How to Access Xiaomi Router Settings From Phone Via Mi WiFi App? Setting up a Xiaomi mini WiFi router. detailed instructions

Another small but very proud device, which you cannot do without if you want to connect your desktop computer to the wireless Internet. - also called Mi Portable - competes with the most inexpensive devices of this type, while providing a little more options than others.

Xiaomi produces several models of wifi adapters, the characteristic feature of which is the presence of built-in flash memory of different sizes. Our test turned out to be the most budgetary option that we purchased in a well-known store.

It is slightly larger than a ruble coin in size, so it will not interfere with the details protruding from the USB port of a computer or laptop. Our copy is branded white, although there is a whole palette on sale.

The delivery set is also very budget - a small packaging bag, a USB port plug and a lanyard.

The adapter supports 2.4 GHz, Wi-Fi 802.11N, up to 150 Mb / s - this is the most basic level, but it will be enough for everyday work with the Internet.

Xiaomi WiFi adapter installation and hotspot mode

In order to fully use the device, I needed to do some work to find drivers and software. This is due to the fact that Xiaomi Mi WiFi Adapter is made exclusively for the domestic market and all programs for it are in Chinese. But of course, the skilled programmers have already worked and translated some of them into Russian, some into English. I have collected them in a separate archive, which must be downloaded from our repository, and now I will tell you how to install all this economy correctly.

First of all, install the file "1-miwifi_setup_2.3.759.exe" on your computer - this is the Chinese original of the program with drivers. Then we copy the two remaining files “MiWiFi.exe” and “uninstall.exe” and the folder “kuaipan” to the folder where the program was installed - and replace the originals with them. They are translated into plain language replacements for the standard package. We launch the installed MiWiFi program - it will ask you to insert the adapter into the PC.

We connect the adapter to the USB connector of the computer - it is automatically recognized and starts working in the access point mode, generating the network SSID and password for connection.

After connecting to this point of the smartphone, a new window was opened informing about this, and the number "1" appeared in the main window of the program according to the number of connected devices.

If you click on this number, a list of connections will open and the ability to control them - limit the speed or ban them.

There are three main menu items in the main window of the program - let's take a closer look at them. The first one is calling the same netlist, so we will skip it.

The second is the launch of the Kuaipan cloud service, with which you can exchange files over the Internet between gadgets and computers.

There are 105 gigs of cloud storage space immediately available for download without registration.

This is, in principle, more than enough for everyday needs, but it is even better to create an account, then the space will immediately increase to 1 terabyte. To do this, go to the "Not Login" menu, the "Synchronization settings" section.

After that, the program changes color to green - now you can upload files here and then download them when logging into the service on another computer.

If the MiWiFi program is not installed on the other computer, then you can enter the service through the site kuaipan.cn - a site in Chinese, through a plug-in translator in the browser we translate into Russian. Here either again we go through the account on Kuaipan, or, like me, select authorization through Xiaomi at the bottom of the list.

We get into our account, where we find the downloaded files. You can immediately delete, rename or share them.

The third item in the form of a folder is the exchange of files within the home network using the flash memory built into the adapter. Upload the file here, after which it will appear in the list.

Now, to download it from another computer, click on the link "How to open a disc?" For access from a PC or laptop, a link to the IP address will be issued. To download from a smartphone or tablet - QR code. In my opinion, a very cool solution for those who need to transfer files via WiFi from one computer to another, but at the same time cannot share folders on the computers themselves.

WiFi adapter Xiaomi, or client mode

Now let's try to switch Mi Pocket Adapter into the mode of receiving a signal to the computer from the router. To do this, select "Client Mode" in the menu

After rebooting, select the access point through the standard Windows application, connect and the information appears in the program window.

Xiaomi USB Adapter Speed \u200b\u200bTests

In terms of speed, we did not expect anything special - after all, the device is budgetary and the technical characteristics do not shine. But at the same time, the adapter copes with its tasks perfectly and, surprisingly, does not squander the Internet speed.

