Changing the password on your Wi-Fi router is one of the basic, yet critical procedures for ensuring the security of your home network. Network equipment from the company Xiaomi (including the Redmi series) boasts a user-friendly interface and high speed, but users often encounter difficulties during initial setup or when updating credentials. Regularly updating the access key protects your network from unauthorized use by neighbors and potential hackers who could intercept your traffic.
In this article, we'll walk you through all the steps for changing your password using both a web browser and a mobile app. You'll learn the intricacies of setting it up. Mi Router, you'll understand the types of encryption and avoid common mistakes that lead to loss of internet access. After changing the password, all connected devices will automatically disconnect from the network, so you will need to re-enter the new access key on each gadget.
Preparing for the access key change procedure
Before making any changes to your router's configuration, you need to ensure the connection is stable. It's best to perform the configuration from a device connected to the router via LAN cable, as changing the Wi-Fi password will disconnect your Wi-Fi connection, and you'll lose access to the control panel if you're connected wirelessly. If a cable connection isn't possible, use a smartphone with mobile data, but be prepared for the connection to be interrupted after changing the Wi-Fi settings on your router.
You will also need to know the address to log into the admin panel. For most modern models Xiaomi And Redmi the standard address is used 192.168.31.1 or domain name miwifi.comIf you've previously changed these settings or your ISP has configured your router in bridge mode with different IP addresses, the default addresses may not work. In this case, check the sticker on the bottom of the device—it often contains the factory IP address and login information.
Make sure you have access to your account Mi AccountIf you linked the router to the cloud during initial setup, you may need to log in again. Some firmware versions may require re-authorization to reset or change critical security settings. Write down the current password or prepare a new one that meets security requirements: at least 8 characters long, and uses mixed-case letters and numbers.
Login to the router's web management interface
To begin the process, open any modern browser on your computer or smartphone. In the address bar, enter your router's IP address. Most often, this is 192.168.31.1If the page doesn't load, check your device's network card settings: the IP address should be obtained automatically (DHCP) or be in the same subnet as the router.
After the welcome page loads, the system will ask for an administrator password. It is important not to confuse The Wi-Fi network password and the password for accessing the router settings. Many users set them the same during initial setup, but these are different levels of security. If you forget the administrator password, you'll have to perform a full factory reset by holding down the reset button. Reset on the body.
What should I do if my browser says "Can't connect to this site"?
This may mean that your router's IP address has changed. Try finding the default gateway in your connection's network settings or resetting the router using the Reset button.
The control interface may be in Chinese or English, depending on the firmware version (Global or CN). Navigation is generally intuitive, but we'll cover the key menu items below. If the interface is in Chinese, refer to the icons and button positions described in the manual, or use your smartphone's image translator for initial orientation.
Step-by-step instructions for changing your password through a browser
After successful authorization, you'll be taken to the main status panel page. This displays your current speed, the number of connected devices, and the network status. To change your password, go to the settings section. Depending on your interface version, look for the tab Settings (Settings) or the gear icon.
☑️ Checklist before changing your password
In the settings menu, find the section responsible for wireless networking. It may be called Wi-Fi Settings, Wireless or Common SettingsThis is where the network name (SSID) and security key settings are located. In the field Password or Wi-Fi Key Delete the old characters and enter a new password. Make sure the encryption type is selected. WPA2-PSK or WPA3, as they provide the best protection.
After entering the new value, scroll down the page and click the button Save or Apply (Apply). The router will begin applying the new settings, which will take 10 to 30 seconds. During this time, the Wi-Fi indicator on the device may blink. Once the process is complete, the current connection will be disconnected.
Setting up via the Mi Wi-Fi mobile app
For smartphone users, the company Xiaomi developed a user-friendly application Mi Wi-Fi (or Xiaomi Home for the smart home ecosystem). This method is often even easier than using a browser, especially if the router interface is in a foreign language. Download the app from the official store (Google Play or App Store) and log in with your Mi Account.
