Wake on WiFi on Xiaomi: How to completely disable the feature and why it interferes with network performance

Function Wake on WiFi (or WoWLAN) on smartphones Xiaomi It's designed to quickly wake a device in response to a network request—for example, for push notifications or background synchronization. However, in practice, it often becomes a source of problems: increases battery consumption, causes spontaneous Wi-Fi connections in sleep mode and may even conflict with the router, leading to connection interruptions or decreased internet speed on other devicesThis is especially true for models Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5 and flagship Xiaomi 12/13/14, where the function is activated by default.

In this article we will look at All ways to disable Wake on WiFi — from standard settings MIUI to hidden parameters through ADB and router configurations. We'll also explain why simply disabling Wi-Fi in the menu doesn't always help, and what to do if the function returns after a reboot. If your Xiaomi If your battery dies overnight or connects to the network without your knowledge, you're on the right track.

What is Wake on WiFi and why should I disable it?

Wake on WiFi (WoWLAN) is a technology that allows the device wake up on network packet, even if the screen is off and the smartphone is in sleep mode. In theory, this is convenient for:

  • 🔔 Instantly receive push notifications (for example, from Telegram or WhatsApp).
  • ☁️ Background data synchronization (mail, cloud services).
  • 📱 Remote control via Mi Home or Google Find My Device.

However, in practice the function works incorrect:

First of all, she ignores power saving settings — your smartphone may wake up every 5-10 minutes, even if you've disabled background activity for all apps. Secondly, Xiaomi often does not inform the user, What WoWLAN activated: it cannot be disabled through the standard menu Settings → Wi-FiThirdly, the function can conflict with the router, causing it to overload the channel with unnecessary ARP requests (this is one of the reasons why the Internet "slows down" on other devices).

According to user tests on forums 4PDA And XDA-Developers, shutdown Wake on WiFi Maybe increase battery life by 15–30% (depending on the model) and stabilize the operation of the home network.

📊 Have you noticed Wi-Fi issues on your Xiaomi?
Yes, the smartphone connects to the network automatically.
Yes, the internet is slow on other devices.
No, everything works fine.
I don't know, I haven't checked.

Method 1: Disabling via hidden MIUI settings

In most firmware versions MIUI 12/13/14 option WoWLAN hidden in section for developersTo find it:

  1. Open Settings → About phone.
  2. Click on the item 7 times in a row MIUI versionuntil a notification appears You have become a developer!.
  3. Go back to the main settings menu and go to Additional → For developers (or System → Advanced Settings → For Developers on new versions).
  4. Scroll down and find the option Wake-on-WiFi (or Wake on Wi-Fi). Turn it off.

If the item is not in the list, try using search by settings (magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner) and enter your query wake wifi.

☑️ Preparing to Disable WoWLAN

Completed: 0 / 4
⚠️ Attention: On some models (POCO F3, Redmi K40) after disconnection WoWLAN push notifications may stop coming from Mi CloudTo fix this, check your account's sync settings. Xiaomi.

Method 2: Disconnect via ADB (for advanced users)

If the option is not available in the developer menu, you can disable it through Android Debug Bridge (ADB)This method works on all Xiaomi models, including those where MIUI modified by the operator (e.g. Redmi 9A from MTS or Beeline).

You will need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with installed drivers ADB (you can download it from the website) Android Developers).
  • 📱 USB cable (preferably original).
  • ⚙️ Enabled mode USB debugging on a smartphone.

Instructions:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm debugging permission.
  2. Open Command Prompt (Win + R → cmd) and enter:
adb shell settings put global wake_on_wlan_enabled 0
  1. Restart your device.

To check if the shutdown worked, run the command:

adb shell settings get global wake_on_wlan_enabled

If the answer is 0 — the function is disabled.

What to do if ADB doesn't see the device?

Make sure USB debugging is enabled in Developer Options. Try a different cable or USB 2.0 port (not 3.0). Install the drivers for your Xiaomi model manually through Windows Device Manager.

Method 3: Configure your router to block WoWLAN

If you turn it off Wake on WiFi It doesn't work on a smartphone, but you can block it at the router levelThis is relevant for users who:

  • 🔄 The smartphone spontaneously connects to Wi-Fi at night.
  • 📉 Internet speed drops when Xiaomi is in sleep mode.
  • 🔌 The router overheats or reboots frequently.