For the initial setup, it is most convenient to use the MiWiFi mobile application; you can download it by scanning the QR code from the original packaging.

On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI proprietary shell, to call the scanner, it is enough to swipe from top to bottom to call the information panel. In the right corner of the search field there is a scanner call icon.

In principle, the application can be found manually on Google Play, it is called MiWiFi Router.

At the first launch, the application will prompt you to create a new Mi account, or log into an existing one. On Xiaomi smartphones, you can log into an existing account with just one click, the system will automatically detect all login parameters.

It is necessary to connect to the wireless network of the router in advance. On Mi smartphones, "native" routers are marked in the list of networks with a corporate logo. After connecting to a wireless network, the application searches for devices on the network.

The setup process is extremely simple and resembles setting up a Zyxel Keenetic router using the appropriate mobile application. A special step-by-step wizard is used in which only the most important parameters are configured.

After changing the wireless network settings, the application will automatically switch the smartphone to the new network. Everything is as automated as possible and does not require user participation. For beginners and inexperienced users just right.

By the time this post was finalized, the application has been updated with minor interface changes. The menu is divided into 4 categories: Mi Router, Storage, Plug-ins, Settings.

In the Mi Router section, you can switch between several routers (if there are several of them), as well as view statistics on traffic and connected devices.

The Storage section is focused on using an external hard drive. On Xiaomi routers, you can deploy a small cloud to which you can configure the upload of files from your smartphone when it is connected to your home network. The function is aimed at owners of Xiaomi smartphones. However, there is a desktop client for PC and Mac, which will allow using the device's functionality as a regular network drive.

The plugins section contains router settings in terms of its direct functions. But such settings as password, time zone, etc. moved to a separate section of settings.

You get used to the application very quickly, after which you unmistakably get to the necessary section. For experienced users, the list of available options will be clearly insufficient, for example, there are no IPTV settings, no support for 3G modems, and in general, all options and settings are greatly simplified and optimized for inexperienced users.

Xiaomi routers are greatly simplified in terms of settings and make them ideal for inexperienced users who need a simple and reliable solution.

A little more settings are available through the web interface, which is accessible by the domain name miwifi.com, or IP 192.168.31.1 (sometimes 192.168.28.1).

By the way, if you use Kaspersky Anti-Virus, for some unknown reason it sometimes blocks access to IP 192.168.31.1 and 192.168.28.1 via HTTP, which makes it impossible to access the web interface. Disabling the antivirus and changing the home subnet in the router settings to the more familiar 192.168.0.0/24, 192.168.1.0/24, 192.168.2.0/24 helps. In the future, no problems should arise.

If this is the first time you are setting up the router without using the mobile app, you will also be greeted with a setup wizard upon first launch.

Below you can familiarize yourself with all the available options configured using the web interface.

The list of available options is much wider than in the mobile application.

There are a couple of notes on setting up and using the interface. First, the QoS option should not be enabled if necessary. The fact is that by default, all traffic passes using HW_NAT (hardware NAT), without creating a load on the central processor. More precisely, when processing 94 Mbps? CPU utilization will be only 2-4%. When QoS is activated, the use of HW_NAT will become impossible and all traffic will go through the processor. The more devices in the network and the higher the connection speed, the higher the processor load will be, up to 100%.

WiFi performance and quality

Both routers are equipped with an excellent processor providing good performance.

Please note that MiWiFi devices are designed primarily for the domestic market of China, which is why L2TP and PPTP support is implemented here in a basic form.

When using native firmware, in conjunction with L2TP / PPTP, you can only count on 50-60 Mbit. For those who like working with a file, we inform you that on alternative firmware, both routers provide up to 100 Mbps without problems when working with VPN, and much more.

Regarding the most common types of connection via DHCP / Static IP / PPPoE / IPoE - there are no complaints about routers on the stock firmware at all, up to 95 Mbit is guaranteed to you.

In terms of Wi-Fi, to be honest, both routers were very pleasantly surprised. When you set the maximum power level "Block" (on some firmware versions "Wall penetration"), both routers "break through" the main bearing walls without any problems.

