Wi-Fi Request Limitation on Xiaomi Devices: Causes and Solutions

Have you noticed that your smartphone, router or smart device Xiaomi Has your internet suddenly started to slow down? Pages are taking longer to load, videos are buffering, and online games are lagging—even though everything works fine on other devices? Could it be the culprit? limiting Wi-Fi requests, a built-in function in firmware MIUI and router firmware XiaomiThis "feature" often works unnoticed, but can ruin the online experience.

In this article we will figure out, What is Wi-Fi request limiting on Xiaomi?, why it appears, and how to disable it. You'll learn which models are affected (spoiler: it's not just smartphones!), how to check current settings, and what to do if the restrictions return after a reboot. And also— We'll reveal a little-known trick for changing the firmware region that helps bypass restrictions on some devices..

What is Wi-Fi Request Limiting and why is it important?

Limit Wi-Fi requests (or Wi-Fi Throttling) is a software reduction in the speed or number of network requests a device can send per unit of time. In firmware Xiaomi This function works on several levels:

• 📱 On smartphones — built in MIUI (especially relevant for versions 12-14) as part of "battery optimization" or "traffic saving".
• 📶 On routers — implemented in firmware Mi Router (for example, in models Xiaomi Router 4A/4C/AX3000) as "network overload protection".
• 🏠 In smart devices - some gadgets (for example, cameras Xiaomi Mi Home) artificially limit the frequency of requests to the cloud.

According to Xiaomi, the function is needed for:

1. Extending battery life (on smartphones).
2. Even distribution of the load on the router (so that one device does not “clog” the channel).
3. Reducing the load on the company's servers (relevant for cloud services).

But in practice, restrictions often work. too aggressive — for example, when you download a large file or play an online shooter. As a result, the speed drops by 2-5 times, and the ping increases to 200-500 ms. Moreover, the problem can occur even on high-end models like Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro.

Signs Your Xiaomi Device Is Limiting Wi-Fi

How can you tell if the problem is actually with request throttling, and not your ISP or router? Look for these symptoms:

Another reliable way to check is to use an app NetGuard (for Android) or Wireshark (for PC). If you see that the device is sending packets with a delay of 100-300 ms or receiving responses 429 Too Many Requests from local IPs, this is a sure sign of artificial restriction.

⚠️ Attention: On some routers Xiaomi (For example, AX3600) Restrictions are activated only when more than 10 devices are connected simultaneously. If you have few devices, the issue may only occur during guest access.

Reasons for Limitations: Why Xiaomi Is Slowing Down Your Wi-Fi

Limitations don't just appear out of nowhere. Here are the main triggers that activate them:

• 🔋 Power saving mode. IN MIUI there is a hidden setting Wi-Fi Power Save Mode, which reduces the module's activity when the battery is discharged below 20%.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions. On devices for China (CN firmware) the limits are stricter than on global ones (Global/EU).
• 📡 Router channel overload. If to Xiaomi Router If many devices are connected, it starts to “choke” the most active ones.
• 🔄 Firmware updates. After the update MIUI or the router firmware may reset network optimization settings.
• 🛡️ DDOS Protection function. Enabled by default on routers Xiaomi and blocks “suspicious” activity (for example, torrents).

Interesting fact: on smartphones POCO (sub-brand Xiaomi) restrictions are usually softer than on Redmi or MiThis is due to the fact that POCO is positioned as a "gaming" brand, where performance is prioritized over battery saving.

How to check the firmware region of your Xiaomi?

Open Settings → About phone → MIUI version. If there is at the end of the name CN (For example, MIUI 14.0.5 CN) — you have Chinese firmware with severe limitations. Global versions are designated as EU or RU.

Another little known reason is conflict with the IPv6 protocolIf your ISP supports IPv6 and your router Xiaomi If configured for IPv4, devices may artificially limit traffic to avoid routing errors. Check this in your router settings: Network → IPv6.

How to remove Wi-Fi request restrictions on Xiaomi smartphones

If the problem is on your smartphone, follow this algorithm:

1. Disable power saving mode for Wi-Fi:

Settings → Battery & performance → Battery mode → Select "Performance"

If there is no such item, try:

Settings → Advanced → Accessibility → Battery optimization → Find "Wi-Fi" and disable optimization

2. Enable Wi-Fi priority:

Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Network priority → Select "Wi-Fi preferred"

3. Reset network settings (if nothing helps):

Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset network settings

⚠️ Attention: After the reset, you'll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords and pair your Bluetooth devices. Write them down in advance!

