How to Switch Wi-Fi to 5GHz on a Xiaomi Phone: A Complete Guide with Troubleshooting

You are trying to connect to the network 5 GHz on a smartphone Xiaomi, but the phone stubbornly clings only to 2.4 GHzOr doesn't detect the high-frequency network at all? This problem is familiar to many users: despite dual-band Wi-Fi support in most modern models, MIUI's automatic settings often "forget" the advantages of 5 GHz.

In this article we will analyze all possible ways Forced switching to 5 GHz - from changing phone settings to adjusting router parameters. We'll also find out why sometimes a smartphone Redmi or POCO "doesn't want" to see the 5 GHz network, even if it's there, and how to fix this without resetting the settings.

Let us warn you right away: if your router does not support the 5 GHz range (for example, older models with the standard 802.11n), then no amount of phone manipulation will help. In this case, the hardware will need to be replaced. But in 90% of cases, the problem lies in the settings. Xiaomi or incorrect access point configuration.

1. Check if your Xiaomi smartphone supports 5 GHz

Before you try to switch, make sure your phone is physically capable operate in the 5 GHz range. Most models Xiaomi, released after 2018, support dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz), but there are exceptions - for example, budget versions of the type Redmi 9A or POCO C31 may be limited only 2.4 GHz.

How to check support:

• 🔍 Go to Settings → About phone → Full specifications → Wireless & networks.
• 📋 Look for lines like "Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)" or Dual-band Wi-Fi.
• 🌐 If the specifications only indicate 802.11b/g/n - your phone works ONLY on 2.4 GHz.

Attention! Some models (eg Redmi Note 8 Pro (For the Chinese market) may have hardware limitations at 5 GHz due to regional standards. In this case, only a firmware with a modified region will help (but this is risky and voids the warranty).

How to find out the exact Wi-Fi chip model in a Xiaomi?

To determine the exact supported frequencies, please install the app DevCheck from Google Play. In the section Hardware → Wi-Fi the chipset will be indicated (for example, Qualcomm WCN3990 or Broadcom BCM4375) and supported standards. If the list includes 802.11ac or 802.11ax - your phone supports 5 GHz.

2. Force a 5 GHz connection via Wi-Fi settings

If the phone supports 5 GHz, but stubbornly connects to 2.4 GHz, try it manually select a rangeMIUI has a hidden feature that allows you to "forget" the 2.4 GHz network and connect to the 5 GHz band.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on your network name and select "Delete network" (will forget both ranges).
3. Turn Wi-Fi back on and wait for the list of networks to appear.
4. If the list shows two identical networks (For example, MyWiFi And MyWiFi_5G) - select the one that has in its name 5G, 5GHz or the "5G" icon (not to be confused with mobile 5G!).
5. If there is only one network, proceed to the next section (router setup).

Important: Some routers (such as TP-Link or Keenetic) hide the _5G suffix in the network name by default. In this case, you'll need to temporarily separate the networks in the router settings.

Make sure the router is turned on and is distributing 5 GHz.

Check that your phone is not in power saving mode

Disable your VPN (it may be blocking your connection)

Restart your phone and router

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3. Configuring the router for correct operation with 5 GHz

Often the problem is not in the phone, but in incorrect router settings. For example, if the router is in the mode 802.11n 2.4 GHz only or incompatible channel set.

What to check in your router settings (instructions for most models):

• 📡 Wi-Fi operating mode: should be 802.11a/n/ac or 802.11ax (for 5 GHz). If it's worth it 802.11b/g/n — 5 GHz is disabled.
• 🔢 Channel: use a fixed channel from the range 36–48 or 149–165 (automatic selection may fail).
• 🔒 Channel width: put 20/40 MHz or 80 MHz (but please note that the 80 MHz bandwidth may cause interference in apartment buildings).
• 🔄 Network separation: If you have one network for both ranges (with the same name), separate them by adding a suffix _5G to the name 5 GHz.

Example settings for popular routers:

⚠️ Attention: If you live in an apartment building, before choosing a channel, check the airtime load using applications like WiFi Analyzer. Channels 36–48 And 149–165 often overloaded - choose the least busy one.

4. Reset network settings and Wi-Fi cache

Sometimes the system MIUI "forgets" about 5 GHz support due to a network settings cache glitch. In this case, factory reset (do not confuse with a full reset of the phone!).

How to reset network settings:

1. Go to Settings → System and device → Additional settings → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings.
3. Confirm the action and restart your phone.
4. After rebooting, try connecting to the 5 GHz network again.

If resetting doesn't help, try Clear the cache of the Settings app:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
2. Find the app "Settings" (with a gear icon).
3. Select Storage → Clear Cache.
4. Restart your phone.

5. Problems with firmware and region

In some cases, the 5 GHz limitation is due to firmware or regional settings. For example, if your Xiaomi was purchased in China or India, it may have the 5 GHz range blocked for European channels.

