The situation of urgently needing to connect a new gadget to your home network but having forgotten the password is familiar to many digital device owners. Xiaomi They encounter this question especially frequently, as the architecture of their routers' settings has unique features that distinguish them from standard solutions from other manufacturers. There are several ways to find the access key, and the choice of a specific method directly depends on whether the default encryption was changed during initial setup or whether you are using the factory settings.
In most cases default password The router's network name is indicated on a special information sticker located on the bottom of the router. However, if the network has previously been renamed or the security key has been changed by the user, simply checking the label will no longer help, and you'll have to resort to more complex methods to restore access via the web interface or mobile app. Understanding where this data is stored in the router's system will allow you to avoid a complete reset and reconfiguration of all connected devices.
It is important to take into account that modern router models Mi Router And Redmi Router often offer to create an account Mi Account for remote management, which opens up additional options for recovering lost data via the cloud. In this article, we'll cover all possible options for recovering a lost password, from a physical inspection of the device to a thorough analysis of security settings via the command line and web admin panel.
Finding the password on the router's factory sticker
The fastest and most obvious way to find out the access key is to physically inspect the device itself. Almost all router models Xiaomi, whether popular Mi Router 4A or more powerful Mi Router AX3600, have an information sticker on the bottom panel. This sticker contains all the information needed for initial setup, including the MAC address, IP address for accessing the control panel, and, most importantly, the default Wi-Fi password.
Please note that the password may be written in different terms on the sticker, such as Key, Password or PWDIf you've never changed the router's security settings since purchasing it, this combination of characters is the connection key. Users often ignore this simple step, trying to delve into complex settings straight away, even though the answer is literally "written right on the box."
⚠️ Please note: If the system displays an "Incorrect Password" error when attempting to connect using the password on the sticker, this means the default settings have been changed by the previous owner or you. In this case, the information on the sticker will become invalid.
It's also worth noting that on some models, especially those released for the Chinese market, the sticker may be entirely in Chinese. In this case, look for a field that visually resembles other routers or use transliteration. Sometimes the SSID (network name) is listed next to the password field. If the network name on your device matches the one on the sticker, the password is likely still set at the factory.
Viewing your password through the administrator web interface
If the physical sticker doesn't help, the next logical step is to log into the router's control panel. To do this, you'll need to connect to the device using any method: a LAN cable or Wi-Fi (if at least one device already has network access). The web interface login address usually looks like this: 192.168.31.1 or domain name miwifi.comEnter this address in the address bar of any browser.
After entering the address, the system will ask for an administrator password. It's important not to confuse this with your Wi-Fi password: this is a separate security key that you may have set when you first set up the router. If you remember the administrator password, you'll be taken to the main menu, where in the section Settings (Settings) -> System status (Status) or Wi-Fi settings You will be able to see the current password. In new firmware versions MiWiFi OS This option is often hidden by asterisks, but there is usually a "Show" or "Copy" button nearby.
- 🔑 Administrator password — This is the key for entering the router settings; it may be the same as the Wi-Fi password if you haven't changed it separately.
- 📡 SSID — the name of your wireless network, which is displayed in the list of available connections on smartphones and laptops.
- 🔒 Encryption — a data protection method, usually used in Xiaomi routers WPA2-PSK or newer WPA3.
In some cases, especially on older firmware versions, the password may be displayed in plain text in the wireless network settings field. If you only see dots, try clicking the eye icon or using the copy function if the interface allows it. Copying often requires confirmation by re-entering the administrator password.
☑️ Login to the control panel
Using the Mi Wi-Fi mobile app
Modern ecosystem Xiaomi designed for control via smartphone and app Mi Wi-Fi (or Mi Home (For some models) is a powerful tool in the user's hands. If your phone is already connected to the router's Wi-Fi network, the app can automatically log in and provide full access to settings. This is often the most convenient option, as the mobile app's interface is more user-friendly and intuitive than the web version.
After logging into the app, select your router from the list of devices. In the control menu, go to the Wi-Fi settings section. Unlike the web interface, this often offers a convenient "Share Wi-Fi" feature or displays a QR code. Scanning this code with another smartphone's camera allows you to instantly connect to the network without manually entering characters. In some versions of the app, you can view the password by clicking the corresponding button next to the network name.
⚠️ Note: For the app to work fully and access all features, including viewing your password, you may need to link your router to your account. Mi AccountMake sure you are using the same account that was used when you initially set up the device.
