Why Xiaomi Won't Connect to Wi-Fi with iPhone: All the Reasons and How to Fix It

You are trying to share the internet with iPhone on a smartphone Xiaomi, but your device stubbornly refuses to detect the network, requires a password, or returns a "Connection Failed" error? This problem is more common than you might think—and it's not just your settings that are to blame. access points, but also the features of interaction Android And iOSIn 80% of cases, the problem can be solved in 5 minutes if you know where to look.

In this article we will look at all possible reasons — from banal typos in a password to conflicts in security protocols between Xiaomi (especially on MIUI 13-14) And iPhone (including iOS 17). You'll receive diagnostic checklists, a device compatibility chart, and illustrated instructions for key steps. And if the problem is hardware-related, you'll learn how to check it without visiting a service center.

Spoiler: Half the time he's to blame Wi-Fi compatibility mode on iPhone, which is automatically disabled after updates. But there are also less obvious nuances—for example, why Redmi Note 12 does not connect to iPhone 14 Pro through 5 GHz, although both devices support this range.

1. Check basic settings: password, network mode, and visibility

Start with the obvious—but don't skip this section! Statistics show 35% of support requests are decided at this stage. Here's what needs to be done on iPhone (tested on iOS 15-17):

• 🔄 Reboot your access point: disable tethering mode Settings → Tethering and turn it on again. Sometimes the network will "freeze" in the background.
• 👁️ Check network visibility: In the same menu, make sure that "Allow others to connect" is checked. If there is no check mark, the network is not visible to others. Xiaomi.
• 🔐 Make sure your password is correct: The password is displayed below the network name. iPhone It is generated automatically and may contain characters like ! or # - they are easy to miss when typing.
• 📶 Choose the right range: V Settings → Personal Hotspot → Wi-Fi Password check that the mode is enabled Max. compatibility (and not only 5 GHz). Many models Xiaomi (For example, Redmi 9A) do not support 5 GHz in access point mode.

On the side Xiaomi:

• 🔍 Update the list of networksIn the Wi-Fi menu, drag the list down to refresh it. Sometimes networks aren't displayed due to cache.
• 📱 Check the airplane mode: even if it is turned off, some firmware MIUI may block connections to "untrusted" networks. Try turning airplane mode on and off.

⚠️ Attention: If you use iPhone with jailbreak or Xiaomi with custom firmware (for example, Pixel Experience), the default settings may not work. In this case, first check the firmware's compatibility with the modem mode.

2. Security Protocol Conflict: WPA3 vs. WPA2

The most common cause of problems is incompatibility of encryption protocols between iPhone and Xiaomi. WITH iOS 14 Apple uses by default WPA3 for an access point, but many devices Xiaomi (especially budget ones) only support WPA2 or work with WPA3 unstable.

How to check and fix:

1. On iPhone go to Settings → Personal Hotspot → Wi-Fi Password.

2. Click on the "Security" field (or "Security" in the English version).

3. Select WPA2 instead of WPA3 or WPA2/WPA3 Personal.

4. Restart the access point and try connecting again.

If after changing the protocol Xiaomi It still doesn't connect, try:

• 🔄 Reset network settings on Xiaomi: Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings.
• 📱 Update firmware on both devices. MIUI 14 Bugs fixed with WPA3, and in iOS 17.2 Improved compatibility with Android-devices.

3. IP Address Issues: DHCP vs. Static Settings

If Xiaomi connects to the network iPhone, but the Internet doesn't work (the Wi-Fi icon is on, but the pages don't load), the problem is most likely in assigning IP addresses. iPhone in modem mode it uses DHCP, but sometimes Xiaomi cannot get the correct address.

How to diagnose:

1. On Xiaomi go to Settings → Wi-Fi, tap on the network name from iPhone.

2. Look at the line IP addressIf the value there is something like 169.254.x.x - this means that DHCP didn't work.

3. Try setting the IP manually: click "Advanced" → "IP Settings" → select "Static".

4. Enter:

   • IP address: 192.168.43.100 (the last digit can be any number from 2 to 254)
   • Gateway: 192.168.43.1
   • Network mask: 255.255.255.0
   • DNS 1: 8.8.8.8 (Google)
   • DNS 2: 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)

If the Internet works after this, the problem is iPhone DHCP serverTo fix this permanently:

• 🔄 Restart your iPhone — sometimes DHCP “freezes” after a long period of operation in modem mode.
• 📱 Reset network settings on iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
• 🛠️ Disable VPN on both devices - some VPN programs block local connections.

⚠️ Attention: If you use iPhone with a corporate account (for example, through Microsoft Intune), the administrator may have restricted the modem function. In this case, you won't be able to connect—you'll need to contact the IT department.

4. Operator restrictions: modem mode blocking

Many mobile operators (especially MTS, Beeline And Tele2) block or limit the function modem mode in tariffs. At the same time iPhone This will enable the hotspot, but you won't be able to connect to it—either you'll get the "No Internet Access" error, or your devices simply won't see the network.

How to check:

• 📱 Call the operator and check whether the modem mode is allowed in your tariff. For example, MTS In the “Everything for Your Own” and “Ultra” tariffs, a modem is allowed, but in “Smart” it is not.
• 💳 Check your balance: Some operators block the modem if the balance is negative.
• 🔄 Try a different SIM card (for example, from a different operator) - if the connection works with it, the problem is definitely with the tariff.

If your modem is blocked, you have two options:

1. Change tariff to one where modem mode is allowed. For example, MegaFon These are the “Everything is Possible” and “Unlimited” tariffs.

2. Use workarounds (but they may violate the operator's rules):

   • Connect iPhone to PC/Mac and share the Internet via USB or Bluetooth.
   • Install on iPhone VPN (eg 1.1.1.1) and turn on modem mode - sometimes this bypasses the blocking.

