How to log into the settings of the Xiaomi router, if you forgot the password: the full guide

Forgot the password from the admin panel of the Xiaomi router and can not log into the settings? This problem is familiar to many users β€” especially if the device was configured long ago or purchased from hand. Fortunately, there are several ways to return access to the Mi Router without resorting to radical measures. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods, from a standard reset to hidden firmware functions that are not written in the official instructions.

It's important to understand that the recovery process depends on the router model. For example, one method will work for Mi Router 3/3G/3C, and another method for Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition or AX3600. We'll look at the universal solutions and nuances for specific devices, and you'll learn how to avoid losing network settings after a reset and what to do if the router stops distributing the Internet after manipulation.

We warn you right away that some of the ways require a basic knowledge of networking equipment. If you've never encountered Telnet, SSH or firmware through TFTP, it's best to start with the simplest options. And for power users, we've prepared advanced instructions with commands and screenshots.

1. Standard reset settings (Hard Reset)

The most reliable and versatile way to regain access to the router is a hardware reset, which works on all Xiaomi models, including the Mi Router 4, 4A, AX1800 and AX6000, which erases all user settings, returning the device to a factory state.

To perform the discharge:

  • πŸ”Œ Turn off the router power (remove the plug from the socket).
  • πŸ“ Find the Reset button – it’s usually recessed in the case and located on the back next to the ports. LAN.
  • πŸ–±οΈ Press the button with a thin object (clip, toothpick) and, holding it, turn on the power.
  • ⏳ Hold the 10-15 second button until the lights start flashing orange or all lights go out.

Once reset, the router will automatically restart. You can now go to the control panel using standard authorization data:

  • 🌐 Address: 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com
  • πŸ‘€ Login: admin
  • πŸ”‘ Password: Admin (or an empty field for some models)

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi routers with MiWiFi firmware ROM You may need to link to your Mi Account after the reset.If the device was purchased by hand, contact the previous owner to unbundle or use alternative methods from this article.

Make sure the indicators are on stable (no flashing)|Connect to a Wi-Fi network with a name Xiaomi_XXXX (passwordless)|Open the browser and go to the address 192.168.31.1|Enter a standard login/password (admin/admin)-->

2. Restoring access through the Mi WiFi app

If the router is linked to your Xiaomi account, you can try to restore access through the official Mi WiFi app (formerly Mi WiFi Lite), a method that works for most modern models, including the Mi Router AX9000 and Mi Router 4C.

Instructions:

  1. Download the Mi WiFi app from Google Play or the App Store.
  2. Sign in with the same Mi Account that the router is attached to.
  3. In the app's main menu, find your router in the device list. If it appears as "Offline", tap it and select Device Management.
  4. In the Settings β†’ Wi-Fi password or Admin password, select Reset password.

If the router is not displayed in the app:

  • πŸ“Ά Check if you are connected to your Wi-Fi network (even if you don’t have the internet).
  • πŸ”„ Reboot the router and smartphone.
  • πŸ“± Make sure your phone is Bluetooth enabled (some Xiaomi models use it for initial setup).

πŸ’‘

If the router was bought hand-held and tied to someone else’s account, try contacting the previous owner via the Mi Account service (Devices section).In some cases, Xiaomi can help with unlocking when providing a check or proof of purchase.

3. Using Telnet to reset password (for advanced users)

If a standard reset didn’t help or you don’t want to lose your current network settings, you can try password cracking via Telnet.This method works on Xiaomi routers with OpenWRT-based firmware or modified versions of MiWiFi ROM.

Important: This method requires physical access to the router and a computer with PuTTY or similar terminal installed.

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect the router to the computer through LAN-Port (do not use Wi-Fi!).
  2. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux) and type in: arp -a Find it on the list. IP-router address (usually) 192.168.31.1).
  3. Connect via Telnet: telnet 192.168.31.1 If the port is closed, try turning on Telnet via diagnostic mode (press Reset for 5 seconds when you turn on the router).
  4. Enter commands to reset password: nvram set http_password="" nvram commit reboot After reboot, the admin panel password will be empty.

⚠️ Note: On new Xiaomi models (e.g., on newer ones, AX6000 or BE7000) Telnet access can be disabled by default, in which case you will need to firmware through UART or TFTP, What's risky for newcomers.

How to turn on Telnet on a blocked Xiaomi router
1. Turn off the router power. 2. Press the Reset button and, holding it, turn on the power. 3. After 3-5 seconds (when the indicators start flashing), release Reset and immediately connect to Telnet: telnet 192.168.31.1 In this mode, a password is not required, but the time to enter commands is limited (usually 30-60 seconds).