For advanced users: If restrictions return, try change firmware region With CN on EU through Fastboot or XiaomiToolThis requires unlocking the bootloader, but provides a speed boost of up to 30%.

Setting up a Xiaomi router: removing restrictions for all devices

If the problem is at the router level, you need to change its firmware settings. This guide applies to the following models: Xiaomi Router 4A, 4C, 4Q, AX1800, AX3000, AX3600:

1. Disable DDOS protection:

192.168.31.1 → Protection → DDOS Protection → Disable

2. Increase the connection limit:

192.168.31.1 → Advanced → System Settings → Max. connections → Set to 64 (default is 32)

3. Disable Smart Bandwidth Allocation:

192.168.31.1 → Wi-Fi → Advanced settings → Smart Bandwidth → Disable

4. Enable the Game Booster mode (if available):

192.168.31.1 → App Center → Game Booster → Enable

If after these steps the speed is still limited, try update the router firmware manuallyDownload the latest version from the official website. Xiaomi (choose Global, and not CN) and download it via:

192.168.31.1 → Update → Manual Download

⚠️ Attention: Routers with firmware older than 2022 may not have a "Security" section. In this case, restrictions can only be removed after Telnet/SSH (team nvram set wl0_rate_limit=0).

Xiaomi Smart Device Limitations: Cameras, Lights, Speakers

Smart gadgets Xiaomi (For example, Mi Home Camera 360° or Yeelight) can also artificially limit network activity. This manifests itself in:

• 📹 Broadcast interruptions from cameras every 10-15 minutes.
• 💡 Delayed reactions smart lamps on commands (more than 1 second).
• 🔊 Loss of communication columns Mi Smart Speaker with servers.

Solutions:

1. Turn off "Data Saver" in your device settings (in the app Mi Home).
2. Switch the camera to mode High quality (H.265) instead of Balanced.
3. Set up a static IP address for your gadget in your router (so it doesn't get lost when you reconnect).
4. Update your device firmware via Mi Home (even if it says "Latest version").

For cameras Xiaomi There's another life hack: if you only use them on a local network (without the cloud), disable the feature. Cloud storage in the settings. This will reduce the number of requests to servers and reduce latency.

What to do if restrictions return

Sometimes, after all these manipulations, restrictions reappear. This is due to:

• 🔄 Automatic firmware update (especially on routers).
• 📱 Resetting the settings after the update MIUI.
• 🌐 Change in provider policy (for example, if it started filtering traffic).

Solutions:

1. Disable automatic updates:

• On smartphone: Settings → About phone → System update → ⚙️ → Auto-update → Disable.
• On the router: 192.168.31.1 → Update → Auto-update → Disable.

2. Install alternative firmware:

• For smartphones: LineageOS or Pixel Experience (requires bootloader unlocking).
• For routers: OpenWRT or Padavan (supported) Xiaomi Router 3G/4A/4C).

3. Use a VPN on your router:

Some providers (eg Rostelecom or Beeline) limit traffic for devices Xiaomi at the DNS level. VPN (for example, WireGuard) will help bypass this. Setting:

192.168.31.1 → VPN → Add connection → WireGuard → Enter VPN provider details

4. Check QOS settings:

It may be enabled on the router Quality of Service (QoS), which prioritizes some devices over others. Disable it:

192.168.31.1 → Advanced → QoS → Disable

⚠️ Attention: If you have installed custom firmware on your router, some features (for example, Mi Wi-Fi App) will stop working. You will have to manage the device via the web interface.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi restrictions on Xiaomi

Is it possible to remove restrictions without root rights or custom firmware?

Yes, in most cases, the default settings (disabling power saving, resetting the network, updating the firmware) are sufficient. Rooting or a custom firmware is only necessary if the restrictions reappear after each update. MIUI.

Why are there no restrictions on iPhones within the same network, but there are on Xiaomi?

Apple does not use aggressive traffic optimization, but Xiaomi saves battery and processor resources. In addition, routers Xiaomi can prioritize devices Apple by default (this is configured in QoS).

How can I check if it's the router that's limiting my speed, and not my ISP?

Connect your smartphone Xiaomi Try switching to another router (like a friend's) or mobile data. If the speed increases, the problem is with your router. If not, it's your ISP or settings. MIUI.

Is it possible to disable restrictions permanently?

100% sure, no, as firmware updates can reset settings. However, you can minimize the risk by disabling automatic updates and using stable (not beta) versions. MIUI and regularly check your router settings.

Do ping limits affect games?

Yes, and very much so. Artificial packet delay (Wi-Fi Throttling) can increase ping from 20-30 ms to 200-500 ms. This is especially noticeable in PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty And Fortnite.