How to set up Wi-Fi on a Xiaomi phone

Modern smartphones Xiaomi And Redmi While routers are renowned for their functionality, sometimes basic settings, such as connecting to a wireless network, can be challenging for users. Device owners often find themselves having to manually enter settings, especially if the router doesn't broadcast the network name or uses specific security protocols. Proper setup Wi-Fi connections is the foundation for the stable operation of all Internet services on your gadget.

The process of activating the communication module in the operating system MIUI or HyperOS It usually doesn't take long, but there are some nuances that are important to consider to ensure maximum speed and security. In this article, we'll detail the steps to help you quickly log in, as well as cover advanced settings for advanced users. Understanding the principles of operation wireless interface will help you avoid common mistakes.

Before adjusting the menu, make sure your router is turned on and has a signal. If you're far from the signal source, the connection quality may be unstable, leading to password errors. We'll cover common connection scenarios, as well as situations that require tweaking system settings.

Basic wireless network connection

To get started, you need to activate the corresponding module in the system. Open the notification shade by swiping down from the top and find the icon. Wi-FiTap it to turn on the activity indicator. If the icon isn't on the lock screen, go to the main menu and select the section SettingsHere you need to find the item responsible for connections, which in different firmware versions may be called Wi-Fi or be inside a category Connection and sharing.

Once turned on, the system will automatically scan the airwaves. A list of available access points will appear on the screen, along with signal strength indicators. Find your network name (SSID) in the list and tap it. If the network is password-protected, the system will prompt you to enter the security key. Enter the password, being careful to ensure proper case-insensitive letters, and tap the button. ConnectA successful connection will be confirmed by the appearance of a fan icon under the signal icon in the status bar.

⚠️ Warning: When connecting to public networks in cafes or airports, the system may warn you that the connection is unsecured. This means that transmitted data can be intercepted, so it is not recommended to enter bank card information without using a VPN.

In some cases, automatic connection may fail the first time due to caching of old network data. If your device remains stuck in the "Obtaining IP address" status for a long time, try forgetting the network and reconnecting. To do this, click the network name in the list of saved networks and select Delete or Forget, then repeat the login procedure.

📊 What Xiaomi phone do you have?
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POCO
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Setting up hidden networks and adding them manually

There are situations where an access point doesn't appear in the general list. This happens if the router administrator has disabled broadcasting. SSID (Broadcast SSID) for security purposes. In this case, the phone Xiaomi The network won't be detected automatically, and the user will have to create a connection profile manually. This requires precise knowledge of the network name, encryption type, and password.

To add such a network, go to the Wi-Fi control menu and scroll to the bottom of the list of available connections. There you will find the option Add a network or the plus button. A form will open where you need to enter the data. Network name (SSID) must be entered manually, without errors or extra spaces. Pay special attention to the security protocol selection, as an incorrect choice will result in an authorization error.

  • 📡 Security type: most commonly used WPA/WPA2-Personal, but can be used in corporate networks WPA3 or 802.1x.
  • 🔑 Password: case sensitive, check your keyboard layout before typing.
  • 🆔 Identifier: For hidden networks, this field is mandatory, unlike for open networks.

After filling in all the fields, click the save button. The phone will attempt to find the hidden network by the specified name and initiate a connection. If the parameters are entered correctly, the connection will be established, and in the future, the device will automatically find this network, even if it is hidden.

Why hide the SSID?

Hiding your network name isn't a reliable security method, as professional sniffers can easily detect hidden networks based on their service packets. It only protects against random users who might attempt to connect to your router.

Advanced IP and DNS settings

In standard mode, the phone receives all network settings automatically via the protocol DHCPHowever, in some cases, such as connecting to a printer or speeding up system response, it may be necessary to set a static IP address or change DNS servers. In the interface MIUI These settings are hidden in the additional network settings menu.

To access the advanced menu, click the arrow or gear next to your network name in the connections list (or long-press the network name). Find the item IP settings and change the value from DHCP on StaticFields will open for manually entering the address, gateway, and subnet mask. You can also enter DNS server addresses here, such as those from Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), which sometimes helps solve the problem when Wi-Fi is connected, but the Internet does not work.

Parameter Description Example of meaning
IP address Unique address of the device on the local network 192.168.1.150
Gateway The address of the router through which the Internet is accessed 192.168.1.1
Prefix length Subnet mask, which determines the size of the network 24
DNS 1 Primary Domain Name Server 8.8.8.8

Using a static IP is useful if you're setting up port forwarding or want your phone to always have the same address on the local network. However, be careful: if you specify an address that's already taken by another device, you'll experience IP conflict, and the internet will be lost for both devices. Make sure the selected address is outside the router's automatic DHCP range.

