How to configure Xiaomi router in Wi-Fi repeater mode: the full guide

Why use Xiaomi router as a repeater and when it really needs to be

If you have dead zones in your home or office without Wi-Fi, and you don't want to buy a separate signal repeater, an old Xiaomi router can be a great solution. AX3600) They support a repeater mode that allows you to extend the coverage of the main network without laying cables.

Relay mode is useful when:

• 📶 The main router cannot cover the entire area (for example, in a two-storey house or apartment with thick walls).
• 💻 You need to temporarily amplify the signal in a separate room (living room, office) without buying new equipment.
• 🔄 You already have a backup Xiaomi router that is idle without idleness.

However, this solution has disadvantages: the connection speed in the repeater mode falls on the 30-50% Due to dual data transfer (main router) → repeater → If you are critical to the maximum speed (for example, for the 4K-streaming or online games, it is better to consider alternatives – cable bridge or Mesh system.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔧 What Xiaomi models support the relay mode.
• 📡 Step-by-step configuration through the MiWiFi application and web interface.
• ⚡ Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.
• 🔄 Alternative ways to expand the network (if the repeater is not suitable).

What Xiaomi routers can be used as a repeater: a full list of models

Not all Xiaomi devices support repeater mode, and here is the current list of compatible models (as of 2026):

If your model is not in the table, check for support for repeater mode in the settings: go to Additional settings → If you don't have a Repeater option, your router doesn't fit.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi routers with Padavan firmware or other custom firmware may lose support for repeater mode!

For maximum stability, we recommend using a repeater based on Mi Router. 4A Or more recently, they support a double range (2.4 + 5 GHz, which reduces speed loss.

Preparation for configuration: what to do before connecting the repeater

Before you turn on the repeater mode, follow these steps – they will save you time and nerves:

Reset the router to factory settings (Reset button)|Update the firmware to the latest version|Place the repeater in the stable signal area of the main router|Turn it off. VPN/proxy on the device to configure|Prepare the main network data (name and password Wi-Fi)-->

Pay special attention to the placement of the repeater:

• 📍 The optimal distance to the main router — 5-10 meters (no obstacles).
• 🚫 Do not place a repeater in the corner of the room or behind metal objects (refrigerator, cabinet).
• 🔄 If the signal is weak, try moving the repeater closer to the main router.

Also, make sure that the main router does not use:

• 🔒 Hidden net (SSID hidden - the repeater will not find it.
• 🔄 Regime. 802.11r (Fast Transition – May cause connection problems.
• 🛡️ Filtering by MAC-Addresses – the repeater will be blocked.

💡

If your main router supports the guest network, set up the repeater on it – this will reduce the load on the main network and improve stability.

Step-by-step setup of the repeater through the MiWiFi application (the easiest way)

Using the official MiWiFi app is the most reliable method, as it automatically determines the router model and offers the latest settings.

Step. 1. Install the MiWiFi app (available for Android and iOS). Connect to the router, which will be a repeater, via cable or Wi-Fi (the default network — Xiaomi_XXXX, password).

Step 2. In the app, select your router and go to Settings → Mode of work → Repeater. Press on.

Step 3: The app will suggest you select a network to relay, select your main network from the list and enter its password.

• 🔄 Update the list with the button Update.
• 📶 Make sure the repeater is in the coverage area of the main router.
• 🔒 Make sure the main network is not hidden (SSID broadcast included).

Step 4: Once connected, the app will prompt you to set a name and password for the repeater network.

• 🏷️ Use the same network name (SSID), as the main router, but with a suffix _EXT (for example, MyWiFi_EXT).
• 🔐 Set the same password as on the main network – this will make it easier to connect devices.
• 📶 Choose a 5GHz band if your devices support it (less interference).

Step. 5. Save the settings and wait for the router to restart (it will take). 1-2 Then connect to the new repeater network and check the speed on the Speedtest site.

⚠️ Warning: If the repeater is permanently turned off after setting up, check if the main router is using a channel. DFS (50-144 ranged 5 Some Xiaomi models are unstable with these channels – switch to a fixed channel (e.g., a fixed channel, 36 or 48).

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Use of one SSID For the main network and repeater, it makes roaming devices easier, but can cause connection problems. If devices stick to a weak signal, use different network names.

Set up a repeater via a web interface (if MiWiFi doesn’t work)

If the MiWiFi application does not see your router or there are errors, you can configure the repeater through the browser.

Step. 1. Connect to the router-relayer by cable or through its Wi-Fi (the default network — Xiaomi_XXXX). Open the browser and enter in the address bar 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com. log in (the default login and password is usually admin).

Step 2. Go to Additional Settings → Mode and select Repeater. Click Next.

Step 3: In the list of available networks, select your main network and enter its password.

1. Check that the repeater is in the coverage area of the main router.


2. Update the list with the "Update" button.




3. Make sure the main router does not use MAC filtering.




4. Try temporarily disabling encryption (WPA) on the main router for the test.

Step 4: Configure the repeater network settings:

• 📌 Name of the network (SSID): You can leave the automatically generated or set your own (for example, MyWiFi_Repeater).
• 🔐 Password: Minimum length is 8 characters, and we recommend using the same password as the main network.
• 📶 Range: If the main network is running at 5GHz, choose 5GHz for the repeater (if supported).

Step 5: Save the settings and wait for the restart. After that, the router will run in repeater mode.

If after saving the settings, the router “hangs” at the connection stage, try:

• 🔄 Reset the settings with the Reset button and repeat the setting.
• 📡 Change the channel on the main router (for example, from automatic to fixed 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz).
• 🔌 Connect via cable to the repeater for setup (sometimes the Wi-Fi connection is unstable).

Typical Mistakes When Setup Xiaomi Relayer and How to Fix Them

Even if you set it up properly, the repeater can be unstable, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

If the repeater is working but the speed is critically low (less than 10 Mbps when connected to 5 GHz), the problem may be:

• 📡 Overload the main router – try to disable some devices.
• 🔄 Suboptimal channel – Use a Wi-Fi analyzer (like WiFi Analyzer for Android) to find a free channel.
• 🛠️ Outdated firmware - update the relay and main router.

To diagnose connection problems, use the command in the terminal (Windows/macOS/Linux):

ping 192.168.31.1 -t

If the ping is stable (without loss), the problem is with the Wi-Fi settings. If the ping is lost, check the physical connection or reset the repeater.

Relay alternatives: when to use a bridge or a Mesh system

Relay mode is not always the best solution. If you want maximum speed or stability, consider alternatives:

1. Bridge mode (WDS)

It's good if you can put a network cable between routers.

• 📶 Speed does not drop (no double data transfer).
• 🔄 You can use one. SSID network-wide.
• 🛠️ You need to set up on both routers (main and additional).

2. Mesh system

If you have a Xiaomi router AX3600 Or newer, it supports Mesh mode:

• 🔄 Automatic switching between nodes without breaking the connection.
• 📶 One network (SSID) all-in-one.
• 🛡️ More stable than the repeater.

To set up Mesh, go to MiWiFi → Mesh-network → Add the knot.

3. Powerline adapters

If you can't get a cable and the repeater doesn't work well, use Powerline, which is faster than a Wi-Fi repeater, but depends on the quality of the wiring.

Comparison of network expansion methods:

If you choose between a repeater and a Mesh, consider:

• 🏠 For an apartment with an area of up to 100 m2, a repeater is enough.
• 🏢 For a house from 150 m2 or with thick walls, it is better to use a Mesh or cable bridge.
• 🎮 For online gaming or 4K-Streaming repeater is not suitable - use a cable connection.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi Relayer