Changing the password on a Xiaomi or Redmi router is a basic procedure that every user must follow immediately after purchasing a device or if unauthorized access to the network is suspected. Standard factory passwords are often public, making your home network vulnerable to data theft and use of your Internet channel by unauthorized persons.
In this article, we will analyze in detail all the stages of changing the security key, consider the features of the interface of the web control panel and the Mi Wi-Fi mobile utility. You will learn not only to change the numbers in the settings, but also to create really durable combinations of characters that cannot be picked up by simple brute force methods.
Modern routers of the Chinese brand have a thoughtful, but sometimes specific interface that can be confusing to a beginner, especially if the menu is translated into English or Chinese.
We will describe in detail the algorithm of actions for current models with support for two frequency bands, so that you can secure your digital perimeter without unnecessary complications and contact the technical support service.
Preparing for changes in security settings
Before you start manipulating the router configuration, you need to ensure a stable connection between your control device (computer or smartphone) and the router itself.
It is best to perform the setup via a wired Ethernet connection, as when you change the Wi-Fi password, the wireless connection will be severed and you may lose access to the control panel if the device does not switch automatically.
☑️ Ready to set up
Make sure you have physical access to the router itself, as in some cases it may be necessary to reboot the device or use the Reset button.
It is also recommended to come up with a new password in advance so as not to leave the router open even for a short time during the setup process, which is especially true in apartment buildings with high density networks.
⚠️ Note: If you are changing your wireless network settings from a remote location, make sure you have an alternative way to access (e.g., mobile internet) so you don’t lose contact with your device altogether.
Entrance to the router control panel
To start, you need to open any modern browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox) and enter in the address bar. IP-The default address for Xiaomi and Redmi devices is 192.168.31.1 or the domain name miwifi.com.
Once you enter the address, the system will request authorization. If you have previously set an administrator password, enter it. If the router is new or has been reset to factory settings, the password field may be empty, or you need to enter a Wi-Fi password if it has already been set.
The interface of the control panel may vary depending on the firmware version and region, but the logic of the arrangement of elements remains similar.
In some models with global firmware, the interface will immediately meet you in Russian, while the Chinese versions may require the use of a built-in browser translator or knowledge of basic English.
What to do if the page is not loaded?
It is important not to confuse the password for logging into the web interface (administrator password) and the password for connecting to a Wi-Fi network, although in newer models they are often synchronized by default.
To ensure maximum security, it is better to make the administrator password different from the Wi-Fi password, so that when a wireless network is compromised, the attacker does not get full control over the router settings.
Changing password through the web interface
After successful authorization in the control panel, you need to find the section responsible for setting up the wireless network. In the Xiaomi interface, it is usually indicated by an antenna icon or called Wi-Fi Settings / Wi-Fi settings.
Inside this section, you will see fields to change the network name (SSID) and password, and the password may be called Wi-Fi Password, Key, or Encryption.
Enter the new password you have created in the appropriate field, and the system may require re-entering for confirmation to eliminate typos.
Note the type of encryption: For maximum compatibility and security, it is recommended to choose WPA2-PSK or WPA3 if all your devices support the new standard.
After entering the data, be sure to click the Save or Apply button (often indicated by a tick or blue button at the bottom of the screen).
The router will warn you that once the settings are applied, the current connection will be severed and devices with the new password will need to be reconnected.
⚠️ Note: After changing your password, all connected devices (TVs, phones, smart lights) will be disconnected from the network.
Configure via the Mi Wi-Fi mobile application
Xiaomi routers are much more convenient to manage through the official Mi Wi-Fi application (or Xiaomi Home for the smart home ecosystem), available in the App Store and Google Play.
To get started, the app will require logging into your Mi Account and adding a router, which usually happens automatically if your phone is connected to that router’s network.
In the main menu of the application, select your router from the list of devices. The interface of the mobile utility is more concise and adapted for control from the touch screen.
Go to the settings section (usually the gear icon or three dots in the corner) and find the Wi-Fi Settings section. Here you can change the network name and password similarly to the web version.
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The Mi Wi-Fi app allows you to create a guest network with a separate password and a time limit, which is ideal for temporary access of guests so as not to open the main network.
One of the useful functions of the application is the ability to generate QR-code for fast connection of guests, which eliminates the need to dictate a complex password.
The mobile app also allows you to track connected devices in real time and block unknown users directly from your smartphone, wherever you are.
Features of dual-band routers
Modern models of Xiaomi routers support work in two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. When changing the password, it is important to understand how your network broadcasts.
If the Smart Connect feature (or networking) is disabled, you will see two separate networks (such as MyWiFi and the Internet). MyWiFi_5G). In this case, you may need to set a password for each range separately if the interface doesn’t suggest applying the settings to all at once.
The table below shows the main differences between the ranges that are worth considering when setting up:
| Parameter | Range 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz range |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission speed | Down to 450 Mbps | High, up to several Gbps |
| Range of action | Tall, better breaks through walls | Below, worse passes through obstacles |
| Workload | High (many neighbourhood networks) | Low (cleaner ether) |
| Compatibility | Supported by all devices | Only modern gadgets |
It is recommended to set the same password for both bands to make the connection process easier, but give different network names (SSIDs) so you can manually select the priority frequency for specific tasks.
For example, for smart homes and IoT devices, it is better to use 2.4 GHz, and for streaming 4K video and online games, switch to 5 GHz.
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Using different names for 2.4 and 5GHz frequencies gives you full control over which device is connected to which network, avoiding automatically switching the router to a weaker signal.
What to do if the administrator password is forgotten
The situation when the user forgets the password to log in to the router settings (not to be confused with the password from Wi-Fi), is quite common.
Without this password, you can’t change your security settings even if you know the password from your wireless network. Unfortunately, it’s often impossible to recover a forgotten administrator password through the standard Mi Account account recovery tools in the local router interface.
The only reliable way to return control access is to completely reset your settings (Hard Reset) to factory state.
To do this, on the router turned on, you need to find a hole with the inscription Reset. Take a paper clip or toothpick, press a button inside the hole and hold it for 5-10 seconds until the router indicators blink or go out.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting will remove all your personalizations, including your PPPoE (login and password from the provider) settings, so make sure you know the data to connect to the internet before resetting.
After the reboot, the router will return to the factory settings specified on the sticker at the bottom of the device, and you will be able to log into the control panel using standard data or creating a new password when you first set up.
It’s also a great excuse to rethink the entire structure of your home network and implement stricter cyber hygiene regulations from the start.
Requirements for a strong password
Simply changing a password doesn't guarantee security if the new security key is weak, and many users continue to use dates of birth, simple sequences like 12345678 or street names.
Modern computing power allows attackers to select such combinations in a matter of seconds using special software systems.
A good password must meet the following criteria:
- 🔐 Length of at least 12 characters (optimum 16)+).
- 🔠 Use of upper and lower case letters (A-Z, a-z).
- 🔢 Availability of numbers and special symbols (!, @, #, $, %).
- 🚫 Lack of dictionary words and personal information.
Methods of memorizing complex passwords
Changing passwords regularly, such as every six months, is also good practice, especially if you have frequent visitors or suspect that neighbors may have accessed your network.
Remember that Xiaomi router is the gateway to your entire digital home, and protecting it is the foundation of the overall security of your data.