Modern Xiaomi smartphones running the shell MIUI or new HyperOSBy default, Wi-Fi is prioritized over Wi-Fi. This is a logical behavior, designed to conserve user data and ensure a stable connection within the home network. However, situations often arise when the home provider's speed leaves much to be desired, or the router is located far away and the signal is weak, while a 4G/LTE mobile network is more reliable. In such situations, the user faces a paradox: turning off Wi-Fi to get mobile internet access works, but this also disrupts the connection to local devices, such as smart lamps, printers, or Chromecast.
The solution to this problem is not always obvious, since the standard interface Android There's no simple button for simultaneously operating both data transfer channels. The system is designed so that activating one interface deactivates the other to avoid routing conflicts. However, there are proven methods for Xiaomi owners to bypass this limitation. These range from simple settings in the developer menu to using third-party apps and specific proxy configurations.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at the technical aspects of network interfaces in Xiaomi smartphones. You'll learn how to force the device to use mobile data for certain tasks while Wi-Fi continues to work for others. We'll also cover secure methods that don't require root privileges. SuperUser (root), and we'll also touch on more complex methods for advanced users. Understanding these mechanisms will allow you to flexibly manage network traffic based on your current needs.
Connection priorities and Android operating logic
To effectively manage network connections, it is necessary to understand the basic logic of the operating system. Android Uses a priority metric where Wi-Fi always takes precedence over mobile data. When you connect to a hotspot, the system redirects all traffic through this channel. The mobile module goes into standby mode or is used only for voice calls and SMS unless VoLTE/VoWiFi is enabled. This is done to optimize power consumption, as the 4G/5G radio module consumes significantly more power when actively transmitting data.
However, there are scenarios where the standard logic fails or works to the user's disadvantage. For example, if the router has no access to the global network (no internet), but the local network is working, the phone may continue to attempt to transmit data via Wi-Fi, blocking mobile data. In such cases, apps freeze while waiting for the server's response. It is critical to understand that without special software intervention or routing configuration, the system will not automatically switch traffic to the mobile network if Wi-Fi is formally connected.
The situation is complicated by the fact that different apps may react differently to packet loss. Some messengers reconnect quickly, while others may remain in the "connecting" status for a long time. This is where features that allow forced use of a second communication channel come in handy. Xiaomi owners are at an advantage thanks to their advanced customization options. MIUI, which are hidden in the standard menu.
Activating Developer Mode on Xiaomi
The first and safest step to accessing advanced network settings is to enable developer mode. This is a standard Android feature that doesn't require any complicated setup but allows access to hidden system settings. On Xiaomi smartphones, this process is standardized, but the number of taps required may vary depending on the version. HyperOSTo get started, open the menu Settings and go to the section About the phone.
In the list that opens, find the item MIUI version or OS versionYou need to quickly tap this item 7-10 times in a row. A pop-up notification with a countdown will appear on the screen: "4 taps left," "2 taps left." After successfully completing the series of taps, you will see the message "You are now a developer." This step unlocks a hidden menu containing important network switches.
Next, return to the main settings menu and select the item Additional settingsA new section will appear in the list of options. For developersOnce you've entered it, be careful: changing unfamiliar settings can lead to system instability. We're interested in a specific section of settings related to the network. Scroll down to the "Networking" section. There may be an option here that allows for more flexible connection management, although there may not be a toggle to "always use mobile data" here, but we'll set the stage for other methods.
☑️ Preparing your smartphone for network setup
Using a proxy server to redirect traffic
One of the most effective ways to force a smartphone to use mobile data for specific apps while Wi-Fi is active for other tasks is to set up a proxy server. This method doesn't require root access and relies on the fact that some apps (browsers, instant messaging apps) can ignore system proxy settings or, conversely, use them to bypass restrictions. The method essentially creates a local tunnel.
To implement this method, you will need a third-party application, for example, Proxy Server or similar available in Google PlayAfter installation, launch the application and create a new proxy profile. Specify the following as the host: localhost or 127.0.0.1, and choose any port, for example, 8080The main task is to configure the application so that it redirects requests through a mobile connection, ignoring the Wi-Fi interface.
After setting up the server in the app, go to your Xiaomi Wi-Fi settings. Tap the name of the active network and select Set up a proxySet the mode to "Manual." In the "Proxy hostname" field, enter the address specified in the server application, and in the "Port" field, enter the corresponding number. Save the settings. Now traffic passing through this proxy can be routed differently than standard system traffic. However, this method has limitations: it doesn't work with all applications and may reduce connection speeds due to encryption and redirection overhead.
⚠️ Caution: Setting up a static proxy server on Wi-Fi may cause some apps to stop working or prevent them from connecting to local devices (printers, smart home devices). Be prepared to reset your proxy settings to "None" if you notice issues with your local network.
