Smartphones of the line Redmi from the company Xiaomi While wireless devices have long established themselves as affordable and functional, the initial setup process or reconnecting after a reset can be confusing for inexperienced users. Connecting to a wireless network Wi-Fi is the first and most important step, without which it is impossible to fully use the gadget, install updates, or synchronize contacts. Owners of the model Redmi 9 often encounter nuances of the shell MIUI, which differs from the standard Android logic of the arrangement of interface elements.
In this article, we'll walk you through every step of connecting your device to a home or public network, focusing on the specific security and power-saving features built into the firmware. You'll learn not only the basic steps but also how to handle situations where your phone "sees" the router but can't obtain an IP address, or when the network is hidden. Understanding these processes will help you avoid common mistakes and save time.
It's worth noting that the menu interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the installed operating system and regional firmware (Global, EU, or China). Despite visual differences in icons or item names, algorithm of actions remains virtually identical across all shell versions. Let's get started setting up your device.
Basic Wi-Fi setup when first turned on
When you first take out a new one Redmi 9 Out of the box or a full factory reset, the system automatically launches the initial setup wizard. On one of the first screens, immediately after selecting the language and region, a window will appear prompting you to connect to an available wireless network. This is a critical step, as without internet access, you will be unable to log in to your account. Google or Mi Account.
The system will automatically scan the airwaves and display a list of available access points with the strongest signal at the top. Find your router's name (SSID) in this list. If you're using a dual-band router, you may see two options with the same name but different suffixes or frequencies: 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz. For the model Redmi 9 It is preferable to choose a network 5 GHz, if you are in close proximity to the router, as it provides higher data transfer speeds.
After selecting the network, a keyboard will open for entering the password. Be careful: the password is case-sensitive, so the letters Latin You must enter the text in the exact layout they are specified in. Even a single character error will result in access being denied. After entering, click the "Connect" button and wait for the fan icon to appear in the top status bar.
- 📡 Make sure that the Wi-Fi module is activated using the slider at the top of the screen if the list of networks is empty.
- 🔑 Check your keyboard layout (EN/RU) before entering a complex password.
- ⚡ To download updates faster, choose the 5 GHz network instead of 2.4 GHz.
⚠️ Warning: When connecting to open public networks (such as cafes and airports), the system may display a warning that the connection is unsecured. In such cases, it is recommended not to enter bank card information or passwords for important services without using a VPN.
Connecting to a hidden network manually
For security reasons, some users prefer to hide their wireless network name (SSID), making it invisible to outside devices during a standard scan. If your router is configured this way, you'll see it in the list of available connections. Redmi 9 You won't find a familiar name. In this case, you'll need to create a connection profile manually, knowing all the parameters exactly.
To do this, go to the settings menu and select "Other network" or "Add network," which is usually located at the very bottom of the list of available hotspots or in the additional features menu (three dots in the corner of the screen). You'll need to enter the exact network name (SSID), taking care to properly capitalize the letters, and select the encryption type. The most common and recommended security standard today is WPA2/WPA3-Personal.
After entering a name and selecting a security type, the system will prompt you for a password. Unlike regular connections, there's no chance of making a mistake and immediately seeing the result in the list, so enter your information carefully. If all parameters are entered correctly, the smartphone will automatically search for the hidden signal and establish a connection.
- 📝 The network name (SSID) must match the router settings, down to spaces.
- 🔒 The encryption type is usually selected automatically, but if errors occur, select WPA2.
- 👁️ Hidden networks will not appear in the general list until you add them yourself.
Why hide the network?
Hiding the SSID isn't a complete security measure, as experienced users can detect a hidden network using traffic sniffers. This only protects against accidental connections from neighbors, not against targeted attacks.
Managing saved networks and auto-connection
operating system MIUI, installed on Redmi 9, has advanced wireless connection management features. By default, the smartphone remembers all networks you've successfully connected to and automatically attempts to reconnect when a familiar SSID is detected. This is convenient at home or in the office, but can be unsafe in public places or disruptive if you're forced to use mobile data.
To manage your list of saved networks, go to the advanced Wi-Fi settings. Here you'll see a list of all access points known to your phone. By tapping on a specific network, you can select "Forget Network" (or "Delete"), which will completely clear the saved password and settings for that router. You'll then have to re-enter the password each time you try to connect.
The "Auto-connect" feature is also available in this section. If you disable this option for a specific network, your phone will see it but won't connect automatically until you initiate a connection. This is useful for guest networks you rarely visit but don't want your phone to be stuck on them every time you go outside.
| Parameter | Function Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Auto-connection | Automatic login when network is detected | Included (for home) |
| Random MAC address | Hiding the real device ID | Enabled (for security) |
| Wi-Fi Assistant | Switching to a mobile network when the signal is weak | As desired |
| WLAN Assistant | Network quality assessment and recommendations | Included |
The use function deserves special attention randomized MAC addressIn modern versions of Android and MIUI By default, an option is enabled that replaces your network adapter's unique physical address with a random value when connecting to new networks. This enhances privacy by preventing ISPs and hotspot owners from tracking your device's movements across different locations.