Quite expectedly, Mi WiFi Mini is slightly inferior to Mi WiFi Router 3 in signal strength, which is clearly visible on air scans.

The older model provides a higher signal level in both 2.4 and 5 GHz bands. Sometimes this difference can reach 10 dBm, but most often the difference does not exceed 2-4 dBm.

Many users have a question, why do you need 5 GHz support in a router that is equipped with 100 Mbit ports?

In a "spherical vacuum", 802.11n in the 2.4 GHz band, using MIMO 2x2 and 40 MHz channels, pumps 94-95 Mbps without problems. In real use conditions, especially in apartment buildings, the 2.4 band is loaded to such an extent that even 50 Mbit will already be an excellent result.

The 5 GHz band provides more non-overlapping channels and faster speeds.

Let's take a look at a real-world example. There is a laptop with 5 GHz support, but no 802.11ac support (802.11n only). We placed the laptop at a distance of 8 meters from the MiWiFi Router 3, between the devices there is 1 load-bearing main wall made of brick (~ 55 cm) and 2 walls half brick.

In 802.11n + MIMO 2x2 + 5 GHz mode, we got an average of 90 Mbps over the air. This is a great result.

Now let's see what happens in real life for 2.4 GHz.

Less than 20 Mbps, only, comments are unnecessary here. As you can see, there is a benefit from 5 GHz even on older devices.

Let's see if a proprietary expander can correct the situation. For fun, we tried to place Mi WiFi Amplifier in the middle. As a result, the speed became more stable and increased to 21-22 Mbps.

To be honest, I didn't expect any special results from WiFi Amplifier. The problem is, the company overdid it to make the device cheap. The expander only supports legacy 802.11b / g / n standards, SISO configuration (MIMO 1x1) and internal antenna. As a result, ideally 150 Mbit channel speed is available, which needs to be divided between clients and uplink. In conditions of noisy air, we get the same 20-40 Mbit.

Mi WiFi Amplifier is able to increase the coverage radius, but you should not expect high speed from it. The extender is more suitable for “smart home” and “Internet of things”, when there are no large speed requests to the network.

Finally

In two weeks of using both routers (daisy chain), I had no problems with network speed and stability.

There are still comments, but they relate to the features of the software. There is no familiar Russian language, there is Chinese and English. If you try to update from the official website, you may get the device entirely in Chinese. To switch to English, you need to set the “Europe” region in the Wi-Fi settings, after which English will become available. There are also special English firmware, which we recommend to use, or alternative, if you have the necessary knowledge to install them.

If you are looking for an inexpensive but powerful yet easy-to-configure router, both models are great buy, especially if you own a Xiaomi smartphone.

Of the minuses, it should also be noted that there is not a rich list of available settings on official firmware.

Online course on networking

I recommend Dmitry Skoromnov's course "". The course is not tied to the equipment of any manufacturer. It provides the fundamental knowledge that every system administrator should have. Unfortunately, many administrators, even with 5 years of experience, often do not have even half of this knowledge. The course covers many different topics in simple language. For example: OSI model, encapsulation, collision domains and broadcast domains, loopback, QoS, VPN, NAT, DNS, Wi-Fi and many more topics.

I will separately note the topic on IP addressing. It describes in simple language how to make translations from decimal to binary and vice versa, calculation by IP address and mask: network address, broadcast address, number of network hosts, subnetting and other topics related to IP addressing.

The course has two versions: paid and free.

Xiaomi routers are a budget solution for the most sophisticated Internet and local area network users. The Xiaomi Router 3G model will most likely suit you in every way as an ultra-fast wireless network router.

Review of Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3G

In appearance - the usual increased (due to non-removable antennas) packaging.

Xiaomi 3G router: it comes with a power adapter and instructions

LAN and WAN interfaces are separated from each other by one of the antennas - like the USB port from all Ethernet ports.

Ethernet / USB sockets are located between the antennas of the router

Like the Xiaomi Router 3 / Mini, the Xiaomi Router 3G only has one blue LED.

