Xiaomi's Wi-Fi Plus Icon: Definition, Reasons for Its Appearance, and How to Disable It

If you are a smartphone owner Xiaomi (or branded devices Redmi/POCO), then you probably noticed a mysterious icon in the status bar Wi-Fi icon with plus — the standard wireless network icon with a small "+" symbol in the upper right corner. This indicator appears unexpectedly, often for no apparent reason, and raises a host of questions: what does it mean, why did it activate, and how can it be removed if it's interfering with your network or consuming data?

In this article, we will examine in detail all aspects of this function: from the official explanation Xiaomi to the hidden nuances of the work. You will find out whether the icon is related to Internet distribution, automatic connection to networks or background activity of applications, and also get step-by-step instructions on how to disable it—both through settings and hidden menus. We'll pay special attention to models based on MIUI 12/13/14 And HyperOS, where the logic of the icon may differ.

Spoiler: in 90% of cases, this symbol indicates that the function is enabled Smart Wi-Fi Connection (or similar options in newer firmware versions), but there are other scenarios, for example, Activate hotspot mode without notification or background data synchronization via mobile network when Wi-Fi is weakRead on to understand your situation.

What does the Wi-Fi plus sign mean on Xiaomi? Official explanation

According to the documentation Xiaomi, Wi-Fi icon with a plus sign (Wi-Fi+) indicates the operation of one of the following functions:

• 🔄 Automatically switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data (technology Wi-Fi Assistant or Smart Network Switch). The device automatically connects to the mobile Internet if the Wi-Fi signal is weak or disappears.
• 📶 Internet sharing via Wi-Fi (Access point mode), even if you haven't enabled it manually. On some models, this mode is activated automatically when other devices connect.
• 🔗 Background data synchronization via a mobile network in parallel with Wi-Fi (for example, to speed up downloading updates or backups).
• 🔄 Smart connection to open networks (function Wi-Fi Auto-Connect), when your smartphone automatically connects to public hotspots without your confirmation.

In practice, the icon most often appears due to the first two reasons. For example, if you are in an area with poor Wi-Fi coverage, your smartphone may unnoticed by you Switch to mobile data to avoid interruptions while downloading files or streaming videos. The status bar will light up with Wi-Fi+, and not the standard 4G/5G icon.

It is important to understand that the logic of the icon may differ depending on:

• 📱 Smartphone models (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro And Redmi Note 10 functions are configured differently).
• 🔧 Firmware versions (MIUI 12 vs HyperOS).
• 🌍 Regional settings (in some countries the function Wi-Fi Assistant disabled by default).

Reasons for the Wi-Fi+ icon appearing on Xiaomi: A detailed analysis

Let's look at each possible cause in more detail so you can pinpoint why the indicator appeared on your device.

1. Automatically switch to mobile data (Wi-Fi Assistant)

This is the most common reason. Function Wi-Fi Assistant (or Smart Network Switch in older versions MIUI) is designed to seamlessly switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data when the Wi-Fi signal is weak. For example, if you're watching a YouTube video and the router's signal starts to drop, your smartphone will automatically connect to mobile data to avoid buffering. This:

• 📊 Traffic will be charged from your tariff (even if you don’t notice the switch).
• 🔋 Battery charge may drain faster due to the simultaneous operation of two modules (Wi-Fi + 4G/5G).
• 📵 Notifications There is no switch - only an icon Wi-Fi+.

How to check that it is the fault Wi-Fi Assistant? Go to Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi and find the item Smart Switching or Auto-switch to mobile dataIf the option is enabled, this is your case.

2. Access point mode (Internet sharing)

Sometimes the icon Wi-Fi+ appears when your smartphone distributes Internet other devices—even if you haven't enabled this feature manually. This may happen due to:

• 🤖 Automatic activation when connecting a familiar device (for example, if you previously allowed Xiaomi remember such connections).
• 🔄 Software errorswhen the access point mode turns on spontaneously after an update.
• 📱 Mobile Hotspot Features in the background (for example, if you share the Internet via Mi Share or Nearby Share).

To check if your phone is sharing the internet, open Settings → Connections → Tethering & portable hotspot. If the item Wi-Fi Hotspot active - turn it off.

3. Background data synchronization

Less common icon Wi-Fi+ indicates that some applications (eg Google Drive, Mi Cloud or WhatsApp) synchronize data in parallel via Wi-Fi and mobile networkto speed up the process. This can happen:

• 📤 At downloading large files (for example, a backup to the cloud).
• 🔄 At updating system applications in the background.
• 📱 At when connecting to a new Wi-Fi network for the first time (the smartphone checks its stability).

