Forgot your Wi-Fi password or Xiaomi router control panel? This is a common problem, especially if the device has been configured for a long time or purchased from hand. Fortunately, you can get access back in several ways, from hardware reset to using hidden firmware functions. In this article, we will analyze all working methods for Xiaomi Mi Router models 4A/4C, AX3000/AX6000 and other, including nuances that are not written in the official instructions.
The rule is, don't try to pick up a password at random. After 5-10 unsuccessful attempts, many Xiaomi routers block access to the web interface for 5-10 minutes. And in some firmware (for example, on Mi Router 4A Gigabit Edition) brute force protection may work, which will require a complete reset, so you should immediately use the proven methods that are described below.
If you are not sure about your router model, look at the sticker on the bottom of the device – it shows the exact name (for example, R4A or RA67), which will be useful for choosing the right way to reset, as the interface and functions may differ.
1. Hardware reset via Reset button (suitable for all models)
The most reliable and versatile method is hard resetting to factory settings, which works even if you forget the password from the web interface (192.168.31.1) and Wi-Fi. The main disadvantage is that all settings (including network name, passwords, device priorities) will be deleted.
On most Xiaomi routers, the Reset button is located on the back next to the LAN/WAN ports.
- 🔘 Recessed in the case (need a paper clip or toothpick).
- 🔘 Convex (pressed with a finger).
- 🔘 Coupled with a button WPS (In the old models like Mi Router 3).
Step-by-step:
- Turn the router on (the power indicator should burn).
- Find the Reset button and press it for 10-15 seconds (until all the indicators start flashing or go out).
- Release the button and wait for the reboot (1-2 minutes).
Make sure the router is loaded (the indicator is burning straight)|Connect to a Wi-Fi network with a name Xiaomi_XXXX (default)|Go to the control panel at the address 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com|Reconfigure the router (we recommend changing the standard administrator password)-->
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) AX3600) Long Reset retention (more than 20 seconds) can put the router in Recovery mode, which will require firmware through MiWiFi. If the indicators start flashing in an unusual rhythm, release the button and try again with retention for 10 seconds.
2. Reset password through the Mi Wi-Fi application (without losing settings)
If you have access to a smartphone that previously connected to the router, you can try resetting your password without completely resetting your settings. You will need the official Mi Wi-Fi app (available for Android and iOS).
How it works:
- 📱 The app stores the authorization cache on the device that previously controlled the router.
- 🔑 If the phone was tied to the router through a Xiaomi account, you can restore access even after changing the password.
- ⚙️ The feature does not work on all firmware (starting with MiWiFi). ROM 2.0.5+).
Instructions:
- Install the Mi Wi-Fi app from Google Play or the App Store.
- Open the app and wait until it finds your router on the local network (make sure the phone is connected to any network, even mobile).
- Click on your router’s name → Forgot your password? → Reset your password through your Xiaomi account.
- Enter the Mi Account that was previously linked to the router.
If this method does not work, it means:
- 🚫 The router is not tied to the Xiaomi account (configured in offline mode).
- 🚫 Custom firmware installed (for example, Padavan or OpenWRT).
- 🚫 Mi Wi-Fi app is outdated (update it to the latest version).
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If you don’t have access to a Xiaomi account, try to restore it through account.xiaomi.com. Sometimes it’s faster than resetting your router completely.
3. Resetting the administrator password via Telnet/SSH (for advanced users)
This method is suitable if you forgot the password from the admin panel (192.168.31.1), but remember the password from Wi-Fi. The method requires basic knowledge of working with the command line, but allows you to reset the password without losing other settings (unlike Reset).
What you need:
- 💻 Computer with Windows, Linux or macOS.
- 🔌 Connection to the router via cable (LAN) or via Wi-Fi.
- 🛠️ Program for Telnet connection (e.g. PuTTY or embedded terminal).
Step-by-step:
- Make sure that Telnet is on on the router. To do this, connect to the router's network. Open the browser and go to the address. 192.168.31.1/cgi-bin/luci/;stok=token/api/misystem/set_config_iotdev?bssid=MAC-address&user_id=ID&ssid=Network name (replace the settings with current ones) If the page does not open, then Telnet is already active (or the router on custom firmware).
PuTTY
192.168.31.1
Telnet
Login: root
Password: admin(On some firmware, the password may be blank or 1234.)
nvram set http_passwd=""
nvram commit
rebootOnce the router is restarted, the admin panel will be available without a password. Be sure to set a new password in the security settings!
