How to Change WPA Encryption Type on Xiaomi Wi-Fi Extender: From WPA to WPA3

Why it is important to set up encryption on Xiaomi repeater

Xiaomi’s Wi-Fi extenders (such as the Mi WiFi Repeater Pro, Repeater 2 or AC1200) often come with factory-based security settings that aren’t always optimal. By default, the device can use an outdated WPA-PSK protocol or mixed WPA/WPA2 mode, which reduces network security from hacking. At the same time, current standards — WPA2-PSK (AES) or WPA3 — provide much more reliable protection, but not all users know how to activate them.

In this article, we will discuss how to go to the repetitor control panel, change the type of encryption, choose the best protocol and avoid typical errors. Particular attention will be paid to Xiaomi models that require specific actions (for example, binding to a Mi Home account or using a mobile application), and explain why some protocols (such as WPA3) may not be supported by older devices on the network and how to get around this.

If you're having problems with changing encryption -- slow internet, persistent connection breaks, or inability to connect -- there's a solution section at the end of this article, and for those who prefer visual instructions, we've prepared step-by-step screenshots and protocol compatibility tables.

What types of encryption support Xiaomi repeaters

Before you change your settings, it’s important to understand what security protocols are available on your model.Most Xiaomi extenders support the following options:

• 🔓 No Security - no encryption, anyone can connect!
• 🔐 WPA-PSK (TKIP) — Outdated protocol with vulnerabilities (e.g., attack) KRACK). Not recommended.
• 🛡️ WPA2-PSK (AES) — Gold standard for 2026, 99 percent compatible.
• 🔒 WPA2-PSK (TKIP/AES) — It's less safe than clean. AES.
• 🆕 WPA3-PSK — The latest protocol (only available on Xiaomi) AX3000, AX6000 and some repeaters 2022+ Not compatible with old gadgets.

Important: If your repeater does not support WPA3, but you choose this protocol in the settings, the device may start to work unstable or block access to the network.

Critical information: If your Xiaomi repeater is released before 2020, choosing WPA3 will result in a factory reset, which is due to firmware restrictions, in which case use WPA2-PSK (AES) - it provides maximum security for outdated models.

How to go to the settings of the Xiaomi repeater: 3 ways

To change the type of encryption, you first need to access the control panel. Xiaomi has three official methods:

1. via the Mi Home mobile app

The easiest way for most users is for Mi WiFi Repeater Pro, Repeater 2 and new Mi Home-enabled devices.

Link the repeater to your Xiaomi account | Update the Mi Home app to the latest version | Connect to the repeater (or main router) network | Disable VPN on your phone-->

Instructions:

1. Open Mi Home and find your repeater in the list of devices.
2. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi settings.
3. Select Security Type (or Security Mode in English).
4. Change the protocol to WPA2-PSK and save it.

2. via the web interface (192.168.0.1 or miwifi.com)

The classic method for those who prefer to configure the network through a browser works on all models, including the AC1200.

Addresses for entry:

• 🌐 http://192.168.0.1 (standard IP repeater)
• 🌐 http://miwifi.com (alternate)

Login and password by default:

Username: admin


Password: admin

Reset

3. via Xiaomi WiFi app (for older models) Relevant for repeaters released before 2019 (for example, the first version of Mi WiFi Repeater).The app is removed from official stores, but it can be downloaded from apkpure.com. ⚠️ Attention: When using informal APK-You may be at risk of catching a virus. Before installing, check the hash of the file on VirusTotal. 💡If the repeater does not open the web interface, try connecting to it via cable (port). LAN) Sometimes the Wi-Fi connection blocks access to the settings.

Step-by-step: how to change WPA on the Xiaomi repeater

So if you look at the web interface, the most versatile method, if you have a different model, adapt the steps to your menu.