You can disable this feature in the synchronization settings for specific applications or globally through Settings → Apps → Permissions → Background data.

4. Smart connection to open networks

On some models Xiaomi (especially in China and Asia) there is a function automatic connection to open Wi-Fi networks (for example, in cafes or airports). In this case, the smartphone can:

• 🔓 Connect to networks without your confirmation (if they are considered "reliable").
• 📡 Use mobile data for authorization in such networks (hence the icon Wi-Fi+).
• 🔒 Save passwords open networks for future connections.

This feature can be disabled in Settings → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Smart network connection (item name may differ).

Check your Wi-Fi Assistant settings|Open your hotspot menu|View active background processes|Make sure you're not connected to an open network-->

How to remove the Wi-Fi plus sign on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Now let's get to the practical part. Below are detailed instructions on how to disable this feature. Wi-Fi+ for different scenarios. Choose the one that suits your situation.

Method 1: Disable Wi-Fi Assistant (Smart Switch)

This is a universal method for most models. Follow these steps:

1. Open Settings and go to the section Wi-Fi.
2. Tap on three points (or "Additionally") in the upper right corner.
3. Find the item Smart Switching, «Wi-Fi Assistant» or Auto-switch to mobile data.
4. Disable the slider. If the option is missing, see Method 2.

On MIUI 14 And HyperOS the path may differ: Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi settings → Smart switching.

Method 2: Disabling Internet sharing (access points)

If the icon appeared due to tethering mode being activated:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Tethering & portable hotspot.
2. Turn off the slider Wi-Fi Hotspot.
3. To be on the safe side, also turn it off USB modem And Bluetooth modem.

If the access point turns on by itself:

• 🔧 Check your settings Automatic connection in the same menu.
• 📱 Remove saved devices from the list Connected Devices.
• 🔄 Update your firmware - in new versions MIUI This error has been fixed.

Method 3: Disable background sync

To prevent apps from using mobile data while connected to Wi-Fi:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
2. Select an application (eg. Google Play Services or Mi Cloud).
3. Tap Data Transfer and turn it off Background transmission.
4. Repeat for all suspicious applications.

For global shutdown:

1. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Data transfer.
2. Turn it off Background data transfer for all SIM cards.

Method 4: Reset network settings (last resort)

If nothing helps, reset your network settings:

1. Open Settings → About phone → Factory data reset.
2. Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings.
3. Confirm the action. After the reboot, all saved networks and passwords will be deleted.

Method 5: Using the engineering menu (for advanced users)

If the standard methods do not work, you can try disabling the function via engineering menu. Attention: This method requires caution!

1. Open the app "Telephone" and enter the code:

   ##4636##

2. Go to the section "Wi-Fi Information".
3. Find the item «Wi-Fi Auto Switch» or similar and disable it.
4. Restart your device.

⚠️ AttentionUnknown settings in the engineering menu may disrupt network operation. Only change settings you are confident in.

Table: Wi-Fi+ icon on different versions of MIUI and HyperOS

If your firmware version is not listed in the table, try using search by settings (magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner of the menu "Settings") and enter your query Wi-Fi Plus or smart switching.

What should I do if the Wi-Fi+ icon doesn't disappear?

If you've tried everything but the icon remains, the problem may lie deeper. Here's what else you can do:

1. Check for system updates

Sometimes the icon Wi-Fi+ This appears due to firmware bugs. To fix it:

1. Go to Settings → About phone → System update.
2. Click Check for updates and install the latest version MIUI/HyperOS.
3. After updating, please reset your network settings (see Method 4 higher).

2. Install a third-party launcher

If the icon is visually annoying but doesn't break anything functionally, you can hide it using an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Lawnchair). These applications allow you to customize the display of icons in the status bar.

To do this:

1. Install the launcher from Google Play.
2. Go to its settings and find the section Status Bar or Notification Icons.
3. Disable display of icons Wi-Fi or network activity.

3. Contact Xiaomi support

If none of these methods help, the problem may be a hardware failure (for example, a faulty Wi-Fi module). In this case:

• 📞 Contact official support Xiaomi via chat or phone.
• 🔧 Describe the problem in as much detail as possible: when the icon appeared, what actions preceded it, and what methods you have already tried.
• 📱 If your device is under warranty, please contact a service center for diagnostics.

⚠️ AttentionBefore visiting a service center, please back up your data. A factory reset may be required.

How does the Wi-Fi+ icon affect battery and data usage?

