Turning Xiaomi router into a Wi-Fi repeater is a challenge faced by owners of large apartments, country houses or offices with “dead zones” coverage. Unlike specialized repeaters (repeaters), brand routers support this mode without loss of functionality, but with nuances: not all models are equally well coping with the role of the amplifier, and incorrect settings can lead to network congestion or conflict. IP-address.
This article provides a step-by-step guide to MiWiFi and OpenWRT firmware, a table of model compatibility, and a solution to typical problems, from "no internet" after setting up to a drop in relay speed. DHCP — Key Features That 90% of Users Miss.
If your main router is giving a weak signal in distant rooms, and you don't want to buy a separate repeater, the Xiaomi router will cope with the task. The main thing is to choose the right model and follow an algorithm that eliminates typical errors. 4A Gigabit in repeater mode loses to 30% speed, whereas AX3600 — everything 10-15%. Why this happens and how to minimize losses – we will discuss below.
Important: If your router already distributes Wi-Fi as the main access point, be sure to reset the repeater to factory settings before setting up the repeater, otherwise there may be conflicts between the two modes of operation.
What Xiaomi models support the relay mode
Not all Xiaomi routers can work as signal repeaters, and the official Repeater mode supports the following models:
List of current devices (as of 2026):
- 📶 Xiaomi Mi Router 4A (All modifications including the Gigabit Edition)
- 📶 Xiaomi Mi Router 4C (Only with MiWiFi firmware ROM version 2.0.15+)
- 📶 Xiaomi Mi Router AX1800 (Requires an upgrade to MiWiFi 3.0.27)
- 📶 Xiaomi Mi Router AX3600 (Best choice for Mesh networks)
- 📶 Xiaomi Mi Router 4Q (limited functionality, speeds up to 300 Mbps)
Xiaomi Mi Router models 3/3G/3Pro do not support repeater mode on stock firmware, but can be reflashed to OpenWRT or Padavan to activate this feature. 3G hardware-revised v2 — Relay mode appears after upgrading to MiWiFi 2.28.63.
Before buying or setting up, check the firmware version in the web interface (192.168.31.1) → If the version is outdated, update it through Settings. → Update of the PO.
Preparation for setting up: 5 mandatory steps
Before you turn on the repeater mode, do the training, which will save 80% of problems like "no Internet" or "no settings are saved."
Preparation checklist:
Reset the router to factory settings (reset button for 10 seconds)|
Connect the router to the PC / laptop via cable (port) LAN)|
Check the firmware version in the web interface (192.168.31.1)|
Write down a name (SSID) and the password of the main Wi-Fi network|
Disable the function on the main router WPS (may conflict with the repeater)-->
Pay special attention to the main router’s Wi-Fi channel. If it runs on channel 13 or 14 (allowed in Japan, but banned in Russia), Xiaomi will not be able to connect as a repeater.
Also check that the main router was turned off the filter. MAC-Addresses and compatibility mode with 802.11b/g/n (Otherwise, Xiaomi may not see the network for relaying.
⚠️ Note: If your main router uses encryption WPA3, switch it to WPA2-PSK. Xiaomi routers in relay mode do not support WPA3 (2026).
Step-by-step setting up the repeater through the web interface
The most reliable way to set up a repeater is through the router control panel.
1. Connect to Xiaomi router via cable or via its Wi-Fi (network name by default: Xiaomi_XXXX, password on the sticker).
2. Open your browser and go to 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
3. Enter the login and password (by default — admin/admin or see sticker).
4. Go to the Additional Settings section → Working Mode (or Working Mode in English).
5. Select Repeater Mode and press Next.
On the next screen, the router will prompt you to select a network to relay:
- Find it in the list. SSID your main router.
- Enter the password from this network.
- Specify the name of the new repeater network (may be the same as the main network or may be different, for example, Xiaomi_Repeater).
Set a password for the new network (it is recommended to leave the same one as on the main router).
Once you save the settings, the router will restart. It can take up to 2 minutes. Don't turn off the power at this point, interruption of the process will cause a configuration failure.
If the Wi-Fi indicator flashes orange after the restart, check:
Correctness of the entered password of the main network.
- Channel compatibility (the main router should not use channels) 12-14).
- Shutdown WPS main-router.
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If after setting up the repeater does not distribute the Internet, try manually specifying DNS-servers in its settings (e.g. 8.8.8.8 and 1.1.1.1). DHCP main-route.
Configure via the Mi Wi-Fi mobile application
An alternative is to use the official Mi Wi-Fi app (available for Android and iOS), which is convenient if you don’t have access to a PC, but has limitations: not all models support relay configuration via the app.
Instructions:
1. Connect to Xiaomi’s Wi-Fi router (or use a cable).
2. Open the Mi Wi-Fi app and select your router.
3. Go to Settings. → Mode of work → Relay mode.
4. Select the network for relay from the list and enter the password.
5. Set up a name and password for the new network (similar to the web interface).
The advantage of the mobile application is that it automatically checks the compatibility of channels and encryption, but some versions of the application do not have the ability to manually configure the application. DHCP, Which can lead to conflict IP-address.
