Limiting the speed of the Internet on the router Xiaomi: full instructions with nuances

Monitoring the speed of the Internet through the Xiaomi router is a useful feature for even distribution of traffic, especially if several devices are running simultaneously on the network, for example, when one user downloads torrents, and others need a stable speed for video calls or online games. Xiaomi routers (including Mi Router models) 4A, AX3600, AX6000 Others allow you to flexibly adjust restrictions for the entire network and for individual gadgets – through the web interface or the official Mi WiFi application.

However, not all users know where these settings are hidden, and depending on the firmware version and router model, the interface may differ, and in this article we will discuss all the available speed limits, including hidden features that are not covered in the standard instructions, and we will also explain how to avoid common errors that cause the settings to not apply.

Why you need a speed limit

Not always high speeds are good for the Internet, but here are some real-world scenarios where traffic restriction becomes necessary:

• 🎮 Game consoles or PCs eat up the entire channel during the download of updates, which makes other devices not have enough speed for streaming or work.
• 📱 Children or guests connect to your Wi-Fi and consume traffic without restriction (e.g. watching videos on the Internet). 4K or download large files).
• 🖥️ Background updates to Windows, macOS or smartphones automatically load at peak hours, slowing down other devices.
• 🔄 Torrents or cloud syncs (Google Drive, Dropbox) can quietly load a channel to 100%, if you do not limit their speed.

Without router control, these processes lead to uneven speed distribution, with some devices jamming others, for example, if your tariff is 100 Mbps and one device consumes 90 Mbps, the rest will only be 10 Mbps, which is not enough even for comfortable surfing.

Ways to limit speed on Xiaomi routers

Depending on the router model and firmware version, three main methods of setting restrictions are available:

1. Web interface (suitable for all models, including Mi Router) 3/4/4A/4C).
2. Through the Mi WiFi app (easy for quick settings, but limited functionality).
3. Through firmware with alternative software (for example, Padavan or OpenWRT) - for advanced users.

In this article, we will focus on the first two methods, as they are officially supported by Xiaomi and do not require additional manipulation of the firmware. The third method will be briefly discussed at the end – it is relevant if the standard settings do not suit you.

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Most Xiaomi routers can limit speeds for both the entire network and individual devices, but not all features are available in the Mi WiFi app – it is better to use a web interface for flexible settings.

Speed Limitation through the Web Interface

This is the most reliable way, because the web panel provides access to all settings of the router, unlike a mobile application. 4A Gigabit Edition, AX1800, AX3600 others.

Step 1: Enter the control panel

Open any browser on a device connected to the router and type in the address bar:

192.168.31.1

Alternative address (if the standard one does not work):

miwifi.com

Enter your username and password (admin / password from the sticker on the router by default). If you have changed them, use your data.

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If the router does not open the control panel at 192.168.31.1, check if you are connected to its network. Also try resetting the router with the Reset button (hold 10 seconds).

Step 2: Move to Traffic Control

In the main menu of the web interface, find the "Network Management" tab (or Advanced Settings in English).

1. Select "Bandwidth Control" (Bandwidth Control).
2. Activate the switch "Enable bandwidth control".

Here you will see two options for limitations:

• 📊 For the entire network – sets the maximum download / return speed for all devices.
• 📱 For individual devices - allows you to limit the speed of specific gadgets MAC-address.

Step 3: Set limits for the entire network

If you want to distribute traffic evenly across all devices:

1. In the “Maximum Download” field, specify the value in Mbit / s (for example, 50 if your tariff is 100 Mbit / s).
2. In the “Maximum Upload” field, specify a similar value (usually 5-10 times less than the download).
3. Press Save.

Important: If you specify a value higher than your Internet tariff allows, the router will try to “overclock” the connection to an impossible limit, which can lead to unstable network operation.

Step 4: Speed Limitation for Individual Devices

To limit the speed of a particular gadget (such as a child’s smartphone or a guest laptop):

1. In the section "Transmission Control" select the tab "Rules".
2. Press "Add rule."
3. In the field "MAC-address" enter the address of the device (you can copy from the list of connected gadgets in the section DHCP).
4. Specify the maximum download and recoil speed for this device.
5. Keep the rule.

