Saved Wi-Fi networks on smartphones Xiaomi Redmi sometimes become a source of problems: the phone stubbornly connects to a weak signal, authentication errors occur, or you simply want to clear the list of old access points. Unlike "pure" Android, the firmware MIUI has its own nuances—the standard "Forget Network" button doesn't always work, and some networks may "return" after a reboot. In this article, we'll look at 5 proven methodsHow to delete a Wi-Fi network Redmi completely, including hidden methods for stubborn networks.
Peculiarity MIUI The system can cache network data even after it's "forgotten" through the interface. This is due to power consumption optimizations and the Auto-Connect, which attempts to restore "familiar" connections. If you encounter a network reappearing or your phone automatically connects to an undesirable hotspot, you'll need to use the advanced methods we'll describe below.
Important: The procedure varies depending on the version. MIUI (12, 13, 14 or HyperOS). Most of the instructions are universal, but for older models (Redmi 4/5) or new flagships (Redmi K70) there may be some nuances. If your smartphone is running on Android 13+, pay attention to the section about Private DNS - this is a common cause of "undeletable" networks.
Method 1: Standard deletion via Wi-Fi settings
Let's start with the basic method, which works 80% of the time. This method is suitable for most models. Redmi Note, Redmi A And POCO on MIUI 12-14:
- Open
Settings(gear icon on the desktop). - Go to the section
Wi-Fi. - Tap on the name of the network you want to delete (not on the switch!).
- In the window that opens, click
Forget the network(orDeletein older versions). - Confirm the action in the dialog box.
⚠️ Attention: If the network still appears in the list or the phone connects to it automatically after this, the data is stored in the system cache. Proceed to Method 2 or 3.
☑️ Checking after deleting a network
On some firmware versions MIUI The "Forget Network" button may be hidden behind a long tap on the network name (hold your finger for 2-3 seconds). Also, check if the function is enabled. Auto-connection In the advanced Wi-Fi settings, it can restore "forgotten" networks when the signal is weak.
Method 2: Clearing the Wi-Fi module cache and data
If standard uninstallation does not help, the problem lies in the module's cached data. WLANThis method is more radical, but doesn't require a factory reset. Instructions:
- Open
Settings → Applications → Manage applications. - Tap the three dots in the upper right corner and select
Show system. - Find in the list
Wi-Fi settings(orWLAN(on English firmware). - Open the application page and click
Storage. - Select one by one
Clear cacheAndClear data. - Restart your phone.
⚠️ Attention: After this procedure all saved networks will be deleted, including passwords. You will have to re-enter them for all access points. The network priority order may also be reset (if you used the More → Advanced settings → Network priority).
What to do if there is no "Show system" option
On some MIUI versions, system apps are hidden deeper. Try this alternative: Settings → About phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times to enable developer mode) then go back to Settings → Advanced → For developers and find the system application management section there.
This method also helps if the phone does not save new networks after connecting or returns the error "Saved, but no internet access." The cause is often a corrupted module cache. WLAN, which blocks the correct operation of the save function.
Method 3: Removing via Developer Mode (for stubborn networks)
If the network continues to appear even after clearing the cache, its data may have been written to configstore - protected memory area MIUITo remove it from there, you'll need access to developer settings:
- Enable developer mode: go to
Settings → About phone → MIUI versionand tap on it 7 times. - Return to
Settings → Advanced → For developers. - Find the section
Netand turn it onDebugging over Wi-Fi(if required). - Scroll down to the block
Wi-Fiand selectManaging saved networks. - Manually remove the problematic network from the list (even hidden networks are displayed here).
⚠️ Attention: In some versions MIUI 14+ The "Manage saved networks" section may be missing. In this case, use Method 4 (ADB) or Method 5 (reset network settings).
Developer mode also allows you to disable the feature Automatic connection to open networks, which may interfere with manual Wi-Fi control. Find this setting in the section Net and deactivate it if it is enabled.
Method 4: Uninstall via ADB (for advanced users)
If the previous methods didn't work, you'll have to connect to your phone via Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This is the most reliable method, but it requires a computer and minimal technical skills. Instructions:
- Install ADB Tools on PC.
