Many users are familiar with the situation when their home network stops working correctly. The router may stop detecting devices, internet speed may drop to a crawl, or you may have simply forgotten the password for the admin panel. In such cases, the most effective solution is to reset the device. Resetting the router Xiaomi (or Mi Router) allows you to eliminate software failures that accumulate over long periods of use.
A factory reset (hard reset) completely clears your device's memory of user data. This means all changes you've made, including provider settings, network name, and passwords, will be deleted. Factory reset This often helps resolve issues that can't be resolved through the standard management interface. However, before starting the procedure, it's important to understand that you'll need to reconfigure your internet connection.
There are several ways to restore a router to life: a physical reset via the button on the router's housing or a software reset via the web interface. The method you choose depends on whether you have access to the admin panel and whether the router itself is working. In this article, we'll cover both options in detail and answer frequently asked questions from owners of this brand's equipment.
⚠️ Important: Before resetting, make sure you have your contract with your ISP. You will need your login and password to connect to the network (PPPoE, L2TP, or IPoE), as the router will be "clean" after the reset.
Preparing to reset your router
Before pressing the coveted button, it's necessary to perform a few preparatory steps. This will help avoid a situation where you have internet access but can't reconfigure the router. First, check your internet service provider contract. It specifies the connection type and authorization details required to access the network after the reset.
If possible, take screenshots of your current settings or simply write them down. Pay particular attention to the parameters WAN connections and wireless network settings. It's also worth disconnecting all unnecessary devices from the router, leaving only one computer or laptop connected via cable. This will prevent IP address conflicts during a reboot.
Make sure the device is receiving a stable power supply. Using the original power supply is critical, especially if you plan to perform a soft reset. Unstable power can interrupt the memory clearing process, resulting in corrupted firmware. In rare cases, this can brick the router, requiring a firmware update via the console ports.
- 🔌 Find your contract with your provider and write down your internet login/password.
- 📝 Write down your current Wi-Fi network password if you plan to keep it the same.
- 💻 Connect your computer to the router via a LAN cable for a stable connection.
- 🔋 Check that the power indicator is on steadily and without blinking.
Physical reset via the Reset button
The most reliable and universal method, which works even if the router is frozen or you don't remember the web interface password. On most models Xiaomi Mi Router (e.g. 3G, 4A, 4C, AX3600) there is a special hole. It can be labeled as Reset or indicated by a circular arrow symbol.
To perform the procedure, you will need a thin object: a paper clip, a toothpick, or a needle. Insert the object into the hole and locate the button. Press with moderate force, but do not press too hard to avoid damaging the contacts on the circuit board. Hold the button down for 5-10 seconds. The system indicator will begin flashing orange or yellow, indicating the process has begun.
Release the button only after the indicator changes its behavior (usually it starts blinking rapidly or goes out). The router will reboot, which can take up to 2-3 minutes. During this time system files The data is rewritten and the configuration is restored to the factory defaults. Do not turn off the power at this point, even if the device appears to be frozen.
☑️ Physical reset algorithm
⚠️ Please note: On some models, such as Xiaomi Router 3GThe reset button may be combined with the power button. In this case, the procedure may differ: sometimes you'll need to hold the power button while applying power.
Software reset via web interface
If you have access to the router's control panel, you can reset it programmatically. This method is safer for the device's file system, as the process is initiated by the router's operating system itself. To access the interface, open a browser and enter [unclear] in the address bar. 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com.
After logging in (the default password is often found on a sticker on the bottom if you haven't changed it), go to the settings section. Depending on your firmware version (Chinese or global), the path may vary. Look for the "Status," "System Settings," or "Administration" tab. There should be a "Reset" or "Restore Factory Defaults" button.
The system will ask you to confirm the action. This is to prevent accidental resets. After confirmation, the router will begin the cleaning process. NVRAM memory, where user configurations are stored. The device will reboot automatically. The advantage of this method is that you can see the process status on the screen, although in the case of Xiaomi, it happens quite quickly.
| Router model | Entrance address | Reset location | Retention time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Mi Router 4A | 192.168.31.1 | At the back, near the ports | 5-7 seconds |
| Xiaomi Mi Router 3G | 192.168.31.1 | At the back, a deep hole | 10 seconds |
| Xiaomi AX3600 | 192.168.31.1 | Bottom of the body | 5 seconds |
| Mi Wi-Fi Nano | 192.168.31.1 | On the side, a small hole | 10 seconds |
What to do if the web interface does not open?
