Why a Xiaomi smartphone won't connect to an iPhone's Wi-Fi: A full breakdown of the problem

You are trying to share the Internet from your iPhone on a smartphone Xiaomi, but your device stubbornly refuses to connect to the access point? Or the connection keeps dropping after a few seconds? This problem is more common than you might think—and it's not just due to faulty firmware, but also fundamental differences in operation. Wi-Fi modules devices Apple And Xiaomi.

In 80% of cases the problem lies in incompatibility of security protocols (For example, Xiaomi does not support WPA3 on older models), IP address conflicts or restrictions from iOS when sharing the internet. But there are also less obvious causes, such as errors in the settings. DHCP up to the hardware limitations of the chips Broadcom, which Apple uses in its devices. In this article, we'll cover all possible scenarios—from basic checks to in-depth network diagnostics.

We warn you right away: if your iPhone works on iOS 17+, and a smartphone Xiaomi If the device was released before 2020, the chances of successfully connecting without additional steps are slim to none. But don't despair—below you'll find workarounds for even these cases.

1. Checking Basic Settings: What You Might Have Missed

Before digging deeper, make sure the problem isn't rooted in something basic. Experience shows that in 30% of cases, users simply forget to enable modem mode on iPhone or enter the password incorrectly. Here's a checklist for initial diagnostics:

Is the "Tethering" mode activated in Settings → Cellular → Personal Hotspot?

Is the Wi-Fi password entered correctly (pay attention to case and symbols)?

Is there an active VPN on Xiaomi or iPhone?

Is it connected? iPhone to the mobile network (not in Airplane mode)?

Have you tried restarting both devices?

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If all points are met, but Xiaomi If the network still doesn't show up or can't connect, proceed to the next step. Please note: On some models Xiaomi (For example, Redmi Note 8 Pro) There's a bug where the device "forgets" access point passwords after an update. In this case, resetting the network settings will help. Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth.

Also check if it is turned on iPhone mode "Maximum compatibility" (available in iOS 16+). It automatically adjusts distribution parameters for older devices, but sometimes, on the contrary, it interferes with the connection. To disable it:

1. Open Settings → Tethering.
2. Tap on the field with the name of your access point.
3. Disable the option Maximum compatibility (if it is active).
4. Restart Wi-Fi sharing.

2. Incompatibility of security protocols: WPA3 vs. WPA2

The most common cause of problems is difference in support of encryption protocolsStarting from iOS 14, Apple uses by default WPA3 for distributing Wi-Fi, while many devices Xiaomi (especially those released before 2021) only support WPA2This results in the smartphone either not seeing the network at all, or connecting but without internet access.

The solution is simple: force switch protocol to WPA2 in the distribution settings. To do this:

1. On iPhone open Settings → Personal Hotspot → Wi-Fi Password.
2. In the "Security" field, select WPA2 instead of WPA3.
3. Save the changes and restart the distribution.

If the protocol selection option is missing (this happens on iOS 17+), try the workaround:

• 🔄 Change your password on a simple one (for example, 12345678) - sometimes it makes iPhone automatically switch to WPA2.
• 📱 Update the firmware on Xiaomi — in new versions MIUI 13/14 Added support WPA3 for most models.
• 🔌 Use a USB cable - If Wi-Fi doesn't work, connect Xiaomi To iPhone through Lightning/USB-C and activate USB modem.

Why doesn't Apple let you choose WPA2 in new iOS?

IN iOS 17 and newer Apple hid the manual configuration of the security protocol, citing "increased security." In reality, this is due to requirements Wi-Fi Alliance, which obliges manufacturers to abandon outdated standards. However, for backward compatibility, firmware iPhone support remained WPA2, and it can be activated indirectly (for example, by changing the password).

Critical Information: If your Xiaomi released before 2019 (for example, Redmi 5/6, Mi 8), he does not physically support WPA3 due to an outdated Wi-Fi chip Qualcomm WCN3990In this case, the only way out is to use USB modem or an external router.

3. IP address conflicts and DHCP errors

Another common problem is IP address conflict, When iPhone And Xiaomi Trying to use the same address on the local network. This manifests itself like this: the smartphone connects to Wi-Fi, but the internet doesn't work, and an exclamation point appears in the status bar. This is due to malfunctions. DHCP servers, which distributes addresses to devices.

