How to find out the version of the Xiaomi router: from sticker to hidden commands

Why it’s important to know the exact version of your Xiaomi router

Have you ever tried to update the firmware of a Xiaomi router, but could not find the right file? VPN-The reason is often the same: you don't know the exact model and hardware version of your device. 4A may have different payment revisions (for example, R4A vs R4AC), smack-drive.

The manufacturer doesn't always specify the full information on the box or in the documentation, but the version is necessary to:

• 🔧 The correct selection of custom firmware (OpenWRT, Padavan)
• 📡 Setting up additional functions (for example, 802.11k/v/r seamlessly)
• 🔄 Compatibility checks with new standards (Wi-Fi 6, 160 MHz channels)
• 🛠️ Diagnostics of problems (some bugs are tied to specific audits)

In this article, we will explore all the official and covert ways of determining a version, including methods for devices with corrupted firmware or lost access to the web interface, starting with the simplest, visual inspection.

Method 1: Study the sticker on the router body

The most reliable source of information is a factory sticker on the bottom or back of the device, which shows:

• 📋 Model (e.g. Mi Router) 4A Gigabit Edition)
• 🔢 Hardware audit (e.g, R4AG or V2)
• 📡 Regional code (e.g, CN China, RU for Russia)
• 🔌 Maximum power (important for legal use in your country)

The photo below shows an example of a Mi Router sticker AX3000 (clickable):

Attention! On some models (e.g. Mi Router) 4C) The hardware audit can be specified in the format PCB: 1.2 is also critical for firmware. If the sticker is erased or missing, move on to the next method.

⚠️ Attention: Some vendors put their own label over the original sticker, with the wrong information. Always check the data through the web interface!

Method 2: Web-based router interface (most reliable method)

The official MiWiFi web interface contains all the information about the device, including hidden details.

1. Connect to the router network via Wi-Fi or cable.
2. Open your browser and go to 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
3. Log in (by default login / password: admin/sticker).
4. Go to the Status section → Device (or Advanced) → System Status in English version).

Look for the following fields:

• 📌 Model Name (for example, Mi Router) 4A
• 🔧 Hardware Version (for example, R4A or R4AC
• 📦 Firmware Version – for example, 1.0.173 or 2.28.15
• 🌍 Region (Region Code) - for example, RU or CN

The screenshot below shows the status section for the Mi Router AX6000:

⚠️ Note: If the web interface displays a firmware version older than the official Xiaomi website, it is likely that the router has custom firmware installed. This may block some functions (for example, cloud management via Mi Home).

Compare the hardware version with the sticker|Write down the firmware version to search for updates|Check the region (important for legal use)|Download backup of settings (just in case)-->

Method 3: Mobile application Mi WiFi (for the purpose of Android/iOS)

The official Mi WiFi app (not to be confused with Mi Home!) provides access to basic information about the router, but with limitations.

1. Download the app: 🤖 Android: Google Play 🍎 iOS: App Store

Connect to the router network.

Open the application and log in (use the same data as for the web interface).

The device → Router.

In the appendix you will see:

• 📱 Model (e.g. Mi Router) 4C)
• 📟 Firmware version (but not always hardware revision!)
• 🔗 MAC-Address (useful for linking to provider)

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ Does not show hardware revision on some models (for example, AX1800).
• ❌ Maybe not working with custom firmware.
• ❌ There are fewer details in iOS than in Android.

💡

If the app doesn’t connect, try resetting the router to factory settings (hold the Reset button for 10 seconds) and try again.

Method 4: Commands through SSH (for advanced users)

If the web interface is blocked or the router is “blocked”, you can get information through the SSH-This method requires technical skills!

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Linux/macOS or PuTTY for Windows
• 🔌 Connection to the router via cable (Wi-Fi can be disabled)
• 🔑 Login/password for SSH (default root/sticker)

Follow the following commands:

ssh root@192.168.31.1

After entering the password, do:



cat /etc/board.info




uname -a




cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep "model name"

Example of output for Mi Router 4A:

board_id="r4a"


model="miwifi-r4a"




cpu="MT7621"

Decoding of key fields:

⚠️ Note: On routers with Padavan or OpenWRT firmware, the path to files may be different. Use the find command / -name "board*" 2>/dev/null search.

Method 5: By serial number (if the router is not turned on)

If the router does not respond to power, but the serial number (S/N) And on the sticker, you can try to identify the model through Xiaomi's databases:

1. Find the serial number on the sticker (format: 12-16 symbols, for example XXXX12345678).
2. Go to the Xiaomi Support Website: mi.com/support.
3. Enter the serial number in the warranty check field.

What can I find out:

• 📅 Date of production (helps determine audit)
• 📦 Official model (e.g. Mi Router) AC2100)
• 🌍 Region of sale (important for compatibility with local standards)

Limitations:

• ❌ Doesn't show hardware audit.
• ❌ It may not work for devices purchased informally.
• ❌ Serial number may have been forged (check for repeating characters).

💡

If the router is not turned on, but there is a sticker on the sticker MAC-address, its first 6 characters (OUI) They can point to the chip manufacturer. For example, 00:11:22 is MediaTek. A4:2B:B0 — Qualcomm.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Not all methods are equally effective. Here's a comparison table:

Selection recommendations:

• 🔹 If the router is working → Use the web interface (the most reliable one).
• 🔹 If you need to know the hardware audit for firmware → SSH sticker.
• 🔹 If the router is not turned on → serial + visualization.
• 🔹 If you need a quick check. → mobile.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes confuse the versions of Xiaomi routers.

1. Confusion between Mi Router 4A and 4C: 📌 4A has MT7621 (2 cores, 880 MHz) and supports Gigabit Ethernet. 📌 4C fitted MT7628 (1 core, 580 MHz) and Fast Ethernet only (100 Mbps).

❌ Error: Installation of firmware from 4A on 4C It will lead to a brick (incapacity)!

Ignoring regional code

Routers for China (CN) often have limited transmission power (e.g., 20 dBm instead of 23 dBm in the RU-Firmware of incorrect regional version may violate local laws!

Misinterpretation of hardware audit

For example, R4A and R4AC — These are different devices with different iron, and the firmware must be exactly the same.

⚠️ Note: If you bought a Xiaomi router on AliExpress or in an unofficial store, there is a high probability that its firmware has been modified to bypass regional restrictions. → Backup!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions