How to find or reset the administrator password on the Xiaomi Router 4A router

Introduction: Why you can’t login to your router settings

You try to log into the Xiaomi Router 4A web interface at 192.168.31.1 or through the Mi Wi-Fi app, but the system stubbornly refuses to accept the login and password entered? This situation is familiar to many users - especially those who received the router "inherited" from previous owners or have not logged into the control panel for a long time.

First, factory credentials could be changed when you first set up (and you just forgot the new password); second, if the router was bought by a used router, the previous owner could set up their own login credentials; third, Xiaomi periodically updates the firmware, and in some versions the authentication algorithm changes; and finally, software failures can be excluded, which makes even the correct password no longer work.

In this article, we'll look at all the ways you can restore access, from standard combinations to hardware resets, and how to avoid similar problems in the future, starting with the simplest: checking factory credentials.

Standard login and password for Xiaomi Router 4A

If you’ve never changed the login data to the admin panel, try the standard combinations. Xiaomi Router 4A (R4A, R4AC, R4A Gigabit Edition models) depends on the firmware version and the region of sale:

• 🔑 Login: admin | Password: Admin is a classic combination for most Xiaomi routers.
• 🔑 Login: empty field | Password: Admin – found in early firmware.
• 🔑 Login: root | Password: Admin is a rare option, but sometimes it works.
• 🔑 Login/password: the last 8-digit SN (router serial number – used in some regional versions (e.g. China).

Where do I see the serial number? It's on the sticker under the router: XXXXXXXXXXXX, where the last 8 characters is a potential password. SN You can find it in the Mi Wi-Fi app in the Device section → Information.

Important: If the router was purchased in China, the default password may be a combination of letters and numbers (e.g. xiaomi123 or miwifi123), in which case try to enter admin in the login field and miwifi or xiaomi in the password field.

How to Reset Your Password Through the Web Interface (If You Know the Current one)

If you remember your current password but want to change it (for example, for security reasons), do so through the Control Panel.

1. Connect to the router network via Wi-Fi or cable.
2. Open your browser and type 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
3. Enter your current login and password.
4. Go to System Settings → Device Management → Password.
5. Enter the old password, then the new one (twice) and save the changes.

Recommendations for choosing a new password:

• 🔐 Use at least 8 characters (numbers, letters, signs).
• 🔐 Avoid obvious combinations like 12345678 or password.
• 🔐 Do not use personal information (date of birth, name of pet).

If you have forgotten your current password but have physical access to the router, go to the next section, hardware reset.

Hardware reset Xiaomi Router 4A to factory settings

If the standard passwords don't fit, and the current one you don't remember, the only reliable way to get back access is to reset the settings completely, which will bring the router back out of the box, including the factory login/password, but also delete:

• 📡 All Wi-Fi settings (network name, password).
• 🔌 Port configuration and DHCP.
• 🔒 Firewall and Parental Control Rules.
• 📱 Tied devices in Mi Home (if used).

Resetting instructions:

1. Turn on the router and wait for full load (indicators burn steadily).
2. Find the Reset button on the back (usually recessed in the case).
3. Take a paperclip or toothpick, press and hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing.
4. Release the button - the router will restart and return to factory settings.

Attention! On some versions of the Xiaomi Router 4A (especially with the MiWiFi ROM firmware), the reset can take up to 2-3 minutes.

Restoring access through the Mi Wi-Fi app

If you have a smartphone with Mi Wi-Fi (or Mi Home) installed, you can try to restore access without resetting.

• 📱 The router was previously linked to your Xiaomi account.
• 📶 The phone is connected to the router network (or was previously connected).
• 🔄 The router was not reset after the link.

Instructions:

1. Open the Mi Wi-Fi app and log in under the same account you used when setting up your router.
2. If the router is displayed in the list of devices, tap it.
3. Go to Settings → Device Management → Password Reset.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (confirmation via SMS or email may be required).

If the router is not displayed in the app:

1. Make sure your phone is connected to its Wi-Fi network.
2. Try updating the list of devices (swipe down).
3. Reinstall the application and log in again.

💡

If you don't have access to the Xiaomi account that the router is attached to, you can't recover the password through the app, and only a hardware reset will help.

Alternative ways to log in: SSH and Telnet

For power users, it is possible to access the router via SSH or Telnet, a technique that requires technical skills and does not work on all firmware, but can be useful if:

• 🔧 You don't want to reset the settings.
• 🔧 You have access to the local network of the router.
• 🔧 Remote access is enabled on the router (default is disabled by default).

Instructions for SSH connection:

1. Install PuTTY (Windows) or use a terminal (Linux/macOS) on your PC.
2. Connect to the router network.
3. Enter the command: ssh admin@192.168.31.1 Default password: admin (or the last 8-digit SN).
4. If access is obtained, change the password with the command: passwd

Warning: Inexperienced actions in the console can lead to the router inoperability.If you are not sure about your knowledge, use a reset button.

How to avoid password problems in the future

To avoid facing access blocking again, follow these tips:

• 📝 Save your passwords in a safe place (for example, in the Bitwarden or KeePass password manager).
• 🔄 Update the router’s firmware – new versions often fix authentication vulnerabilities.
• 📱 Link the router to your Xiaomi account – it will make it easier to restore access.
• 🔐 Use two-factor authentication (if supported by your model).

We also recommend checking the backup login regularly, for example, every 3-6 months, try to log into the control panel from a spare device (laptop, tablet) to make sure that the password is not reset after updating the firmware.

💡

The most reliable way to not lose access is to link the router to your Xiaomi account and save a backup of your settings in the cloud.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Xiaomi Router 4A password