Have you ever noticed that your Xiaomi Sometimes it flies over Wi-Fi, and then suddenly it starts to “slow down” for no apparent reason? The reason may lie in network frequency, to which the smartphone is connected. The fact is that modern routers broadcast on two bands simultaneously— 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz, and your phone automatically (or manually) selects one of them. This choice affects not only internet speed but also connection stability, coverage range, and even battery life.
The problem is that MIUI (firmware Xiaomi) doesn't always show the current frequency directly in the notification bar. In some models, this information is hidden deep in the settings, while in others it's not even in the standard interface. But there are several proven ways to find out what frequency your phone is using. Redmi, POCO or Mi — from simple to advanced. In this article, we'll cover them all and explain why they're important for network optimization.
If you've never thought about Wi-Fi frequencies, after reading this article you'll be able to not only determine your current range but also consciously choose the best one for your needs. For example, 2.4 GHz passes through walls better, but is susceptible to interference, and 5 GHz It's faster, but has a shorter range. Also, learn to check if your smartphone is stuck on a slower band when a faster one is available nearby.
Never checked|Only when there are problems with the internet|I optimize regularly|I don't know how to do this-->
Why is it important to know the Wi-Fi frequency on a Xiaomi device?
At first glance, the difference between 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz It may seem insignificant, but in practice, it affects everything from file download speed to phone battery life. Here are the key reasons why it's worth monitoring your range:
🔹 Speed vs. stability: Range 5 GHz provides high throughput (up to 1 Gbps and higher), but the signal fades faster over distance. 2.4 GHz slower (maximum) 150–300 Mbps), but it covers a larger area and penetrates obstacles better. If your Xiaomi constantly "jumping" between ranges, this can cause lags in online games or interruptions in video calls.
🔹 Interference from neighbors: In apartment buildings the range 2.4 GHz It's often overloaded—all the routers around it broadcast on a limited number of channels (13 in total), which leads to mutual interference. 5 GHz has more channels (up to 25 depending on the country), so it is less “clogged”.
🔹 Energy consumption: Connecting to 5 GHz may slightly increase battery drain, as the Wi-Fi module has to work harder to maintain a high-frequency connection. If you notice your phone's battery draining faster than usual, it's worth checking to see if it's constantly stuck on 5 GHz in the background.
🔹 Device compatibility: Not all gadgets support 5 GHzFor example, old printers, smart light bulbs, or cameras often only work on 2.4 GHz. If your Xiaomi connected to 5 GHz, and you try to set up such a device via your phone, the connection may not be established.
💡 An example from life: Imagine you are watching a movie in 4K via Wi-Fi. If the phone is connected to 2.4 GHz, the video may "lag" due to lack of bandwidth, even if the router supports 1 GbpsSwitching to 5 GHz will solve the problem - but only if you know how to do it.
Method 1: Checking through the standard MIUI settings
The easiest method is to view network information directly in the settings. XiaomiUnfortunately, not all versions MIUI They display the frequency explicitly, but in most cases it can be found indirectly. Here's how:
1. Open Settings on your smartphone.
2. Go to the section Wi-Fi (or Connections → Wi-Fi in new versions).
3. Find your network in the list and tap on its name (not on the switch!).
4. In the window that opens, pay attention to the field Speed or Standard. This may indicate:
- 802.11n or 802.11g → this 2.4 GHz.
- 802.11ac or 802.11ax → this 5 GHz.
If there is no such field, try another method. In some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 (for the global version) the frequency can be displayed directly under the network name as a small icon:
- 📶 with a wave → 2.4 GHz.
- 📶 with two waves or an icon 5G → 5 GHz.
⚠️ Attention: In the Chinese versions MIUI (for example, for Redmi Note 12 Pro+ (In the Chinese market) the menu may differ. If you don't find the items you need, try changing the phone's region toIndiaorEuropein the settingsAdditional → Region.
📌 What to do if there is no frequency information?
If the settings don't mention the band, that doesn't mean it can't be found. Continue with the following methods—they work even on the most limited firmware versions.
Method 2: Using Wi-Fi Analysis Apps
If the default settings don't help, third-party utilities can help. They not only display the current frequency but also provide additional network information: signal strength, channel load, connection speed, and even optimization recommendations.
📌 Top 3 apps for Xiaomi:
- 🔍 WiFi Analyzer (from farproc) — shows the range, channel, signal strength, and load graph. The free version is quite functional.
- 📊 NetSpot — a professional network analysis tool, but there's also a simplified mobile version. It's perfect for finding the best channel.
- 🛠️ WiFi SweetSpots — helps find the optimal location for the router, displaying the frequency and signal level in real time.