One LED is a proprietary indication feature of Xiaomi routers

Nothing more: the Xiaomi 3G router has no buttons or switches on the side.

There are no physical controls on Router 3G

A closer look: indication of Ethernet traffic exchange on site (by a pair of LEDs). There is a reset button (small hole on the left).

Ethernet indications are more varied than those on Xiaomi Router 3

The ventilation in the Xiaomi Router 3G, like that of its brothers, is almost perfect: the bottom surface of the case is a sieve with long holes.

The Xiaomi 3G router is well ventilated during work

Standard adapter - for American sockets. An adapter for euro sockets is purchased separately.

Router plug adapter not included

Externally, the Xiaomi 3 (G) routers are indistinguishable: it gives out only the number of Ethernet ports (Router 3 has two) and the color of the USB port.

The differences are only visible when viewed from behind

General indication of the operation of Ethernet ports in Xiaomi 3 and the presence of an indication of traffic exchange over Ethernet in Xiaomi 3G.

Differences are also visible on the LAN / WAN displays of both routers

Xiaomi Router 3G is slightly more compact than Router 3. It is also easy to hang it on the wall by drilling a couple of elongated holes in order to install the case on the pre-fixed screws (there is more than enough space inside). The printed circuit board with a heatsink is as compact as possible, leaving room for cooling the device during operation.

The radiator is massive and conducts heat well

The processor, RAM, Wi-Fi radio subsystem (excluding the output stages to amplify the signal to the antenna) and flash memory are located under the radiator. Ethernet microcircuits do not need additional cooling. It is possible to install a pair of miniature fans inside from a non-working PC or laptop.

Leading Xiaomi 3G chips are hidden under the radiator

The MediaTek-7621AT processor will "pull" up to 4 LAN ports - but this is already the prerogative of Xiaomi Router Pro (in the future - and higher models when they are released).

Before the MT-7621AT processor runs out of service - before a number of MediaTek-7621x CPUs (MT-76xx processor family) are updated - new versions of the Xiaomi Router will still show their worth.

Table: characteristics of the router Xiaomi Router 3G

Using third-party firmware (modified firmware Asus, TP-Link, ZyXEL, free OpenWRT / DD-WRT / Padavan software), previously unavailable functions are implemented, such as: repeater and (hybrid) bridge modes, WiFi2LAN client mode, additional guest networks and etc.

Video: Xiaomi 3G router review

Setting up a Xiaomi 3G router using the MiWiFi program

Newbies start setting up Xiaomi Router 3G not with third-party Padavan or DD-WRT firmware (full version of OpenWRT), but with the MiWiFi application.

The configuration of the Xiaomi Router series routers is simplified: Router 3G is not much different from its predecessors - the Mini and 3. For the convenience of users, all commands in the instructions have been translated from Chinese into English / Russian.

Connecting to a Xiaomi 3G router from a PC or laptop

After the first power-on (or reset), the Xiaomi 3G router will enable the open wireless network "Xiaomi_ (device_marking)". Connect to it from a PC, laptop or tablet, type mifiwi.com in the address bar of your browser.

Select Xiaomi 3G network

Now do the following.

1. Accept the agreement with Xiaomi and click Next.

   Confirm that you agree with Xiaomi PM

2. Protect your Wi-Fi network by entering a new name (you do not need to change) and a WPA-2 password.

   Assign a strong, burglar-proof wireless password

3. For maximum protection, enter a different password from the router's web interface.
4. Wait for the Wi-Fi networks to restart on the Xiaomi 3G router.

   Please wait, the router will now restart

The router is ready for further configuration.

Connect to router with new Wi-Fi password

Reconnect to the Xiaomi Router 3G network with a new password.

Changing the firmware language of the Xiaomi 3G router

In some cases, when you connect the provider's cable, access to the Network may already be turned on, so you can use the Google translator to facilitate the settings.