4. Entry through the hidden authorization page (for old firmware)

Xiaomi routers with firmware older than 2.0.10 (such as Mi Router 3 or Mini) sometimes work a workaround through a hidden login page.This method does not require a reset, but is only suitable for devices without a binding to Mi Account.

Instructions:

  1. Open your browser and go to the address: http://192.168.31.1/cgi-bin/luci/;stok=/locale/ru_RU
  2. If the page is opened, enter the password field: admin or leave it empty.
  3. After entering, immediately go to Settings β†’ System and set a new password.

If the page does not open:

  • πŸ”„ Try other addresses: http://192.168.31.1/old_stok or http://192.168.31.1/backdoor
  • πŸ› οΈ Clear the browser cache or use incognito mode.
  • 🌐 Try another browser (recommended Firefox or Edge).
Model routerIs the hidden page working?Alternative method
Mi Router 3/3G/3Cβœ… Yes (firmware to 2.0.10)Telnet or reset
Mi Router 4/4A❌ No (blocked from 2019.)Mi WiFi App or UART
Mi Router AX1800/AX3600❌ No.Linking to Mi Account
Mi Router 4C⚠️ Sometimes (depends on firmware)Firmware or reset

5. Firmware via TFTP (extreme case)

If all previous methods failed, the firmware remains via TFTP, which is suitable for restoring access to routers with "killed" firmware or if the Mi Account password is forgotten.

What you need:

  • πŸ–₯️ Computer with Windows and program TFTP-client, Tftpd64).
  • πŸ”Œ Network cable for direct connection to the router.
  • πŸ“ The firmware for your model (you can download it on the XDA Developers or 4PDA).

Step-by-step:

  1. Set up a static on your computer IP-address 192.168.1.2 (mask 255.255.255.0).
  2. Connect the router to the computer through LAN-port WAN!).
  3. Run Tftpd64 and specify the firmware folder.
  4. Turn the router on to firmware mode: Press Reset and turn on power. Hold the 10-15 second button until the indicator flashes quickly.

Tftpd64

192.168.1.1

Wait until it's finished (3-5 minutes). The router will reboot automatically.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware through TFTP deletes all data, including the link to the Mi Account. After the procedure, the router will be as new, but there may be problems with updates through official channels.

Reset button reset|Mi WiFi appendix|Telnet/SSH|Hidden entry page|Firmware through TFTP|Another way.-->

6. What to do if nothing works?

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be deeper:

  • πŸ”’ The router is tied to someone else’s Mi Account and not untied by the previous owner.
  • πŸ› οΈ Firmware is damaged (for example, after a failed update).
  • πŸ”Œ Hardware malfunction (memory chip or controller burned).

In such cases:

  1. Contact Xiaomi via the official website, provide the router serial number (on the sticker below) and a check for a purchase, and in some cases, they can reset the link remotely.
  2. If you have a warranty router, you will have free repairs. You can find a list of authorized service centers here.
  3. If the device is old (such as the Mi Router 1 or Mini), it can cost more to recover than to buy a new model.

πŸ’‘

Before buying a used Xiaomi router, always check if it is untied from the previous account. Ask the seller to reset the settings in front of you or provide a check for support.

FAQ: Frequent questions about restoring access to Xiaomi router

Can I recover my password without resetting my settings?
Yes, but only if the router is not tied to the Mi Account. Try: Telnet login (section 3). Hidden login page (section 4). Mi WiFi application (section 2). If the router is linked to the account, you can do without a reset.
After resetting, the router asks for a username and password from Mi Account.
This means that the device is tied to someone else's account. Solutions: Contact the previous owner and ask to untie the router through Settings β†’ Devices in his account. Contact Xiaomi with a check for a purchase. Swipe the router through TFTP (section 5), but this will void the warranty.
I dropped the router, but the Internet's not working.
After the reset, you need to reconfigure the connection to the provider: Check if the PPPoE login and password (them are issued by the provider) are correctly entered. WAN-port (usually blue) Restart router and modem (if any) If the Internet still doesn't work, contact the provider's technical support, which may have a lock on their side. MAC-address.
Can you hack the password of the Xiaomi router with the help of programs?
In theory, but in practice, it is almost impossible: Modern Xiaomi routers use WPA3 encryption and brute force protection. Programs like RouterPassView or Aircrack-ng only work if you have a traffic dump (which is unlikely without access to the network). Any attempts to hack can be considered a violation of the law (Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation - improper access to computer information).
How to avoid losing access to the router in the future?
Follow these recommendations: πŸ“ Write down the password from the admin panel and Mi Account to a secure location (for example, to the Bitwarden password manager or KeePass). πŸ”„ Update your router’s firmware regularly (but not through beta!). πŸ”— Link the router to your Xiaomi account and enable two-factor authentication. πŸ“‹ Make a backup of the settings in the System section β†’ Backup.