Factory Reset Mi WiFi Router 4: 3 Proven Methods

Router Xiaomi Mi WiFi Router 4 (models R4A And R4CM) is a popular solution for home networks due to its stable operation and affordable price. However, even the most reliable equipment sometimes requires a factory reset. Perhaps you forgot your password? admin panels, have experienced constant connection drops, or your router has started acting up after a firmware update. In such cases, a reset is the fastest way to get your device back up and running.

In this article we will look at all possible reset methods Mi Router 4, including hardware (button Reset), software (via the web interface), and alternative methods for emergency situations. You'll also learn how to properly configure your router after a reset, avoid common errors, and save important data. If your router stops responding to connections or displays an error 502 Bad Gateway — here you will find the solution.

When You Need to Reset Mi Router 4: 5 Obvious Reasons

You shouldn't reset your router settings at the first sign of a problem—sometimes a reboot or firmware update is enough. But there are situations when factory reset becomes the only way out:

• 🔑 Lost password from the web interface (admin/password not suitable) or Wi-Fi networks.
• 🌐 The router doesn't distribute the Internet., despite the working connection from the provider (the orange indicator is on WAN).
• 🔄 Cyclic reboot (the router constantly turns on/off).
• ⚡ Errors after firmware update, for example, the web interface is not available at 192.168.31.1.
• 🛡️ Suspected hacking — unknown devices have appeared on the network or DNS servers have changed.

If the problem is temporary (for example, slow internet during peak hours), try first diagnostic stepsReset erases all settings, including:

• 📡 Wi-Fi name and password (SSID).
• 🔌 Provider connection parameters (type WAN, PPPoE/DHCP).
• 🔒 Firewall rules, DMZ, port forwarding.
• 📱 List of connected devices and priorities QoS.

⚠️ Attention: After the reset, the router will return to the default IP address. 192.168.31.1, network name Xiaomi_XXXX and the password indicated on the sticker under the case. If the sticker is worn off, the password can be found in special section.

Method 1: Hard reset using the Reset button (for all Mi Router 4 models)

This is the most reliable method, which works even if the router does not turn on or is frozen. Button Reset on Mi Router 4 It is recessed into the body, so you will need a thin object: a paper clip, a toothpick, or an unbent paper clip.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Disconnect the router from the power supply (remove the plug from the socket).
2. Find the button Reset on the back panel (next to the port) WAN).
3. Hold the button Reset And don't let go, while you connect the power.
4. Continue holding the button 10-15 secondsuntil the indicators start flashing orange.
5. Release the button - the router will automatically reboot and reset the settings.

If the indicators do not flash, repeat the procedure by holding the button longer (until 20 seconds). On models R4CM (Chinese version) may be required 30 seconds retention.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use for pressing Reset Metal objects (needles, knives) can damage the button contacts. A plastic toothpick or the special tool included in the kit is the best option.

What to do if the Reset button does not work?

• 🔌 Check the power supply - try another adapter with similar parameters (12V/1A).
• 🔄 Try resetting your router without turning off the power (hold Reset 30 seconds).
• 🛠️ If the router doesn't respond, the memory chip may be faulty - you will need repair.

Method 2: Reset via the web interface (if you have access to the admin panel)

If you remember your control panel password, you can reset the settings using software. This method is safer because it allows you to preserve some settings (such as firmware).

Instructions:

1. Connect to your router via cable or Wi-Fi (use your current login details).
2. Open your browser and go to the address http://192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
3. Enter your login and password (default - admin/admin, if you haven't changed it).
4. Go to the section Settings → Advanced → System Management → Recovery.
5. Click Reset settings and confirm the action.

After confirmation, the router will reboot (takes ~2 minutes). If the section Recovery missing, update firmware via Settings → Update.

On Chinese routers (R4CM), after a reset, you may need to link your Xiaomi account via the Mi WiFi app. Without this, some features (such as guest Wi-Fi) will be unavailable.

Method 3: Reset via the Mi WiFi mobile app (for firmware-enabled routers)

If your Mi Router 4 flashed with alternative firmware (for example, Padavan or OpenWRT), standard reset methods may not work. In this case, the official app will help. Mi WiFi (available for Android And iOS).

How to reset via app:

1. Install Mi WiFi from Google Play or App Store.
2. Connect to the router's network (even if there is no internet).
3. Open the app and select your router from the list.
4. Go to Settings → Advanced → Reset settings.
5. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

If the application does not see the router:

• 📱 Reinstall the app and grant all permissions (network access, location).
• 🔄 Restart your router and phone.
• 🌐 Check that your phone is connected to the network Mi Router 4, and not to another access point.

⚠️ Attention: On routers with custom firmware, reset via the app Mi WiFi may lead to "bricking" (loss of functionality). In this case, a firmware update will be required UART or TFTP.

What to do after a reset: setting up Mi Router 4 from scratch

After the reset, the router will return to factory settings and will have to be configured again. minimum checklist to restore operation:

Step-by-step setup:

1. Internet connection:
   • Go to Settings → Internet.
   • Select connection type (PPPoE for Rostelecom, DHCP for Beeline/MTS).
   • Enter your provider login/password (specified in the contract).
2. Wi-Fi setup:
   • Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
   • Set a new network name (SSID) and a strong password (recommended) WPA2-PSK).
   • Turn it off WPS (security vulnerability).

The last 6 characters of the MAC address (without colons) + "XM"