1. Go back to miwifi.com and enter the router settings.

   Enter your Admin password

2. Click the Routing Status tab.

   Working status of Xiaomi Router 3G

3. Give the command "General settings - System status". Download the English version of Xiaomi Router 3G software.

   You can easily change the Chinese version of Xiaomi 3G to English

4. Click the gray button - "Manual Update". Select a folder on your PC to save the Xiaomi 3G firmware file, wait for this update to download.
5. Select English in the Xiaomi Router 3G software settings.

   First, select English

6. Re-enter the router settings (using your username and password) and give the command "Status - Connected devices".

   The router also informs about the available Wi-Fi 5GHz devices

7. Give the command "Internet" - "Test (more)". Internet speed will be checked.

   The router will inform you about the internet speed and IP connection settings

8. Write down (or take a screenshot) all IP addresses. They will come in handy when reconfiguring your router.

Advanced Wi-Fi Settings for Xiaomi Router 3G

Please do the following.

Setting up a local network Xiaomi Router 3G

General configuration of the local router is performed only when the Internet is off. If the router is automatically logged into the Network, temporarily disconnect the provider's cable.

For example, the primary IP is 192.168.0.1 and the DHCP range is 192.168.0. (100-200).

Setting up general access to the Network for Xiaomi Router 3G

Please do the following.

Fine tuning the security of Xiaomi Router 3G

If malware has entered the router or your passwords become known to everyone around you, change them.

Reset, restore settings and update Xiaomi Router 3G

A factory reset may reset the web interface to Chinese version. Use Xiaomi 3G reset in case of emergency.

Working with disks and modems on a Xiaomi 3G router

The USB port of Xiaomi Router 3 supports USB drives and 3G / 4G modems. By changing the firmware to free software, universal for routers of many brands and models (OpenWRT Pro and its analogues), you may get the functionality of printers, scanners, copiers and other office equipment controlled via USB.

Of particular interest is the operation of a router as a separate gadget / router with USB-RS485, C2000-USB interface converters and other microcontrollers - via a local network, for example, control of fire and security alarms or front entrance turnstiles in a protected area. The latter of the above may require programming skills - at least minimal - to change part of the program code of Xiaomi routers (before updating). You may also need to reprogram (or at least update the firmware) the USB converter itself.

Please do the following.

1. Connect an external drive, for example, an SSD-drive, give the command "Storages".

   

The Xiaomi Mi 3 router is an excellent replacement for much more expensive competitors from TP-Link and ZyXEL. This is a good opportunity for conservative users, and for those who like to "finish" the software of gadgets to a more advanced level.

Completeness and design of the Xiaomi Mi Router 3

Unlike its brother, Xiaomi Mini, Router-3 is equipped with four antennas, creating a stable Wi-Fi zone up to 50 m.

The version of the Xiaomi router 3 differs from the Xiaomi Mini

The adapter is designed for American sockets, the kit includes an adapter for "Euro".

There is no LAN cable, like the Xiaomi Mini - please purchase it separately. You cannot hang the router on the wall - buy some narrow tray, slightly larger than the width of the router's body thickness: there are no fasteners that are put on the caps of the self-tapping screws on the lower part.

The lower part is almost like a mesh for ventilation

The antennas of the router rotate 90 degrees - it can be operated both horizontally and on the above-mentioned suspension tray on the wall.

Reduced board allows better heat dissipation

However, having disassembled the device, you will be convinced that you can cut the holes for the screw caps yourself. Too much free space - due to the reduced PCB, the manufacturer clearly did not want to seriously redo the case.

Minimalistic, like Apple's hardware, the design of the router, if not for the Mi logo, would make the user think about the American origin of the device.

Xiaomi Router 3 specifications

The characteristics of the Xiaomi Mi Router 3 are not inferior to typical models with average parameters that solve many needs of modern users - but there are still differences from the Xiaomi Mini product, for example, an increased amount of flash memory.

Table: parameters of the router Xiaomi Router 3

CPU and RAM that are decent for routers in terms of speed and speed allow the router to work without missing IP packets. Thanks to this, it is possible to simultaneously work clearly with several PCs and gadgets in the mode of intensive use of Internet traffic.

