How to boost Wi-Fi signal on a Xiaomi smartphone: from MIUI settings to antennas

Have you noticed that Xiaomi Does it have worse Wi-Fi reception than other devices in the same room? Or video in 1080p Is your router constantly slowing down, even though it's a meter away? The problem of weak signal on smartphones of this brand isn't just related to the distance from the access point. Often, the culprit is MIUI power saving settings, hardware limitations of budget models or even firmware, which “cuts” the power of the Wi-Fi module to save battery life.

In this article - 10 proven ways to boost your Xiaomi Wi-Fi signal, from free software tricks to buying external antennasWe'll figure out why. Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 may "lose" the network where iPhone or Samsung work reliably, and what to do about it. All methods have been tested on the latest versions. MIUI 14/15 and Android 13/14.

Spoiler: they help in 80% of cases system settings, rather than buying a new router. Start with the first section—you might not even have to spend any money.

1. Disable Adaptive Battery Saver in MIUI

The main reason for weak Wi-Fi on Xiaomi — aggressive energy optimization. Proprietary shell MIUI automatically limits the work of background processes, including Wi-Fi module, if the screen is off or the battery charge is below 20%. This saves power, but results in connection drops and low speeds.

To disable restrictions:

1. Go to Settings → Battery.
2. Tap the "⚙️" (settings icon) in the upper right corner.
3. Select Adaptive battery saving And turn it off her.
4. Go back and open Performance mode → select No restrictions.

For models POCO the path may differ: Settings → Battery → Battery settings → Modes.

⚠️ Note: Disabling adaptive power saving will reduce battery life by 10-15%. If this is critical, use manual control — Enable unlimited mode only when actively using Wi-Fi (for example, to download files).

Is the Battery Saver mode in the notification shade disabled?

Have app restrictions been reset (Settings → Apps → Battery Management)

Is the firmware updated to the latest version?-->

2. Configure Wi-Fi settings in the engineering menu

Engineering menu (or Engineer Mode) allows you to manually adjust the power of the Wi-Fi transmitter, change channels and even enable rarely used protocols like 802.11r (for fast roaming). This works on all smartphones. Xiaomi, but requires caution - incorrect settings can lead to complete loss of communication.

How to open the engineering menu:

1. Enter the code in the Phone app:

   ##4636##

2. Select Wi-Fi Information (or Wi-Fi information).
3. Scroll down to the block Wi-Fi verbose logging and turn it on.
4. Return to the main menu and select Wi-Fi settings (Wi-Fi settings).

Here you can change:

• 📶 Transmitter power (Tx Power) — set the value 4 (maximum) to enhance the signal.
• 🔄 Roaming mode (Roaming aggressiveness) - put 3 to quickly switch between points.
• 📡 Channel type (Channel width) - select 20/40 MHz auto to balance speed and stability.

⚠️ Warning: Changing parameters Tx Power higher 4 may cause the Wi-Fi module to overheat. On some models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3) maximum value — 3.

What should I do if the engineering menu doesn't open?

On some firmwares the code ##4636## blocked. Alternative:

1. Install the application MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek processors) or Qualcomm Engineer Mode (for Snapdragon).

2. Enter the code ##36446337## for devices with Qualcomm chips.

3. If the menu is in Chinese, use the screen translator (built into MIUI).

3. Change DNS and IP settings manually

Slow Wi-Fi isn't always due to a weak signal. Often, the culprit is Provider's DNS servers, which slow down website and app loading. Replacing them with public DNS (such as those from Google or Cloudflare) can speed up your internet by 20–30%, even with a weak signal.

How to change DNS on Xiaomi:

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on your network and select Change network (or "⚙️").
3. Scroll to IP settings and select Static.
4. In the field DNS 1 enter 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google).
5. IN DNS 2 add 1.0.0.1 or 8.8.4.4.
6. Save and reconnect to the network.

To check the speed before and after changing DNS use Speedtest or nPerfIf the ping has decreased and the download speed has increased, the problem was with DNS.

