How to configure Xiaomi router in access point mode: a complete guide with schemas

Have you bought a new Xiaomi router, but you want to use it not as a primary router, but as an access point to expand your Wi-Fi coverage? TV Or a game console) via an additional port? In this guide, we will analyze all the nuances of configuring Mi Router routers. 4A, 4C, 5, AX3000 Other models in Access Point mode (AP) — with step-by-step instructions, connection schemes and solutions to typical problems.

The access point mode differs from the standard router mode in that the device does not perform the functions of the router. DHCP-server and not giving away IP-It's the perfect solution for large apartments, offices or homes where a single router is not enough to provide a stable signal. At the same time, all devices will remain on the same network – you can, for example, print on a printer connected to the main router from a laptop that is connected to the Xiaomi access point.

Important: if you are using a Xiaomi router with MiWiFi firmware ROM (In the article we will show alternative ways for such cases. Also note that for models with support for Mesh networks (for example, for models with support for Mesh networks, AX3600 or AX9000) The process of setting is simplified - read about it in a separate section.

Than the access point mode (AP) different from router mode?

Many users confuse the two modes, which leads to setup errors.

• 🔄 Router Mode: The device creates its own network, distributes IP-address (DHCP), manages traffic and can connect to the Internet through WAN-Suitable for the main router in the house.
• 📡 Mode of access point (AP Mode: Xiaomi router becomes an extension of the existing network. IP, It doesn't manage connections, it just transmits traffic from the main router. All devices stay on the same subnet.

Main advantages of the regime AP:

• 🌐 Unified Wi-Fi network: no need to reconnect when moving between rooms (if network names) SSID match).
• 🔌 Additional ports: You can connect wired devices (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box or Redmi) TV) through LAN-port.
• ⚡ More stable connection: no double connection NAT (which may occur when connecting the router to the router in Router Mode mode).

⚠️ Note: If you connect the Xiaomi router in Router Mode mode to another router via WAN-port, there will be a double port. NAT. This can lead to problems with UPnP, online gaming, IP-cameras and other devices that require direct access to the network. AP solves the problem.

When to use the regimen AP:

• 📶 You need to expand your Wi-Fi coverage in a large house or office.
• 🖥️ You have devices that require wired connectivity, but everything is LAN-Main router ports are busy.
• 🎮 You want to connect the game console (PS5, Xbox or Smart TV Cable, but the main router is far away.
• 🏢 You need to set up a network in a hotel, cafe or other public place that already has a primary router.

Which Xiaomi router models support access point mode?

Almost all modern Xiaomi routers can work in mode AP, But the way you set up it varies depending on the firmware and the model:

If your model is not in the table, check for mode. AP in the menu Advanced settings → Working Mode (or Working Mode in English firmware) Look for characters in Chinese firmware. AP or.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi routers with OpenWRT firmware (for example, after unlocking the bootloader) are configured differently. AP Enabled via the LuCI web interface in the Network section → Wireless. If you use custom firmware, follow the instructions for OpenWRT.

Step-by-step setting up the Xiaomi router in access point mode

Transforming the Xiaomi router into mode AP It's either the official Mi Wi-Fi app or the web interface.

Method 1: Configure via the Mi Wi-Fi app (recommended)

This method is suitable for most users, as it does not require manual input of parameters.

1. Connect the Xiaomi router to power and wait for the load (the indicator should burn blue or orange).
2. Install the Mi Wi-Fi app (available for Android and iOS).
3. Connect to the router's Wi-Fi network (name indicated on the sticker, usually Xiaomi_XXXX).
4. Open the app and select your router. If it requests a password, enter it (as indicated on the sticker by default).
5. Go to the Settings section → Working Mode (or Working Mode).
6. Select Access Point Mode (AP Mode).
7. Connect the router to the main network through LAN-port WAN!). Use an Ethernet cable from the main router or switch.
8. Set up Wi-Fi settings (network name) SSID and password) so that they match the main router (optional, but recommended for seamless roaming).
9. Save the settings and restart the device.

Connect Xiaomi router to power|

Install the Mi Wi-Fi app|

Connect to the network Xiaomi_XXXX|

Select a regime AP Mode in settings|

Connect. LAN-Xiaomi port with main router cable|

Save settings and restart the device

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Once rebooted, Xiaomi’s router will work as an access point, and all devices connected to it (both via Wi-Fi and cable) will receive a new router. IP-address from the main router.

Method 2: Configure via web interface

If you do not have access to the Mi Wi-Fi application (for example, on the Internet) PC), can be set up AP browser:

1. Connect to Xiaomi router via Wi-Fi or cable (use any one) LAN-port).
2. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
3. Log in (the default login and password is usually admin and the password from the sticker).
4. Go to the Additional Settings section → Mode of operation (or Advanced Settings) → Working Mode).
5. Select Access Point Mode (AP Mode).
6. Set up Wi-Fi settings: Network name (SSID) — The password must match the password of the main network (if you want seamless roaming.

Network (Network)

DHCP-server

Xiaomi

LAN-port

If there is no explicit point in your firmware AP Mode, you can set the mode manually:

1. Turn it off. DHCP-server LAN.
2. Change. IP-The address of the Xiaomi router so that it is on the same subnet as the main router (for example, if the main router has a IP 192.168.1.1, ask Xiaomi 192.168.1.2).
3. Connect the cable from the main router to LAN-port WAN!) Xiaomi router.