Setting up Xiaomi Router 3

Setting up the routers of the Xiaomi Mi line is simplified: Router 3 is almost no different from the Mini model. The changes in the instructions mainly affected the change of the Chinese to English language of the web interface.

Connecting to a Xiaomi router 3 from a PC or laptop

First, the router creates an open Xiaomi network. Connect to it from a PC, laptop or tablet, type mifiwi.com in the address bar of your browser.

Xiaomi router is ready for Wi-Fi setup

Now do the following.

1. Accept the terms of the contract with Xiaomi and click "Next".

   Select the terms and conditions and click the continue button

2. Assign a Wi-Fi network name and password from the router (and from its own wireless network).

   Xiaomi Router 3 will immediately configure the wireless settings

3. Here again it is proposed to combine the router password with the Wi-Fi password. Click “Continue” by entering your parameters.

   Click the continue button after entering your login details

4. Wait a minute or more - the router will launch the Wi-Fi module and be ready to configure the Internet.

   It will restart in about a minute.

The router is ready for further work.

Log in to the same network with new settings

Reconnect to the Xiaomi Router 3 network with new parameters.

Changing the firmware language of the Xiaomi router 3

In some cases, when you connect the provider's cable, access to the Network may already be turned on, so you can use the Google translator to facilitate the settings.

1. Go to 192.168.31.1 or miwifi.com and log in.

   Press the arrow button (continue)

2. Go to the Routing Status tab (basic monitoring items).

   Session of Xiaomi Router 3 with the current values \u200b\u200bof the connection speed

3. Give the command "General settings - System status". Please download the English version of the firmware for Xiaomi Router 3 in advance.

   Press the top button - manual firmware update

4. Click the gray button - "Manual Update". Select the location to save the firmware file. Wait for the router to update the firmware.

   The update can take from a few seconds

5. Select English in the Xiaomi Router 3 software settings.

   Change the language of Xiaomi Router 3 to English

6. Re-authorize after restarting (if required) and give the command "Status - Connected devices". Further commands have been translated into Russian.

   The router displayed the active connections of PCs and gadgets

7. Go to the "Internet" item and test (if necessary) the speed by clicking the "Test (more)" button. Information about a working Internet connection will be displayed.

   Test the speed if necessary and write down the IP

8. Write down the address of the gateway and DNS server - they will help when changing settings, for example, if you change the tariff or renew the contract in the event of a move.

Checking all Wi-Fi settings

First, do the following.

Now you can check the provider's settings.

Setting up the local network of Xiaomi Router 3

General configuration of the local router is performed only when the Internet is off. If the router automatically goes online, temporarily disconnect the provider's cable.

For example, the gateway address can be the well-known 192.168.0.1, and the DHCP numbering range is 192.168.0. (100-200).

Configuring Network Sharing for Xiaomi Router 3

Please do the following.

Additional security options for Xiaomi Router 3

These settings will help if, nevertheless, it turns out that a Trojan has entered your router, or someone has found out your passwords. To check them - and change them if necessary - do the following.

Resetting the settings of the Xiaomi router 3

Resetting the settings will not only "roll back" incorrect or unwanted settings, but also has a drawback - by default, the Chinese language of the web interface can be set again.

Working with external drives on a Xiaomi router 3

The USB port of the Xiaomi Router 3 supports external storage. Other USB connection functions on Xiaomi routers are implemented only after installing third-party firmware.

1. Connect an external drive, for example, an SSD-drive, give the command "Storages".

   Use the mobile version for Xiaomi Router 3

2. Select the mobile application by clicking on the Download Client link. Download the required version of the client from miwifi.com. Access to USB drives directly through the web interface of the Xiaomi 3 router is not provided. You can try to log in through a network drive connection in Windows - but the possibilities of such access are sharply limited, use the application for mobile platforms.