Instructions for popular routers:

Router brand Path to settings Action
TP-Link More → Wireless → Advanced settings Disable WMM (Wi-Fi Multimedia) or IGMP Snooping
ASUS Local Network → DHCP Server → ARP List Add Xiaomi's MAC address to the static ARP binding with the parameter Disabled
Xiaomi/Redmi Router Devices → Manage devices → [Select smartphone] Disable Wake on LAN (WoL)
Keenetic Home Network → Devices → [Xiaomi MAC Address] Install Power saving mode: Always

For complete blocking WoWLAN you can also disable multicast traffic (setting IGMP Snooping or Multicast Forwarding), but this may affect the operation IPTV or smart speakers.

⚠️ Attention: Changing ARP or DHCP settings on your router may temporarily disconnect other devices from the network. After applying the changes, reboot the router.

Method 4: Using third-party applications

If you are uncomfortable working with ADB or router settings, you can use applications from Google Play. Best options:

  • 🛠️ Wake Lock Detector - shows which processes wake up the device, including WoWLAN.
  • Greenify - Blocks background activity, including wake-on-Wi-Fi (requires root or ADB for full functionality).
  • 🔍 NetGuard - allows you to disable network access for system services responsible for Wake on WiFi.

For use Greenify:

  1. Install the application and grant it permissions ADB (through adb -d shell pm grant com.oasisfeng.greenify android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS).
  2. On the menu Settings → Background operation select Aggressive mode.
  3. Add system processes to the "hibernation" list WifiService And ConnectivityService.

The downside of this method is there may be problems with notifications (for example, from Viber or WhatsApp). To avoid them, add messengers to the exceptions Greenify.

Problems after disabling Wake on WiFi and their solutions

Disconnection WoWLAN can lead to unexpected consequences. Let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

Problem Cause Solution
Push notifications are not coming Background network access has been disabled. IN Settings → Applications enable for each messenger Autostart And Background activity
Smartphone won't connect to Wi-Fi after sleep The Wi-Fi driver has entered deep sleep mode. Disable it in developer settings. Aggressive Wi-Fi shutdown
Mobile traffic consumption has increased Apps have switched to 4G/5G IN Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks limit background traffic
Mi Cloud stopped synchronizing Access to Xiaomi servers has been disabled. In the account Mi Cloud turn on Synchronization via mobile network

If after disconnection WoWLAN the smartphone became connect to Wi-Fi more slowly, try resetting network settings:

  1. Go to Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth settings.
  2. Confirm the reset and reboot your device.
  3. Reconnect to the network by entering the password.

How to check if Wake on WiFi is actually disabled

To make sure that the function completely deactivated, use one of the methods:

Method 1: Via the Event Log (Logcat)

Connect your smartphone to your PC and run the command:

adb logcat | grep -i "wake_on_wlan"

If entries like this appear in the log WakeOnWlanEnabled: true — the function is still active.

Method 2: Traffic Monitoring

Install the application Fing or NetScan and check, Does the smartphone send packets over the network? with the screen off. If yes - WoWLAN works.

Method 3: Test with a router

Go to the router's web interface and take a look. list of connected devices (chapter DHCP Clients or Connected Devices). If Xiaomi displayed on the network despite the fact that the screen is off - the function is not disabled.

On some firmware versions MIUI (For example, Global ROM For Redmi Note 11) Wake on WiFi Maybe turn on automatically after updateTo avoid this, disable automatic installation of updates in Settings → About phone → System update → Settings (⚙️) → Auto update.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wake on WiFi on Xiaomi

Is it possible to disable Wake on WiFi without root access?

Yes, in most cases it is enough developer settings or ADBRoot is only required for deep intervention in system processes (for example, deleting services). WifiService).

Why does my smartphone's Wi-Fi connection become slower after disabling WoWLAN?

This is due to the Wi-Fi driver no longer supporting hot start. To speed up the connection, disable the option in the developer options. Aggressive Wi-Fi shutdown.

Will Mi Band or other Xiaomi gadgets work after disabling Wake on WiFi?

Yes, Mi Band, Xiaomi Smart Home and other devices do not depend from WoWLANThey use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which operates separately. However, for stable data synchronization, it is recommended to enable autostart for the app. Mi Fit.

Is it possible to disable Wake on WiFi for only certain networks?

No, the function works. globally — either for all networks, or for none. Alternatively, configure your router to ignore ARP requests from your smartphone (via static ARP binding).

Why did Wake on WiFi turn on again after resetting the settings?

Because MIUI resets all developer options to factory settings. After the reset, you need to turn it off again. WoWLAN through adb or the settings menu. To avoid this, back up your settings via adb backup.