Provider (default)|Google (8.8.8.8)|Cloudflare (1.1.1.1)|OpenDNS|AdGuard|Other-->

4. Update your firmware and Wi-Fi drivers

Weak Wi-Fi signal on Xiaomi It could be a firmware bug. For example, in MIUI 13 For Redmi Note 10 Pro there was a defect due to which the smartphone “did not see” the network on higher channels 100This was only fixed in the update. V13.0.5.0.SKFMIXM.

How to update firmware:

1. Go to Settings → About phone → System update.
2. Click "Check for updates." If a new version is available, download and install it.
3. If there are no updates, but the problem persists, check regional firmware. For example, the global version (Global ROM) may work worse than the European one (EEA) or Indian (India).

For manual flashing via Fastboot or Recovery:

• 🔧 Download the official firmware from the website en.miui.com (choose the version for your model!).
• 📱 Use Mi Flash Tool for installation via Fastboot or TWRP For Recovery.
• ⚠️ Before flashing, make a backup of your data - there is a risk brick (breakdowns) of the device always exist.

⚠️ Attention: Firmware from third-party developers (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) can improve performance, but often break the work Wi-Fi Calling And VoLTECheck user reviews for your model before installing.

5. Use an external antenna or repeater

If software methods do not help, the problem may be in hardwareCheap models Xiaomi (For example, Redmi 9C or POCO C31) are equipped with weak Wi-Fi modules that physically can't pick up a signal through two or three walls. In this case, the following will help:

• 📡 External antenna with magnetic mount (connects to the connector) IPEX on the motherboard). Suitable for models with a removable back cover.
• 🔄 Wi-Fi repeater (signal booster) – placed between the router and smartphone. Best budget options: TP-Link TL-WA850RE or Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Repeater 2.
• 📶 Mesh system - if the problem is in the whole house. For example, TP-Link Deco E4 or Xiaomi Mesh Router AX3000.

To connect an external antenna:

1. Disassemble the smartphone (you will need a plastic pick and a hair dryer to soften the glue).
2. Find the connector on the motherboard IPEX (small golden connector next to the Wi-Fi module).
3. Connect the antenna with a cable U.FL (sold on AliExpress or in radio stores).
4. Assemble the phone and check the signal.

Solution prices:

6. Optimize your router settings for Xiaomi

Sometimes the problem is not in the smartphone, but in incorrect router configuration. For example, Xiaomi doesn't work well with encryption WPA3 on some firmware, and the channel 13 in the 2.4 GHz range may be blocked in your country.

What to change in the router settings:

• 🔒 Security type: use WPA2-PSK (Not WPA3 or mixed mode).
• 📶 Wi-Fi channel: manually select 1, 6 or 11 (the least congested in 2.4 GHz). For 5 GHz - channels 36–48 or 149–165.
• 🔄 Opening hours: install 802.11n/ac/ax (Not 802.11b/g, which limits the speed).
• 📡 Transmission power: increase to 100% (some routers have this 50–75% by default).

How to check channel load:

1. Install the program on your PC Wi-Fi Analyzer or NetSpot.
2. Run a scan and the program will show you which channels are free.
3. Log into your router's control panel (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) and change the channel.

⚠️ Attention: On routers Xiaomi Mi Router enabled by default Smart Wi-Fi mode, which automatically switches devices between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Disable it in Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced, if the smartphone gets stuck on a slow range.

7. Check your phone for hardware problems

If your Wi-Fi signal suddenly disappears or gets worse after being dropped or getting wet, the problem may be:

• 🔌 Disconnected antenna cable (a common problem after disassembling the phone).
• 💧 Oxidation of contacts on the motherboard (due to moisture).
• 🔥 Overheating of the Wi-Fi module (for example, due to using the phone as a hotspot for a long time).

How to diagnose:

1. Call the phone and check if the signal drops when you tilt the device (a sign of poor antenna contact).
2. Connect to Wi-Fi and put your phone in the refrigerator for 10 minutes (if the signal improves, overheating is to blame).
3. Use the app AIDA64 or CPU-Zto check the processor temperature. If it is higher 60°C when idle, the thermal paste needs cleaning or replacement.

