How to enable 5G Wi-Fi on a Xiaomi phone: detailed instructions with pictures

You bought a new smartphone Xiaomi and found that it couldn't see the network 5 GHz — or only connects to the slow 2.4 GHz frequency? This problem is familiar to many device owners. Redmi, POCO And Mi, especially after a firmware update or a factory reset. In this article, we'll look at why this happens and how to fix it. Enable 5G Wi-Fi on Xiaomi in 3 minutes - without root rights and complicated manipulations.

The thing is that smartphones Xiaomi networks are often hidden by default 5 GHz in the list of available connections. This is due to battery saving and the chipset's operating features. Qualcomm or MediatekBut there is a solution: from enabling stealth mode to manually selecting the range. We'll cover all the methods—from simple to advanced—and also explain why sometimes 5G Wi-Fi is slower than 2.4 GHz and how to fix it.

Why Xiaomi Can't Detect the 5GHz Network: 4 Main Reasons

Before you move on to the settings, it is important to understand why your Xiaomi ignores 5 GHz networkHere are the most common reasons:

• 🔄 Power saving mode: MIUI by default limits scanning for 5 GHz networks to save battery life. This is especially noticeable on budget models (Redmi Note 10, POCO M4 Pro).
• 📡 Incompatibility with the router: some older routers (eg. TP-Link TL-WR841N) do not support the standard 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or are using incorrect channel settings.
• 🔧 Hidden MIUI settings: in firmware Xiaomi there is a hidden parameter Country Code, which limits the available frequencies. If it is set incorrectly (for example, on US instead of RU), the 5 GHz network may not be displayed.
• 🛠️ Wi-Fi driver issues: after updating MIUI (especially on Xiaomi 12/13 series) sometimes the Wi-Fi module settings get lost and it stops seeing high-frequency networks.

If your phone used to connect to 5GHz but now it doesn't, it's most likely the culprit. reset network settings or firmware updateIn this case, a simple reboot of the router and smartphone will help. But if the problem persists, read on.

Method 1: Enabling 5G Wi-Fi via network settings (the easiest)

Let's start with the most obvious method, which works on 90% of devices. Xiaomi With MIUI 12 and later, you don't need root access or additional apps.

1. Open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner (or swipe down on some models) and select Additional settings.
3. Find the item Wi-Fi range (or Frequency range) and set the value 5 GHz or Auto.
4. Return to the network list and refresh it (swipe down). Networks marked with 5G or 5GHz.

If the point Wi-Fi range No, then it's your model Xiaomi does not support manual switching. In this case, try Method 2.

Method 2: Change Wi-Fi Regional Settings (Advanced)

If the first method didn't work, the problem might be in country code (Country Code), which limits the available frequencies. This setting is hidden in the engineering menu, but it can be changed without root.

1. Open the app Telephone and enter the combination:

   ##4636##

   (may be required on some models) ##54636##).

2. Select Wi-Fi Information (or Wi-Fi information).
3. Find the field at the bottom of the screen Country code and change it to RU (Russia), EU (Europe) or US (USA). Channels 36–64 and 100–140 are available for Russia and Europe.
4. Save the changes and restart your phone.

After rebooting, check the list of networks - networks should now be displayed 5 GHzIf not, try another one. Country Code (For example, DE for Germany).

⚠️ Attention: Change Country Code This may violate local radio frequency regulations. In some countries (such as the US), using unauthorized 5 GHz channels carries fines. Make sure the code you select matches your actual location.

Method 3: Reset network settings (if nothing helps)

If the previous methods did not work, the reason may be settings conflict After updating MIUI. In this case, a full reset of network settings will help:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
4. After turning on your phone, try connecting to the 5GHz network again.

This method deletes all saved networks and passwords, but often solves problems with invisible 5 GHz networksAfter the reset, don't forget to reconfigure your connection to the router.

Save Wi-Fi passwords in a notepad | Remember APN settings for mobile data | Disable two-factor authentication via SMS (if used) | Make sure your phone has enough battery (at least 30%)

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Table: Xiaomi models compatibility with 5G Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6)

Not all smartphones Xiaomi support 5 GHzThe table below shows popular models and their capabilities:

If your model does not support 5 GHz (For example, Redmi 9A or POCO C31), then no settings will help—there's a hardware limitation. In this case, consider purchasing Wi-Fi repeater with dual-band support or upgrading the router to Wi-Fi 6.

What should I do if 5G Wi-Fi is slower than 2.4 GHz?