In the app's main window, select your router from the list of devices. If it's connected to your phone, you'll see the "Connected" status. Click on the device name to access detailed controls. In the menu that opens, find the "Settings" section. Wi-Fi Settings or the icon with your network name. Here you can change not only the password, but also the network name (SSID), and enable guest mode.
Enter the new password in the appropriate field. The app will automatically check it for compliance with security requirements. After confirming the changes, the router will restart the wireless module. Mobile deviceThe device from which you performed the setup may automatically reconnect to the network if you confirm this in the Android or iOS system dialog.
Advanced security and encryption settings
The security of your network depends not only on the strength of your password, but also on the encryption protocol you choose. In your router settings Xiaomi Mixed mode is often the default WPA/WPA2-PSKFor maximum protection, it is recommended to choose strictly WPA2-PSK (AES) or WPA3, if all your devices support this modern standard. Older protocols like WEP or WPA (TKIP) are vulnerable to hacking and significantly reduce network speed.
⚠️ Attention: When selecting WPA3 encryption mode, older devices (smartphones over 5 years old, budget IoT gadgets) may stop seeing or connecting to your network. If you have a lot of older devices, keep WPA2-PSK mode.
Also worth paying attention to is the function Hide SSID (Hide network name). If you enable this option, your router will stop broadcasting the network name. You can only connect to it manually by entering the name and password. This doesn't provide 100% protection from security professionals, but it will hide your network from prying neighbors in the list of available connections.
Another important aspect is disabling the function WPSThis technology allows you to connect to Wi-Fi with the simple press of a button, but it contains critical vulnerabilities. In the interface Mi Router Find the WPS section and switch the status to the position Off or DisableThis will close one of the most common loopholes for malicious intent.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on safety |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | WPA2-PSK (AES) | High (de facto standard) |
| WPS | Disabled | Critical (Closes vulnerability) |
| SSID Broadcast | Enabled* | Average (convenience vs. concealment) |
| Password Length | 12+ characters | High (protection from selection) |
Common errors and how to fix them
One of the most common problems is when, after changing the password, the device fails to connect to the network, displaying the error "Incorrect password" or "Unable to connect." This often occurs because the phone or laptop is attempting to use a saved old key. In this case, you need to select your network on the client device and press Forget the network (Forget Network), and then enter the data again.
Sometimes users encounter a problem with the settings interface not accepting a new password. This may be due to character restrictions. Some older firmware versions Xiaomi They don't handle spaces at the beginning or end of a string, or special characters like quotation marks or dollar signs, correctly. Use only Latin letters and numbers to avoid encoding conflicts.
⚠️ Attention: If your router stops distributing internet after changing the settings, check the WAN port status. Your ISP connection settings (PPPoE, L2TP) may have been reset during setup if they weren't linked to your Mi account.
If you've locked yourself out of your router by forgetting your administrator password, a hard reset is the only solution. Locate the hole on the back panel. ResetPress it with a paperclip and hold it there for about 5-10 seconds until the system indicator flashes orange. The router will reset to factory settings, and the password will be the one indicated on the sticker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I forgot my Wi-Fi password but I have a connected computer?
If you already have a Windows computer connected to the network, you can view the saved password. Go to Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing CenterClick on the name of your Wi-Fi connection, select Wireless network properties, go to the tab Security and check the box "Show entered characters".
Is it possible to change the password on a Xiaomi router remotely while in another city?
Yes, this is possible, but only if you linked the router to yours during the initial setup. Mi Account and enabled remote control in the Mi Wi-Fi app. Remote access via the web interface via IP address is disabled by default for security reasons.
Does password complexity affect internet speed?
No, password complexity (number of characters, use of special characters) does not affect data transfer speed. Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (n, ac, ax), channel bandwidth, and airwave congestion. However, a password that is too long (more than 63 characters) may be difficult for guests to enter manually.
Why does my router require an administrator password every time I log in?
This is a standard security measure. The browser shouldn't permanently save the administrator session. If you're asked to log in too often or your password isn't accepted, try clearing your browser's cache or using incognito mode. Also, make sure your device's system time is set correctly.