Many smartphone owners Xiaomi And Redmi People encounter a situation where the internet works perfectly on other devices, but pages barely load on their phones. This is a common problem associated with aggressive system optimization. MIUI or HyperOS, which often limits background network activity to save battery life. However, this can be remedied if you know where to look for hidden settings.
In this article, we will analyze the technical aspects of the wireless module in the shell Android From a Chinese manufacturer. You'll learn how to disable unnecessary scanners, change DNS servers to speed up response times, and properly configure frequency ranges. Proper configuration will allow you to get the most out of your data plan.
Before moving on to complex troubleshooting, it's worth checking the basics. Sometimes the problem isn't with your phone, but with an overloaded connection or outdated router software. A comprehensive diagnostic approach will help identify the bottleneck in the ISP-router-smartphone chain.
Diagnosing your current connection and speed
The first step should always be an objective assessment of the situation. Don't rely on subjective perceptions of "slow" or "fast." Use specialized tools to measure metrics. Built-in browser tests often produce distorted results due to caching.
Install the application Ookla Speedtest or Fast.com directly from the store Google PlayTake measurements near the router and in a distant room. Record the ping, download, and upload values. If the ping fluctuates or the speed drops significantly at a distance of 5 meters, the problem is clearly with the signal or phone settings.
Pay attention to the indicator in the status bar. If the "4G" or "3G" icon is lit, even though the router is broadcasting "5G Wi-Fi," it means your phone is connected to the wrong frequency. Dual-band routers can combine networks under a single name, and your smartphone sometimes mistakenly selects the longer-range but slower 2.4 GHz band instead of the faster 5 GHz.
It's important to understand the difference between your ISP's internet speed and your local network's speed. If you have a 100 Mbps plan, but your phone shows 40 Mbps over Wi-Fi, then limitation may be in the wireless standard. Older models Redmi can only support the 802.11n standard, which is physically incapable of transmitting gigabit speeds.
Configuring Wi-Fi frequency ranges and standards
The most effective way to increase speed is to switch to the 5 GHz band. Unlike the congested 2.4 GHz band, where microwaves, headphones, and neighbors' routers operate, the 5 GHz band is cleaner and faster. However, it has a shorter range and poorer penetration through walls.
To force your phone to use the desired band, you need to change the settings in the developer menu or through the engineering menu, if your model allows it. Standard interface MIUI Often hides these options. Try forgetting the network and reconnecting when your phone is close to the router—this will increase the chance of selecting 5 GHz.
You can find the option in the developer menu Wi-Fi Preference or Wi-Fi network preferenceHere, you should select the "Prefer 5 GHz" option. This will instruct the communication module to ignore slow networks if a faster alternative with a similar signal strength is available.
⚠️ Caution: When switching to 5 GHz, make sure your router supports the 802.11ac or 802.11ax standard. If your router is older, forcing this mode may result in a complete loss of connection.
It's also worth paying attention to the channel width. In your router settings (not your phone's), it's recommended to set the channel width to 80 MHz for the 5 GHz band. This will ensure maximum throughput. For 2.4 GHz, it's best to leave it at 20 MHz to avoid interference, even if the speed is lower.
Optimizing DNS and network settings
Slow speeds are often caused by slow response times from name servers (DNS). When you enter a website address, your phone asks your provider's DNS server which IP address corresponds to that name. If your provider's server is slow, websites will "think" before loading.
Replace DNS with public and fast servers from Google or Cloudflare can significantly speed up page loading. This won't increase file download speed, but it will make the internet more responsive. You can configure this in the section Settings → Wi-Fi → Tap the network name → IP settings (static).
- 🌐 DNS 1:
8.8.8.8(Google) - 🚀 DNS 2:
1.1.1.1(Cloudflare) - ⚡ DNS 3:
76.76.19.19(Control D)
In newer versions Android (10 and above) a "Private DNS" feature has been added. It encrypts requests and is often faster than the default settings. You can find it in Settings → Connection and Sharing → Private DNS. Select "DNS Provider Hostname" and enter dns.google or 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com.
Another important parameter is IPv6. Some providers and routers handle this protocol incorrectly, causing delays. If you see constant timeouts, try switching the Wi-Fi network settings (under the IP section) from DHCP to Static and entering only IPv4 addresses in the DNS field, ignoring IPv6.
Disable power saving and background scanners
System MIUI is notorious for its aggressive memory and energy management. It can put the Wi-Fi module to sleep when the screen is off or limit background data transfers. This results in delayed notifications, and it takes time for the internet to reconnect when the screen is turned on.
Go to Settings → Battery → Power SavingMake sure "Performance" or "Balanced" mode is selected, not "Power Saver." Also, in the "Apps" menu, find your important messaging apps and, under "Battery Saver," select "No Limits."
Scanners deserve special attention. The phone constantly scans for new networks and devices, even when Wi-Fi is connected. This puts unnecessary strain on the processor and antenna. Disable the "Always scan for networks" feature in the advanced Wi-Fi settings.
⚠️ Note: The battery settings interface may differ depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14) or HyperOS. Look for similar items if the exact menu names are different.
It's also worth disabling "Wi-Fi Assistant." This feature is designed to automatically switch to mobile data if the Wi-Fi signal is weak. In practice, it often doesn't work correctly, causing constant connection drops and reconnections, which reduces overall speed.
☑️ Energy saving optimization
Completed: 0 / 4
Reset network settings and update software
Configuration errors accumulated over years of use can slow down the module. Resetting network settings returns all settings to factory defaults. This is a safe operation that won't delete your photos or contacts, but you'll have to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords.
You can perform a reset through the menu Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and BluetoothAfter rebooting, the phone will rebuild the routing table, which often resolves issues with "sticking" at low speeds.
Don't forget about updates. Security patches and system updates Xiaomi Wi-Fi driver bugs are often fixed. Check for updates in Settings → About phoneIf you're running a beta firmware version, consider downgrading to the stable branch.
Action
Impact on speed
Risks
Changing DNS
High (response speed)
No
Transition to 5 GHz
Maximum (throughput)
Shorter range
Network reset
Average (error correction)
You need to enter passwords again
Disabling scanners
Low (stability)
No
Hardware limitations and external factors
It's important to remember that it's impossible to increase the speed programmatically beyond the physical limit. Budget models Redmi (A-series, some Note models) are often equipped with single-stream, single-antenna (SISO) Wi-Fi modules. Such devices are physically unable to achieve speeds higher than 70-80 Mbps, even if the router is capable of 500 Mbps.
The case also affects speed. Metallic, thick rubber, or magnetic ring cases for car mounts can block the signal. Remove the case and run a speed test—if the speed increases, you've found the problem.
Overheating of the smartphone is another factor. At high temperatures, the processor and modem reduce frequencies to avoid burning out. If the phone is hot to the touch, Wi-Fi speed may drop. Let the device cool down.
In conclusion, a comprehensive setup can improve the situation in most cases. Start by checking the 5 GHz band and changing DNS, then optimize power saving. These steps solve 90% of speed issues on devices. Xiaomi.
Why does Xiaomi's Wi-Fi speed drop when the screen is off?
This is the power saving feature at work. The system disables active data transfer to conserve battery life. This can be resolved by disabling power saving mode for specific apps or the entire system.
Does Airplane Mode help speed up Wi-Fi?
Yes, briefly enabling airplane mode resets the radio module. This can help if the module is frozen or has lost communication with the router. However, this is a temporary solution.
Should I use booster apps from the Play Market?
No, most of them are scams. They simply flush the DNS cache or switch to airplane mode, which you can do yourself. Moreover, they consume resources and display ads.