   For full work, you need an account on miwifi.com

3. Go to the "Storage" tab. If the disk is connected, its icon will be displayed, open the contents of this disk. Open it - all your folders and files on the disk / flash drive are in the state in which they were displayed when they were last viewed from the gadget / PC.

   With MiWiFi, you can fully manage your storage via Xiaomi Router 3

You can start working with your data. The buttons "Arrange", "Upload", "Download", "Mark" and "Back" - the basic set of functions of Xiaomi Router 3, when the file is selected, the functions "Copy", "Delete", "Rename", "Move" and " Remove selection ".

Alternative firmware capabilities

Third-party firmware is free OpenWRT software, as well as modified (compiled) BIN files (namely, the BIN format file is the firmware of any routers) from Asus, ZyXEL, D-Link, TP-Link, Tenda and other routers. The free software DD-WRT is tested by developers and testers for maximum compatibility with as many brands and models of routers as possible.

But if you can be relatively confident with OpenWRT, then, without having the simplest "coding" skills, you should not immediately "fill" the firmware from some Asus RT-N66U-N900 into your Xiaomi Router 3 / Mini. You risk getting a "brick", and only in China or the nearest computer service center you will be able to restore it again. Or for many hours - if not days - you will "rummage" around w3bsit3-dns.com and similar resources in search of working instructions for "sprinkling" the product.

Video: setting up and reviewing the Xiaomi Router 3

I specially bought a Xiaomi mini WiFi router to prepare some detailed instructions for setting up this interesting router. By the way, judging by the reviews and comments in online stores, the Xiaomi router is very popular. And this is not even strange, for a small sum we get a beautiful, powerful and high-quality router. In addition, the router is dual-band, of course, with support for the 802.11ac standard, and even with a USB port. Yes, this is a Chinese router, but Xiaomi is a good company and very popular.

The router itself from Xiaomi is very beautiful, stylish and unusual. I will review this router in a separate article. And in this article, I want to describe in detail the process of first setting up a Xiaomi mini WiFi router. I will show you how to connect a router, set up a Wi-Fi network, and the Internet. In the near future, I will prepare instructions for setting up file sharing on a USB drive, router firmware, etc.

Control panel in Chinese. What to do, how to change the language?

As for setting up Xiaomi mini WiFi, this is most likely the only point that can disappoint you in this router. The fact is that the settings of the router are in Chinese. There is no way to choose Russian, or even English. If you want the control panel to be in Russian, you will have to flash the router with third-party firmware (PandoraBox, Padavan). The firmware process itself is complex. Perhaps I will write about this in a separate article.

English can be added. You need to change the region to Europe in the Wi-Fi settings, and update the firmware. I will also write about this in a separate article. Well, I advise you not to bother, and just set up the Xiaomi mini router according to my instructions. Does anything change if the settings are in English? This is a router, you configure it, and forget about this control panel. And everything is exactly in what language. The main thing is that the Internet works well and stably.

Another point, the router can be configured from a smartphone or tablet through the Mi Router application. The application is in English, everything is clear there. We will also consider this option at the end of this article.

This instruction should be suitable not only for the Xiaomi mini model, but also for WiFi MiRouter 3, and Mi WiFi Nano.

Xiaomi Mi Router Mini: setting up Wi-Fi and the Internet

First, connect the power to the router, and connect the cable from the provider or modem to the "Internet" port.

Next, we need to go to the settings of the Xiaomi router. First, we will look at the first setup from a computer (laptop). You can connect your computer to the router like a cable (although there is no cable included)and via Wi-Fi. Immediately after turning on, a wireless network with the name "Xiaomi_some numbers" will appear. It is not password protected. We connect to it.

If you have the Internet right through your router, then it makes sense to configure it through the Chrome browser, or Yandex Browser. They know how to translate pages on the fly. And the control panel will be more intuitive. The translation there is not perfect, but still better than the Chinese characters.

1 Open any browser and go to the address miwifi.com (it is indicated at the bottom of the router)... Or 192.168.31.1 ... You can see the detailed article in which I showed. On the first page, just click on the big Chinese button 🙂 This is something like a license agreement.