⚠️ Attention: Using workarounds for tethering may result in your SIM card being blocked by your carrier. Please check your carrier's terms and conditions before doing so.

5. Hardware problems: antennas, Wi-Fi modules, and overheating

If you have tried all the settings but Xiaomi still won't connect to iPhone, the problem may be in hardwareHere are the most common faults:

• 📡 The Wi-Fi module is damaged on Xiaomi (for example, after a fall or exposure to moisture). Symptoms: the device does not detect any networks, not just the access point from iPhone.
• 🔥 CPU overheating on iPhoneIf the phone gets very hot (for example, after playing games), it may automatically turn off the modem mode.
• 🔌 Antenna malfunction on iPhone (less common). This manifests itself as the network "disappearing" a few seconds after modem mode is turned on.

How to diagnose:

1. Check it out Xiaomi On other networks: connect to your home Wi-Fi or hotspot from another phone. If it doesn't work, the problem is with your smartphone.

2. Check it out iPhone with another device: Try connecting your laptop or tablet to its access point. If it doesn't connect, the problem is iPhone.

3. Look at the indicators:

   • On iPhone: If there is no "personal hotspot" icon (two chains) in the status bar, tethering is not activated.
   • On Xiaomi: If an exclamation mark appears next to Wi-Fi when connecting, there is a problem with the IP or DNS.

If you suspect a hardware problem:

• 🛠️ Reset Xiaomi to factory settings (After making a backup!) Sometimes software problems disguise themselves as hardware issues.
• 🔧 Check it out iPhone at the service centerFor example, in Apple Store can check the antenna for free using diagnostic equipment.

How to check the Wi-Fi antenna on an iPhone without a service center?

Open the Compass app on your iPhone and rotate the device. If the arrow moves smoothly, the antennas are fine. If the arrow twitches or doesn't respond, there may be a problem with the wireless module (including Wi-Fi).

6. Firmware Features: MIUI and iOS

Conflicts between MIUI And iOS — is a separate story. For example, in MIUI 13 there was a bug that caused the devices Xiaomi couldn't connect to access points with dynamic channel change (which is exactly what is used iPhone). IN iOS 16 there was also a bug with MTU (maximum packet size), due to which some Android- devices lost connection.

What can be done:

Problem	Manifestation	Solution
MTU error in iOS 16	There is a connection, but the Internet doesn't work.	Update iPhone to iOS 17+ or manually set MTU=1400 on Xiaomi
WPA3 conflict in MIUI 12-13	Constant connection breaks	Disable WPA3 on iPhone or update Xiaomi to MIUI 14
DHCP error in MIUI 14.0.1	Xiaomi receives IP address 169.254.xx	Update to MIUI 14.0.2+ or use a static IP

How to update firmware:

• On Xiaomi: Settings → About phone → System update.
• On iPhone: Settings → General → Software Update.

If there is no update, but the problem is clearly software-related, you can try:

• 🔄 Roll back to an older version of MIUI (if the error appeared after the update).
• 📱 Install a custom recovery (For example, TWRP) and flash the modified firmware.

⚠️ Attention: Rolling back the firmware or installing custom versions may void the warranty and cause device instability. Only do this if you are confident in your actions.

7. Alternative connection methods: Bluetooth and USB

If Wi-Fi stubbornly doesn't work, you can distribute the Internet with iPhone on Xiaomi other methods. They are less convenient, but reliable.

Method 1: Via Bluetooth

1. On iPhone turn on Settings → Bluetooth And Settings → Tethering.

2. On Xiaomi turn on Bluetooth and search iPhone in the list of devices.

3. Connect and in the Bluetooth settings on Xiaomi Turn on "Use for data transfer".

✅ Pros: Low power consumption, works even if Wi-Fi is broken.

❌ Cons: low speed (up to 3 Mbit/s), lags are possible.

Method 2: Via USB cable

1. Connect iPhone To Xiaomi through USB-C → Lightning cable (you will need an adapter if the ports do not match).

2. On iPhone In the "Tethering" menu, enable "Allow other devices to connect."

3. On Xiaomi in the settings USB Select "Data Transfer" or "USB Tethering".

✅ Pros: stable connection, high speed, recharging iPhone.

❌ Cons: cables/adapters are required, not convenient for continuous use.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Xiaomi see the iPhone's network but not connect?

Most likely a conflict of security protocols (WPA3 vs WPA2) or the password is incorrect. Try changing the protocol to iPhone (instructions in section 2) or enter the password manually by copying it from the settings iPhone.

How to share internet from an iPhone to a Xiaomi without a password?

On iPhone You can't disable the password for the access point - this is a limitation iOS. But you can use Bluetooth or USB (section 7), where no password is required.

Why is the internet working, but pages won't load?

This is a typical problem with DNSOn . Xiaomi Set DNS manually in your Wi-Fi settings 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare). Also check if it is enabled on iPhone Content Restriction mode (Settings → Screen Time → Content Restrictions).

Is it possible to share internet from a Xiaomi to an iPhone?

Yes, but with reservations. Xiaomi turn on the access point (Settings → Hotspot & Tethering), and on iPhone connect to it like a regular Wi-Fi network. However, some operators block this feature on Android-devices.

Why did Xiaomi stop connecting after updating iOS?

In new versions iOS (especially iOS 16-17) Apple tightens Wi-Fi security requirements. Try:

1. Reset network settings on iPhone.
2. Refresh Xiaomi to the latest version MIUI.
3. Temporarily disable on iPhone the "Private Wi-Fi Address" function (Settings → Wi-Fi → [your network] → Private Wi-Fi Address).