Using a QR code for quick authorization
Entering long and complex passwords on a smartphone's touchscreen isn't always convenient, especially if the password contains many special characters. MIUI offers an elegant solution to this problem through the use of QR codes. If you already have another device (such as a laptop or a friend's phone) that is connected to the required network, you can instantly transfer the settings to yours. Redmi 9.
To implement this method on a device that already has network access, open the Wi-Fi settings, tap the active network name, and select "Share" or "QR code." A graphic code containing encrypted SSID and password information will appear on your screen. Redmi 9 You need to open the standard Camera app or the scanner in the Wi-Fi menu and point the lens at this code.
The system will automatically recognize the data and prompt you to connect. You won't have to enter anything manually—just confirm the action with a single click. This method also works in reverse: you can generate a QR code on your Redmi 9 (once connected), so guests can quickly join your network by simply scanning a code with their phone.
This method is especially useful in office settings or when setting up a network for a large number of guests, when dictating the password to each person is inconvenient and time-consuming. The technology is fast and reliable, minimizing the risk of typos.
Diagnosing connection problems and obtaining an IP address
Users often encounter a situation where Redmi 9 The network is detected, the password is accepted, but the connection fails, and the phone gets stuck on the "Obtaining IP address..." status. This error means the device is unable to communicate correctly with the router's DHCP server. There could be several possible causes, ranging from an overflowing client table on the router to an IP address conflict.
The first step in resolving the issue should be to restart the Wi-Fi module on your smartphone. Turn off the switch in the notification shade, wait 10 seconds, and then turn it back on. If that doesn't help, try selecting "Forget Network" and reconnecting. In more complex cases, you may need to reboot the router itself, as its software may have crashed.
If the problem persists, you can try changing your IP settings from dynamic to static. To do this, in the menu of the selected network, click "IP Settings" (or "IPv4 Settings") and switch from DHCP to "Static." You'll need to manually enter the IP address (usually 192.168.1.X or 192.168.0.X), gateway (router address), and DNS servers (you can use Google's public ones: 8.8.8.8).
- 🔄 Restarting your router solves 80% of IP address assignment issues.
- 📵 Disabling the "Maximum Compatibility" feature on your router may help.
- 🔧 Changing DNS to 8.8.8.8 often speeds up network response.
⚠️ Important: When setting a static IP address, make sure the chosen address isn't already in use by another device on the network. Otherwise, a conflict will occur, and neither device will have internet access. It's best to choose addresses at the end of the range, such as 192.168.1.200.
MIUI optimization and additional features
shell MIUI offers a number of utilities for improving connection quality, hidden in a settings submenu. One useful feature is "WLAN Assistant." This tool analyzes signal quality and internet speed and can automatically switch the device to mobile data if the wireless network signal becomes too weak or unstable.
It's also worth paying attention to the "Do Not Disturb" mode or special profiles that can limit background app activity when the screen is locked to save power. Sometimes, aggressive battery saving Redmi 9 This can cause the Wi-Fi connection to drop when the screen is off. To avoid this, check the "No restrictions" option in the battery settings for important apps or the Wi-Fi system process.
Advanced users can use the Dual-band Wi-Fi acceleration feature, which allows the smartphone to simultaneously use both frequency bands (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) to increase throughput. However, it's important to note that this feature significantly increases battery consumption and may not be supported by all routers.
☑️ Checking energy saving settings
Regularly checking these settings will help maintain a stable and fast connection, ensuring comfortable use of all the features of your smartphone in any conditions.
Why doesn't Redmi 9 see the 5 GHz network?
Model Redmi 9 It supports both frequency bands, but if you don't see the 5 GHz network, check the channel settings on your router. Some devices don't see channels above 140 or specific channel widths (e.g., 160 MHz). Try setting your router to channel 36-48 or 149-161 and channel width 40 or 80 MHz.
How to reset all network settings on Redmi 9?
If the connection problems are systemic, go to Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and BluetoothThis action will delete all saved passwords and settings of Bluetooth devices, returning the network modules to the factory state.
Is it possible to share the Wi-Fi that Redmi 9 receives?
Yes, relay function (Wi-Fi Repeater) on Redmi 9 It works. To do this, connect to the same Wi-Fi network and then enable the hotspot. In some MIUI versions, when you enable the hotspot, the system will automatically offer to use the current Wi-Fi connection for sharing; in others, a third-party app will be required.