If the application does not have the option "Relayer Mode", upgrade it to the latest version or use the web interface.
⚠️ Note: When configured via the Mi Wi-Fi app, Qos and Parental Control are sometimes reset. If you used these features on the main router, reconfigure them after you activate the repeater.
Optimization of the repeater: speed and stability
By default, the Xiaomi repeater can reduce the speed of Wi-Fi on the Internet. 30-50%. To minimize losses, follow the recommendations:
Channel selection:
For 2.4 GHz, use channels 1, 6 or 11 (least interference).
- For 5 GHz, select channels 36-48 or 149-165 (depending on the region).
Avoid automatic channel selection – manually specify free (check through the Wi-Fi Analyzer app).
2. Settings DHCP:
- If the main router is IP-range 192.168.1.100-200, In the relay, specify another pool (for example, 192.168.1.201-250), avoiding conflict.
- Turn it off. DHCP on the relay, if the main router already gives out addresses.
Transmission power:
- In the settings of the repeater (Wireless network) → In addition, set the transmission power to 100% (by default it can be 75%).
Firmware and hardware limitations:
- Xiaomi Router models 4A and 4C Relay mode is limited to 100 Mbps on the port WAN. For Gigabit Networks, use it. AX1800 or AX3600.
Comparison of relay speeds for popular models:
| Model router | Max. speed in repeater mode (2.4 GHz) | Max. speed (5 GHz) | Loss of speed, % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Router 4A | 150 Mbps | — | 40-50% |
| Xiaomi Mi Router 4A Gigabit | 300 Mbps | 867 Mbps | 30-35% |
| Xiaomi Mi Router AX1800 | 574 Mbps | 1201 Mbps | 20-25% |
| Xiaomi Mi Router AX3600 | 574 Mbps | 2402 Mbps | 10-15% |
For maximum stability, place the repeater at a distance. 50-70% From the main router to the dead zone, for example, if the signal disappears in the 15 meters from the router, install the repeater at a distance 7-10 meters.
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Xiaomi repeater will always run slower than the main router due to dual data transfer (router) → repeater → Device for critical tasks (online games, 4K-streaming) use Mesh systems or wired connection.
Typical problems and their solutions
Even if you set it up properly, the repeater can be unstable, and let's look at the most common errors and how to fix them.
1. The repeater is not connected to the main network:
- Check that the main router has turned off the filter MAC-address.
- Make sure the main router is not using WPA3 or 802.11r (Turn off these options).
- If the network is hidden (SSID Not broadcast, manually enter her name on the repeater.
No Internet access via a repeater:
- Check what is on the main router. DHCP and there are free IP-address.
- In the settings of the repeater manually specify DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 1.1.1.1.
- If the main router has a non-standard IP (not 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1), on the repeater, indicate it in the Gateway field.
The repeater is constantly restarted:
This can be caused by overheating (check the vents) or unstable power supply (use the original power supply).
Update the repeater firmware to the latest version.
If the problem persists, reset the settings and set up the repeater again.
4. Low speed or breaks of connection:
Reduce the distance between the main router and the repeater.
- Switch the repeater to a 5GHz channel (if supported).
Turn off the Smart Connect function on the repeater (it may misallocate devices between bands).
If none of these methods worked, try an alternative firmware (like Padavan), which is often better optimized for repeater mode.
What if the repeater is “hung” and does not respond?
Alternative ways to amplify the signal
If the repeater setting does not give the desired result, consider other options:
1. Mesh-system based on Xiaomi routers:
- Models. AX3600 and AX9000 Supports Mesh technology, which provides smooth roaming between nodes.
- To set up Mesh, go to Settings → Mesh mode and add a second router as a node.
2. Wired connection (LAN-to-WAN):
- Connect the main router and Xiaomi with a network cable (port) LAN primary → port WAN Xiaomi).
- In Xiaomi settings, select Router Mode and turn off DHCP.
This method gives maximum speed without losses typical for wireless relay.
Replacement of antennas:
- On models of Xiaomi Router 4A and AX1800 External antennas can be installed with amplification 5-9 dBi.
- This will require the disassembly of the body and soldering of connectors IPEX (Only for experienced users).
4.Using Powerline Adapters:
- If you cannot install the cable, use TP-Link adapters. AV600 Xiaomi Mi Powerline for Internet transmission via electrical wiring.
Comparison of signal amplification methods:
| Method | Speed. | Difficulty setting up | Cost | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relayer (Wi-Fi) | 30-70% original | Low. | 0 RUB (used by the existing router) | Medium |
| Mesh system | 70-90% original | Medium | From 3000 rubles (additional router) | Tall. |
| Wired connection (LAN-to-WAN) | 100% of the original | Low. | Cost of cable | Maximum |
| Powerline adapters | 50-80% original | Medium | From 2000 rubles per set | Depends on the wiring. |
For most users, the best solution is to set up the repeater, especially if the “dead zone” is within the limits of the system. 10-15 It's just a few meters from the main router (100+ m2) recommended Mesh system or wired connection.