What to do if the Telnet is disabled?
4. Features of reset on popular Xiaomi models
Not all Xiaomi routers behave the same when reset, and the following are the key differences for popular models:
| Model router | Resetting method | Reset retention time | Password default | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Router 4A | Reset button (recessed) | 10-12 seconds | On a sticker or admin | After reset, it creates a network. Xiaomi_XXXX passwordless. |
| Xiaomi Mi Router 4C | Reset button (convex) | 15 seconds. | The Last 8 Symbols MAC-address | You may need to link to your Xiaomi account after the reset. |
| Xiaomi AX3600 | Reset + Mi Wi-Fi button | 5 seconds (short press – reboot) | Unique for each device | Supports reset via Mi Home (if linked to your account). |
| Xiaomi AX6000 | Reset or Telnet | 20 seconds (for a complete reset) | On a sticker under the barcode. | It has brute force protection - after 3 unsuccessful attempts, it blocks access for 1 hour. |
⚠️ Attention: On routers with MiWiFi firmware ROM 3.x+ (for example, AX9000) After the reset, you may need to upgrade via MiWiFi, otherwise the web interface will not be available. WAN-wait for the automatic update (the indicator should flash yellow).
5. How to Restore Wi-Fi Access Without Resetting Your Router
If you forgot your Wi-Fi password but remember the password from the admin panel, there is a way to find out without completely resetting it:
- Connect to the router via cable or another device that remembers the password.
- Go to the control panel at 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
- Go to the Wi-Fi section → Wireless network settings.
- The password will be displayed in the network password field (may be hidden behind stars - click on the eye icon). 👁️).
If you do not remember the password from the admin panel, but a Windows computer is connected to the network, you can try to extract the password from the saved networks:
- Open Network Settings → Wi-Fi → Managing Known Networks
- Select your network and click Properties.
- In the section Security settings tick Display entered signs.
On macOS or Linux, you can view the password through the terminal:
# For macOS:
security find-generic-password -wa "Name network"
For Linux (if NetworkManager is used):
sudo grep psk= /etc/NetworkManager/system-connections/*Hardware reset (Reset button)| Mi Wi-Fi|Telnet/SSH|Restored via saved networks |Another way-->
6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When you reset your password on Xiaomi routers, users often face typical problems.
- 🔴 Router does not reset after holding Reset: Check that the button is pressed to the end (some models need to press hard). Turn off power for 30 seconds, then try again. If the indicators do not respond, the router may be faulty (memory problem) NAND).
- 🔴 192.168.31.1 does not open after reset: Check that you are connected to the router's network (not to another access point). Clear the browser cache or try another (Chrome, Firefox, Edge). If the router is new, it may require initial configuration via Mi Wi-Fi.
- 🔴 Mi Wi-Fi app doesn't find router: Make sure your phone is connected to the router's network (even if it's not connected to the internet). Turn on Bluetooth and Geodata (the app uses them to find devices). Update the app to the latest version.
⚠️ Note: If after resetting the router Xiaomi AX6000 or AX3600 It starts flashing red, which may indicate that the firmware is damaged:
- Download the latest version of the software from the official website of Xiaomi Support.
- Connect the router to the computer by LAN-port.
- Use the MiWiFi Repair Tool for recovery (instructions are attached to the firmware).
7. Alternative methods (if nothing has worked)
If the standard methods do not work, you can try the following options:
- 🔧 Firmware through TFTP: Suitable for "brick" routers that do not load. LAN and a computer configured TFTP-The firmware is.bin for your model. IP-computer address should be 192.168.31.2/24. Instructions: Hold Reset when power is turned on, then send the firmware through TFTP (for example, by Tftpd64).
- 🔧 Using firmware vulnerabilities: Some older models (e.g. Mi Router) 3) There are exploits to bypass authentication. -v --insecure "https://192.168.31.1/cgi-bin/luci/;stok=/api/xqsystem/login?username=admin&password=$(printf '%b' '\x5e\x32\x47\x11')" ⚠️ Warning: Using such methods may disrupt the router or lead to a blockage on the router MAC-Use it only as a last resort!
- 🔧 Support for Xiaomi: If the router is guaranteed, you can contact the service center with proof of purchase. In some cases, they can reset the account remotely.
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Before using alternative methods, make sure you have a backup of your router’s settings (if it still works) and take a picture of your smartphone’s current screen settings.