A unique feature of the app is its guest access feature. You can create a temporary network for guests without giving them access to your main network with your personal data. The password for the guest network is also generated and displayed in the app, allowing you to easily control who connects to your internet and when.
Resetting a Xiaomi router to factory settings
If none of the previous methods work and you don't remember your Wi-Fi password or administrator password, the final, radical option is a full reset. This will return the router to its factory default state, and all settings, including the network name and password, will be as indicated on the sticker on the bottom of the router.
To perform a reset, find the hole marked on the router body ResetIt's usually recessed into the case to prevent accidental pressing. You'll need a thin object, such as a straightened paperclip or toothpick. With the router turned on, press the button inside the hole and hold it for 5-10 seconds. The indicator light on the case will begin flashing orange or yellow, indicating the reset process has begun.
After the router reboots, it will operate with factory settings. You'll be able to connect to the network using the password on the sticker, but you'll need to reconfigure the internet connection type (PPPoE, L2TP, or Dynamic IP) provided by your ISP. You'll also need to reconfigure the network name and create a new security password.
What happens to the settings after the reset?
After the reset, all user data will be deleted: the Wi-Fi network name, password, port forwarding settings, static IP addresses, parental control settings, and the Mi account link. The router will become a "clean slate."
Table of standard passwords for popular models
Many users are looking for universal combinations that can be used by default. Although Xiaomi Although Microsoft strives to customize security keys for each device, there are standard factory values used in certain batches or models. Below is a table of the most common options.
| Router model | Standard IP | Default password | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Router 4A | 192.168.31.1 | Indicated on the sticker | There is no universal password |
| Mi Router 3G | 192.168.31.1 | admin | In old firmware |
| Redmi Router AC1200 | 192.168.31.1 | Indicated on the sticker | Requires setup via App |
| Mi Router AX3600 | 192.168.31.1 | Absent | Set at first startup |
It is important to understand that modern security standards dictate the abandonment of universal passwords like admin or 1234. Therefore, for most current models Xiaomi, released in recent years, the only correct "factory" password is the unique combination printed on your device.
Restoring access via the command line (for advanced users)
For users with advanced networking skills and access to the router console (e.g., via Telnet or SSH, if previously enabled), it is possible to view saved configuration files. OpenWrt, which is the basis for many routers Xiaomi (especially after reflashing), passwords are stored in configuration files in encrypted or open form.
However, for the average user, this method is complicated and risky. Incorrect command line actions can brick the device. If you decide to do so, you can try to find the file by connecting via SSH. miwifi.cfg or similar, where wireless network parameters can be stored in text format. The search command can look like a grep query for configuration files.
grep -r "password" /etc/config/This method is more relevant for enthusiasts who reflash routers to alternative firmware (Padavan, OpenWrt) and lose access to the original interface. In normal operation, the original firmware MiWiFi restricts access to the file system, making this method unavailable without prior preparation.
⚠️ Warning: Editing your router's system files via SSH or Telnet may void your warranty and impair the device's operation. Only use these methods if you fully understand the risks and have a backup of your settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I do if I forgot my Xiaomi router administrator password?
If you've forgotten the password for accessing the settings (web interface), rather than the Wi-Fi password, it's virtually impossible to recover it without resetting the settings for security reasons. The only reliable way is to perform a reset using the button. Reset on the device's body. After this, the router will reset to factory settings, and you can log in using the information on the sticker or creating a new password.
Is it possible to find out the Wi-Fi password on a connected Android smartphone?
Yes, this is possible on smartphones with Android 10 and above without root access. Go to Wi-Fi settings and tap your network name (or the gear icon/QR code). The system will display a QR code for connection. The password is often written in text underneath the code. If there is no text, you can scan the QR code with another phone, and it will display the password in a notification or prompt you to connect by displaying a key.
Why doesn't my Xiaomi router accept the password from the sticker?
This happens in 99% of cases if the router settings were changed after purchase. During initial setup, the setup wizard always prompts you to change the default network name and password to something more complex and memorable. The information on the sticker is only relevant for a device that has never been configured or has been reset to factory defaults.
Where is the reset button on Xiaomi routers?
On most models Mi Router And Redmi Router The reset button is combined with the power button or is a separate small hole on the back panel. It is labeled as ResetTo activate, use a thin object (paperclip) and hold the button for about 5-10 seconds until the indicator changes color.