What the antenna looks like in the Xiaomi smartphone: location, types and influence on the signal

Why the antenna in a smartphone is an invisible but critical element

When you hold a Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or a POCO F5, you don’t think that there’s a whole system of antennas inside the case — without them, the device would have become an expensive brick without communication. The antennas in smartphones are not visible to the naked eye, but they are responsible for mobile Internet, calls, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and even GPS. Their design and location directly affect whether your Xiaomi will catch a signal in the subway or “lose” the network in the elevator.

In this article, we will look at what antennas look like in Xiaomi smartphones – from the budget Redmi to the flagship Mi 14. MIMO and LDS-We also show real photos of the devices being disassembled and explain how to check the quality of the antennas without special equipment.

Spoiler: If you've ever wondered why Xiaomi's plastic-enclosed network catches better than a metal-backed model, the answer lies in the design of the antennas. And you'll also learn whether you can damage the antenna when a smartphone falls, and what to do if the Suddenly signal gets worse after you change the screen.

Where is the antenna in the smartphone Xiaomi: disassembly and photos

The antennas in Xiaomi smartphones are integrated into the case and circuit board, so they can’t be seen just by removing the back cover.

• 📡 Main antennas 4G/5G — They are located in the upper and lower parts of the body, often along the side frames. 11) antennas are separated from the metal by plastic inserts to avoid signal shielding.
• 📶 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-antennas - usually placed next to the wireless module on the motherboard, POCO X5 Pro) they are duplicated for support MIMO 2×2.
• 🛰️ GPS-antenna – compact, often built into the top of the board or next to the camera.
• 🔄 NFC-antenna – in models with support for contactless payment (for example, Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) is a thin loop around the battery or under the back cover.

The photo below (Xiaomi 13 Ultra disassembly) shows how the antenna tracks are integrated into the body. Note the gold contacts, which are the antenna points to the motherboard via flexible plumes:

In budget models (e.g. Redmi) A2) antennas are often run as printed tracks on a flexible board, which is cheaper but less efficient. LDS-antennas (Laser Direct Structuring) – they are applied by a laser directly to the plastic case, which improves reception and reduces signal loss.

Types of antennas in Xiaomi smartphones: from 4G to 5G and Wi-Fi 6

Modern Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with several types of antennas, each of which is responsible for its own frequency range.

5G-enabled models like the Xiaomi 12T use 4×4 MIMO technology, which means four antennas to receive and transmit data simultaneously, which increases internet speed but requires a more complex body design. Budget 5G smartphones like the POCO M4 5G can use a simplified 2×2 MIMO circuit.

Interesting fact: in Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 antennas were hidden under the camera slider mechanism, which allowed to make the case completely ceramic without sacrificing the signal. In modern models (for example, Xiaomi 13T), antennas are integrated into the middle frame between the screen and the back cover.

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If your Xiaomi is not catching 5G well, check in the settings (SIM cards and mobile networks → Network type), whether 5G/4G/3G/2G is enabled. Sometimes the smartphone automatically switches to 4G to save charge.

How the smartphone body affects the work of antennas: metal vs plastic

Xiaomi's body material directly affects signal quality, and here's how it works:

• 📱 Plastic case (e.g. Redmi) 10A): It doesn't screen the signal, it can be closer to the surface.
• 🪨 Glass case (e.g. Xiaomi 12): does not block the signal, but requires additional plastic inserts for antennas.
• 🔧 Metal case (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra): can degrade the signal, as metal shields radio waves. Solution - antenna lines (plastic or ceramic inserts on the sides).
• 🧲 Ceramic case (e.g. Mi Mix 3): does not affect the signal, but is fragile and expensive to produce.

In metal-framed models (such as the POCO F1), antennas are often placed in the top and bottom of plastic strips, as seen in the characteristic lines on the back cover — not only design but also functional necessity. In smartphones with a fully glass case (such as the Xiaomi 13 Lite), antennas are applied to the inside of the glass using LDS.

⚠️ Note: If the signal becomes worse after replacing the back cover or screen, the cause may be damage to antenna contacts or the use of non-original spare parts. For example, in the Redmi Note 10 Pro, antennas are connected to the motherboard through flexible plumes - they are easily damaged when disassembled.

Manufacturers are also using technology to improve reception:

• 🔄 AI Signal Boost (in Xiaomi 13): automatically switches antennas for better signal.
• 📶 Smart Antenna Switching (in) POCO F4 GT): Choose the least loaded antenna.
• 🛡️ Antenna amplifiers (in Redmi) K60): compensate for signal loss in the metal body.

Can you damage the antenna in Xiaomi: typical causes of malfunctions

The antennas in Xiaomi smartphones rarely fail on their own, but they can be damaged if handled carelessly.

1. Fall or impact: If the smartphone falls on the angle where the antenna is located (for example, the upper left corner in the POCO X3), contact between the antenna and the motherboard may be disrupted.
2. Moisture: The oxidation of antenna contacts is a common problem after flooding. For example, in the Redmi Note 9 Pro, antenna connectors are located next to the battery, which, when heated, can produce condensation.
3. Improper disassembly: when changing the screen or battery, it is easy to damage the flexible plumes of antennas (especially in models with a different type of antenna). LDS-antennas, such as the Mi 11 Lite).
4. Use of non-original parts: Cheap back covers or screens may not have proper antenna tracks, resulting in signal degradation.
5. Software failures: sometimes the problem is not the hardware, but the firmware. For example, after updating the MIUI, the modem configuration may be lost.

How do you check that the problem is in the antenna, and not in the SIM card or operator?

Check the SIM card on another phone | Make sure the flight mode is turned off (Settings → Connections) | Try manually selecting the operator network | Measure the signal level in the engineering menu (#4636##) | Check if the signal deteriorates when you touch certain parts of the housing (this indicates antenna damage)

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If the antenna is damaged after the test, there are two options:

• 🔧 Repair: replacement of antenna module or plume (cost - from 1,500 to 5,000) ₽ model-wise).
• 📱 Bypass: use of an external antenna (e.g., via a OTG-Adapter) or switch to Wi-Fi calls.

⚠️ Attention: In models with 5G (for example, Xiaomi 12T Pro) damage to even one of the four antennas MIMO This can cause the Internet to drop by 2-3 times. SMS They will work normally because they use separate antennas.

How to improve signal reception in Xiaomi without repair

If your Xiaomi antennas are good, but the signal leaves much to be desired, try these methods:

• 📶 Enable signal amplification in settings: Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks. Select your SIM card. Activate the option to Improve Signal Reception (available on the SIM card). MIUI 13+).
• 🔄 Turn off automatic network selection: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Choice of network → Sometimes the smartphone mistakenly connects to a weak cell.
• 🛡️ Use a case without metal elements: they can shield the signal. The best option is a thin plastic or silicone case.
• 📴 Update your modem firmware: sometimes signal problems are solved by updating Baseband (check in Settings). → The phone. → Updating the system).