Update of the Xiaomi router: official and alternative ways

Xiaomi routers regularly receive firmware updates that improve stability, add new features and close security vulnerabilities. However, many users have difficulty trying to update the device - the system does not find new versions, the process freezes or after upgrading there are connection errors. 4A/4C/4Q/AC2100/AX3600/AX6000, including official and alternative methods, and consider typical problems and solutions.

It is important to understand that the upgrade procedure depends on the firmware version and router model. For example, devices based on MiWiFi ROM (official firmware) are updated via a web interface or mobile application, while routers with alternative firmware (Padavan, OpenWRT) require manual installation of files via SSH or Web interface. We will analyze each scenario in detail so that you can choose the best way without the risk of “bricking” the device.

1. Check the current version of the firmware

Before you start updating, you need to know the current version of your router’s software, which will help you determine whether new releases are available and what upgrade method is suitable for your model.

This can be done in two ways:

• 📱 Using the Mi WiFi mobile app (available for Android and iOS): Open the app → Choose your router → Go to the Settings section → The firmware version will be listed in the Version line. MIWIFI.
• 💻 Through the web interface: connect to the router network, enter the browser address 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com) → log in → Go to Status. → Firmware version.

Note the format of the version. For example, 3.5.1.127 or 1.0.156. The first two digits indicate the main firmware branch, the third - minor updates, the fourth - security patches. If your version is older than 6-12 months, it is recommended to update soon, as outdated firmware may contain critical vulnerabilities.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi routers with firmware older than 2.0.0 may not support modern Wi-Fi 6 standards and WPA3. Updating to the latest version will solve this problem.

2. Automatic update via web interface

The easiest and safest way is to use the built-in auto-update feature, which is suitable for most users and does not require technical skills, but there are limitations to this method: the router must be connected to the Internet, and Xiaomi servers are available in your region.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect to the router network via cable or Wi-Fi.
2. Open your browser and go to 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
3. Enter the login and password (by default – admin and password from the sticker on the router).
4. Go to the Firmware Update section (in some versions of the interface – System → Update).
5. Press the Check Updates button. If a new version is available, the system will prompt you to install it.
6. Confirm the update and wait until the process is complete (usually takes 3-7 minutes).

Once the router is successfully upgraded, it will automatically restart. If no new firmware is found but you are sure it exists (for example, according to forum information), try the alternative methods described below.

3. Update via the Mi WiFi mobile app

The official Mi WiFi app allows you to control your router from your smartphone, including installing updates, which is convenient if you do not have access to your computer, but requires a stable connection to the router’s network.

Algorithm of action:

1. Install the Mi WiFi app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Connect to your Xiaomi router’s network.
3. Open the app and select your device in the list.
4. Go to the Settings section → Update the firmware.
5. Click Check Updates. If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen.

This is an advantage of notifying you about new firmware versions directly to your smartphone, but sometimes the app may not find updates due to regional constraints, in which case changing the region in the router settings (see section 5).

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If the Mi WiFi app doesn’t find the router, try resetting it to factory settings (hold the Reset button for 10 seconds) and reconnect.

4 Manual update via firmware file

If the automatic update doesn’t work or you want to install a specific firmware version (like a rollback to a stable build), you can download the file manually.This method requires caution, as an incorrect file can cause the device to fail.

Instructions:

1. Download the official firmware for your model from Xiaomi’s support site or trusted sources (like 4PDA). Make sure the file matches the router model!
2. Unpack the archive (if it is in.zip or.rar format). The firmware file usually has the.bin or.pak extension.
3. Connect to the router's web interface (192.168.31.1).
4. Go to the firmware update → Manual download.
5. Download the downloaded file and confirm the installation.

Critically, never use firmware from other routers! For example, a file for Mi Router 4A will not work for the Mi Router AC2100, which will cause the device to break.

Download the firmware from the official website

Check the compliance of the router model

Save a backup copy of settings

Connect the router to the UPS (uninterruptible power source)

Do not interrupt the update process

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5. Solving Update Issues

Even when following instructions, users often encounter errors, and let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.

If the router stopped responding after a failed update, try to restore it through emergency mode:

1. Turn off the router.
2. Press the Reset button and, holding it, connect the power.
3. Wait for the indicator to flash (usually 10-20 seconds) and release the button.
4. Connect to the router via cable and repeat the update procedure.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi routers AX6000 and AX3600 With firmware newer than 1.2.0, a reset via Reset can block the bootloader. SSH.

6. Update of alternative firmware (Padavan, OpenWRT)

Users who have installed custom firmware (such as Padavan or OpenWRT) cannot update through the standard Xiaomi interface.

Method 1: Through the Padavan Web Interface

1. Download the current firmware version from the official repository (for example, Padavan for Xiaomi).
2. Go to Administration. → Firmware Upgrade.
3. Download the file and confirm the update.

Method 2: SSH (for OpenWRT)

scp new_firmware.bin root@192.168.1.1:/tmp/


ssh root@192.168.1.1




sysupgrade /tmp/new_firmware.bin

After updating the alternative firmware, you may need to reconfigure the network, as some settings are reset.

7. How to roll back firmware to the previous version

If the new firmware is unstable (e.g., 5GHz Wi-Fi is missing or coverage is deteriorating), you can return the previous version. However, Xiaomi does not officially support downgrade, so the process requires caution.

Instructions for rollback:

1. Download the desired firmware version (for example, from the 4PDA forum).
2. Connect to the router via SSH (login: root, password: password from the web interface).
3. Follow the commands: cd /tmp wget http://link to firmware.bin mtd write firmware.bin firmware
4. Wait until the router is completed and restart the router with the reboot command.

On routers with a locked bootloader (for example, AX3600 with firmware newer than 1.1.0), a rollback may not be possible without unlocking through the Xiaomi Mi Router Debug Tool.

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Before rolling back the firmware, be sure to back up your current settings through Settings → Backup. This will allow you to quickly restore the network after a downgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)