How to set up Wi-Fi on a Redmi 5 phone: from connection to troubleshooting

Xiaomi Redmi 5 — a popular smartphone that is still actively used due to its reliability and functionality. However, owners of the device often encounter setup issues. wireless networkUnlike modern models, Redmi 5 works on MIUI 9/10 (depending on the firmware), where the Wi-Fi setup interface has its own peculiarities. In this article, you'll find not only basic instructions for connecting to the network, but also hidden functions, which will help improve connection stability, save battery life, and even boost a weak signal.

It is important to understand that problems with Wi-Fi on Redmi 5 Often, these issues aren't related to hardware limitations, but to incorrect settings on the router or smartphone itself. We'll explore common errors (for example, why a phone "sees" the network but won't connect), and also explain how to Bypass the restriction on connecting to hidden networks without manually entering the SSID - a function that is not included in the standard menu MIUI for this model. If you use your phone as a hotspot or want to optimize background data usage, you'll also find practical tips here.

1. Basic Wi-Fi connection on Redmi 5

First connection to a wireless network on Redmi 5 It takes no more than a minute if you know the correct sequence of actions. Start by unlocking your screen and swiping down from the top of the display to open the notification panel. Here you will see the icon Wi-Fi — tap on it to quickly enable the module. Alternatively, go to Settings → Wi-Fi and move the slider to the "On" position.

Once the module is activated, your phone will automatically begin scanning for available networks. All networks within range will be listed, including those requiring a password (marked with the 🔒 icon). Select the desired network and enter the password. Please note: Redmi 5 supports standards 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz), but does not work with 5 GHz or Wi-Fi 6If your router broadcasts on two bands, select the network with the postfix _2G or _2.4G.

• 📶 Automatic connection: After entering the password for the first time, the phone will connect to this network automatically.
• 🔄 Updating the list: Click the Refresh button (circle arrow) if the network you want is not displayed.
• 🛡️ Security: Avoid connecting to open networks (without a password) - they can be dangerous for your data.

⚠️ Note: If you receive the error "Authentication failed" after entering your password, please check the case of the characters in your password. MIUI sensitive to upper/lower case letters, even if the router ignores them.

2. Additional Wi-Fi settings: what can be changed

The standard connection is just the tip of the iceberg. In the menu Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced (or click the three dots in the upper right corner) hides features that will help optimize network performance. For example, here you can:

• 🔋 Disable Wi-Fi in sleep modeBy default, your phone disconnects when the screen is locked. To prevent this, select "Always" under "Connect in sleep mode."
• 📊 Enable weak signal notifications: Useful if you often move around your home/office and want to monitor the quality of the connection.
• 🔍 Network scanning: The "Search for devices on the network" option allows you to see other connected gadgets (if the router supports this function).

The point that deserves special attention is Modem mode (In some firmware versions, it's called "Access Point and Modem"). Here you can set up internet sharing from your phone, but we'll discuss this in more detail in a later section. For now, pay attention to this option. "Notify about new networks" — It's best to disable it to avoid spam notifications in public places.

3. Troubleshooting connection issues

If Redmi 5 If your phone won't connect to Wi-Fi, first check the obvious: is Wi-Fi enabled on your phone and router? Is the password entered correctly? Is the router's maximum number of connected devices exceeded (usually 10-20 devices?). If everything is fine but the problem persists, try the following steps:

1. Restarting the router and phone: It's trivial, but it works 60% of the time. Unplug the router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Restart your phone.
2. Forget the network: Go to Settings → Wi-Fi, tap the problematic network and select "Forget." Then reconnect.
3. Changing the channel on the router: If the network is unstable, it may be due to channel congestion. Go to the router settings (usually through 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and change the channel from "Auto" to a fixed one (for example, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz).

If your phone "sees" the network, but the connection keeps dropping, try disabling the option Wi-Fi Analysis in the advanced settings. This function is in MIUI Sometimes it conflicts with some routers. Also, check if the MAC address filter is enabled on your router. If so, add the MAC address of your router. Redmi 5 (you can find it in Settings → About phone → General information → Wi-Fi MAC address).

⚠️ Attention: If after the update MIUI If Wi-Fi has completely disappeared (the icon is gray and won't activate), this could indicate a firmware issue. In this case, a factory reset will help.Settings → Advanced → Backup & reset) or reflashing through Fastboot.

What to do if Wi-Fi connects but the internet doesn't work?

If your phone is connected to the network but pages are not loading, check the following:

1. DNS servers: Try manually entering Google's DNS (8.8.8.8 And 8.8.4.4) in the network settings (tap on the network → "Edit" → "Show advanced settings" → "IP settings" → "Static" → enter DNS).

2. Proxy: Make sure that proxy server is not enabled in your Wi-Fi settings (Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Proxy should be "No").

3. Router limitationsSome providers block internet access for new devices. Check your provider's account to see if MAC address binding is required.