To diagnose the problem:

1. On Xiaomi open Settings → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on the connected network (or connection attempt).
3. Look at the field IP address. If it is indicated there 169.254.X.X - this is a sign of a failure DHCP.

Solutions:

Way	Actions	When to apply
Manual IP configuration	In the Wi-Fi settings on Xiaomi Select "Advanced" → "Static IP". Specify 192.168.44.50, mask 255.255.255.0, gateway 192.168.44.1, DNS 8.8.8.8.	If the IP starts with 169.254 or the connection hangs on "Obtaining IP".
Restarting DHCP	On iPhone turn off and then turn on "Tethering Mode" again. Xiaomi Forget the network and reconnect.	If the IP is correct, but the Internet does not work.
Reset network settings	On Xiaomi: Settings → About phone → Factory data reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth.	If the problem persists on different networks.

If none of the methods helped, check if the iPhone mode "Restrict connections" (available in some regional firmware versions). It blocks internet access for new devices. To disable it:

1. Open Settings → Tethering.
2. Click on the name of your access point.
3. Disable the option Limit connections or Max Devices.

Manually setting up a static IP

Restarting Personal Hotspot on iPhone

Reset network settings on Xiaomi

Nothing helped - the problem is somewhere else

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4. Restrictions from the telecom operator

Few people know, but some mobile operators (for example, AT&T in the USA or Megaphone in Russia) blocking internet distribution at the tariff level. This manifests itself as follows: iPhone creates an access point, Xiaomi connects to it, but the pages don't load, and an error appears in the network logs DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG.

How to check:

• 📱 Try sharing the internet from another location. iPhone (different operator). If it works, the problem is with the tariff.
• 🌐 Check your internet access on the device itself iPhone - If it is also missing, contact the operator.
• 🔍 Use an alternative DNS - in the Wi-Fi settings on Xiaomi specify DNS 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.4.4.

If the operator is at fault, you have three options:

1. Enable the "Internet Sharing" option (often paid). For example, MTS It's called "Modem and Router".
2. Use VPN on iPhone - some VPNs (for example, ProtonVPN) bypass operator restrictions.
3. Switch to a tariff with unlimited data sharing — these are usually tariffs for tablets or "unlimited" packages.

5. Hardware limitations: why older Xiaomi phones don't play nice with iPhones

If your Xiaomi released before 2020, there is a high probability that the problem lies in hardware incompatibilityThe thing is that Apple uses Wi-Fi chips in its devices Broadcom, who work in 5 GHz range with proprietary extensions. At the same time, many budget models Xiaomi (For example, Redmi 7/8A) are equipped with chips Qualcomm or MediaTek, which do not support these extensions.

How does this manifest itself:

• 📶 Xiaomi sees the network iPhone, but cannot connect (writes "Authentication..." and resets the connection).
• 🔄 The connection is established, but the internet speed does not exceed 1-2 Mbps.
• 🚫 Network iPhone periodically disappears from the list of available on Xiaomi.

Solutions for older models:

Xiaomi model	Problem	Solution
Redmi Note 5/6/7	Does not support 802.11ac in access point mode	Force enable 2.4 GHz on iPhone (in the modem settings)
Mi 8/9	Conflict with WPA3 And PMF (Protected Management Frames)	Turn it off PMF in the router settings (if you are connecting through it) or use USB modem
POCO F1/F2	Bug with DHCP when connecting to Apple-devices	Update firmware to MIUI 12.5+ or use a static IP

For devices older than 2018 (Redmi 4/5, Mi A1/A2) the only reliable way is use an external router in repeater mode or connect via USB/BluetoothUnfortunately, the hardware limitations of the chips Qualcomm WCN3610/WCN3660 do not allow to bypass the problem programmatically.

6. Software bugs: MIUI and iOS conflict

Sometimes the problem lies in software conflicts between MIUI And iOSFor example, in MIUI 12 there was a bug that caused smartphones Xiaomi refused to connect to access points with a name (SSID) containing Cyrillic or special characters. IN iOS 15+ an error occurred in which iPhone does not process requests correctly ARP from devices on Android 10 and below.