- Connect Redmi to the computer via USB and turn it on
USB debuggingin the developer settings. - Open a command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with
adb.exe. - Enter the command to view the list of networks:
adb shell cmd wifi list-networks - Find in the output
networkIdproblematic network (for example,0or1). - Delete the network with the command (replace
Xon her ID):adb shell cmd wifi forget-network X
⚠️ Attention: ADB commands require confirmation on your phone the first time you connect. If you see a prompt asking for debugging permission, be sure to allow it by checking "Always allow from this computer."
adb shell su -c "cmd wifi forget-network X"
To do this, your phone must have root rights (not recommended for beginners).-->
ADB also allows you to reset all network settings with one command:
adb shell cmd wifi reset
But keep in mind that this will delete all saved networks, VPN configurations and mobile Internet settings.
Method 5: Reset network settings (last resort)
If none of these methods help, the only option left is to completely reset the network settings. This will remove:
- 📶 All saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords
- 📱 Mobile Internet settings (APN)
- 🔒 VPN and proxy configurations
- 🔄 Bluetooth device settings
Instructions:
- Open
Settings → System & device → Reset settings. - Select
Reset network settings(do not confuse with a full reset!). - Confirm the action by entering a PIN code or pattern.
- Wait for your phone to reboot (it will take 1-2 minutes).
⚠️ Attention: After the reset, you will have to reconfigure your mobile Internet (APN) - this is especially relevant for operators like Tele2 or Iota, where the parameters are not loaded automatically. Save the APN settings in advance or check with your operator.
This method also solves problems with:
- 🔄 Endless acquisition of an IP address
- 🚫 "Authentication" error with correct password
- 📉 Constant connection breaks
Additional tips for stable Wi-Fi operation
To avoid network problems in the future, follow these guidelines:
| Problem | Solution | Cause |
|---|---|---|
| The phone does not save new networks. | Clear your cache Wi-Fi settings (method 2) |
The module cache is corrupted. WLAN |
| Automatic connection to a weak network | Turn it off Auto-connection in Wi-Fi settings |
Function MIUI to save traffic |
| "Saved, but no internet connection" error | Reset DNS settings or disable Private DNS |
Conflict with DNS settings (for example, after using a VPN) |
| The network appears after reboot | Remove it via ADB (method 4) | Network data is stored in configstore |
If you often connect to public networks (in cafes, airports), turn off the function Auto-connection to open networks in the Wi-Fi settings. This will prevent the automatic saving of untrusted access points that may conflict with your home network.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does a network appear in the list again after being deleted?
This is related to the function Auto-Connect V MIUI, which restores "familiar" networks from the cache. To completely remove a network, use Method 2 (clear cache) or Method 4 (ADB). Also, check if network syncing is enabled per account. Xiaomi (turns off in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Sync).
Is it possible to delete a network without resetting all settings?
Yes, they help in 90% of cases. Method 1 (standard deletion) or Method 2 (clear cache). If the network is "unremovable", use Method 3 (developer mode) or Method 4 (ADB). A hard reset (method 5) is only necessary in case of system failures.
How do I delete a network if my phone can't connect to it (I forgot the password)?
If the network is visible in the list, but you cannot connect (for example, the password has changed), use Method 1 — Tap the network name and select "Forget." If the network isn't listed but your phone is trying to connect, delete it via Method 3 (developer mode) or Method 4 (ADB).
Why did all saved networks disappear after updating MIUI?
This is standard behavior for major updates (for example, with MIUI 13 on MIUI 14). The system resets network settings to prevent conflicts. Networks can only be restored manually. In the future, use a backup via Settings → System & device → Backup.
How to prevent a phone from connecting to a specific network without deleting it?
Go to Wi-Fi settings, tap on the network and select Change networkUncheck the box. Auto-connection and save the settings. The phone will remember the password, but will not connect automatically. You can also lower the network priority in Advanced Wi-Fi settings.
If none of the methods solve your problem, the cause may be a hardware failure of the Wi-Fi module (especially on older models like Redmi 4X or Redmi 5 Plus). In this case, contact the service center. Xiaomi for diagnostics.