management tool, allowing you to not only configure your network, but also view your current passwords even if youβve forgotten them, and the main condition is that your smartphone must be connected to the router (at least via cable or guest network).
Step instructions:
- Download the Mi Wi-Fi app from Google Play or the App Store (for iOS).
- Open the app and log in to your Xiaomi account (if the router is tied to it).
- On the home screen, tap the icon of your Xiaomi Router 4C.
- Go to the Wi-Fi settings (or Wi-Fi Settings) section.
- Password from the main and guest network will be displayed in the password field (can be hidden under the stars - click on the icon of the eye). ποΈ).
Nuances:
- π± If the router is not tied to the account, you will need to enter a login / password from the web interface (by default). admin/admin).
- π If Wi-Fi does not work, connect your smartphone to the router via LAN-cable (use adapter) USB-C/OTG if necessary).
- π If the application does not see the router, update its firmware or reinstall the application.
β οΈ Note: Older versions of the app (until 2022) may not display the password due to security restrictions.Update Mi Wi-Fi to the latest version in the app store.
Make sure your smartphone is connected to the router (Wi-Fi or cable)
Update the Mi Wi-Fi app to the latest version
Log in to Xiaomi account to which the router is linked
Check that the router is on and the indicators are on consistently-->
Method 3: Viewing the password in the routerβs web interface
If the Mi Wi-Fi app is not available (for example, on devices without Google Play) or does not show a password, use a web interface.This method works on any device with a browser: a PC, laptop, tablet or even a smartphone.
Step-by-step:
- Connect your device to the Xiaomi 4C router via cable or Wi-Fi (if you remember the password from the guest network).
- Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com. Click Enter.
- Enter the login and password for the login (by default) admin/admin, unless changed).
- Go to Settings β Wi-Fi (or Advanced Settings β Wi-Fi in English).
- The password from the main network will be in the Wi-Fi Password field. To see it, click on the icon of the eye or check the Show Password.
What do you do if you can't come in?
- π Try the standard combinations: admin/1234, root/admin, or leave the password field blank.
- π If the router previously configured the provider, the login / password may coincide with the data for accessing the personal account of the Internet provider.
- π‘ Check that you are connected to Xiaomi. 4C, not to another router on the network (for example, from a provider).
Important: In firmware older than 2021, the password field could be hidden without display, in which case only resetting settings or exporting configurations (see Method 4) will help.
How do you know? IP-router address if 192.168.31.1 is not opened?
Method 4: Export router settings (for power users)
This method is suitable if you have access to the web interface, but the password is hidden, and you do not want to reset. Xiaomi Router 4C allows you to export the configuration to a file where passwords are stored in an open form (in an encrypted format, but they can be extracted).
Instructions:
- Log in to the router's web interface (192.168.31.1).
- Go to Settings β System Tools β Backup/Restore (or System Tools β Backup/Restore).
- Click Backup. A file with the.cfg or.bin extension will download to your device.
- Open the downloaded file in any text editor (for example, Notepad++ or VS Code).
- Find the lines with ssid= (network name) and psk= (password). The password will be listed after the sign =.
Warnings:
- π Some firmwares encrypt passwords, and decrypting them will require special utilities (for example, RouterPassView).
- π« Do not edit the configuration file manually β this can cause the router to break down.
- π After extracting the password, delete the backup file from the device to avoid leaks.
| Firmware | File format | Password encryption | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock (until 2020) | .cfg | No. | Password is visible in plain form |
| Stock (2021β2023) | .bin | Yes (AES) | Requires a utility to decrypt |
| Padavan | .cfg | No. | Password in line wl0_ssid and wl0_wpa_psk |
| OpenWRT | .tar.gz | No. | Password in /etc/config/wireless file |
π‘
If you often forget passwords, create a record of data from your router in a cloud service (such as Google Keep or 1Password) and call it βXiaomi 4C.β
Method 5: Resetting the router to factory settings
If all previous methods failed, the radical solution remains: hard reset, which will return the router to the βout of the boxβ state, including the factory Wi-Fi password (indicated on the sticker).
How to Reset Xiaomi Router 4C:
- Find the Reset button on the back of the router (usually it is recessed in the case).
- Take a paper clip or toothpick, press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing yellow.
- Release the button and wait for the reboot (1-2 minutes).
- Connect to a network with a name Xiaomi_XXXX (or MiWiFi_XXXX) and use the password from the sticker.
What to do after the discharge:
- π§ Reconfigure router via 192.168.31.1 or Mi Wi-Fi app.
- π Change your password to a strong one (it is recommended to use 12).+ symbols).
- π± Link your router to your Xiaomi account to manage it remotely.
β οΈ Note: On some firmware (e.g. Padavan), resetting with the Reset button may not work. SSH: mtd erase nvram reboot But it requires access Telnet/SSH It is suitable only for experienced users.
π‘
Factory reset is the last option if other methods have not worked. Always write new passwords to a secure location to avoid resetting.
More tips: how not to lose your password in the future
To avoid having a forgotten password, follow these guidelines:
- π Take a photo of the sticker from the router and save the photo in a secure cloud (for example, Google Drive with two-factor authentication).
- π Use a password manager (such as Bitwarden or KeePass) to store data from the router.
- π± Link the router to your Xiaomi account β this will allow you to manage the network through the application even after a reset.
- π Set up a guest network with a separate password so you can connect to the router even if you forget the main password.
- π‘ Regularly update the firmware β new versions fix vulnerabilities that allow you to crack the password.
If your home has children or guests who frequently connect to Wi-Fi, consider using the option of using the Wi-Fi. QR-Xiaomi's firmware has a generation function. QR, You can print it out and put it on the refrigerator, so guests don't have to type in a password manually, and you don't dictate it.
Bonus: If you change passwords frequently, turn on the Auto-Update Password function in your router (there is in Mi Wi-Fi β Security settings).