You are finally connected to the network. 5 GHz, but the speed turned out to be lower than on 2.4 GHzThis is a common problem, and here are its main causes:

• 📶 Weak signalThe 5 GHz band has poorer penetration through walls. If the router is in another room, the speed drops by 2-3 times.
• 🔄 Congested channel: Many routers use channels 36-48 by default, which may be occupied by neighboring networks.
• 🛠️ Incorrect router settings: channel width 20 MHz instead of 40/80 MHz, obsolete standard 802.11n.
• 📱 MIUI limitations: Some firmwares artificially limit the speed to 5 GHz to save power.

To fix this:

1. Bring your phone closer to the router (within 5 meters).
2. Go to your router settings (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and change the 5 GHz channel to 149–165 (they are less busy).
3. Set the channel width 80 MHz (if the router supports it).
4. Turn on WPA3 instead of WPA2 for better performance.

How to check Wi-Fi channel load?

Download the app Wi-Fi Analyzer (available in the Play Market). It will show you which 5 GHz channels are available in your home. Select the least crowded channel and configure it in the router control panel.

Additional tips: How to speed up 5G Wi-Fi on Xiaomi

If you have successfully connected to 5 GHz, but want to squeeze out maximum speed, use these recommendations:

• 🔋 Disable power saving for Wi-Fi: go to Settings → Battery → Performance mode and add Wi-Fi in exceptions.
• 📱 Update your router firmware: Go to your router's control panel and check for updates (especially relevant for TP-Link, ASUS, Keenetic).
• 🔄 Use a Mesh systemIf you have a large home, a single router won't cover the entire area at 5 GHz. Consider purchasing a mesh system (e.g., Xiaomi Mi Mesh or TP-Link Deco).
• 🛡️ Disable VPN: Some VPN services artificially limit speed on high-frequency networks.

Important: On Xiaomi smartphones with a Mediatek chipset (for example, Redmi Note 11 or POCO M4 Pro) Sometimes enabling developer mode and activating the "Disable background Wi-Fi restriction" option helps. To do this:

1. Go to Settings → About phone and tap 7 times MIUI version.
2. Return to Settings → Advanced → For developers.
3. Find the item Don't limit background Wi-Fi and turn it on.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware versions Xiaomi Enabling this setting may increase battery consumption. If you notice significant battery drain, reset the setting.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about 5G Wi-Fi on Xiaomi

My Xiaomi doesn't detect 5 GHz, even though it supports it. What should I do?

If your model (for example, Xiaomi 11T or Redmi Note 10 Pro) should support 5 GHz, but does not see the network, try:

1. Reset network settings (see Method 3).
2. Change Country Code in the engineering menu (see Method 2).
3. Update MIUI firmware to the latest version.
4. Check if the mode is enabled 2.4 GHz only on the router.

If nothing helps, the phone's Wi-Fi module may be faulty (diagnostics at a service center are required).

How to distinguish a 5 GHz network from a 2.4 GHz network in the Wi-Fi list?

In MIUI, 5GHz networks are usually marked as:

• Inscription 5G or 5GHz next to the title.
• Wave icon with a number 5 (on some firmware versions).
• Higher signal level when located close to the router.

If the network names are the same (for example, Keenetic-123), separate them in the router settings by adding suffixes _2G And _5G.

Why is the internet slower after connecting to 5 GHz?

The reasons may be as follows:

• The router automatically switches you to 2.4 GHz due to a weak 5 GHz signal (check the function Band Steering in the router settings).
• The channel width on the router is set to 20 MHz instead of 80 MHz.
• Your provider's tariff plan limits the speed to 5 GHz (rare, but it happens).
• A torrent or download of updates is running in the background.

Solution: Connect your phone to the router with a cable (via an OTG adapter) and check the speed on SpeedtestIf the speed is high via cable, the problem is in the Wi-Fi settings.

Is it possible to enable 5 GHz on Xiaomi without root?

Yes, all the methods described in the article (change Country Code, network reset, router settings) are working without root rightsRoot may only be needed for:

• Installing custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), if the standard MIUI does not support 5 GHz.
• Fixes for Wi-Fi driver bugs on very old models (eg. Redmi 4X).

On 99% of devices Xiaomi (2018 and newer) no root required.

Which routers work best with Xiaomi on 5GHz?

For maximum speed, we recommend routers with support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and MU-MIMO:

• Xiaomi AX3600 (perfectly compatible with MIUI, there is an application for control).
• TP-Link Archer AX6000 (high speed but expensive).
• ASUS RT-AX88U (ideal for gamers).
• Keenetic Ultra (best choice for Mesh networks).

Budget option: TP-Link Archer C6 (Wi-Fi 5, but stable).