How to set up Wi-Fi on a Xiaomi Redmi: from basic connections to advanced settings

Smartphones Xiaomi Redmi remain among the most popular devices on the market due to their combination of price, performance, and flexible settings. However, even experienced users sometimes encounter difficulties with setup. Wi-Fi — whether it's problems connecting to a new network, slow internet speed, or sudden connection drops. In this article, we'll look into all stages of Wi-Fi setup on Redmi, from basic connectivity to advanced optimization for gaming, streaming, and smart home integration.

Peculiarity Xiaomi - branded shell MIUI, which is regularly updated and changes the menu layout. We will take into account the latest firmware versions (including MIUI 15/16 at the base Android 14/15) and we'll show you how to adapt the instructions to your model - whether it's Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 13C or earlier devices. You will also learn how to diagnose common errors (for example, IP conflict or Authentication...) and what to do if the network is not saved after reboot.

Important: If you use Redmi as an access point for other devices (for example, a laptop or tablet), the article has a separate section with settings modem mode and tips on saving traffic. And for owners Redmi with NFC We've added a bonus feature on how to quickly connect to secure networks using tags.

1. Basic Wi-Fi connection on Xiaomi Redmi

Let's start with the simplest thing—connecting to your home or office network. Even if you've never set up Wi-Fi before, Redmi, this section will help you get it right the first time.

Open Settings (gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu). Next, go to the section Wi-FiHere you'll see a list of available networks. If your network isn't showing up, make sure:

• 📶 The router is turned on and is within the coverage area (at a distance of up to 10–15 meters without obstacles).
• 🔄 Airplane mode is disabled (check the top notification bar).
• 🔒 The network is not hidden (if hidden, click Add a network manually).
• 📱 Wi-Fi is on (the slider at the top of the screen must be active).

Select your network from the list and enter the password. If the password is entered correctly but the connection fails, check:

• 🔠 Character case (passwords are case sensitive).
• 📵 Security type (the router settings should be WPA2-PSK or WPA3).
• 🔄 Rebooting the router (Sometimes it helps to just turn it off and on again).

After a successful connection, a check mark will appear next to the network name and an icon will appear in the top panel. Wi-Fi with the signal strength. If the icon flashes or disappears periodically, proceed to the section Problem Solving.

2. Advanced Wi-Fi settings in MIUI

Branded shell MIUI Offers several unique features for optimizing Wi-Fi performance. These settings are hidden from beginners, but can significantly improve connection stability and internet speed.

To open advanced options, go to Settings → Wi-Fi, click on the connected network and select AdditionallyHere you will find:

• 🔄 IP settings: choice between DHCP (automatically) and Static IP (if a fixed address is required).
• 📡 Frequency range: priority for 5 GHz (faster but shorter range) or 2.4 GHz (more stable at long range).
• 🔒 Proxy: setting up a manual or automatic proxy (useful for corporate networks).
• 📊 Traffic limitation: useful if you have a limited tariff.

One of the most useful points is - Wi-Fi power saving mode. By default MIUI can turn off Wi-Fi in sleep mode to save battery. If you need constant connectivity (for example, for IP cameras or smart home), disable this option:

1. Go to Settings → Battery & Performance.
2. Select Power saving mode.
3. Find the item Disable Wi-Fi in sleep mode and deactivate it.

What is WPA3 and should I enable it?

WPA3 is a new Wi-Fi security standard that offers stronger protection against hacking than WPA2. However, not all devices (especially older ones) support WPA3. If you have devices older than 2018 on your network, it's best to leave it enabled. WPA2/WPA3 Transition Mode (mixed mode) in the router settings.

Critical feature for gamers and streamers: V MIUI 14+ a function has appeared Wi-Fi Assist, which automatically switches your device to mobile data if the Wi-Fi signal is weak. This can lead to unexpected data usage. To disable it, go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Wi-Fi Assist.

3. Optimizing connection speed and stability

If Wi-Fi is on your Redmi If your phone is running slowly or lags intermittently, the problem could be in either your smartphone settings or your router configuration. We'll explore both options.

On the smartphone side:

• 🧹 Clear your Wi-Fi cache: go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Three dots (menu) → Show system → Wi-Fi and press Clear cache.
• 🔄 Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth settings.
• 📱 Update the firmware: come in Settings → About phone → System update.

On the router side:

To check your actual speed, use apps like Speedtest by Ookla or Fast.com (from Netflix). Run the test in different parts of your apartment to identify "dead zones." If the speed is below 50% of your provider's rate, the problem is most likely with your router or internet provider.

Reboot your router

Make sure your smartphone isn't overheating.

Disable VPN (if used)

Check if power saving mode is enabled

Update your router firmware-->

4. Solving typical Wi-Fi problems on Redmi

Even after proper configuration, users Xiaomi Redmi may encounter errors. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error "Authentication..." or "Saved, WPA/WPA2 protection":

• 🔑 Incorrect password: check the case of characters and special characters (eg. ! or #).
• 🔄 Incompatible security type: change the router settings WPA3 on WPA2-PSK.
• 📵 MAC filtering: If your router has MAC address filtering enabled, add your router's address. Redmi (you can find it in Settings → About phone → General information → Wi-Fi MAC address).

Wi-Fi connects, but the internet doesn't work:

• 🌐 Problems with the provider: Check if the internet works on other devices.
• 🔧 Incorrect DNS: in the Wi-Fi settings (advanced) set 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) manually.
• 📡 IP conflict: reset your network settings or reboot your router.