Example: If you want your child’s smartphone to consume no more than 10 Mbps, specify in the rule:

• MAC-smartphone: 1C:34:DA:XX:XX:XX
• Max. boot: 10 Mbps
• Max. recoil: 2 Mbps

Make sure that:

- Capacity control is on.

- MAC-device address entered without errors

- Speed is in Mbit/s (not in Kbit/s!)

- The rule is saved and active (check in the list of rules)-->

Speed Limitation through the Mi WiFi app

The Mi WiFi mobile app is easy to set up quickly, but it's less than the web interface, but you can limit the speed here, too, but only for individual devices.

Step 1: Connect to the router

Install Mi WiFi from Google Play or the App Store. Connect your smartphone to the router network and log in (use the same login/password as you use for the web interface).

Step 2: Finding a device on the network

In the main menu of the annex:

1. Go to the Devices section.
2. Find the gadget you want to limit speed for and tap it.

Step 3: Set up the restrictions

In the device card:

1. Select "Speed Limit" (Speed Limit).
2. Activate the switch and specify the maximum download/return speed.
3. Save the settings.

Limitation: Mi WiFi cannot set rules for the entire network, only for individual devices, and it cannot specify a timetable for restrictions (for example, slow down at night).

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If the Mi WiFi app does not have the “Speed Limit” option, upgrade to the latest version or use the web interface.

Table: Comparison of speed limiting methods

To choose the best way, compare the capabilities of the web interface and mobile application:

From the table, it can be seen that for full control it is better to use the web interface, and the application is suitable for quick edits on the go.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even after you set the speed limits right, these are typical problems and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If the rules are not limited, check if traffic control conflicts with QoS (Quality of Service) function.

Error 1: Settings are not saved

If, after pressing "Save", the changes are reset:

• 🔄 Restart the router (by button on the case or via web interface).
• 📱 Try another browser (such as Chrome or Firefox).
• 🔧 Update the router to the latest version.

Error 2: The restriction does not work for a particular device

If the rule is MAC-address not applicable:

• 🔍 Make sure that MAC-Address entered without errors (registrar is not important, but the characters must match).
• 📡 Check that the device is connected to the router (in the list) DHCP It should be displayed as active).
• 🔄 Reconnect your device to Wi-Fi (forget the network and connect again).

Mistake 3: Speed is not limited correctly

If the actual speed is different from the given one:

• 📊 Keep in mind that 1 Mbps = 125 KB/s If you specified 10 Mbps, the maximum download speed of files will be ~1.25 MB/s.
• 📶 Check if the device is using VPN Proxies or Proxies – They can bypass the limitations of the router.
• 🔧 Turn off Mu-MIMO or Beamforming in Wi-Fi settings (sometimes they interfere with proper traffic control).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi routers running Padavan or OpenWRT, the standard traffic control settings may not work. In this case, use the built-in alternative software tools (for example, nlbwmon or tc in OpenWRT).

Alternative methods: firmware Padavan/OpenWRT

If you don’t like standard settings (such as flexible schedules or traffic prioritization), you can install custom firmware.

• 📦 Padavan – Optimized firmware with advanced traffic control features.
• 🐧 OpenWRT is an open system with support for plugins (for example, SQM packet-line).

Advantages of custom firmware:

• 📈 Flexible time distribution of traffic (e.g. limiting speed at night).
• 🔧 Prioritize devices (for example, always give maximum speed to the game console).
• 📊 Detailed statistics of traffic consumption for each device.

Cons:

• ⚠️ Risk of "bricking" router with incorrect firmware.
• 🔧 Technical skills are required (working with the SSH, Telnet).
• 📵 There may be a loss of warranty (if the router is new).

If you decide on an alternative firmware, look for instructions specifically for your router model. 4A Padavan is fine, and AX3600 — OpenWRT.

FAQ: Frequent questions about speed limits