Many users are concerned that the icon is constantly displayed Wi-Fi+ leads to:

• 🔋 Fast battery drain (due to simultaneous operation of Wi-Fi and mobile network).
• 📊 Uncontrolled traffic consumption (if the smartphone switches to mobile Internet without notification).
• 📵 Slowing down the internet connection (due to background synchronization).

Let's figure out how justified these concerns are.

1. Impact on battery charge

If the icon Wi-Fi+ is burning because of Wi-Fi Assistant, then yes - the battery will drain fasterReason:

• 📡 Smartphone constantly monitors Wi-Fi signal quality and ready to switch to mobile data.
• 🔋 Both modules (Wi-Fi And 4G/5G) work simultaneously, which increases energy consumption.
• 📱 Synchronization processes may be running in the background, which puts additional strain on the processor.

According to user tests, automatic switching between networks may reduce battery life by 10–15% throughout the day. If you notice your smartphone's battery draining faster after the icon appears, it's likely the problem.

2. Mobile traffic consumption

The most unpleasant side of the function Wi-Fi+ — hidden mobile internet consumption. For example:

• 🎥 When watching videos on YouTube, your smartphone may switch to 4G seamlessly, if the Wi-Fi signal weakens, and “eat up” several gigabytes of traffic.
• ☁️ App updates or backups may download via mobile network, even if you are connected to Wi-Fi.
• 📱 Some system processes (eg. Mi Cloud or Google Play Services) are used both channels simultaneously to speed up data transfer.

To check how much traffic is being used:

1. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Data usage.
2. View the expense graph for the last month.
3. If your traffic is being used up even when you're connected to Wi-Fi, it's your fault. Wi-Fi+.

3. Impact on Internet speed

In most cases Wi-Fi+ doesn't slow down your internet connection., but rather, tries to speed it up. However, there are exceptions:

• 🔄 If a smartphone constantly switches between Wi-Fi and mobile network, this can cause delays (for example, when playing online games or making video calls).
• 📡 In some cases background synchronization via mobile network can limit Wi-Fi bandwidth.
• 📱 On weak smartphones (for example, Redmi 9A) simultaneous operation of two network modules may lead to freezes.

If you notice that your internet connection is not working properly after the icon appears, try disabling it. Wi-Fi+ and test the speed again (for example, through Speedtest).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Wi-Fi+ icon on Xiaomi

Why does the Wi-Fi+ icon appear even when mobile data is turned off?

This can happen for two reasons:

1. Access point mode: Your smartphone shares the Internet with other devices via Wi-Fi, even if mobile data is turned off (for example, if it is connected to another router).
2. Background activity: Some system processes (for example, updating MIUI) can use combination of Wi-Fi and backup channels to speed up loading.

Check your settings modem mode And background data transfer.

Is it possible to permanently disable the Wi-Fi+ icon so it doesn't appear?

Yes, but for this you need:

1. Disable Wi-Fi Assistant (cm. Method 1 higher).
2. Ban background data transfer for all applications (see Method 3).
3. Disable automatic Internet distribution (cm. Method 2).
4. In extreme cases, use ADB commands to disable system services (requires root rights).

After this, the icon will disappear, but some functions (for example, uninterrupted Internet access with weak Wi-Fi) will also stop working.

Why did the Wi-Fi+ icon appear again after updating MIUI?

When updating firmware Xiaomi Sometimes resets user settings network functions. To fix this:

1. Check if it has turned on again Wi-Fi Assistant.
2. Update access point settings (sometimes they reset).
3. Do it reset network settings (cm. Method 4).

If the problem persists after each update, please contact support. Xiaomi with a description of the bug.

Is there a difference between Wi-Fi+ and the "Wi-Fi with an exclamation mark" icon?

Yes, it is completely different indicators:

• Wi-Fi+ - signals about additional functions (auto-switching, Internet sharing, etc.).
• Wi-Fi with an exclamation mark — means lack of internet access (for example, if the router is not connected to the network or requires authorization).

If you see exclamation mark, check your router settings or reconnect to the network.

Can the Wi-Fi+ icon appear due to viruses?

Theoretically, yes, but unlikely. Some malicious apps can:

• 🕵️ Turn on access point mode for distribution over a local network.
• 📡 Use mobile data in the background to send information.

To check:

1. Install an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes or Dr.Web).
2. Check the list of installed applications for suspicious ones.
3. Turn it off permission to change network settings for all applications (in Settings → Applications → Permissions).

If the icon disappears after this, the problem was a virus.