💡

For maximum stability, always use a wired connection (LAN). Wireless repeater mode is only suitable as a temporary solution.

Set up Wi-Fi for seamless roaming

If you want devices to automatically switch between the main router and the Xiaomi access point without breaking the connection (for example, when moving around the house), you need to configure seamless roaming.

1. Set the same network name on Xiaomi’s access point (SSID), as on the main router.
2. Set the same Wi-Fi password.
3. Select the same channel (or Auto mode on both devices).
4. For supported models 802.11r (for example, AX3000 or AX3600) enable this function in the Wi-Fi settings (Fast Roaming or 802.11r).

Important: If the main router and the Xiaomi access point are running on different channels, devices (smartphones, laptops) can stick on one of them, even if the signal is weak. To avoid this, use the same channel settings or set up Band Steering (automatic switching between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz).

If the device does not switch automatically after setting up, check:

• 📶 Signal Level: The difference between access points must be at least 15-20%.
• 🔄 Roaming settings on client devices (on Android, this can be configured in Wi-Fi settings).
• 🔧 Compatibility of standards: if the main router is running in mode 802.11n, and Xiaomi in 802.11ax, There may be problems.

Solving typical problems when setting up AP Mode

Even if you set it up properly, you can have errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: No access to the Internet through an access point

If your devices are connected to Xiaomi, but the internet is not working:

• 🔌 Check that the cable is connected to LAN-port of the main router and to LAN-port of Xiaomi (not the port of Xiaomi) WAN!).
• 🌐 Make sure that the main router is on DHCP-server.
• 🔧 Check what is on the Xiaomi access point DHCP-server down.
• 📡 Try to manually ask IP-The address of the Xiaomi router from the same subnet as the main router (for example, 192.168.1.2 if the main router has 192.168.1.1).

Problem 2: Devices do not connect to Wi-Fi hotspots

If your smartphone or laptop doesn’t see the network or isn’t connected:

• 🔄 Reboot the Xiaomi router (turn off power for 30 seconds).
• 📶 Check that the network name (SSID) Password entered correctly (registration is important!).
• 🔧 Make sure that the access point does not have a filter on MAC-address.
• 📡 Try changing your Wi-Fi channel (e.g. from Auto to 6 to 2.4 GHz).

Problem 3: Low speed or breakage of the connection

If the speed through the Xiaomi access point is lower than through the main router:

• 🔌 Check the Ethernet cable – it should be Cat Cat Categories 5e higher.
• 📶 If you use a wireless connection (repeater mode), the speed will always be lower due to dual data transfer.
• 🔧 Turn off Qos or Bandwidth Control on the main router – these features may limit speed.
• 🔄 Try changing the channel width (Channel Width) in your Wi-Fi settings (e.g., from 40 MHz to 20 MHz for 2.4 GHz).

Set up a Mesh network with Xiaomi routers (for models) AX3000, AX3600, AX9000)

If you have a Xiaomi router that supports Mesh networks (for example, AX3000, AX3600 or AX9000), You can create a seamless network without manual setup AP Mode.In this case, routers automatically synchronize Wi-Fi settings and provide smooth roaming.

To set up the Mesh network:

1. Install the Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).
2. Connect the main router to the Internet and set up Wi-Fi.
3. Connect the second Xiaomi router to power and wait until it boots up.
4. In the Mi Home app, select Add Device → router.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen. The app will automatically determine that you are setting up the Mesh network and prompt you to connect the router to the main point.
6. Place the second router in the right place (in the coverage area of the main router).

The advantages of the Mesh network:

• 🔄 Automatic synchronization of Wi-Fi settings (no need to manually configure) SSID password).
• 📶 Seamless roaming between nodes (devices switch automatically).
• 🔧 Centralized management through the Mi Home app.

Disadvantages:

• 🐢 Wireless connection between nodes can reduce speed (especially by 2.4 GHz).
• 🔌 For maximum stability, it is recommended to connect nodes with a cable (Ethernet backhaul).

If you have a router. AX3600 or AX9000, You can combine wired and wireless nodes, for example, the main router is connected to the Internet, and additional nodes are connected to it via cable (for stability) or Wi-Fi (for convenience).

Security when using the Xiaomi router AP

Even if the router is running as an access point, it needs to be properly protected.

• 🔐 Change the default administrator password (especially if you use a web interface).
• 🌐 Disable Remote Management (Remote Management).
• 🔄 Update your firmware regularly (via Settings) → Update of the PO).
• 📡 Use it. WPA3 Wi-Fi (if supported) or WPA2-PSK.
• 🔧 Turn it off. WPS — This function is vulnerable to hacking.

If the Xiaomi hotspot is used in a public place (such as a cafe or hotel), additionally:

• 🛡️ Set up a guest network with limited access to local resources.
• 🕒 Set a Wi-Fi schedule (for example, only during business hours).
• 📊 Limit speeds for individual devices (via Bandwidth Control).

For models with Mesh support (e.g, AX3600) You can configure network segmentation, divide devices into different subnets to improve security, and this is done through the Mi Home app in the Network Management section.

FAQ: Frequent questions about access point mode on Xiaomi