Connecting to Wi-Fi via QR code on smartphones Xiaomi Redmi — This is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to set up the internet without manually entering a password. This is especially relevant for long or complex character combinations where it's easy to make a mistake when typing. But how exactly does this feature work, and which models are supported? Redmi Is it supported, and what should you do if the QR code isn't readable? In this article, we'll walk you through the connection process step by step, address potential issues, and provide practical tips for optimizing Wi-Fi performance on your device.
The QR code method not only saves time but also reduces the risk of errors when entering data. However, not all users are aware that it requires MIUI 12 or later - branded shell Xiaomi, which is installed on most modern models RedmiIf your smartphone is running an older version, you may need to update the software first. It's also important to note that some public networks (such as those in cafes or airports) may block QR code connections due to authentication issues.
In this tutorial we will cover:
- 📱 What models Redmi support connection via QR code
- 🔗 Where to get a QR code for Wi-Fi and how to scan it correctly
- ⚙️ Step-by-step setup on your smartphone, taking into account different MIUI versions
- ❌ Common errors and how to fix them
- 🛠️ Additional tips for stable Wi-Fi
1. Which Redmi models support QR code connection?
The QR code scanning feature for connecting to Wi-Fi has been added to MIUI 12 and has been retained in all subsequent versions of the shell. This means it is available on most modern smartphones. Xiaomi Redmi, released after 2020However, there are some nuances:
Firstly, even if your device theoretically supports MIUI 12+, it may not have received the update due to regional restrictions or manufacturer policies. For example, some budget models (e.g., Redmi 9A or Redmi 8A) in some countries remained on MIUI 11. Secondly, Chinese firmware versions (the so-called "CN ROM") sometimes lack some features available in global ("Global ROM") or European ("EEA ROM") builds.
To find out for sure whether yours supports Redmi Connect via QR code, check your MIUI version:
- Open
Settings → About phone. - Find the line
MIUI version. - If the version 12 or higher — the function is available.
| Redmi model | Minimum MIUI version for QR connection | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | MIUI 12.0 | All modifications (Pro, Pro+, Lite) |
| Redmi 10/10A/10C | MIUI 12.5 | Chinese ROMs may require manual activation. |
| Redmi K40/K50 | MIUI 12.1 | Supports advanced Wi-Fi settings |
| Redmi 9/9T/9 Power | MIUI 12.0.1 | Bugs may occur when scanning codes from another device's screen. |
⚠️ Attention: If your smartphone is running on custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the QR connection feature may be disabled or not working properly. In this case, it is recommended to use alternative methods (WPS or manual input).
2. Where can I get a QR code to connect to Wi-Fi?
There are several ways to obtain a QR code for connecting to a wireless network. The easiest is to generate it directly on the router (if the model supports this feature) or on another device already connected to the network. Let's look at both options in more detail.
If you have a modern router (for example, from TP-Link, ASUS, Xiaomi or Keenetic), most likely the QR code is displayed:
- 📋 On the sticker on the bottom of the device (next to the SSID and password).
- 🖥️ In the router's web interface, in the section
Wi-Fi → Basic SettingsorGuest network. - 📱 In the manufacturer's mobile application (for example, TP-Link Tether or Mi Wi-Fi).
If your router doesn't support QR code generation, you can generate a code manually on your smartphone or PC. To do this:
- Install a QR generator app (for example, QR Code Generator or WiFi Key Share).
- Enter the network name (
SSID) and password. - Select the encryption type (
WPA2/WPA3— the most common). - Generate and save the code or share it.
3. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect to Wi-Fi via QR code on Redmi
Once the QR code is ready, all that's left to do is scan it with your smartphone. The process takes no more than 10 seconds, but requires several conditions:
- 📶 Your smartphone must have Wi-Fi is on (even if you are not yet connected to the network).
- 🔋 Battery level is at least 15% (when the battery is low, some MIUI functions are disabled).
