Smartphones of the line Redmi 4 from the company Xiaomi remain popular due to their balance of price and quality, but sometimes users face the need to reactivate wireless modules. Wi-Fi On these devices, this usually happens automatically, but in some cases, manual intervention or a factory reset is required. Understanding the operating system architecture MIUI will help you quickly restore the connection without losing data.
In this article, we'll cover not only the standard activation paths, but also hidden menu features that are often ignored. Wireless communication The problem may be caused by a software glitch, an IP address conflict, or even physical damage to the antenna after a fall. We'll cover all possible scenarios so you can diagnose the problem yourself.
Before attempting any complex manipulations, it's worth making sure the module isn't blocked at the system level or by your carrier. Current firmware versions Android have advanced security protocols that can block connections to untrusted networks. Your task is to check each setting one by one.
Basic methods for activating the wireless module
The fastest way to start a network search is to use the quick access panel. To do this, swipe down from the top of the lock screen or desktop. In the menu that opens, look for the icon that resembles a fan or a dot with radiating arcs. If the icon is blue or green, it means radio module active.
The second option is the classic route through system settings. This method is preferable if you want to configure a static IP address or manually enter DNS servers. Go to the main menu and select the section responsible for connections. Depending on the version MIUI, the name may vary, but the logic remains the same.
Once you've entered the menu, you'll see a switch that needs to be activated. The system will automatically begin scanning the airwaves. If the list of networks is empty, check that airplane mode isn't enabled, which forcibly disables all radio frequency emissions.
- 📱 Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade.
- 🌐 Click on the Wi-Fi icon to make it active (colored).
- 🔍 Select the desired network from the list of available access points that appears.
- 🔑 Enter your password and click the connect button to log in.
If the connection fails after these steps, it's worth checking the router's status. The problem may lie not with your phone, but with the signal source. Make sure other devices can see the network and connect to it without errors.
Setting up via the MIUI system menu
For more advanced settings, you need to access the full settings menu. Here you can manage network priorities, configure proxies, and view detailed connection speed information. Follow the path Settings → Wi-FiThis section displays the current status of the module and a list of saved networks.
It's important to pay attention to the "Turn on Wi-Fi" switch. If it's disabled, click it. In some versions of the shell MIUI A warning about poor signal quality or no internet access may appear next to the network name. This means the phone is connected to the router, but the router doesn't have access to the external network.
⚠️ Note: If the Wi-Fi switch is grayed out and won't turn on, this may indicate a driver issue or a system process conflict. Try restarting your device.
In the advanced settings, accessible via the menu button or the three dots, you'll find the "Wi-Fi Assistant" option. This tool helps you automatically select the network with the best signal. However, it can sometimes cause connection drops, so for a more stable experience, it's best to disable it.
☑️ Check network settings
The MAC address function is also available in this section. For some routers with MAC address filtering, you need to copy this code from your phone settings and add it to the router's whitelist. The address is usually found in the "Advanced" subsection or in the device information.
Diagnostics via the engineering menu and flight mode
If standard methods don't help, you can use the engineering menu, which is hidden from regular users. This is a powerful tool for diagnosing hardware components, including antenna moduleTo access it, a special code is entered in the "Phone" app.
##4636##After entering the code, a hidden testing menu will open. Select "Wi-Fi information" or a similar option. Here you can see the driver status, signal strength in dBm, and technical information about the chip. If the module is displayed as "Disabled" or "Error" in this menu, the problem is hardware-related.
- 🛠️ Open the Phone app and enter the diagnostic code.
- 📡 Go to the "Wi-Fi information" section to check the driver status.
Another simple but effective method is to use airplane mode. Turn it on for 10-15 seconds, then turn it off. This forcefully restarts all radio modules, including GSM, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. This often helps reset a frozen network search.
What should I do if the engineering menu doesn't open?
On some MIUI versions, accessing the engineering menu using a code may be blocked. In this case, try installing the Engineering Mode MTK app or a similar one from third-party sources, but be aware of the security risks.