Network connection disappears after MIUI update:

⚠️ Attention: after major updates MIUI (for example, from 13 to 14) your Wi-Fi settings may be reset. Before updating, save your network passwords in a safe place (for example, in Google Drive or Xiaomi Notes).

5. Setting up Redmi as access points (Wi-Fi distribution)

Your Xiaomi Redmi It can function as a modem, sharing internet with other devices. This is useful if you don't have a router or need to quickly connect your laptop to mobile internet.

To enable hotspot mode:

1. Open Settings → Hotspot & Tethering.
2. Select Wi-Fi hotspot.
3. Set up a network name (SSID) and password (minimum 8 characters).
4. Activate the slider Wi-Fi hotspot.

To save traffic and increase battery life:

• 🔋 Limit the number of connected devices (maximum 5–8).
• ⏱️ Set an automatic shut-off timer (in the access point settings).
• 📊 Track your traffic consumption in the section Traffic usage.

If devices can't connect to your access point:

• 🔄 Check if mobile internet is enabled on Redmi.
• 🔒 Make sure the password is entered correctly. (Some devices display a QR code for quick connection).
• 📵 Change the frequency range on 2.4 GHz (if the devices do not support 5 GHz).

How to share Wi-Fi with Redmi without password?

This is possible, but extremely unsafe. To remove the password, select [Unlock password] in the hotspot settings. Security Type: NoHowever, this will allow outsiders to connect to your network, leading to traffic leaks and potential cyberattacks.

6. Security: How to protect your connection

Open or poorly secured Wi-Fi networks are easy targets for hackers. Xiaomi Redmi There are several tools to improve security, but they need to be configured correctly.

Basic protective measures:

• 🔐 Use only networks with WPA2/WPA3. Avoid open networks (without password) and outdated standards (WEP).
• 🛡️ Turn on MIUI Optimization (in developer settings) to block suspicious connections.
• 🔍 Check connected devices In your router: if you see unfamiliar devices, change your network password.
• 📵 Turn off Wi-Fiwhen you are not using it (for example, outdoors).

For additional protection:

1. Install VPN (For example, ProtonVPN or Windscribe) to encrypt traffic.
2. Disable it in your router settings. WPS And UPnP - these functions are often used for hacking.
3. Update your firmware regularly Redmi and router (vulnerabilities in older versions are exploited by hackers).

Important for public networks (cafes, airports): V MIUI there is a function Protection from insecure networks, which blocks data transfer without your consent. To enable it, go to Settings → Storage & Security → Unsafe Network Protection.

7. Additional features: NFC, smart home, and automation

Smartphones Xiaomi Redmi with support NFC (For example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Redmi K60) can connect to Wi-Fi even faster using tags. This is convenient for a smart home or office where you need to quickly switch between networks.

How to set up an NFC connection:

1. Buy NFC tag (costs about 100-200 rubles).
2. Install the application NFC Tools from Google Play.
3. Write down the command to connect to your Wi-Fi network on the tag (the application will prompt you to enter SSID and password).
4. Attach the label to the back panel Redmi (where the NFC chip is located) - the device will automatically connect to the network.

For owners smart home at the base Xiaomi (For example, Mi Home):

• 🏠 A separate network for IoT devices: Set up a guest network on your router for smart lights, sockets, and sensors only.
• 🔄 Traffic prioritization: in the router settings (QoS) prioritize your smartphone so that smart devices don't "steal" your speed.
• ⏱️ Wi-Fi operating hours: Turn off the network for IoT devices at night if they are not needed.

If you use Google Assistant or Alice from Yandex, you can set up voice commands to control Wi-Fi. For example:

Okay, Google, turn on Wi-Fi on your Redmi.
Alice, connect to the [network name] network.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about setting up Wi-Fi on Xiaomi Redmi

🔹 Why Redmi can't see the 5 GHz network?

Possible reasons:

• Your model Redmi does not support 5 GHz (check the specifications on the website Xiaomi).
• The range is disabled in the router settings. 5 GHz.
• The distance to the router is too great (5 GHz has a shorter range than 2.4 GHz).

Solution: Try moving your smartphone closer to the router or check the range settings in the router's web interface.

🔹 How to reset Wi-Fi settings on Redmi to factory?

Go to Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth settingsAfter the reset, all saved networks and passwords will be deleted.

⚠️ Attention: This reset will not affect other data on your phone (photos, contacts, etc.), but you will have to re-enter passwords for all networks.

🔹 Is it possible to connect to Wi-Fi without a password if I forgot it?

If you have previously connected to this network on Redmi, the password can be viewed like this:

1. Install a file manager with access to system files (for example, Root Explorer — root rights required).
2. Go to the folder /data/misc/wifi/.
3. Open the file WifiConfigStore.xml — all saved passwords are stored there.

Without root access, you can't view the password. The alternative is to reset the password on the router (usually you need to press the button to do this). Reset for 10 seconds).

🔹 Why is Wi-Fi on Redmi works slower than on other devices?

Possible causes and solutions:

• 📱 Background applications: Close all programs that consume traffic (especially torrents or cloud services).
• 🔄 Speed ​​limit in MIUI: check the settings QoS in the router - perhaps yours Redmi Low priority is allocated.
• 📡 Channel congestion: change the Wi-Fi channel in the router settings (use Wi-Fi Analyzer for analysis).
• 🔋 Power saving mode: Disable it for maximum performance.

🔹 How do I set up automatic connections to a specific network?

IN MIUI There's a network priority feature. To set it up:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the name of the desired network and select Additionally.
3. Activate the option Auto-connection.
4. To set priority, drag a network up in the list of saved networks.

Now Redmi will connect to this network first if it is available.