Firmware for Xiaomi Mi-router mini on Padavan. Xiaomi Mi Wi-fi mini router firmware Xiaomi mi3 firmware padovan

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Due to enormous competition, gadgets for the Chinese domestic market, as a rule, have two important advantages at once - excellent quality at a low price. But there is also a drawback, at least in our eyes: such devices often lack localization, at least in English. And if the community has long learned to cope with smartphones, and their firmware does not cause any difficulties for anyone, then with, for example, routers, everything is not so smooth. In the review, we will talk about the capabilities of the Xiaomi Mi Router 3G router and how difficult it is to teach the gadget the Russian language. Technical characteristics of Xiaomi Mi Router 3G Processor: dual-core MediaTek MT7621, 880 MHz RAM: 256 MB Built-in memory: 128 MB LAN: 2 ports, 1 Gbit/ cWAN: 1 port, 1 Gbps Wi-Fi: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4 and 5 GHz, MIMO 2x2USB: 1 USB 3.0 port Packaging and accessories Mi Router comes in a large cardboard box, which immediately A QR code is located in several places for quickly downloading an application to control the gadget. The kit is spartan - only the gadget itself and the power supply, but the router doesn’t need anything else. The main thing is not to forget to get an adapter from a flat plug to a Euro plug, otherwise you won’t be able to connect the device to an outlet. Appearance The router body is entirely made of white matte plastic. The design is minimalist and successfully combines sharp and smooth transitions between edges. On the front panel of the device there is a single LED, which in the “default” mode does not carry much meaning. All connectors are located on the back: one WAN port, two LAN ports (all three are gigabit), USB 3.0 port, power supply connector, as well as a reset button. The four antennas (two for the 2.4 GHz band and two for the 5 GHz band) are made non-removable. The remaining edges of the case are empty, but the bottom panel is perforated over the entire area for better ventilation. First turn on For the initial setup of the router, the easiest way is to use the Mi mobile application Wi-Fi, which the manufacturer offers to download via the link in the QR code. Simple logic also suggests doing this: the program has been translated into English (although hieroglyphs still remain in some places). After the application detects the router and allows you to set up a wireless network password, you can easily connect to the device from your laptop and open the Internet -interface. But first, Mi Wi-Fi will prompt you to register a Xiaomi account. We will need it further, so we will have to agree. Well, now you can definitely go to the router’s web interface. And here an unpleasant surprise awaits us: the device control panel is available only in Chinese. If you do not speak the Chinese language, then the only way to understand the interface is to use the RUMIWIFI extension, available for Chrome and Yandex.Browser browsers. RUMIWIFI does its job well and allows you to control most of the router’s functions, although some inscriptions in our case still remained untranslated. The interface of the router's stock firmware is as minimalist as the design of the gadget itself. It has all the basic settings for connecting to the Internet in various ways and the usual functions like DDNS, port forwarding or assigning static IP addresses to local network devices, but that's about it. There are no advanced hardware management capabilities or specific network settings here, and using an incompletely translated interface is not much fun. Installing custom firmware Fortunately, there is a solution to the problems described - installing custom firmware, which is not only fully translated into Russian, but also has much more extensive functionality. We should thank for its existence the forum members Andy.padavan - the author of the firmware itself, and Freize - the developer of the PROMETHEUS script for its compilation and installation. Yes, due to copyright restrictions, you will have to compile the firmware from the source code yourself, but this is still better than nothing. In order for the script to be able to upload the firmware to the router, you will first need to gain access to the device via SSH. Instructions for gaining access are on the forum, and to complete it you will need firmware for developers from the manufacturer’s official website, a Xiaomi account and a USB drive formatted in FAT32. Among the pitfalls, we note the need to download the firmware for developers not through the Xiaomi router (otherwise we will be transferred to the web interface) and the need to manually enter the https protocol twice in the browser address bar due to errors in the operation of the company’s website. The Chinese language of the site should not be an obstacle - we only need to press two buttons. Once access via SSH is obtained, all that remains is to run the PROMETHEUS script and follow the instructions. The script only works on the Debian operating system or Linux distributions based on it. Windows 10 PC owners can try using the Bash on Windows add-on, but we preferred to build the firmware in a virtual machine with Ubuntu 16 installed. 04. According to the developer of the script, recently it has been working on new versions of this OS, so you can try running it on Ubuntu 17.10 or later. If access via SSH was successfully obtained at the preparation stage, then after performing all preliminary operations like assembling the toolchain and compiling the firmware; to install it, simply select the “Flash Firmware” item in the corresponding menu. If you strictly follow the instructions and avoid the described pitfalls, the process of changing the router firmware will last no more than one to one and a half hours, the lion's share of which will be taken by compilation. New features After updating the firmware, the router's web interface will radically change. Don’t be surprised by the presence of the ASUS logo: according to the author of the firmware, it’s all about the same copyrights. Now the router has much more advanced capabilities that can be useful for both ordinary users and experienced administrators. For example, each wireless interface of the access point can now be controlled separately, setting the Wi-Fi operating schedule, wireless network mode, channel width and other parameters. Among the professional Wi-Fi settings, we note the ability to adjust MIMO and isolate access point clients from each other. Happy owners of real IP addresses in padavan firmware can configure a VPN server. PPTP, L2TP and OpenVPN protocols are supported. The USB port in custom firmware has three main functions. The main one is file sharing when connecting an external storage device, be it a regular flash drive, SSD or hard drive. The router can be an SMB server (Windows network environment), an NFS server (Linux network), an FTP server, or even a UPnP/DLNA server with the connection of smart TVs and media players. The router also supports independent downloading of files to the drive. For this purpose, the firmware provides two applications at once: Aria2 for regular downloads and the Transmission torrent client. The second purpose of the USB port is to work as a print server, which allows you to use any printer as a network printer. Finally, you can connect a modem to the router’s USB port and use it instead of a wired connection to your ISP. This feature is useful when using a router in places remote from civilization (for example, in a country house) or for reserving the main channel. The user can control the priority of the WAN port and USB modem independently. Despite the mention of 3G in the name of the router, the gadget, of course, can also work with LTE modems. Let's verify this by testing Mi Router with the Huawei E3372 modem. In this case, the data transfer speed, of course, “floats” and depends on the capabilities of the telecom operator and the network load. Among the pleasant features of the firmware, we note the ability to control the LEDs on the front panel and Ethernet connectors, up to their complete shutdown to switch the gadget to stealth. mode.Advanced users will certainly be interested in the ability to install third-party software from the Optware and Entware repositories in custom firmware. This allows you to turn the router into a full-fledged web server with support for PHP and Python. Hardware A few words should be said about the hardware of the Mi Router 3G. The composition is based on the MediaTek MT7621 chipset, the processor has two cores built on the MIPS32 architecture, the maximum clock frequency is 880 MHz. This is a fairly powerful and modern SoC that supports speeds up to 2 Gbps, MIMO technology and is capable of working with five Gigabit Ethernet ports simultaneously. Despite this, Xiaomi limited itself to only two LAN ports in the Mi Router 3G. Most likely, this was done for marketing reasons. The amount of RAM is 256 MB - almost the standard amount for a modern home router. The internal memory is only 128 MB in size and is only available for flashing the router firmware and installing third-party software (like a torrent client). Unfortunately, we do not have laboratory conditions - we had to test the speed of the router in the busy air conditions of an apartment building. However, this is for the best - few people will use this gadget in an open field. The simplest method for measuring speed was also chosen - copying a large file between a laptop connected via Wi-Fi and a server connected to the LAN port. At a frequency of 2.4 GHz, the speed turned out to be expectedly low - only 40 Mbit/s. This is not surprising: in addition to the Mi Router 3G network, the laptop “sees” at least 13 more networks from other apartments. But at the 5 GHz frequency things are much better - the stable data transfer speed was 280 Mbit/s, rising to 320 Mbit/s at its peak. Just for fun, we tried disabling MIMO 2x2, leaving only one channel for receiving and transmitting data. In this mode, the speed did not rise above 184 Mbit/s, which once again proves the real benefits of this technology. As for the speed of surfing the Internet, the situation is as follows - as much as was received from the provider via cable, so much was broadcast by the router. This the speed was obtained one and a half meters from the device in the 5 GHz range: And so - through two walls made of gas silicate blocks 150 mm thick. The distance to the router is five meters, the 5 GHz band: Two ports are not enough? It turned out that the Mi Router 3G has two noticeable drawbacks, but each of them depends only on the point of view of a particular user. The first is the presence of only two LAN ports. For those who only use laptops, tablets and other wireless devices, one port would be plenty, while others need at least four at home. In other words, before purchasing, you should weigh your needs and decide whether the available connectors are enough for you. However, you can always buy an inexpensive switch to solve the problem of lack of ports in the future. The second drawback is the need for independent localization, which can take a lot of time in the absence of experience. Results About five hours were spent on flashing and other settings, taking into account the search for solutions to the problems that arose (the Xiaomi website did not work correctly and the scripts were incompatible with Ubuntu 17.04). If this doesn’t scare you, then the Mi Router 3G will be an excellent option for home use: thanks to the presence of four antennas and support for MIMO 2x2, the gadget is capable of delivering as high a speed as the clogged airwaves of an apartment building allow. Well, after flashing the router, it becomes a full-fledged combine, which no longer only serves as an access point, but can also be a full-fledged file server and allows you to connect to your local network from anywhere in the world. With a cost of no more than 2,500 rubles, Mi Router 3G has practically no competitors in terms of price-to-features ratio. Pros: high speed; support for external 4G modems; large coverage area; excellent functionality after flashing; beautiful appearance. Cons: complex flashing; total two LAN ports. Author of the text: Vladimir Terekhov w3bsit3-dns.com

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

Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3G review

It looks like a regular enlarged (due to non-removable antennas) packaging.

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

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

Ethernet/USB sockets are located between the router antennas

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

One LED is a proprietary feature of the Xiaomi router display

Nothing superfluous: there are no buttons or switches on the side of the Xiaomi 3G router.

There are no physical controls on Router 3G

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

The Ethernet indication is more varied than that of the Xiaomi Router 3

Ventilation in Xiaomi Router 3G, like its counterparts, is almost ideal: the lower surface of the case is a sieve with long holes.

The Xiaomi 3G router is well ventilated during operation

The adapter is standard - for American sockets. An adapter for European sockets is purchased separately.

Adapter for router plug is not included

Externally, the Xiaomi 3(G) routers are indistinguishable: they only show 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 on the Xiaomi 3 and the presence of an indication of traffic exchange via Ethernet on the Xiaomi 3G.

The differences are also visible on the LAN/WAN display of both routers

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

The radiator is massive and dissipates heat well

Under the radiator there is a processor, RAM, a Wi-Fi radio subsystem (excluding output stages for amplifying the signal to the antenna) and flash memory. Ethernet chips do not require additional cooling. It is possible to install a pair of miniature fans from a non-working PC or laptop inside.

Leading Xiaomi 3G chips are hidden under the heatsink

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 reaches its end of life - before the MediaTek-7621x CPU series (MT-76xx processor family) is updated - new versions of the Xiaomi Router will still prove themselves.

Table: characteristics of the Xiaomi Router 3G router

Parameter or characteristic	Value (tolerance)
CPU	SoC MediaTek MT7621AT (MIPS32 1004K, 2*880 MHz)
RAM	256 MB (DDR-2)
Flash drive	128 MB (SLC)
Standard, Wi-Fi range	2.4 and 5 GHz, IEEE 802.11ac
Antenna parameters	4, omnidirectional, non-removable
Number of LAN/WAN ports	2 LAN ports, WAN port
File sharing speed on LAN between PC and gadgets	up to 1 Gbit/s
Local Wi-Fi speed	up to 1167 Mbit/s
Protocols for encrypted access to the Network via WAN/LAN	PPTP, PPPoE, L2TP, IPSec
USB ports	one, 3.0
Local servers	DHCP
Encryption, Wi-Fi network protection	from Open to WPA-2
Additional functionality	DMZ, NAT, firewall, SPI, Firewall
Device operating modes	access point, repeater mode

Using third-party firmware (modified firmware from Asus, TP-Link, ZyXEL, free software OpenWRT/DD-WRT/Padavan), previously inaccessible 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

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

Setting up the Xiaomi Router line of routers is simplified: Router 3G is not much different from its predecessors - the Mini and 3 models. For the convenience of users, all commands in the instructions are translated from Chinese to English/Russian.

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

After turning on for the first time (or resetting the settings), the Xiaomi 3G router will turn on the open wireless network “Xiaomi_(device_labeling)”. 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's PM

2. Secure your Wi-Fi network by entering a new name (you don't have to change it) and a WPA-2 password.

   Set a strong, hack-proof wireless password

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

   Wait, the router will now restart

The router is ready for further configuration.

Connect to the router with a 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, Internet access may already be enabled, so you can use Google Translator to simplify the settings.

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

   Enter your Admin password

2. Go to the "Routing Status" tab.

   Xiaomi Router 3G operating status

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 - “Update manually”. Select a folder on your PC to save the Xiaomi 3G firmware file, wait until this update is downloaded.
5. Select English in the Xiaomi Router 3G software settings.

   To begin, select English

6. Log in again to the router settings (using your login and password) and give the command “Status - Connected devices”.

   The router also reports about available 5GHz Wi-Fi devices

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

   The router will report Internet speed and IP connection settings

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

Advanced Wi-Fi settings for Xiaomi Router 3G

Do the following.

Setting up a local network Xiaomi Router 3G

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

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

Setting up network sharing for Xiaomi Router 3G

Do the following.

Fine-tuning the security of Xiaomi Router 3G

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

Reset, restore settings and update Xiaomi Router 3G

Resetting the settings may reset the web interface to its Chinese language. Use Xiaomi 3G reset in case of emergency.

Working with disks and modems on a Xiaomi 3G router

The Xiaomi Router 3 USB port supports USB drives and 3G/4G modems. By replacing the firmware with freely distributed 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 the router as a separate gadget/router with USB-RS485, C2000-USB interface converters and other microcontrollers - over a local network, for example, controlling a fire alarm or main entrance turnstiles in a protected area. The last of the above may require programming skills - at least minimal - to change part of the software code of Xiaomi routers (before updating). You may also need to reprogram (or at least update the firmware) of the USB converter itself.

Do the following.

1. Connect an external drive, for example an SSD drive, give the “Storage” command.

   You can download the apps directly from here

2. Download the MiWiFi application from Google Play.

   Open MiWiFi app after downloading

3. Register on miwifi.com and launch the MiWiFi application. Click the “Set up a new router” button.

   Opening storage will take you to the contents of the flash drive or SSD drive

The “Arrange”, “Unload”, “Download”, “Mark” and “Back” buttons are the main actions with files when managing them from the Xiaomi Router 3G device. When you select a file (a group of files, a folder or a group of folders), the functions “Copy”, “Delete”, “Rename”, “Move” and “Remove selection” are activated.

Alternative firmware options

Third-party firmware is free software “OpenWRT”, “Padavan”, as well as firmware from Asus, ZyXEL, D-Link, TP-Link, Tenda and other routers, edited through special compiler applications. Free software is comprehensively tested for compatibility with routers from both well-known and recently entered the network equipment market manufacturers.

Setting up Xiaomi 3G to work with a USB modem in Padavan software

Before working with Padavan firmware, you need to install it instead of the proprietary “stripped-down” DD-WRT (or “native” from Xiaomi).

Xiaomi 3G firmware using Prometheus utility

Prometheus is available at prometheus.freize.net.

1. Launch the Prometheus application and select the Mi-R3G router (follow the Prometheus command console instructions).

   If you make a mistake with the config file, only the service center or Xiaomi representatives will help

   Before starting the firmware, the software must be processed by the Xiaomi 3G code

Initiate step 4 (router firmware). Xiaomi Router 3G will be updated and restarted.

Padavan settings are all in Russian and even more diverse than in MiRouter

New IP - 192.168.1.1 (Asus-RT program settings).

3G/4G settings in Padavan Asus-RT on Xiaomi 3G routers

Setting up a 4G modem in the Xiaomi-Asus-RT (Padavan) firmware is not much different from similar actions in the “clean” Asus firmware. In fact, Padavan is a transplant of the Asus web interface onto the source code of Xiaomi routers.

The Xiaomi 3G router will restart. You can configure Wi-Fi and LAN routing - it is similarly configured in Asus-RT routers (refer to the manual for any of the models in this line) - and use the Internet from your cellular provider.

Xiaomi routers are easy to set up. This ease of operation has not bypassed the ultra-modern Xiaomi 3G model. With Xiaomi 3G routers, you will have access to almost any of the currently known tariffs from any of the providers. Have excellent Internet speed and comfortable work!

The Chinese are amazing people. They were the first in the world to learn how to produce paper, invented gunpowder and many medicines. No less interesting are the modern inhabitants of the Celestial Empire, skilled in high technology.

The Chinese company Xiaomi appeared only 5 years ago, in 2010, but has already managed to surprise the respectable public with some of its technological solutions. One of these is the Xiaomi Mini Wifi Router.

This machine can be bought in Ukraine, but it is better to purchase it on Aliexpress - it will be much cheaper. Just keep in mind - there is a version with the same appearance with the Nano index - this is another model that has worse characteristics. Don't get confused!

So what do we get for about $27? I must say, a lot. The characteristics of the model are as follows:

• Processor MT7620A 580 MHz;
• ROM: 16 MB SPI Flash;
• RAM: 128 MB DDR2;
• There is no built-in HDD (you can connect an external one via USB);
• 2.4 GHz WiFi 2×2 (up to 300 Mbit/s);
• 5 GHz WiFi 2×2 (up to 867 Mbit/s);
• WAN (up to 100 Mbit/s);
• LAN x2 (up to 100 Mbit/s);
• External dual-band omnidirectional antennas - 2 pieces.

Yes, such a baby has a good processor and a significant amount of RAM. But this is just the beginning. The router is available in several colors: black, white, yellow, blue and pink, but most likely you will get the white one.

The router body is made of plastic and is quite flat; unfortunately, there are no mounts for wall mounting.

The router firmware is in Chinese. If you ordered on Ali, then you will probably receive an “international” version with an English interface, but after the first update it will become Chinese. Alas, this is the first and most important problem of the router - the Xiaomi Mini Wifi Router is simply not adapted for our Palestinians. Of course, there is a script for all major browsers, with the exception of IE and Edge, but it doesn’t work well. And from this the only solution follows - the router needs to be reflashed.

Today, in addition to the native firmware, there are several alternative ones. We will talk about the firmware from Andy Padawan called XRMWRT. There is also OpenWRT (PandoraBox), we will talk about it another time.

So, what are the benefits of XRMWRT firmware?

• Works great and is easy to set up;
• Excellent speed and stability;
• Everything comes included right away;
• Availability of skins;
• The standard firmware package includes quite a lot of programs;
• High degree of security;
• Originally in Russian.

• Not distributed in the public domain, requires self-assembly;
• Requires access via SSH;
• The system is in a read-only section.

For comparison, here are the pros and cons of the stock (native) firmware:

• Pre-installed and working;
• It can be controlled via an application on a smartphone/PC.

• Chinese and English, to get the language, change the wifi region to Europe and update the firmware;
• No support for USB modems;
• There is no normal L2TP support from Beeline (thank God Beeline came to its senses and in some regions allowed connecting without a tunnel);
• No IGMP (IPTV) support;
• It puts a lot of stress on the processor.

If you are a happy Linux OS user, do the following:

1. Open a terminal;
2. Download the script by entering the command:

wget -O start.sh http://prometheus.freize.net/script/start-99.sh

1. Enter:

chmod +x start.sh

1. Run the script and follow the further instructions in the terminal:

./start.sh

Don't have Linux at hand? You can use a virtual machine:

If you have a 64-bit system installed, it is recommended to use VMware Workstation Player:

1. Download and install VMware Workstation Player;
2. PROMETHEUS;
3. Launch VMware Workstation Player and add the unpacked container;

4.2. Check other container settings.

1. Start the virtual machine.

1. Download and install Oracle VM VirtualBox;
2. Download and unpack the PROMETHEUS virtual machine image;
3. Launch Oracle VM VirtualBox and add the unpacked container;
4. Configure container settings:

4.1. Configure the number of cores and RAM for the virtual machine;

4.2. Be sure to switch your network connection to bridge mode.

1. Start the virtual machine.

Prometheus Menu

Preparation:

1. SSH stock firmware hack

Allows you to gain access via SSH to the MI-MINI stock for subsequent firmware.

1. Update scripts

You can choose two upgrade options, to a stable and test version of the script. The test version is always fresher and more functional, but may contain more bugs (sometimes vice versa, but this is an exception).

1. Update source code

Allows you to update the sources from which the firmware is compiled; always perform this step before assembling the firmware.

1. Collect Toolchain

Toolchain is needed to compile the firmware; it is assembled once and is updated very rarely. The script itself will check for its presence and assemble it along with the firmware. You can skip this item, it is required only in extreme cases and forcibly rebuilds the Toolchain.

Assembly and installation:

1. Firmware

4.1. Change build config

4.1.1. Automatic editor

Allows you to enable or disable firmware modules.

4.1.2. Edit config in nano

The same as the previous point, but for those who know what they are doing.

4.1.3. Reset all edits

Restores the original config.

4.1.4. Enable RED LED for WAN

4.2. Apply skins

Allows you to install or remove additional skins for the WEB admin panel of the router.

4.3. Build Firmware

Start compiling the firmware and toolchain if it is not there. BE SURE TO FINISH ADDING MODULES AND SKINS BEFORE THIS POINT.

4.4. Flash Firmware

Flashes the latest assembled firmware.

5.1. Select from the firmware archive

You can select previously collected firmware.

6.1. Clear firmware archive

1. U-Boot

5.1. Install/update U-BOOT

This point is enough; usually U-Boot is already supplied assembled.

5.2. Build U-BOOT from source

You can update it if you are not satisfied with the version that comes with Prometheus.

5.3. Roll back U-BOOT to stock

Restores the boot sector with the version from the manufacturer.

1. EEPROM

The patch to enhance signal reception on the router must be installed once during the life of the router. Can only be done on Mi-MINI.

1. Clear firmware archive

Deletes the archive of firmware except the latest one.

Restore stock firmware or original restore point if you did it.

Exit the script or lower the menu level.

After flashing the firmware, we enter the address 192.168.1.1 and get a fully working router with excellent firmware and many goodies, including an Internet connection scanner, aria2 rocker and other things.

The topic of firmware for the Xiaomi Mi Router is very relevant for several reasons. The main thing is that its entire interface is in Chinese without any alternative. Therefore, in order to more or less understand what is written in the stock firmware, you need to install an additional translation extension in the browser. You can use it, but it's inconvenient. It would seem, why these troubles? Buy yourself another router with Russian localization and use it. But the low cost with the great technical indicators and functionality of the router is captivating. Analogues from other manufacturers sold here cost a thousand or more rubles more.

What are the options?

As you understand, it is impossible to constantly use the Chinese version. Therefore, I decided to make this guide in which I will talk about two options for flashing router firmware:

• To official English
• For Padavan or Asus version

This instruction is suitable for all models with a USB port - the Xiaomi Mi Router 3 firmware is installed in exactly the same way as the Mini.

Official firmware for Xiaomi Mi WiFi 3 router in English

So - how to translate Xiaomi Router 3 into English and no longer bother with these endless spiders.

The procedure is simple:

• Download Xiaomi English firmware
• Download it to the router
• Configure again in the English version

Firmware for Xiaomi Mi WiFi Router from Padavan for Asus

Another solution for the Chinese language in the control panel is to install a custom version of the firmware on the Xiaomi router. The most successful firmware today is the Padavan firmware, or as it is also called from Asus, named after the company for which it was originally made. The installation process is not the easiest, but if you do everything correctly, it will be no problem if you know how to use a computer at least a little. Therefore, in this article I tried to outline in as much detail as possible the entire process of updating the router software using the example of the Xiaomi Mini model for your convenience.

To achieve the final result, we will need to flash Xiaomi Mi Router several times:

• Install original XiaoMi firmware for developers
• Install Pandora firmware
• Install Asus firmware

Firmware for developers

Let's begin. First of all, go to the Xiaomi downloads page in the “ROM” tab and download the “ROM for” package for your model (Mini, 3, 3C, 3G, etc.) from the right column - this is the official version of the software for developers. With its help, we can manage the deep firmware of the router.

Next, go to the router’s admin panel at , to the “General Settings > System Status” section and select the downloaded file for the firmware. In my screenshots you will see translated interface pages through the Google translator built into Chrome - this is the most convenient way to use stock firmware. When working, for convenience, use a cable connection from the computer to the Xiaomi router - you will not need to reconnect to it every time you reboot.

The router is being re-flashed - at this time it cannot be disconnected from the power supply.

Download the necessary files and programs

After rebooting the router, we again configure it to connect to the Internet from your provider and go to the Router Club repository, where craftsmen regularly post the latest Padavan firmware and not only for several different routers. Scroll to the bottom of the page and go to the folder with the latest date.

In this folder we find another one - xrm_base, it contains the necessary firmware from Asus, download it to your computer.

In your Xiaomi Mi Router personal account, we find your account number - it is to the right of the menu next to the profile photo.

Everyone’s login will be “root” - the password will be individual.

Click on the button with hieroglyphs to the right of the password and then again in the pop-up window, also the right button - and download the file for connecting via the SSH protocol to the Xiaomi Mi Router.

It must be placed on a clean, FAT32 formatted flash drive with a size of 4 to 8 GB.

And finally, the last thing is to download the software package from our repository for Asus firmware.

Firmware from Pandora

Let's get started with the actual firmware. We take out the power cable from our router, take the flash drive and insert it into the USB connector on the Xiaomi router.
Next, press the “Reset” button with a pin and insert the power cable. We wait until the LED flashes yellow and release the “Reset” button. If everything is normal, the LED will change color to blue. If it turns red, then repeat all manipulations with the flash drive and router from the beginning.

After that, run the hfs.exe program from the same archive and add the PandoraBox.bin file to it. This is a virtual server that we launch on the computer and from which we upload the firmware to the router.

The next step is to launch the putty.exe program from the same archive - this is an SSH client that will allow you to connect to the “internals” of Xiaomi. We enter the router IP in the address bar - 192.168.31.1. Leave the remaining values ​​as they are and click the “Open” button.

A new dialog box will open, where we will first be asked to enter the login and password for the router - remember the information that we received in our account on the Xiaomi website. Login - “root”

and the password is the one the site gave you. No characters will be displayed when entering your password, so make no mistake. If the connection is successful, a greeting from the Chinese will appear.

Next, enter the command “ cd /tmp" - to get into the folder with the temporary files of the router.
After this we give the command “ wget LINK_TO_FILE_FROM_PROGRAM_HFS.EXE". In my case it looks like “wget http://192.168.151.1/PandoraBox.bin”

Next, you need to determine where exactly in your specific device to install the firmware. This is done with the command “ cat /proc/mtd". After it, a list will appear in which you need to find one of the values ​​- “firmware”, “OS1” or “FirmwareStub”. There will be exactly one of them that we will use. I got "OS1"

Now we run the command that will flash our router to the Pandora version:

mtd -r write /tmp/PandoraBox.bin OS1

Instead of OS1, as you understand, you may have firmware or FirmwareStub

The router will start flashing and then reboot.

Xiaomi firmware from Asus (Padavan)

Now that Pandora is up and running, we launch HFS.EXE again and similarly add the Asus firmware file to it - the one that was downloaded at the very beginning from the RouterClub repository.

Downloaded. Now we restart the PUTTY.EXE program again and connect to the router again, now using the new IP, which is set in the new firmware - 192.168.1.1

Here we need to log in again, for this we use the login “root”, password “admin”.
Next, go to the directory again with the command “ cd /tmp" and upload the firmware file from Padavan - Asus - " wget http://192.168.1.151/FILE_NAME.trx"- we again take the link from the HFS program.

After that, download the firmware with the command “ mtd -r write /tmp/FILE_NAME.trx firmware"- please note that here we already use the “firmware” command at the end

And we wait for the router to reboot, after which we type its IP in the browser - 192.168.1.1, which will take us to the admin panel. For authorization we use the login-password pair admin-admin. To connect to the router via WiFi to the “Router Club” network, use the password “1234567890”.

The reward of our long labors will be a new admin panel with many additional features that were not in the stock firmware. For example, the function of connecting mobile modems and distributing a guest wifi network at a frequency of 5 GHz will now be available, and this is only the very minimum of changes that have occurred.

I hope everything worked out for you too!

For greater clarity, here are two video tutorials that show the entire process step by step. By the way, installing Podovan firmware on Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 3 and 3G differs from Mini - pay attention to this!

Padavan for Mi Router 3/3G

For Xiaomi Mini

How to Return Official Firmware to Xiaomi Mi Router 3?

I have been using a Xiaomi router for quite a long time on different firmware, but for many blog readers the process of installing a third-party version of the software is too complicated, so more often I still get asked questions about how to work with Xiaomi routers in the regular official version of the admin panel. Therefore, I decided to return everything back and roll back the device to the original Chinese version in order to create a series of articles about setting up the router, as they say, “out of the box”.

Of course, I will share with you my experience on how to roll back from custom firmware to official Xiaomi.
So, first, let's go to Xiaomi routers. Everything here will also be in Chinese, so for the last time we’ll use the browser translator built into Google Chrome.

After the page is readable, switch to the “ROM” tab so that a list of routers for which firmware is available appears.
We find our model in it and download any of the two presented versions of the software - Stable or Development

The file will have some name - we rename it to

Then we drop the miwifi.bin firmware file onto it - to the very root and so that there is nothing else on it.

• disconnect the router from the power cable
• insert the flash drive into its USB port
• press and hold the Reset button with a pin
• and at the same time, while holding down the button, connect the power cord back
• after 5-10 seconds, when the orange light flashes, release the reset button