How to find out the password from the router Xiaomi Mi 3: all ways to restore access

Xiaomi Mi Router 3’s forgotten password is a common problem that can block internet access for all devices in the home. Unlike today’s cloud-based models, this router requires manual data recovery if you didn’t save it in advance. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to regain control of the network, from simply viewing the saved password on a connected device to completely resetting the settings.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods for Xiaomi Mi Router 3 (including Mi Router 3C and Mi Router 3G versions), taking into account the features of their firmware. You will learn how to proceed if you do not have access to the web interface, lost login from the admin panel or router does not respond to connections at all. Importantly, some methods will reset all settings, so prepare the data from the provider in advance (user name, connection type, VLAN-ID if you have one).

1. Viewing the saved password on the connected device

If at least one device (smartphone, laptop, tablet) is already connected to the Wi-Fi network Xiaomi Mi 3, you can extract the password without resetting the router. This method works on Windows, macOS, Android and even iOS (with limitations).

On Windows computers:

• 🖥️ Open the control panel. → Network and Internet → Network control centre.
• 📡 Find your Wi-Fi network (name) Xiaomi_XXXX) and click "Properties of wireless networking».
• 🔑 Go to the “Security” tab and check the “Display entered signs” box – the password will be visible.

On a MacBook:

• 🍎 Launch the application “keychain” (Spotlight) → "Keychain").
• 🔍 In the search, enter the name of your Wi-Fi network.
• 📋 Double-click on the record and tick “Show password” (you will need to enter the password from your Mac account).

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On Android smartphones without root rights, the password can only be seen through applications like WiFi Password Viewer (requires unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi), which on iPhone only works if the device is jailbreaked.

⚠️ Note: If the router is using WPA3 ormixed WPA2/WPA3, Some older devices may not display the password correctly, in which case try to connect to the network from a laptop or smartphone on a modern OS.

2. Log in to the router’s web interface (if the login is known)

By default, Xiaomi Mi Router 3 uses the web control panel at 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com. If you have not changed the username and password of the administrator, try the standard combinations:

If the standard data does not fit, but you remember the login, try to restore the password through the associated Xiaomi account:

1. Go to miwifi.com and enter your login.
2. Click on “Forgot your password?” and select recovery via email or phone.
3. Follow the instructions in the letter/SMS (link 10 minute).

⚠️ Note: On the Chinese version of the router (Mi Router) 3C) After 3 failed login attempts, the account is blocked for 5 minutes.If you are not sure about the password, use the reset method (section 4).

3 Use of the Mi WiFi mobile application

The official Mi WiFi app (available for Android and iOS) allows you to manage your router without entering your administrator password if you previously linked it to your Xiaomi account.

• 📱 Android: Google Play (only for global versions of routers).
• 🍎 iOS: App Store.
• 🌐 For the Chinese version: download APK from the official website of Xiaomi (required) VPN access).

Instructions for password recovery:

Open the application and click "Add device»|Select “Connect to an existing router»|Scan it. QR-code from the sticker on the router (or enter MAC-address)|Confirm the binding through SMS/email|Go to "Wi-Fi settings» → «Network password»

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If the router has not previously been linked to an account, this method will not work – you will need to reset to factory settings.

⚠️ Note: Mi WiFi does not support custom firmware routers (such as Padavan or OpenWRT). SSH (section).

Watched on a connected device | Entered the web interface | Used Mi WiFi | Did a router reset | Haven't tried anything-->

4. reset router to factory settings (Hard Reset)

If all previous methods fail, you'll have a complete reset, which will delete all settings, including network name (SSID), Wi-Fi password, ISP connection settings, and firewall rules.

• 📄 Data from the Internet Service Provider (login/password for PPPoE, VLAN-ID if used).
• 🔌 Accessing the router via cable (recommended) or close to it for Wi-Fi settings.
• ⏱ 10-15 minutes of free time.

Resetting instructions:

1. Find the Reset button (small hole) on the back of the router.
2. Take a paper clip or toothpick, press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing yellow/orange.
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 via miwifi.com.

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After resetting, the router will automatically create a new network with a name. Xiaomi_XXXX (where XXXX — last-character MAC-The default password will be blank or indicated on a sticker.

⚠️ Note: On the Chinese versions of the Mi Router 3C You may need to link to your Xiaomi account for the first setup after the reset. If you don't have an account, create it in advance at account.xiaomi.com.

5. Alternative methods: SSH and third-party firmware

For experienced users, there is a possibility to obtain a password through SSH-accessing or firmware alternative software (e.g. Padavan) these methods are risky and can lead to loss of warranty or router failure if performed incorrectly.

If the router has Xiaomi stock firmware installed, try:

1. Connect to the router via Ethernet cable.
2. Install PuTTY (Windows) or use Terminal (macOS/Linux).
3. Enter a command to connect to SSH: ssh admin@192.168.31.1 Password by default – Admin or the last 8 symbolism MAC-address.
4. Run the command to view the Wi-Fi configuration: nvram get wl0_ssid nvram get wl0_wpa_psk Where wl0_wpa_psk — That's the password from the network.

For routers with Padavan or OpenWRT:

• 🔧 Password is stored in file /etc/config/wireless.
• 📂 Use the command: cat /etc/config/wireless | grep 'key'

6.How to avoid losing your password in the future

To avoid the problem of forgotten passwords again, follow these tips:

• 📝 Keep your data in a safe place: Use password managers (KeePass, 1Password) or encrypted notes in the cloud.
• 🔄 Regularly update your router firmware: New versions often add access recovery features.
• 🔗 Link the router to your Xiaomi account: this will allow you to manage it through the Mi WiFi application even after a reset.
• 📋 Take a picture of the sticker on the router (c) MAC-Address and login data and save your photo to the cloud.

We also recommend:

• 🔐 Use complex passwords (at least 12 characters with numbers and special signs), but write them down.
• 📡 Set up a guest network for friends so you don’t have to share your primary password.
• ⚡ Enable backup of settings in the web interface (System Tools) → Backup copy).

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Modern Xiaomi routers (such as Mi Router 4A or AX3600) support password recovery through the cloud. If you plan to upgrade, choose models with this feature.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Mi Router 3 password