2 Next, you need to set the name of the Wi-Fi network and the password to it. Password must be at least 8 characters. Since the router is dual-band, the password will be the same for networks on two frequencies. It can then be changed in the control panel. We continue with the configuration.

3 In the next window, we need to set a password that will protect the settings of the router. This password will need to be specified when entering the router settings. Enter the password and click on the button to continue. If you want the password from the router to be the same as the password from Wi-Fi, then you can just check the box. But I do not recommend doing that.

4 We see a message that the router will create two Wi-Fi networks at different frequencies, their names will be indicated there. The router will reboot.

After rebooting, a Wi-Fi network will appear with the name that we specified during the setup process. Connect to this network using the set password.

5 In the settings window, if you have not closed it yet, you can click on the button and you will see a message prompting you to install a proprietary application on your smartphone to control the Xiaomi router. You can install this application in the App Store, or Google Play if you need it. It is called Mi Router. Below I will show you how to set up a router from your phone using this application.

An important point! If the Internet via the router is already working on your devices, then the configuration of the Xiaomi router is completed. If you want, you can go to its settings, I'll show you how to do it below.

If the Internet through the router does not work, then it needs to be configured.

Entering the settings of the Xiaomi router and setting up the connection to the provider

1 Again in the browser go to the address miwifi.com... A password prompt will appear. Enter the password that you set during the first setup. This is not a password from Wi-Fi, but from a router.

2 To configure the Internet (connection to provider) go to settings on a separate page as shown below. Select your connection type from the list. Most likely you need to select PPPoE. It's just that if you had a DHCP connection type (Dynamic IP), then the Internet through a router would work without configuration. You can check the connection type with your provider.

3 After selecting PPPoE, you will need to set the necessary parameters for the connection. These parameters are provided by the Internet provider. Also, they are most likely indicated in the documents that were given to you when you connected to the Internet.

4 If the provider uses MAC address binding, then you can change it on the same page, below. Just write the required MAC. Or ask the provider to register the MAC address of your router, which is indicated in this field, or on the case of the device itself.

You need the router to connect to the Internet and start distributing it to your devices.

Configuring a 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless network. Change Wi-Fi password

If you want to change the name of the Wi-Fi network, password, channel, or for example turn off the network at some 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz frequency, then go to the settings and go to the page as shown below.

If you scroll down the page below, then you will see the 5G Wi-Fi settings there, as far as I understand the guest network settings and the region change.

As you can see, nothing complicated. Even though the settings are in Chinese.

The first setup of a Xiaomi router from a phone or tablet (Mi Router)

You can also configure the router from a mobile device. First, you need to install the proprietary Mi Router program on your phone. We install it from Google Play, or the App Store. If you do not want to install the application, then you can configure it through the browser of the mobile device, as I showed above.

Connect your smartphone to the Xiaomi router. The Wi-Fi network will have a standard name and will not be password protected. Also, do not forget to connect the Internet to the router.

On my iPhone, right after connecting, a window appeared with the settings for the router. And on Android, in the Mi Router program, you need to select the "Set up a new router" item. We indicate the place where the router is installed and press the "Next" button.

The router will check the Internet connection, and if your provider uses a DHCP connection, you will see a message that the Internet is connected. Like mine in the screenshot below. And if you have a PPPoE connection technology, then you will need to set some parameters (login, password).

The last step is to set a password for the Wi-Fi network, and change the name of the network. Provide this information and click the "Finish" button.

Please note that the password set on the Wi-Fi network will also be used to access the router settings when entering the control panel at miwifi.com.

That's it, the router setup is complete. If something did not work out, then go to the settings through the browser and change the necessary parameters.

Even without the firmware of the router in English or Russian, it can be configured without any problems, and everything will work. Yes, the settings are very difficult to understand in Chinese. Even English would be easier. There is an English version of the original firmware, in a separate article I will show you how to install it.

I really liked the router, both externally and stable work. Write your feedback on this model, share tips, and ask questions. I am always glad to help with advice!