📱 Instructions for use WiFi Analyzer:
- Download the app from Google Play and open it.
- Connect to your Wi-Fi network.
- Go to the tab
List of access points(orAP List). - Find your network in the list - in the column
Frequency(Frequency) the value will be indicated:-
24xx MHz(For example,2462 MHz) → 2.4 GHz.-
5xxx MHz(For example,5180 MHz) → 5 GHz.
💡 Bonus: Tab Channel schedule (Channel Graph) will show how busy your channel is. If 2.4 GHz too many neighbors, it's worth switching to 5 GHz or change the channel in the router settings.
⚠️ Attention: Some applications (eg. WiFi Analyzer) require permission to location determinationThis is necessary for network scanning, but it doesn't mean the app will track your movements. When in doubt, use offline mode.
Make sure your phone is connected to the correct network
View the frequency in the list of access points
Check channel load on the graph
Compare signal strength (RSSI) with other networks-->
Method 3: Engineering menu (for advanced users)
If you are not afraid to dig into hidden settings, the engineering menu (Engineer Mode) will provide the most accurate information about the current connection. This method works on all smartphones. Xiaomi, but requires caution - incorrect actions can disrupt the operation of the Wi-Fi module.
🔧 How to open the engineering menu:
- Open the app
Telephoneand enter the combination:##4636##On some models (eg, POCO F5) might work:
##54636## - Select an item
Wi-Fi Information(Wi-Fi information). - At the top of the screen, find the line
Frequency(Frequency) - the exact value in megahertz will be indicated there.
📊 Explanation of meanings:
| Frequency (MHz) | Range | Channel (example) | Max. speed (theoretical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2412–2484 | 2.4 GHz | 1, 6, 11 | up to 150 Mbps (802.11n) |
| 5170–5250 | 5 GHz | 36, 40, 44 | up to 433 Mbps (802.11ac) |
| 5745–5825 | 5 GHz | 149, 153, 161 | up to 1 Gbps (802.11ac/ax) |
⚠️ Warning: Do not change other parameters in the engineering menu unless you know their purpose! For example, forcibly changing the channel or transmission power may lead to loss of connection or even hardware failure of the Wi-Fi module.
🔹 Alternative method (For MIUI 13/14):
If the code doesn't work, try installing the app MTK Engineering Mode (for processors MediaTek) or Qualcomm Engineer Mode (For Snapdragon). They provide access to the same data, but through a more convenient interface.
What should I do if the engineering menu doesn't open?
On some models Xiaomi (For example, Redmi 10C) the engineering menu is blocked. In this case:
1. Try entering the code through the app Secret Codes from Google Play.
2. Make sure that you don’t have any restrictions from your operator (for example, on branded phones).
3. If nothing helps, use third-party applications (see Method 2).
Method 4: Through the router settings (indirect method)
If you have access to the router control panel, you can find out the frequency indirectly - by the name of the network to which you are connected XiaomiThis method is not 100% guaranteed (since the phone may have switched to a different band), but it helps in most cases.
🖥️ How to check:
- Open a browser on your computer or phone and enter the router's IP address (usually
192.168.0.1or192.168.1.1). - Log in (login/password is usually on the router sticker).
- Find the section
Wireless network(Wireless) orClients(DHCP Clients). - See what network your device is connected to. Xiaomi:
- If the network name ends with
_2G,_2.4Gor just without the suffix → this 2.4 GHz.- If there is
_5G,_5GHzorPlus→ this 5 GHz.
📌 Example:
If your router broadcasts two networks - MyHome (2.4 GHz) and MyHome_5G (5 GHz), and the phone is connected to the first one, which means it is using 2.4 GHz.
⚠️ Important: Some routers (eg. Xiaomi Mi Router) by default combine both networks under one name (Smart Connect). In this case, the phone itself selects the range, and you can only find it through the smartphone settings (Methods 1–3).
⚠️ AttentionRouter settings may vary depending on the model and firmware. If you're unsure about what you're doing, don't change the settings—just review the information.
2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz: Which is Better for Xiaomi?
Now that you know how to check the frequency, the question remains—which one should you choose? The answer depends on your needs. Below is a comparison table with the pros and cons of each range:
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| 📶 Coverage range | High (passes through walls) | Low (signal weakens with distance) |
| ⚡ Max. speed | Up to 300 Mbps (802.11n) | Up to 1 Gbps and higher (802.11ac/ax) |
| 📡 Noise immunity | Low (many neighbors on the same channels) | High (more free channels) |
| 🔋 Impact on battery | Minimum | Slightly higher (due to active module operation) |
| 🎮 Suitable for | Social networks, instant messengers, background synchronization | Online gaming, 4K video, downloading large files |
🔹 When to choose 2.4 GHz:
- 🏠 You are far from the router (for example, in another room with thick walls).
