How to Recover Your Password from Xiaomi Router: From Reset to Hidden Mi WiFi Features

Why You Can't Sign In to Xiaomi Router - and What to Do About It

The forgotten password from Xiaomi router is a problem that affects one in three users, and the reasons range from simple forgetfulness to buying a used device with already configured access, but the consequences are always the same: the inability to change network settings, update firmware or even connect new devices, and the worst is when access is blocked not only to the admin panel (usually at 192.168.31.1), but also to the Wi-Fi network itself.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to restore access, from a standard reset to the little-known features of the Mi WiFi App and bypass authorization via Telnet. Importantly, the methods differ for different models (Mi Router 3/4/4A/4C/AX1800/AX3000), so there are universal solutions with refinements on firmware versions. If your router is released before 2018, use the method with a physical reset button through the Reset button is the only reliable option for older devices.

Before you start, check:

• 🔍 Are you connected to the router via cable (for reset via web interface it is necessary).
• 📱 Do you have access to the Mi Account linked to the device (required for recovery via the app).
• 🔧 Is there physical access to the router (for hardware reset).

Method 1: Reset to factory settings via Reset button

This is the most radical, but also the most reliable method — it works on all Xiaomi models, including the Mi Router Mini and AX6000. The downside is that all network settings (including the Wi-Fi name, password, attached devices) will be erased. If the router was used in the Mi Home smart home, all sensors will need to be reconfigured.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn the router off the power.
2. Take a paperclip or toothpick and press the Reset button (usually located on the back, next to the power port).
3. Without releasing the button, connect the power.
4. Hold the Reset for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing orange (on new models, a quick blink in blue).
5. Release the button and wait for the reboot (1-2 minutes).

After discharge:

• 🌐 Name of the network (SSID) standardize: Xiaomi_XXXX (where XXXX — last-minute MAC-address).
• 🔑 Wi-Fi password will be empty or match with MAC-address (see it on the sticker below the router).
• 🔒 Login / password for entering the admin panel: admin/admin (or).

⚠️ Attention: On Mi Router routers 4A Gigabit Edition and AX3000 After the reset, you may need to link to Mi Account via the application. If you do not remember your account information, use method 3.

Method 2: Recover Passwords through Mi WiFi App (without resetting)

If the router is linked to your Mi Account, you can restore access without losing settings.This method only works for devices released after 2019 (MiWiFi ROM firmware version 2.0 and higher).

Instructions:

1. Install the Mi WiFi app (available for Android and iOS).
2. Sign in to your Mi Account (the same one used when you first set up your router).
3. In the main menu of the application, find your router in the list of devices.
4. Go to Settings → Device Management → Password Reset.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen (confirmation via SMS or email may be required).

If the router is not displayed in the app:

• 📶 Make sure your phone is connected to the router’s network (even if you don’t have internet).
• 🔄 Restart the router and application.
• 📱 Check if the router is removed from your Mi Home account (sometimes devices are unplugged after updates).

💡

If you do not have access to your associated Mi Account, try to restore it through [this instruction] (https://account.xiaomi.com). Once you restore your account, the router will automatically appear in the Mi WiFi App.

Method 3: Bypassing authorization via Telnet (for advanced users)

This method is suitable for routers with the MiWiFi ROM firmware based on OpenWRT (most models except the AX6000), which allows you to access the router console and change your password manually without resetting the settings, requires a Windows/Linux computer, an Ethernet cable and basic command line knowledge.

Steps:

1. Connect the router to the computer through LAN-port WAN!).
2. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Linux/macOS).
3. Enter the command to check the connection: ping 192.168.31.1 If the ping passes, move on.
4. Connect to Telnet: telnet 192.168.31.1 (if no command is found, install a Telnet client or use PuTTY).
5. Enter the default login/password: Login: root Password: (empty or admin)
6. Change the Admin Panel Password: Nvram Set http_passwd="New password: nvram commit reboot

If Telnet is disabled (the Connection refused error), turn it on via the developer mode:

• 🔧 Go to the address. 192.168.31.1/cgi-bin/luci/;stok=/api/xqsystem/setting_privilege (Replace stok with the current token from browser cookies).
• 📝 In the telnet field, set the value 1 and save it.

⚠️ Attention: On routers with firmware 3.0.x (AX3000/AX6000) Telnet is off at the kernel level. Use the method for them. 4 (UART).

Method 4: Hardware reset via UART (for models without a Reset button)

Some Xiaomi routers (such as Mi Router 3 Pro) AX3600) They don't have a physical Reset button, or they don't work after the update, and then you just have to connect directly to the Reset button. UART-The port is a debugging connector on the device board, and it requires a router to be disassembled and is only suitable for users with soldering experience.

What you need:

• 🔧 Screwdriver (usually Torx) T5/T6).
• 🕹️ USB-to-UART adapter (e.g., USB-to-UART, CP2102 or FT232RL).
• 🔌 Dad-Mama wires (4 pieces).
• 💻 PuTTY or Screen (for the purposes of Linux/macOS).

Procedure:

1. Turn off the router from power and disassemble the case (carefully so as not to damage the antennas!).
2. Find 4 contacts on the board with the GND, TX, RX, 3.3V markings.
3. Connect the adapter: UART GND → GND router UART TX → RX router UART RX → TX router UART 3.3V → do not connect!
4. Connect the adapter to your computer and open PuTTY (speed: 115200 bits/s).
5. Turn on the router power and interrupt the boot by pressing any key in the first 2 seconds.
6. Enter the command to reset: firstboot reset

After a successful reset, assemble the router and reconfigure it through 192.168.31.1.

💡

UART-Resetting is the only way to bring back the bricks, but a faulty connection can make the device go down!

Method 5: Recover Wi-Fi passwords through saved networks (Windows/Android)

If you forget your Wi-Fi password, but the router is working and you're connected to it from another device, you can extract the password from the stored networks, and this will not give access to the admin panel, but will allow you to connect new gadgets.

For Windows:

1. Open the Command Prompt on behalf of the administrator.
2. Enter: netsh wlan show profiles Find your network name (SSID).
3. Check the password: netsh wlan show profile name="Name network" key=clear The password you want will be in the Key Contents line.

For Android (with root rights):

1. Install a file manager with access to the root folder (such as Root Explorer).
2. Go to /data/misc/wifi/ and open the WifiConfigStore.xml file.
3. Find the line: <string name="NetworkKey">Your password</string>

On iPhone, it is impossible to extract a password without jailbreaking - use Method 1 (reset).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even following the instructions, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones:

⚠️ Attention: Routers AX6000 after-failure UART-discharge may burn NAND-If you're not sure about your abilities, go to the service center.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions