How to Setup and Configure the Xiaomi Mi WiFi Repeater

The Xiaomi Mi WiFi repeater (or extender) is a handy little device that extends the range of your WiFi network. Most of us know that WiFi networks are limited in range. If you have a large house with two or more floors, staying connected to your WiFi is a big problem. This is where WiFi repeaters or extenders come in; these devices ensure that you have strong Internet connection wherever you are in the building.

You might have bought the Mi WiFi repeater or the Xiaomi Mi WiFi Repeater Pro because you are sick of weak and spotty connections when you’re far away from the main router. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to setup and configure your Mi WiFi repeater to work with your router. This guide is also applicable for the newer Xiaomi Mi Wifi Repeater Pro.

First, download the Xiaomi Home app from Google Play or the App Store.

If you haven’t already done so, connect the Mi WiFi repeater to a USB power source. If you don’t have a USB outlet, you can use a powerbank or a USB wall charger. For the Xiaomi Mi WiFi Repeater Pro, just plug it to an AC power source. A blinking orange LED light will indicate the repeater is already powered on.

Launch the Xiaomi Home app and choose “Agree” to the terms and conditions. You can also join the User Experience Program if you want.

Next, select Chinese mainland as the country and region. This is important. Selecting any other country may cause the setup to fail. Tap the “Save” button to proceed.

Under phone authorizations, check “Select all” and tap “Next.”

Select “Allow” to the next three authorization requests.

On the app’s home screen, tap “Sign in.” You will then be asked to sign in to your Mi account. If you don’t have a Mi account yet, just click the “Create account” link to sign up.

Once you’re logged in, tap “Add device.”

There will be a notification to turn on Bluetooth. Tap “Turn on.”

The app will detect the Mi WiFi repeater. Choose your Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi repeater by tapping on it.

Select your router and select “Tap to enter password.”

Enter your WiFi password and press “OK.”

Tap “NEXT” to continue.

Wait for the Mi Home app to configure the repeater.

If the setup keeps failing, you will have to bring the Mi WiFi repeater closer to the router. Just return to repeater to the intended location after the connection was successful. You can also check if you entered the wrong or incorrect WiFi password.

If the Xiaomi Home app is still unable to detect the Mi WiFi repeater, reset it by inserting a pin into the reset hole or button for 5 seconds. When the status light turns yellow, the repeater has been successfully reset. Perform the connection process once again.

Congratulations! Your Mi WiFi repeater is now added to your network.

Select the room (e.g. living room, bedroom, dining room) and tap “NEXT.” If you want, you can rename the device. The default is “Wi-Fi amplifier.” Tap “NEXT.”

Press “Let’s Get Started” to start using your Xiaomi Mi WiFi repeater or extender. The LED light will turn blue to indicate a successful configuration.

That’s it! Your Mi WiFi repeater has been successfully connected to your router. The SSID or network name for your extended network is your original network name followed by _plus. In this example, the WiFi name is “PLDTFibr-Luis_plus.”

To use the same network name as your original WiFi network, turn on Wi-Fi roaming as shown in the screenshot above. You will have to set the extended network name the same as the original network.

To change the network name and password, tap Wi-Fi settings.

You can also view the list of devices that are connected to the Mi WiFi repeater’s network, along with their MAC addresses and IP. Unfortunately, there’s no option to block or limit the Internet speed of the connected devices.

The Mi Wi-Fi repeater can even connect with other Wi-Fi repeaters or extenders such as Google Wi-Fi. It’s a nice option to extend the range of your Wi-Fi network without buying another router. And it’s cheap, usually priced at less than ₱400 or $8.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

If you get the “Connecting to network timed out” error, you can either click “Try Again” to make another attempt, or you can go back to the previous steps and re-enter the WiFi password.

In the vast majority of cases, the culprit is a wrong or incorrect WiFi password. As long as your router and phone are connected to the Internet, and the Mi WiFi repeater is situated close to the router, then the problem is most likely a wrong WiFi password.

If you’re still getting the “Connecting to network timed out” error despite entering the correct password, then you might have to reset the repeater. To do that, tap “View details” and then “Add Device Again.” Follow the instructions for resetting the repeater. You will have to insert a pin into the reset button for at least 5 seconds and wait for the status light to go off and blink again. After that, you’ll have to start the connection process once again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Xiaomi Mi WiFi repeater improve my Internet speed?

No, the Mi WiFi repeater only extends the range of your Wi-Fi network, and will not boost Internet speeds.

What should I do if I get the “Connecting to network timed out” error?

If you get the “Connecting to network timed out” when setting up your Mi WiFi repeater, return to the previous steps and re-enter your Wi-Fi password. Make sure that you provide the correct Wi-Fi password.

I still get the “Connecting to network timed out” error despite entering the correct password. What should I do?

If you’re sure that you entered the correct Wi-Fi password, and you still encountered the “Connecting to network timed out” error, you can try resetting the repeater by inserting a pin into the reset button for at least 5 seconds.

If you’re still having problems with the Xiaomi Mi WiFi repeater, post your comment below and we’ll do our best to answer your questions.