How to change the frequency of Wi-Fi on the router Xiaomi: 2.4 or 5 GHz – what to choose and how to configure

Why it is important to choose the right Wi-Fi frequency on the Xiaomi router

Have you ever noticed that your Xiaomi Mi Router is running like a watch and then suddenly starts to “brake” for no apparent reason? 80% of the time the problem lies in the wrong Wi-Fi broadcast frequency. 4A flagship AX6000) Supports two main frequencies: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz – and each has its pros and pitfalls.

The dilemma of “how to choose” is especially relevant in apartment buildings where neighboring networks create interference. For example, 2.4 GHz is better through walls but suffers from overload, and 5 GHz gives high speed, but loses signal already behind the second wall. In this article, we will discuss how to switch the frequency on the Xiaomi router correctly without losing connection, what settings are optimal for different scenarios (games, streaming, smart home) and how to avoid typical configuration errors.

Spoiler: If your Mi Router suddenly starts to glittle after the firmware update, the problem may be that you automatically select the channel — you can (and should!) set it up manually.

Which frequency to choose: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz?

Before we get into the settings, let's figure out why we should change the frequency at all.

• 📶 2.4 GHz: range to 50-70 (m) indoors, but speed is limited 150-300 Mbit/s. subject to interference from microwaves, Bluetooth devices and neighbors.
• 🚀 5 GHz: speed to: 1 Gbit/s (by) AX6000 — before 2.4 Gbps), but the range is all 10-30 There is practically no interference, but the signal does not pass through walls well.
• ⚡ Double range (2.4 + 5 GHz: The router broadcasts simultaneously on both frequencies, but the devices only connect to one, useful if you have old gadgets in the house (for example, Redmi Note). 8 supportive 5 GHz, and new (Xiaomi) 13 Pro).

Which option is optimal for you?

⚠️ Note: If your Mi Router is older than 2019 (e.g. Mi Router) 3G), It may not support 5 GHz. Check the model features on the official Xiaomi website.

Preparing for Frequency Change: What to Do Before

Before you go into the settings, follow these steps to avoid a connection break:

Download the Mi Wi-Fi app (App) Store/Google Play)|Connect the router to the PC via cable (in case of loss of Wi-Fi)|Write down the current settings (SSID, password)|Check the list of connected devices in Mi Wi-Fi → Devices

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If you change the frequency from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz, consider:

• 📱 Old smartphones (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1) Smart devices (Xiaomi Mi Band 3, some cameras) may lose communication.
• 🖥️ Laptops before 2015 often don’t support 5GHz (check Device Manager) → Network adapters).
• 🎮 Xiaomi Mi Box S works on both frequencies, but for the 4K-Content is better used by 5 GHz.

💡

If you are not sure if your device supports 5 GHz, turn on both frequencies with the same frequency. SSID (The gadget will automatically connect to the available range.

Step-by-step: how to change the frequency on the router Xiaomi

There are two ways to change the frequency: through the Mi Wi-Fi mobile app or the web interface, and let's look at both.

Method 1: Through the Mi Wi-Fi app (recommended)

This is the easiest method to use for most models (Mi Router). 4A, AX1800, AX3600 Follow the steps:

1. Open the Mi Wi-Fi app and connect to the router.
2. Go to the Settings section → Wi-Fi.
3. Select Additional Settings → Wi-Fi range.
4. Activate the desired range: 🔄 2.4G + 5G — Both frequencies at the same time (recommended for most users). 📶 Only 2.4G — If you want maximum compatibility. 🚀 Only 5G — For maximum speed (but check the compatibility of the devices!).

Save.

Method 2: Through a Web Interface (for advanced users)

This method is universal and works even on older models (Mi Router 3, Mini).

• A computer or smartphone connected to a router via cable (Wi-Fi can shut down during setup!).
• IP-router address (usually 192.168.31.1 or 192.168.0.1).

Instructions:

1. Open the browser and enter in the address bar 192.168.31.1 (or other) IP your router).
2. Log in (the default login and password is usually admin/admin if you haven’t changed them).
3. Go to Wireless Mode → Wi-Fi settings.
4. In the Basic Settings section, find the frequency range parameter (or Band in the English version of firmware).
5. Select the desired range and click Save.
6. Wait for the router to restart. If the Wi-Fi goes down, connect to the cable and check the settings.

Additional settings for stable operation

A simple frequency change is often not enough to make the network work perfectly, and here's what you can do to optimize:

1. Manual selection of channel

By default, the router selects the channel automatically, but that's not always optimal.

1. In Mi Wi-Fi go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally.
2. Select Manual Channel Selection.
3. For 2.4 GHz, channels 1, 6, 11 (they do not overlap) are recommended.
4. For 5 GHz select channels with numbers 36-48 or 149-165 (they're less loaded).

💡

Use the Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) or NetSpot app (iOS/macOS), See which channels are occupied by your neighbors, and choose the most free.

2. Separation SSID for 2.4 and 5 GHz

If you have enabled both ranges, the router defaults to the same SSID (network name for both frequencies. It's convenient, but it's not always efficient:

• 🔧 In Mi Wi-Fi go to Settings → Wi-Fi.
• Activate the option to split 2.4G and 5G.
• 📝 Give different names to networks, for example: MyWiFi_2G — for 2.4 GHz, MyWiFi_5G — for 5 GHz.

Advantages of this approach:

• ✅ You know exactly what frequency the device is connected to.
• ✅ You can turn off unnecessary range (e.g. 5GHz at night to save energy).
• ✅ Smart devices (lamps, sensors) will not “jump” between frequencies, losing communication.

3. Optimization of signal power

Some Xiaomi firmware has a hidden Tx Power setting to change it:

1. Connect to the router on SSH (Guidelines for Advanced Users).
2. Enter the command: nvram set txpwr=100 (where 100 is the maximum power in the %).
3. Save the settings: nvram commit
4. Restart router: reboot

⚠️ Warning: Increased signal power above 70% can cause the router to overheat and shorten its lifespan. Use this setting only if the signal is really weak.

Typical problems and their solutions

When changing the frequency, users often encounter the following errors:

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the frequency to Xiaomi