List of known bugs and workarounds:

• 🐞 MIUI 12: "IP Conflict" Error → Update firmware to MIUI 12.5 or roll back to MIUI 11.
• 🍎 iOS 16: Connection drops after 30 seconds → Turn off on iPhone option Low Data Mode in the modem settings.
• 🔄 MIUI 13: Infinite "Get IP" → Enable it in developer settings Disable Adaptive Wi-Fi.
• 📡 iOS 17: Doesn't detect 2.4 GHz devices → Force install to iPhone mode 2.4 GHz in the modem settings.

If you suspect a firmware issue, follow these steps:

1. Check the version MIUI V Settings → About phone.
2. Compare it to official list of current versions.
3. If your version is outdated, please update via Settings → System Update.
4. If the problem appeared after an update, try resetting the network settings or rolling back to the previous version via Fastboot.

How to roll back MIUI to a previous version?

1. Download the required firmware version from xiaomifirmwareupdater.com.

2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of your phone's memory.

3. Go to Settings → About phone → System update, click on the three dots → "Select firmware file".

4. After the rollback, perform a factory reset (Wipe Data V Recovery).

For iPhone It is also useful to reset network settings:

1. Open Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone.
2. Select Reset → Reset network settings.
3. After rebooting, turn on the modem mode again.

7. Alternative connection methods if Wi-Fi doesn't work

If all attempts to connect via Wi-Fi have failed, don’t despair – there are at least 3 alternative ways to share the Internet with iPhone on Xiaomi:

• 🔌 USB modem — the most stable method. Connect Xiaomi To iPhone through Lightning/USB-C cable, turn on iPhone Tethering → USB connection.
• 🔵 Bluetooth modem — slower than USB, but more reliable than Wi-Fi. Activate Bluetooth modem in the settings iPhone and connect Xiaomi as a device.
• 📶 External router - if you have a portable router (for example, TP-Link M7350), connect to it iPhone via USB and distribute Wi-Fi from the router.

Comparison of methods:

Method	Speed	Stability	Energy consumption
Wi-Fi	High (up to 300 Mbps)	Low (frequent breaks)	Average
USB modem	Very high (up to 500 Mbps)	High	Low (charging) Xiaomi)
Bluetooth	Low (up to 3 Mbps)	Average	High

USB modem may require additional adapter (For example, Lightning → USB-C), if yours iPhone And Xiaomi different connectors. Also keep in mind that on iOS 16+ When connecting via USB for the first time, you need to confirm trust for the device in the dialog box on iPhone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Xiaomi connect to my iPhone's Wi-Fi, but the internet doesn't work?

This is a typical sign IP conflict or operator blockingFirst, check if the internet is working on the device itself. iPhoneIf yes, try setting a static IP manually. Xiaomi (as described in section 3). If not, contact your carrier and confirm whether tethering is allowed under your plan.

Is there any way to force iPhone to use WPA2 instead of WPA3?

Yes, but not on all versions of iOS. iOS 15 and below you could explicitly select the protocol in the modem settings. In iOS 16+ This item is hidden, but sometimes changing the password to a simple one helps (for example, 12345678) - the system automatically switches to WPA2You can also try creating a hotspot using third-party apps like MyWi (jailbreak required).

Why does Xiaomi see the iPhone's network, but when connecting, it says "Saved, WPA/WPA2 protection" and doesn't connect?

This is a mistake encryption incompatibilitiesYours Xiaomi does not support the protocol combination it uses iPhoneSolutions:

1. Update the firmware on Xiaomi to the latest version.
2. On iPhone disable the option Maximum compatibility in the modem settings.
3. Try connecting via USB or Bluetooth.

How do I check if my Xiaomi supports WPA3?

Method 1: Check your model's specifications on GSMArena — in the "Comm" section it should be indicated Wi-Fi 6 or WPA3.

Method 2: Try connecting to the network with WPA3 (For example, to a modern router). If the connection is successful, there is support.

Method 3: Install the application Wi-Fi Analyzer and check the supported standards in the network information.

Is there a way to boost my iPhone's Wi-Fi signal for better connectivity on my Xiaomi?

Access point signal on iPhone It's weaker than the router's, and it can't be strengthened programmatically. But it can:

• Place iPhone closer to Xiaomi (within 2-3 meters).
• Turn off on iPhone option Low Power Mode - it reduces the transmission power.
• Use an external antenna (eg. Alfa Network AWUS036ACH) through USB-OTG, but this requires jailbreak.