Routing management applications
If manual settings seem too complicated or don't produce the desired results, specialized applications designed for managing network interfaces can help. The most popular and proven solution is NetBridge (requires Root permissions for full functionality) or Switch Wi-Fi and Mobile DataThese utilities allow you to create rules: for example, "if Wi-Fi is slow, turn on 4G" or "use 4G for app X, and Wi-Fi for app Y."
For non-rooted users, there are apps that utilize a local VPN tunnel to redirect traffic. They operate similarly to a proxy, but are more automated. The app creates a virtual network interface and redirects selected traffic through it to the mobile channel. An example is SuperSpeed or SpeedifyThe latter is particularly interesting because it can combine Wi-Fi and LTE channels, summing their speeds, which is ideal for streaming or downloading large files.
Installing such apps on Xiaomi may require additional permissions. System MIUI is known for its aggressive energy savings, so after installation it is necessary to:
- 📱 Go to battery settings and select "No restrictions" mode for the network application.
- 🔒 Allow autostart and background running in the security menu.
- ⚙️ Grant permission to create a VPN connection on first launch.
Why don't internet speed booster apps always work?
Many apps promise to "speed up" the internet, but in reality they only change DNS servers or compress traffic through their servers. Actual simultaneous use of two channels (aggregation) is only possible at the system level or using special protocols (MPTCP), which are not supported by all servers and apps. Therefore, the actual speed increase is often less than advertised.
Comparison of connection methods and their effectiveness
The method you choose depends on your technical skills and specific goals. For the average user who just wants to watch a video while downloading updates over Wi-Fi, some methods are suitable. For an engineer testing a network, others are needed. Below is a comparison table of the main methods for setting up parallel network operation on Xiaomi devices.
| Method | Root is required | Impact on battery | Difficulty of setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Wi-Fi priority) | No | Low | Minimum |
| Manual proxy setup | No | Average | Average |
| VPN tunnel apps | No | High | Low |
| NetBridge (Root) | Yes | Average | High |
As the table shows, using apps with a VPN tunnel is the easiest option for an inexperienced user, but it drains the most battery. The proxy method requires a one-time setup but can be unstable when switching Wi-Fi networks. Root access provides maximum control, but voids the warranty and may disrupt banking apps due to security checks.
It is also worth noting that on new versions HyperOS Google and Xiaomi have strengthened their privacy protections, which may limit the functionality of some networking tools. The system may block local VPN connections from unknown developers. In this case, the only solution is to use the built-in "Game Boost" feature, which temporarily prioritizes mobile traffic even when Wi-Fi is available.
Game Boost as an alternative
Xiaomi smartphones have a built-in function Game Turbo (or "Game Boost"), which was originally designed to reduce ping in online games. However, its mechanism allows you to use mobile data even when connected to Wi-Fi. When you launch a game added to the optimized list, the system analyzes the connection quality. If Wi-Fi is unstable, Game Turbo can automatically use mobile data to ensure smooth gameplay.
To activate this feature, open the app Security and go to the section Speeding up gamesIn the settings, find the network-related option. Here, you can enable "Network Acceleration" or something similar. Some firmware versions allow you to force mobile data access for gaming. This is a legal and system-wide way to enable both channels simultaneously, but it's limited to gaming only and won't help if you need to download a file through a browser.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and menu item names may vary depending on the MIUI version (12, 13, 14) or HyperOS, as well as the regional firmware version (Global, China, EEA). If you don't see the described items, check the official documentation or the support forum for the latest manuals for your specific model.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will using Wi-Fi and 4G at the same time affect battery drain?
Yes, absolutely. Running two radio modules in active mode significantly increases power consumption. The smartphone will become hotter and drain faster, sometimes 20-30% faster than usual. It's recommended to use this mode only when necessary and to have a charger handy.
Is it possible to double the download speed this way?
In theory, channel aggregation technologies (as in the LTE-Advanced standard) allow for speed summation. However, on the Android operating system, without specialized software (like Speedify), simply enabling both interfaces will not yield a combined speed within a single app. Each app will use a single channel. Summing is only possible with dedicated aggregator apps.
Is it safe to use IP changer and proxy apps?
Using unknown applications to redirect traffic carries risks. All your traffic may pass through third-party servers. When using banking applications or entering passwords, we strongly recommend disabling third-party network utilities and using only trusted services.
Why did the internet stop working in other applications after setting up a proxy?
You most likely entered incorrect proxy settings or the server you configured is unavailable. It's also possible that the app doesn't support proxy connections. Try resetting your Wi-Fi network settings ("Forget network") and reconnecting without a proxy to restore everything to its original state.
Does this method work on all Xiaomi models including Redmi and POCO?
Yes, since all these devices run Android with MIUI/HyperOS, the software methods described (developer settings, proxies, apps) are universal. However, the availability of specific features, such as enhanced Game Turbo, may vary depending on the device's price segment.