- 📸 Your phone's camera should be able to focus on the code normally (wipe the lens if the image is blurry).
Now let's move on to action:
- Open
Settingson yours Redmi. - Go to the section
Wi-Fi. - Click on the icon
QR codein the upper right corner (or selectAdd network → QR codedepending on the MIUI version). - Point the camera at the QR code. Make sure it fits completely within the scanner frame.
- Wait for the notification to appear
Connected to [network name].
Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on|Check the QR code is visible (no glare, code is not damaged)|Close background apps that may be using the camera|Disable your VPN (it may be blocking the connection)-->
If an error appears after scanning Failed to connect, try:
- 🔄 Restart your router and smartphone.
- 📡 Make sure the network is not hidden (
SSID broadcastenabled in the router settings). - 🔐 Check that the password in the QR code is current (it may have been changed after the code was generated).
⚠️ Note: Some public networks (e.g., in hotels or shopping malls) require additional authentication through a browser even after connecting via QR code. In this case, after scanning, open any website (e.g., google.com) to complete the login.
4. Common mistakes and their solutions
Despite the simplicity of the method, users often encounter problems connecting via QR code. Let's look at common issues and how to resolve them.
| Error | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The QR code is not scanned. | Poor lighting, dirty lens or damaged code | Clean the camera, improve the lighting, try a different code |
| "Unable to connect" | Incorrect password in QR code or network is hidden | Check the data in the code, enable SSID broadcast on the router |
| The connection is interrupted | Weak signal or router overload | Move closer to the router or reboot it. |
| There is no QR scanning option | Outdated version of MIUI or custom firmware | Please update your software or use a third party application (eg. WiFi QR Connect) |
The error deserves special attention Authentication failedIt occurs if:
- 🔑 The QR code contains an incorrect encryption type (for example,
WPA3instead ofWPA2). - 🕒 The MAC address filter is enabled on the router, and your Redmi not added to the list of allowed devices.
- 🔄 The network password was changed after the QR code was generated.
To diagnose the problem, try connecting to the network manually by entering the data from the QR code. If the manual connection works, but the code doesn't, the problem is with the QR code itself (it may have been generated incorrectly).
What to do if the QR code was generated on an iPhone?
On iPhone, the QR code for Wi-Fi is created in a format compatible with Android, but sometimes Redmi It may not recognize it due to encoding issues. In this case, try:
1. Scan the code on your iPhone using the app Shortcuts and make sure the data is correct.
2. Generate new code using a cross-platform service (for example, qifi.org).
3. Manually compare the SSID and password from the QR code with the actual network data.
5. Alternative ways to connect to Wi-Fi on Redmi
If QR code connection is unavailable for some reason, you can use other methods. Let's look at the most reliable ones:
1. Manual connection
- 📋 Go to
Settings → Wi-Fi. - 🔍 Select the desired network from the list.
- 🔑 Enter your password and click
Connect.
2. Using WPS (if the router supports it)
- 🔄 Click the button
WPSon the router (usually located on the back panel). - 📱 On your smartphone, select
Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → WPS. - ⏱️ Wait for the automatic connection (usually takes 1–2 minutes).
3. Transferring settings from another device
If you have another smartphone or tablet already connected to this network, you can transfer the settings:
- 📱 On the source device, open
Settings → Wi-Fi. - 🔗 Click on the current network and select
Share(orQR code). - 📷 Scan the code from the screen of the second device with your Redmi.
⚠️ Warning: The WPS method is considered less secure than connecting with a password or QR code, as it is vulnerable to brute force attacks. Use it only on trusted networks, and disable WPS on your router after connecting.
6. Optimizing Wi-Fi on Redmi after connection
Connecting successfully to the internet is only half the battle. To ensure a stable internet connection, we recommend making a few additional adjustments:
1. Selecting the optimal frequency
Modern routers support two frequencies:
- 📡
2.4 GHz- passes through walls better, but is susceptible to interference. - 🚀
5 GHz- higher speed, but smaller coverage area.
On Redmi You can manually select the frequency:
- Go to
Settings → Wi-Fi. - Click on the current network and select
Change network. - Activate the option
Additional settings. - Select your preferred frequency in the section
Wi-Fi range.