If the page 192.168.31.1 doesn't load, check your PC's network card settings. It should be set to "Obtain an IP address automatically." Also, try a different browser or incognito mode. Sometimes clearing the DNS cache with the ipconfig /flushdns command in the command line helps.
Reset via the Mi Wi-Fi mobile app
Smartphone owners can control the ecosystem Xiaomi via the branded application Mi Wi-Fi (available on Google Play and the App Store). This method is convenient if you don't have a computer and don't have access to the web interface. The app allows you to perform a full reset in just a few taps, from anywhere in your home where you have Wi-Fi coverage.
After logging into the app, select your router from the list of devices. Go to the "Settings" section (usually a gear icon or three dots in the corner). Find "About" or "Status." At the very bottom of the list of options, there's often a "Reset settings" or "Factory Reset" button.
The app will warn you of the consequences. After confirming, the router will reboot. It's important to note that your phone must be connected to the router's Wi-Fi network for the app to work. If the network isn't working at all, this method won't work, and you'll have to use the physical button. Mobile control It also allows you to run the Quick Setup Wizard immediately after the reset.
- 📱 Open the app Mi Wi-Fi on a smartphone.
- 🔧 Go to the settings of the connected router.
- 🔄 Select "Reset settings" in the service menu.
- ✅ Confirm the action and wait for the device to reboot.
⚠️ Note: The app interface may differ depending on your account region (China/Global). If you don't find the option you need, try changing the region in your app profile settings.
Setting up a Xiaomi router after a reset
Once the reset process is successfully completed, the router creates an open Wi-Fi network. This is usually called Xiaomi_xxxx or MiWiFi_xxxx, where xxxx is the last digits of the MAC address. Connect to this network from your phone or computer. A password is not required at this stage.
When you try to open any website, your browser will automatically redirect you to the welcome page. If this doesn't happen, manually enter the address. 192.168.31.1The setup wizard will prompt you to select a language (often only Chinese and English are available, but there are options for Russification) and create a new administrator password.
Next comes the most important step: setting up your connection to your ISP. The router will attempt to automatically detect your connection type. If you have a dynamic IP (DHCP), internet access may be available immediately. For PPPoE, L2TP, or static IP, you'll need to manually enter your contract details. Don't forget to also set a name and password for your new Wi-Fi network.
Possible problems and their solutions
Despite the simplicity of the procedure, users may encounter difficulties. One common issue is that the router doesn't reset. If, after holding the button, the device simply reboots as if nothing happened, you may not have held the button long enough or too short. Try increasing the hold time to 15–20 seconds.
Another common issue is a "reboot loop." The router constantly flashes and won't return to normal operation. This could indicate firmware corruption. In this case, a simple reset won't help. A TFTP recovery procedure or a special tool will be required. Xiaomi Router Repair Tool on PC.
Users also often complain that the internet connection has disappeared after a reset, even though the settings are correct. Check that the connection type is selected correctly. Sometimes providers bind subscribers by MAC address. In this case, in the router settings (WAN or Internet section), find the "MAC address cloning" option and copy the address of your network card.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will this reset my internet password?
No, the password for the internet service itself (provided by your ISP) is stored on the ISP's side. However, the router will "forget" this password, and you'll have to re-enter it in the settings after a reset so that the router can authenticate to the ISP's network.
Is it possible to reset the router if I don't remember the admin password?
Yes, that's exactly what the physical button is for. ResetIt allows you to bypass a forgotten administrator password and regain access to device management by restoring factory credentials.
Is it harmful for a router to reset frequently?
The reset procedure writes new data to non-volatile memory. Frequent write cycles (thousands of times) could theoretically wear out the memory, but in everyday use (once a month or a year) this is completely safe and will not shorten the lifespan of the device.
What should I do if the router doesn't create a Wi-Fi network after a reset?
Wait 3-5 minutes after turning it on. If the network still doesn't appear, check the indicators. A red system indicator indicates an error. Try reconnecting the ISP cable to the WAN port (blue) and repeating the reset process by holding the button longer.