- 🔌 You need to connect older devices (printers, cameras) that do not support 5 GHz.
- 📱 You value stability over speed (for example, for WhatsApp calls).
🔹 When to choose 5 GHz:
- 🎮 Do you play online games? (PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty) or watch the video in high definition.
- 🖥️ You need to quickly download a large file or update the firmware.
- 🏢 There are many Wi-Fi networks in your home (in an apartment building), and 2.4 GHz is overloaded.
💡 Advice from an expert:
If your router supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), then the difference between the ranges becomes less noticeable thanks to technology OFDMAIn this case, you can leave Smart Connect (automatic switching) and don't worry about manual selection.
Common problems and their solutions
Sometimes, even after checking the frequency, users encounter unexpected problems. Here are the most common issues and how to resolve them:
🔸 Problem: The phone constantly gets caught 2.4 GHz, Although 5 GHz free and closer.
🔹 Solution:
- Disable the function in the router settings
Smart Connect(orBand Steering) and give the networks different names. - Connect manually to 5 GHz- networks in the Wi-Fi settings on the phone.
- Update your router firmware—older versions may not distribute devices across bands correctly.
🔸 Problem: On 5 GHz the internet is slower than on 2.4 GHz.
🔹 Solution:
- Check if your router has a speed limit for 5 GHz (sometimes providers do this).
- Change the channel to 5 GHz in the router settings (select a less busy one, for example, 36 or 149).
- Make sure your phone supports it 802.11ac (majority Xiaomi (after 2018 they support it).
🔸 Problem: After the update MIUI The frequency is no longer displayed in the settings.
🔹 Solution:
- Use third party applications (eg. WiFi Analyzer).
- Try resetting your network settings:
Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Reset Wi-Fi settings. - If the problem is critical, roll back to the previous version MIUI may help (but it's risky!).
🔸 Problem: The phone doesn't see the network 5 GHz, although the router broadcasts it.
🔹 Solution:
- Make sure that the router is in the enabled mode. 802.11a/n/ac/ax (sometimes the default is only 802.11n, which works on both ranges, but is limited 5 GHz).
- Check if yours supports it Xiaomi 5 GHz (For example, Redmi 9A it does not support it!).
- Change the country/region in the router settings to
EuropeorUSA- channels are limited in some countries 5 GHz.
⚠️ Attention: If the Internet is lost after changing the range, check if your provider is blocking traffic to 5 GHzThis is rare, but it does happen (for example, in some hotels or corporate chains).
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
❓ Is it possible to force Xiaomi to use only 5 GHz?
Yes, for this:
- Turn it off
Smart Connectin the router settings. - Give the networks different names (eg.
MyWiFi_2GAndMyWiFi_5G). - Connect manually to 5 GHz- networks on the phone and check the box
Auto-connection.
If your phone still switches, use the app WiFi Lock (disables automatic reconnection).
❓ Why does my Xiaomi show a speed of 866 Mbps, but the actual speed is 50 Mbps?
It's normal! Digital 866 Mbps — theoretical maximum for 802.11ac on 5 GHzActual speed depends on:
- The power of the router and its processor.
- Number of connected devices.
- Your internet provider's tariff plan.
- Interference from other networks.
To check the actual speed, use Speedtest or Fast.com.
❓ How do I know if my Xiaomi supports 5GHz?
There are several ways:
- Check out the model's specifications on the website. Mi.com (chapter
Wireless Network). - Use the app AIDA64: open the section
Network → Wi-Fiand find supported standards. - Try connecting to 5 GHz-network. If the phone doesn't see it, there's no support.
📌 Example: Redmi Note 11 supports 5 GHz, A Redmi 9A - No.
❓ Can Wi-Fi frequency affect ping in games?
Yes, and very much so! 5 GHz Ping is usually lower due to:
- Less channel congestion.
- Higher response speed (fewer packets are lost).
However, if you are far from the router, the signal 5 GHz may be weak, and the ping, on the contrary, will increase. Optimally, play on 5 GHz near the router or use 2.4 GHz with a good signal.
❓ Why don't some websites open after switching to 5 GHz?
This may be due to:
- 🔒 DNS problems: try changing DNS to
8.8.8.8(Google) or1.1.1.1(Cloudflare). - 🛡️ Blocking at the router level: Some providers restrict access to certain resources on 5 GHz.
- 📡 Unstable connection: If the signal is weak, packets are lost and websites won't load. Check your signal strength in WiFi Analyzer.
🔹 Quick solution: Reconnect to 2.4 GHz and check if websites open. If so, the problem is in the settings. 5 GHz.