2. Enabling the "Smart Switch" function
This option automatically switches the smartphone between frequencies. 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz depending on the signal quality. To activate it:
- Open
Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced. - Find the option
Smart Wi-Fi Switching(orWi-Fi Assistantin new versions of MIUI). - Turn on the switch.
3. Setting up a static IP (for advanced users)
If your router frequently resets devices, you can assign them to Redmi permanent IP address:
- IN
Wi-Fi settingsClick on the current network and selectChange network → Advanced. - In the section
IP settingsselectStatic. - Fill in the fields
IP address,GatewayAndDNS(data can be found in the router settings).
7. Security: How to protect your connection?
Connecting via QR code is convenient, but don't forget about security. Here are some tips to minimize risks:
1. Don't share the QR code publicly
QR code for Wi-Fi contains cleartext password (Even in encrypted format). If you post it on social media or messaging apps, anyone can connect to your network. Generate codes only for trusted people and delete them after use.
2. Use complex passwords
Even if you connect via QR code, your network password remains vulnerable to hacking. Follow these rules:
- 🔐 Length not less than
12 characters. - 🔤 A combination of letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and special characters.
- 🚫 Avoid obvious combinations (dates of birth, "12345678", "password").
3. Set up a guest network
If you frequently share Wi-Fi access (for example, with guests), set up a separate guest network on your router:
- 🛡️ Limit speed for guest devices.
- 🔄 Disable local network access (so that guests cannot see your devices).
- ⏱️ Set a time limit (e.g. 2-3 hours).
4. Update your router firmware regularly
Outdated router software may contain vulnerabilities that allow attackers to intercept traffic. Check for updates in the device's web interface (usually in the "Updates" section) Administration → Firmware Update).
How to check who is connected to your Wi-Fi?
1. Go to the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
2. Enter your login and password (by default it is often admin/admin).
3. Go to the section Wireless Mode → Client Statistics (the name may differ).
4. Review the list of connected devices. Unknown MAC addresses can be blocked.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about QR code connection on Redmi
My Redmi doesn't see the QR code scanning option. What should I do?
Most likely, your device is running an outdated version of MIUI. Update the firmware via Settings → About phone → System updateIf there are no updates, try using a third-party application, such as WiFi QR Connect from Google Play.
Is it possible to connect to a hidden network (with a hidden SSID) via QR?
No, the QR code contains the network name (SSID), and if it's hidden, the smartphone won't be able to recognize it. In this case, you'll have to connect manually by specifying SSID and password.
The QR code was generated on my iPhone, but my Redmi won't scan it. What's the problem?
iPhone generates QR codes in a format that isn't always correctly read by Android devices. Try this:
- Generate code through a cross-platform service (for example, qifi.org).
- Manually check the data in the QR code (you can use any scanning application).
- Use an alternative connection method (WPS or manual entry).
After connecting via QR code, the internet is slow. How can I fix it?
The reasons may be different:
- 📶 Weak signal - move closer to the router or change the channel in the router settings.
- 🔄 Network congestion - turn off unnecessary devices or limit their speed.
- 🛠️ Problems on the provider's side - reboot the router and check the speed on another device.
Also try in the Wi-Fi settings on Redmi disable the option Saving traffic.
Is it possible to create a QR code for Wi-Fi without third-party apps?
Yes, if your router supports this feature. Go to the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.1.1), find the section Wi-Fi and look for the option QR code or Fast connectionYou can also generate a QR code using the standard app. Camera on another device Xiaomi:
- Connect to the network.
- Open
cameraand select the modeQR code. - Click on the icon
Wi-Fiat the bottom of the screen. - The generated code can be saved or shared.