1. Connect to the repeater network. In the Wi-Fi list, find a network called Xiaomi_XXXX or MiRepeater_XXXX And connect. The default password is on the device sticker.
2. Open the control panel. Enter 192.168.0.1 in the browser and log in (login/password: admin/admin).
3. Go to the security section. From the menu, select Wireless → Wireless Security (or Wireless → Security in Russian firmware).
4. Select the encryption type. In the drop-down list of Security Mode, specify: 🔒 WPA2-PSK — Best choice for the majority. 🔓 WPA-PSK [TKIP] — Only if there are older devices on the network 10 years. 🆕 WPA2/WPA3-PSK — if the repetitor supports (see table above).

Set a new password.

In the Password field, enter a strong password (minimum 8 characters, with numbers and letters). Do not use simple combinations like 12345678!

Save the settings.

Press Save or Apply. Repiter will restart (it will take ~30 seconds).

⚠️ Warning: If the repeater stopped distributing Wi-Fi after saving, check if it is connected to the outlet (power indicator should burn). IP). Does the antivirus block access to 192.168.0.1.

Common WPA Change Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even after you set it up properly, users have problems.

1. Devices do not connect to the network after changing encryption

The reason: older gadgets (like Android 5.0 or Windows 7) don’t support WPA2-AES or WPA3.

Decision:

• 🔄 Return to mixed mode WPA/WPA2-PSK (TKIP/AES).
• 📱 Update the firmware on a problem device (for example, on Samsung Galaxy) S5 After upgrading to Android 6.0, support will appear AES).
• 🛒 Buy a separate repeater with support WPA-PSK squash.

2 Internet speeds drop after encryption change

The reason: TKIP (mixed WPA/WPA2) slows down the network by 20 to 30 percent, and some Xiaomi repeaters automatically slow down when WPA3 is activated for compatibility.

Decision:

• ⚡ Switch to clean. WPA2-PSK (AES).
• 📡 Check the Wi-Fi channel in the repeater settings (select Auto or Manual Channel with minimal interference).
• 🔧 Reset the repeater to factory settings and set it up again.

3.The repeater is constantly restarted after changing the settings

Reason: firmware conflict (relevant for repeaters with custom firmware or beta versions of software).

Decision:

• 🔄 Return the factory firmware through Mi Home (Update section).
• 📥 Download the stable version of the software from the official website mi.com and manually stitch.
• 🔌 Connect the repeater to another power source (sometimes the problem is unstable voltage).

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If the WPA switch makes the repeater worse, check the compatibility of the devices on the network first, and most often the problem is not with the settings, but with outdated gadgets that slow down the entire network.

How to check if encryption has changed successfully

To make sure that the new settings have been applied, follow the following steps:

1. Check the current repeater settings: Go to the control panel (192.168.0.1) and make sure that the Wireless Security section displays the protocol you have chosen.
2. Scan the network from your phone: Use the WiFi Analyzer (Android) or Network Analyzer (iOS) app to see the type of encryption your network has. The access point information should indicate WPA2 or WPA3.
3. Connect the test device: Take a smartphone or laptop that hasn't connected to this repeater before, and try to log in. If it requests a password, the encryption works.

If something goes wrong, go back to the error section or reset the repeater (reset button for 10 seconds).

More Wi-Fi Security Tips from Xiaomi

Changing encryption protocols is only part of network protection, and here are some more recommendations:

• 🔑 Use complex passwords. Example of a strong password: k7#pL9!mQ2$vR5. Avoid words from the dictionary and simple sequences.
• 🔄 Turn it off. WPS. This feature is vulnerable to brute force attacks. WPS and deactivate.
• 📡 Hide. SSID. In the Wireless Settings menu, enable the Hide option. SSID. This will not make the network invisible to hackers, but will reduce the number of random connections.
• 🛡️ Update your firmware. Check for repeater updates on Mi Home. New versions of the software fix vulnerabilities.
• 🚫 Block unknown devices. Connected Devices can prevent unfamiliar gadgets from accessing the Internet. MAC-address.

If you use a repeater in a public place (such as a cafe or coworking), consider guest networking. On some Xiaomi models (such as the AX3000), you can create a separate access point with limited access to the local network.

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For maximum security, set up filtering on the main router (not on the repeater!) MAC-This will prevent the devices from connecting even if they know the password.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)