How to check and fix:

• 🌍 Make sure the correct region is selected in your phone settings: Settings → Additional settings → Region (must be "Russia" or "Europe").
• 📱 If the region does not change, you may need to change the firmware to global (MIUI Global) or European (MIUI EE).
• 🔧 For advanced users: in the engineering menu (##4636##) check the supported 5 GHz channels in the section Wi-Fi information.

⚠️ Attention: Changing the region or firmware may void the warranty and cause unstable phone operation. If you are unsure, contact a service center. Xiaomi.

How to find out the current firmware and region?

Go to Settings → About phone → MIUI versionIf there are letters at the end of the firmware name CN - This is the Chinese version, IN - Indian, RU or EU — Global/European. To update the firmware, use the official app. Mi Flash or custom recovery (for example, TWRP), but it's risky!

6. Alternative methods: apps and ADB

If standard methods don't work, you can try force enable 5 GHz through third-party tools or ADB commands (for experienced users).

Method 1: WiFi Analyzer App

• 📊 Install WiFi Analyzer from Google Play.
• 🔍 Run a scan - the app will show all available 5 GHz networks (even hidden ones).
• 📶 Try connecting to the found network manually.

Method 2: ADB commands (requires a PC)

1. Turn on USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → MIUI version → Click on the version 7 times, then return to Advanced settings → Developer options → USB debugging).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and run the command:

   adb shell settings put global wifi_frequency_band 5

   (this will force priority to 5GHz).

3. Restart your phone.

7. Common mistakes and their solutions

Let's look at typical situations when Xiaomi Doesn't see or connect to 5 GHz, and what to do about it:

Problem 1: There is a 5 GHz network, but the phone doesn't see it.

• 🔌 Check if 5 GHz distribution is enabled on your router (sometimes it is disabled by default).
• 📵 Make sure your phone is not in airplane mode or power saving mode for Wi-Fi is not enabled.
• 🔄 Restart your router and phone.

Problem 2: The phone sees 5 GHz, but does not connect

• 🔐 Check that the password is entered correctly (sometimes different passwords are used for 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz).
• 🔄 Change the security type on your router with WPA3 on WPA2-PSK (some models Xiaomi (doesn't work well with WPA3).
• 📡 Try manually specifying the 5 GHz channel on your router (for example, 36 or 149).

Problem 3: Connects, but speed is slow or connection drops

• 📶 Check your signal strength - if it's weak, 5 GHz may be unstable due to its shorter range.
• 🔧 Reduce the channel width on your router to 20 MHz (this will reduce speed but increase stability).
• 🚫 Turn off the feature "Intelligent Switching" in Wi-Fi settings (if available).

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

My Xiaomi isn't detecting 5 GHz, even though the router supports it. What's wrong?

Most likely, the problem is in one of the following points:

• The phone does not support 5GHz (check model specifications).
• 5 GHz distribution is disabled on the router (go to the router settings).
• The 5 GHz network is hidden or has a different name (try separating the networks in the router settings).
• The region settings on your phone are incorrect (check in Settings → Additional settings → Region).

How do I know which band (2.4 or 5 GHz) my Xiaomi is connected to?

There are several ways:

1. Install the application WiFi Analyzer - it will show the current range and channel.
2. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi, tap on the connected network and look at the icon next to its name. Sometimes you'll see a "5G" or "AC" icon next to 5 GHz.
3. In the engineering menu (##4636##) select Wi-Fi information - it will be indicated there Frequency (For example, 5180 MHz for 5 GHz).

Why does my Xiaomi automatically switch from 5GHz to 2.4GHz?

This is due to the function "Intelligent Connection" Smart Network Switch in MIUI. It automatically selects the network with the "best" signal, even if it's 2.4 GHz. To disable:

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Additional Features.
3. Disable the option "Intelligent Connection" or "Auto-connect to the best network".

If there is no such option, try disabling it. adaptive Wi-Fi in the battery settings.

Is there any way to force Xiaomi to always use 5GHz?

Yes, there are several ways:

• Separate the networks on your router (use different names for 2.4 and 5 GHz) and connect only to 5 GHz.
• Use the ADB command (described above), but this may cause connection problems.
• Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), where you can flexibly configure Wi-Fi priorities.

⚠️ Attention: Forced use of the 5 GHz band can lead to connection loss in some areas of the home where the 5 GHz signal is weak. This band is less effective at penetrating walls!

Which Xiaomi models definitely support 5 GHz?

Almost all models released after 2018, with the exception of some budget options. Here's a list of popular models with 5 GHz support:

• Redmi Note 8/9/10/11/12 (except Redmi 9A/9C)
• POCO X3/X4/X5, POCO F3/F4/F5
• Xiaomi Mi 10/11/12/13, Mi 10T/11T
• Redmi K40/K50, Black Shark 4/5

For an accurate check, use the app DevCheck or official specifications on the website Xiaomi.