4. How to connect to a hidden Wi-Fi network

Hidden networks (those that do not broadcast their SSID) is not uncommon in offices or home networks with increased security requirements. MIUI For Redmi 5 There is no separate "Add network" button in the Wi-Fi menu, but you can bypass this limitation:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Scroll down the list of networks and click on the item Add Network (it may be hidden behind the menu button with three dots).
3. Enter exact SSID hidden network (check with your network administrator).
4. Select the security type (WPA2-PSK — the most common option).
5. Enter your password and save your settings.

If the "Add network" option isn't available even after tapping the three dots, try this alternative: connect to any open network (for example, at a cafe), then return to the Wi-Fi settings and tap the menu button—sometimes the option only appears after the first connection. You can also use third-party apps like WiFi Manager, but they require root rights to function properly.

Check the exact SSID with your administrator|Check the security type (WPA2-PSK, WPA3, etc.)|Make sure your router isn't blocking new connections|Disable your VPN (it may be interfering with your connection)

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5. Optimize Wi-Fi to save battery life

The Wi-Fi module is one of the main "eaters" of charge on Redmi 5, especially if your phone is constantly scanning for networks or maintaining a connection in the background. To extend battery life without sacrificing functionality, use these tips:

• 🔋 Disable auto-connection to weak networksIn your Wi-Fi settings, disable the "Automatically connect to open networks" option. This will prevent your device from constantly trying to connect to untrusted hotspots.
• ⏳ Limit background activity: Go to Settings → Battery → Power saving mode and turn it on. In this mode, background apps will not use Wi-Fi for syncing.
• 📵 Use Adaptive Wi-Fi: In some firmware MIUI There's a feature that automatically turns off Wi-Fi when the signal is weak and switches to mobile data. Find it in Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced.

Another effective way is to set up Wi-Fi scheduleIf you know you don't need the network at night or during certain hours, turn it off automatically. You can use apps like Tasker or MacroDroid, which allow you to create time-based rules. For example, "Turn off Wi-Fi from 12:00 AM to 7:00 AM." This is especially useful if you leave your phone charging overnight—it won't waste power maintaining the connection.

6. Using Redmi 5 as a Wi-Fi hotspot

Your Redmi 5 It can not only connect to Wi-Fi but also share internet with other devices. This feature is called "tethering" or "hotspot." To activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Tethering & Hotspot → Wi-Fi Hotspot.
2. Turn on the "Wi-Fi hotspot" slider.
3. Set up a network name (SSID) and password (minimum 8 characters).
4. Select range 2.4 GHz (5GHz not supported).
5. Save the settings and connect other devices to the created network.

By default, the hotspot turns off after 10 minutes of inactivity. To avoid this, set the "Turn off when idle" option to "Never" in the hotspot settings. Also note: traffic limitationIf you have a limited data plan, monitor your data usage through the menu. Settings → Data Transfer → Traffic Usage.

⚠️ Note: When using a hotspot, your phone's battery will drain significantly faster. To reduce the load, connect Redmi 5 to charge or reduce the screen brightness.

7. Boost Wi-Fi signal on Redmi 5

A weak Wi-Fi signal is a common problem, especially in large apartments or offices with thick walls. Redmi 5 You can improve the reception a little in the following ways:

• 📡 Change the position of the router antennaIf your router has external antennas, point them vertically or at a 45-degree angle. Sometimes even a slight change in position can improve signal strength.
• 🔄 Change the channel on your router: As mentioned earlier, channels 1, 6, and 11 are the least susceptible to interference. Use the app WiFi Analyzer (available in Google Play) to find the freest channel.
• 📶 Use a signal repeaterIf your router is far away, install a repeater closer to the weak signal area. This is a low-cost solution that works with any device, including Redmi 5.

You can enable the option on the phone itself "Improve Wi-Fi reception" (if it is in your firmware). Find it in Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced. It's also worth disabling. Wi-Fi Analysis, as this feature constantly scans the air, which can interfere with a stable connection. If the signal is still weak, try connecting to the router via WPS (button on the router) - sometimes this helps to establish a more stable connection.

Frequently Asked Questions

My Redmi 5 can't see the 5 GHz network. Is this normal?

Yes, Redmi 5 only supports range 2.4 GHzThis is a hardware limitation that can't be circumvented using software. If your router broadcasts on two bands, connect to the network with the postfix _2G or _2.4G.

How to reset Wi-Fi settings to factory settings?

Go to Settings → System → Advanced → Backup & reset → Reset network settingsThis will delete all saved networks and passwords and reset network settings to their default values. Attention: After the reset, you will have to re-enter passwords for all networks.

Can Redmi 5 be used as a Wi-Fi repeater?

No, Redmi 5 does not support repeater mode at the software level. For this task, you will need a specialized device or a router with this function. WDS.

Why is Wi-Fi slow even though the signal is full?

There may be several reasons:

• Channel congestion (change the channel on the router).
• Speed ​​limitation by the provider.
• Background app refresh (check in Settings → Applications → Startup).
• The router firmware is outdated (update it via the web interface).

How to connect to Wi-Fi without a password (for example, in a hotel)?

Some public networks require browser authorization. Once connected to such a network, open any browser (for example, Chrome) - a window should appear asking you to enter your login/password or accept the terms of use. If the window doesn't appear, try opening the page http://captive.apple.com or http://neverssl.com.