It's worth noting that frequent use of the engineering menu without understanding the processes involved can lead to changes in critical parameters. If you're unsure of what you're doing, it's best to limit yourself to simply switching communication modes.
Resetting network settings and resolving conflicts
When software glitches accumulate, your phone may stop processing connection protocols correctly. In this case, resetting your network settings can help. This doesn't delete your personal files, photos, or contacts, but it does erase all saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings.
To perform a reset, go to Settings → Advanced settings → Backup and resetFind the "Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings" option. Confirm the action. After the reboot, your phone will be as good as new in terms of network connections.
| Parameter | Before the reset | After reset |
|---|---|---|
| Saved networks | Eat | Removed |
| Bluetooth password | Saved | Reset |
| APN settings | Changed | Standard |
| Personal data | Eat | Saved |
This method is especially effective if you recently changed your router or network password, but your phone continues to try to connect using the old settings. Clearing the network service cache allows the system to retry the handshake with the access point.
After the reset, it's recommended to immediately test your internet connection. If the problem persisted due to an IP address conflict on your local network, it should now be resolved. Your phone will request a new address from the router.
Updating firmware and drivers
Outdated software is a common cause of unstable wireless module operation. Xiaomi regularly releases security updates and patches for MIUI, which correct errors in work network driversYou can check for updates in the "About phone" section.
Click the shell version or the check for updates button. If the system finds a new version, download and install it. It's important that your phone is at least 50% charged and connected to a stable network, preferably via mobile data if Wi-Fi is unstable.
⚠️ Caution: Do not turn off the screen or interrupt the connection during the firmware update process. Interrupting the writing of system files may render the device completely inoperable (bricked).
Sometimes the official update doesn't arrive over-the-air (OTA). In such cases, you can use the firmware file selection feature. Download the version from the official website. ROM You need to place it in the root of your internal memory and select it through the update menu. This is a more complex method that requires careful attention.
- 🔄 Go to "About phone" and tap on the MIUI version.
- ⬇️ Download the latest firmware version, if available.
- 💾 Install the update by following the on-screen instructions.
- 🔌 Do not interrupt the installation process until a complete reboot.
After the update, the system may perform additional app optimization, which may take a few minutes. Don't be alarmed if your phone runs slowly for the first few minutes after booting—this is a normal process of rebuilding the cache.
Hardware problems and physical repairs
If none of the software methods helped to enable Wi-Fi module, there is a high probability of physical malfunction. In smartphones Redmi 4 The antenna is often made in the form of a conductive track on the body or a separate cable, which could come off during a fall.
Symptoms of hardware failure include a gray, inactive Wi-Fi switch, no network list even near the router, or a constant "Connecting..." status followed by disconnection. In such cases, opening the device is necessary.
Inside the smartphone, a combined module is responsible for wireless communication. If it fails, soldering or replacement of the component using service equipment will be required. Unexperienced and untrained repairs can damage other power circuits.
It's also worth checking whether the case is overheating around the camera or the top of the screen. Overheating of the chipset can cause the wireless modules to automatically shut down to protect the electronics. Let the phone cool down and try turning the module on again.
Why is Wi-Fi slow on Redmi 4?
Slow speeds may be caused by neighbors congesting the router's channel, using the outdated 802.11b/g standard instead of n/ac, or software limitations on background processes. Try changing the channel in your router settings to 1, 6, or 11.
Is it possible to boost the Wi-Fi signal on this phone?
It's impossible to boost the signal programmatically, as the transmitter's power is limited by the hardware. However, you can improve reception by removing the metal case, if present, or by moving closer to the router. Using repeaters will also improve the situation.
What to do if your phone doesn't see the 5 GHz network?
The base Redmi 4 model only supports the 2.4 GHz band. Check the specifications of your specific model (Prime, Pro). If the chip doesn't support 5 GHz, it can't be enabled through software.
How to forget a Wi-Fi network on Redmi 4?
Go to Wi-Fi settings and tap the desired network name or the arrow next to it. In the menu that opens, select "Delete network" or "Forget network." This will delete the saved password.