If you suspect a faulty antenna:

• 🛠️ Contact a service center (antenna replacement costs 500–1,500 ₽).
• 🔧 Try reconnecting the cable yourself (you need experience disassembling phones).
• 📱 If your phone is under warranty, do not disassemble it, otherwise you will lose your right to free repairs.

8. Alternative methods: from a USB adapter to 4G

If nothing helps, consider unconventional solutions:

• 🖥️ USB Wi-Fi adapter with support OTGConnects to the phone via an adapter USB-C → USB-A. For example, TP-Link TL-WN725N (costs ~500 ₽). Cons: sticks out of the phone and drains the battery faster.
• 📶 Mobile InternetIf your home Wi-Fi is weak but you have a good 4G/5G signal, use access point on the second phone or USB modem.
• 🔄 Powerline adapter. Transmits the Internet through electrical wiring (for example, TP-Link AV600). Connect one adapter to the router, the second one near where you use your phone, and distribute Wi-Fi from it.

For USB adapter:

1. Buy an adapter with a chip RTL8188 or RTL8811 (they are best supported by Android).
2. Connect it to your phone via OTG cable.
3. Install the application USB Wi-Fi Driver from Google Play for setup.

⚠️ Please note: Not all USB adapters work with smartphones. Check compatibility with your model before purchasing. Xiaomi on forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA Developers).

How to share Wi-Fi from one phone to another phone?

1. Turn on mobile internet on your phone. Access point (Settings → Hotspot & Tethering).

2. On the second phone, connect to the created network (the password is specified in the access point settings).

3. To save traffic, turn on Data restriction in the access point settings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about boosting Wi-Fi on Xiaomi devices

Why does Xiaomi have worse Wi-Fi reception than iPhone or Samsung?

This is due to several factors:

• 🔋 Energy saving: MIUI aggressively limits Wi-Fi in the background.
• 📡 Antennas: In budget models Xiaomi Cheaper antennas with lower gain are used.
• 🔄 Firmware: Some versions of MIUI have bugs with Wi-Fi operation on higher channels 100.

For example, Redmi Note 11 in tests it shows a 20-30% worse signal compared to Samsung Galaxy A52 under the same conditions.

Is it possible to boost Wi-Fi without root access?

Yes, all the methods in this article (except changing the parameters in the engineering menu on some firmware versions) work. without rootHowever, with root rights you can:

• Install a custom kernel with improved Wi-Fi support.
• Use apps like Wi-Fi Signal Fix to force an increase in transmitter power.
• Disable MIUI restrictions at the system level.

But remember: getting root voids the warranty and may lead to unstable operation of the phone.

Which router works best with Xiaomi?

For smartphones Xiaomi Routers with: are recommended

• 🔒 Support WPA2-PSK (without WPA3).
• 📶 Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz).
• 🔄 Function Band Steering (automatic switching between ranges).

The best options in terms of price/quality ratio:

• Xiaomi Mi Router AX3000 (optimized for Xiaomi ecosystem devices).
• TP-Link Archer AX21 (good speed and stability).
• ASUS RT-AX55 (supports Mesh and AiProtection).

Does foil or a can help boost the signal?

This mythFoil or a chip can can direct signal in one direction (like an antenna), but:

• ❌ Will not increase transmitter power.
• ❌ May degrade the signal in other directions.
• ❌ The effect is minimal (1–2 dB) and not worth the effort.

It's better to spend your time setting up your router or buying a repeater.

What should I do if Wi-Fi is lost after updating MIUI?

This is a common issue when updating via OTA. Try:

1. Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings.
2. Clear partition cache modem (required) TWRP or Fastboot).
3. Roll back to the previous firmware version (if there is a backup).
4. Contact support Xiaomi — sometimes they release "patches" for such bugs.

If Wi-Fi is lost after manual firmware, check if the firmware version is suitable for your model (for example, Global ROM will not work on Chinese version of phone).