Dual-band networks: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz

Modern routers often support operation in two frequency ranges: 2.4 GHz And 5 GHzSmartphones Xiaomi They are also equipped with modules that support both standards. The 2.4 GHz band provides greater coverage and penetrates walls better, but it is heavily congested with neighboring routers and household appliances, reducing speed.

The 5 GHz band offers significantly higher data rates and is less susceptible to interference, but has a shorter range and is less effective at penetrating concrete floors. In the network list, access points may appear with the same name or with an additional name, such as MyWiFi And MyWiFi_5GThe optimal range depends on your location relative to the router.

  • 🚀 Speed: 5GHz delivers maximum speed, ideal for 4K video streaming and online gaming.
  • 🏠 Coating: 2.4 GHz is better suited for use in distant rooms or on a balcony.
  • 📶 Interference: If there are many smart home devices in the house, they operate on 2.4 GHz, creating a "mess" in the airwaves.

Telephone Xiaomi It usually automatically selects the best network if the names are the same (Band Steering technology), but sometimes it can "catch" on a weak 2.4 GHz signal, ignoring the faster 5 GHz. In such cases, it's recommended to separate the network names in the router settings and force a connection to the desired one.

⚠️ Please note: Not all provider plans allow you to utilize the full speed of the 5 GHz band. If your plan is limited to 50 Mbps, you won't notice much of a difference between the frequencies, other than less congestion.

Troubleshooting connection issues and resetting settings

Even with the correct settings, glitches may occur. If the phone Xiaomi If the error message "Unable to connect" or "Obtaining IP address..." appears, there are several proven diagnostic methods. Often, the problem isn't with the phone, but rather with full router memory or a temporary software glitch.

First, try restarting your smartphone and router. If that doesn't help, find the problematic network in the Wi-Fi menu, tap it, and select Delete or ForgetThen re-enter the password. It's also worth checking if the router has a filter enabled. MAC addresses, which blocks unknown devices.

☑️ Diagnosing Wi-Fi problems

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As a last resort, you can reset your network settings. This will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth settings, and mobile networks, but will not affect your personal files, photos, or contacts. Here's how to access the feature: SettingsConnection and sharingReset Wi-Fi, Mobile Networks, and Bluetooth.

MIUI optimization and additional features

shell MIUI offers a number of features to improve the user experience. For example, the function Wi-Fi Assistant (Wi-Fi Assistant) allows your phone to automatically switch to mobile data if the wireless signal becomes too weak, so you don't lose connection during calls or downloads.

Also available is the Dual-Band Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi Assist) feature, which intelligently selects the best network if the router is broadcasting two SSIDs with the same name. Game acceleration can be enabled in the settings, which prioritizes gaming traffic. Additionally, Xiaomi Allows you to share your Wi-Fi password via QR code: tap the gear icon of an active network, and a code will appear on the screen that can be scanned by another device for instant connection.

For advanced users, a function is available WPS (connection button), although its use is considered less secure. In the connection menu, you can find the option Connect via WPS, which allows you to connect to the router by simply pressing a physical button on the router body, without entering a password.

Why does the phone see the network but not connect?

Most often, this is due to an incorrect password, even if you previously entered it correctly (you may have changed the keyboard layout). Another cause is a full DHCP table on the router, which prevents it from assigning a new IP address. A third cause is incompatible encryption standards (for example, an old phone, but the router is configured only for WPA3).

How do I find out my Xiaomi Wi-Fi password if it's already saved?

In modern versions of MIUI (Android 10 and above), this can be done via a QR code. Go to the settings for the active network and tap "Share" or the QR code icon. The password will be written below the code, or it can be scanned on another phone. Viewing passwords for other networks may require root access.

Does the case affect Wi-Fi reception?

Yes, it can. Cases with metal inserts, magnetic closures, or simply very thick protective cases can shield the antenna, which is usually located at the top or bottom of the case. If you notice a drop in speed, try removing the case and checking the signal.

What should I do if my Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting on its own?

Check your power saving settings. In "Power Saver" mode, the system may disable Wi-Fi when the screen is off. You should also disable "Wi-Fi Scanning" in Geolocation, which periodically scans for networks to improve your location, which can cause short-term disconnects.