Xiaomi's modern Redmi series smartphones are among the most popular Android devices, and the Redmi 8 is no exception. Despite its budget-friendly price point, this device features a reliable wireless module, which, however, requires proper initial configuration for stable operation. Users often need to not only enable data transfer but also optimize connection parameters to achieve maximum speed.
The setup process may seem trivial, but the MIUI shell has many nuances that affect the quality of the internet connection. Connection stability Depends not only on the router but also on how the smartphone processes network signals. In this guide, we'll cover every step, from basic connection to resolving complex IP address conflicts.
Please note that MIUI software is constantly updated, and the layout of some menu items may change slightly depending on the firmware version. However, the basic logic of network modules has remained unchanged for many years. Below are the current steps for successfully integrating your device into a local network.
⚠️ Note: The MIUI interface may vary depending on your regional firmware version (Global, China, EEA). If you don't see this option, check for system updates or look for a similar feature in the advanced settings.
Basic wireless network connection
The first step is always to activate Wi-Fi. To do this, simply unlock the Redmi 8 screen and swipe down from the top to open the control panel. Find the wireless network icon and tap it to activate the Wi-Fi scan. The indicator will change color, indicating it's ready to scan for available hotspots.
If the automatic search doesn't return the desired network, you should go to the main settings menu. Find the section Settings → Wi-FiThe list that opens will display all available networks within the router's range. Network SSID (name) is usually printed on a sticker on the bottom of the router, unless you changed it manually during the initial installation of the provider's equipment.
Select the desired name from the list. The system will prompt you to enter a security password. Be careful when entering letters: case is important, and characters like "0" (zero) and "O" (letter) are often confused. After entering, press the connect button, and your phone will attempt to obtain an IP address from the router.
- 📡 Make sure the Wi-Fi switch is blue, which means it is actively searching.
- 🔑 The password must contain at least 8 characters for the WPA2-PSK standard, which is used by default.
- 🔄 If the "Obtaining IP address" status persists for a long time, try rebooting your router.
Once successfully authorized, a checkmark will appear next to the network name and a signal icon will appear in the status bar. Your Redmi 8 is now ready to transfer data over the local network.
Setting up static IP and DNS
In some cases, dynamic address allocation (DHCP) doesn't work correctly, especially on congested networks with many devices. The Redmi 8 allows you to manually configure network parameters. To do this, in the Wi-Fi menu, tap your network name or the arrow to the right of it to expand additional options.
Find the item IP settings and change the value from DHCP on StaticFields for entering numerical values will open. It's important to avoid errors here, as an incorrect gateway will result in no internet access, even if the connection to the router is established.
Why do you need a static IP?
A static IP address is useful if you are setting up port forwarding, using your phone as a server, or want the router to always assign the same address to your device to ensure stable operation of local services (such as printing or file transfer over LAN).
In the "Gateway" field, you usually enter the address of the router itself, most often it is 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1DNS servers can be left automatic or specified with public addresses from Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare for faster response.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended manual value |
|---|---|---|
| IP address | Automatically | 192.168.x.150 (where x is the router's address) |
| Gateway | Automatically | 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 |
| Network prefix length | 24 | 24 (do not change) |
| DNS 1 | Automatically | 8.8.8.8 |
⚠️ Important: When manually setting an IP address, make sure the selected value is not already occupied by another device on the network. Otherwise, an address conflict will occur and the Internet will be lost for both devices.
☑️ Checking static settings
Diagnosing connection problems
It's common for the Redmi 8 to see the network but not connect. This is often due to incompatible security standards or frequency bands. Budget models sometimes struggle with the 5 GHz band at long distances from the router, preferring the longer-range but slower 2.4 GHz band.
If your phone displays "Authentication Error," you most likely entered the wrong password or have MAC address filtering enabled on your router. Check the list of connected devices in your router's admin panel. You can also try forgetting the network: click on the network name in the Wi-Fi menu and select Delete or Forget, then enter the password again.
Another cause of crashes could be an overflowing network service cache. MIUI has a built-in diagnostic tool. Go to Settings → Connection & Sharing → Wi-Fi AssistThe system will conduct an automatic check and suggest correction options.
- 🛑 The "Unable to obtain an IP address" error can be resolved by rebooting the router or changing the encryption type to WPA2.
- ⏳ A long connection may indicate a weak signal or interference from the microwave.
- 🔒 Check if there is a time limit (Parental Control) on your router.
Reset network settings on Redmi 8
When simple methods fail, a more radical approach is required: resetting all network settings. This will return Bluetooth, mobile data, and Wi-Fi settings to factory defaults. It's important to understand that saved Wi-Fi passwords will be deleted and will need to be re-entered.
To perform the operation, go to the menu Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and BluetoothThe system will warn you of the consequences. Click the button. Reset settings at the bottom of the screen. You may be asked to enter your screen unlock PIN or Mi account password for confirmation.
After restarting your phone, try connecting to the network again. This method is effective for software glitches, such as when the Wi-Fi module gets stuck in an incorrect state and can't complete the handshake with the router.
⚠️ Note: Resetting network settings does not affect your personal files, photos, or apps. It only deletes connection configurations and paired Bluetooth devices.
Speed and stability optimization
For Redmi 8 owners, the issue of not only connectivity but also call quality is relevant. The MIUI shell has a feature Wi-Fi Assistant, which automatically switches your phone to mobile data if the Wi-Fi signal becomes too weak. This is useful, but it can use up your data plan.
You can set up this feature in the Wi-Fi menu by clicking on the menu icon (three dots or gear) and selecting Wi-Fi AssistantHere you can set the signal threshold at which switching occurs, or disable the function completely to save battery and traffic.
It's also worth paying attention to the "Tethering" or "Wi-Fi Sharing" feature. The Redmi 8 can function as a hotspot. In this mode, the phone broadcasts internet access via a mobile network or another Wi-Fi network (repeater mode is not supported on all Android versions, but mobile data sharing works reliably).
For maximum speed, it is recommended to select the channel with the least congestion in your router settings. At 2.4 GHz, it is best to use channels 1, 6, or 11, as they do not overlap. The channel width should be set to 20 MHz for stability or 40 MHz for speed, if the air is clear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why doesn't Redmi 8 see the 5 GHz network?
The Redmi 8's Wi-Fi module supports dual-band mode, but 5 GHz network visibility depends on your regional settings and firmware version. Make sure the SSID isn't hidden in your router settings and that you're using a channel in the 36-64 range, as some higher channels may not be supported.
How to increase the Wi-Fi range on your phone?
Software-based methods can't significantly increase reception strength due to hardware limitations. However, removing the phone's case (if it contains metal) and moving it closer to the router can help. Disabling Bluetooth, which can interfere with the 2.4 GHz band, also helps.
What to do if Wi-Fi turns off on its own?
Check your power saving settings. MIUI has aggressive battery optimizations that can disable Wi-Fi in the background. Go to Settings → Battery and select "Unlimited" mode for system services or try disabling "Sleep mode" in Wi-Fi settings.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if the phone is connected to Wi-Fi?
On the stock MIUI firmware for the Redmi 8, the Wi-Fi repeater feature is often blocked by software. The phone can only share mobile data. Implementing the repeater feature requires root access and third-party software.