How to change the Wi-Fi protocol on the Xiaomi router: instructions for all models

Changing the wireless network protocol on the Xiaomi router is one of the key settings that directly affects Internet speed, connection stability and device compatibility. 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4 may limit the bandwidth of modern smartphones that support Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), A wrong mode of operation (for example, only 5 GHz) will lead to problems with connecting old gadgets. In this article, we will discuss how to properly configure the protocol on different models of Xiaomi routers - from budget Mi Router 4A flagship AX9000, We also explain which standard to choose for specific tasks.

It's important to understand that changing the protocol doesn't always increase speed, and sometimes the problem is channel settings, bandwidth, or even hardware limitations of the device. We'll go through all the nuances, from logging into the admin panel to testing the results. If you've never gone to the router settings, don't worry: it's customized for beginners, but it also provides expert advice for experienced users.

Why change the Wi-Fi protocol on the Xiaomi router?

The wireless network protocol defines how the router interacts with the connected devices, and its version depends on:

• 🔹 Maximum speed: for example, 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5 theoretically supports up to 1.3 Gbps and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6 - up to 9.6 Gbps.
• 🔹 Connection stability: New protocols work better in jamming environments (e.g. apartment buildings).
• 🔹 Compatibility: Older smartphones or laptops may not support modern standards (e.g., iPhone 6 doesn’t work with Wi-Fi 6).
• 🔹 Energy consumption: protocols 802.11ax and 802.11ac Optimized for battery saving on mobile devices.

However, you should not always chase the latest standards, for example, if you have a router Xiaomi Mi Router. 3G (2017 It doesn’t physically support Wi-Fi. 6, And trying to turn that mode on in the settings won't work. 802.11b/g on 802.11n/ac It can give you a noticeable increase in speed – provided that your devices support it.

Another important thing is that some protocols only work on certain frequencies, 802.11ac available only at 5 GHz and 802.11ax Supports both frequencies (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). If you choose the wrong mode, some devices simply won't see your network.

Preparing for Protocol Change: What You Need to Know

Before you go into the settings, follow a few mandatory steps:

Make sure the router is connected to power and the Internet

Record current Wi-Fi settings (network name, password)

Check the models of connected devices (smartphones, laptops, TV)

Disable important tasks (download files, streaming)

Prepare a backup connection method (Ethernet cable or mobile Internet)

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The most common mistake is to change the protocol without checking for device compatibility, like if you turn on only Wi-Fi. 6 (802.11ax) on a Xiaomi router AX3600, old Samsung Galaxy S7 Or a Yeelight smart bulb may lose connection. To avoid this, use mixed modes (e.g., use mixed modes, 802.11n/ac/ax), Which ensures backward compatibility.

Also note the width of the channel. 802.11ac and 802.11ax They support widths up to 160 MHz, but in densely populated areas it is better to limit yourself to 40 MHz or 80 MHz to avoid interference from neighboring networks.

⚠️ Note: If you use a guest network on a router, its protocol settings may differ from the main network.

How to go to the settings of the Xiaomi router

There are three ways to get into the Xiaomi router administrator panel:

1. Through the Mi Wi-Fi mobile app (recommended for beginners).
2. Xiaomi Home (if the router is integrated into the Mi Home ecosystem)

Consider the most universal method - login via browser:

1. Connect your computer or smartphone to the router network (via Wi-Fi or cable).
2. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
3. Enter the username and password. By default, this is: Login: admin Password: admin or the one on the router sticker.

Reset

On models with firmware MiWiFi ROM (Like Mi Router. 4A Gigabit Edition) interface may be different. If you see Cyrillic with errors after you log in, change the language in the upper right corner to English or update the firmware.

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If the router does not open page 192.168.31.1, check if it has changed. IP-To do this, type ipconfig in the Windows command line and find the line "Principal Gateway".

Step-by-step: how to change the Wi-Fi protocol

The algorithm of actions depends on the router model and firmware version. Below is a universal instruction that is suitable for most Xiaomi devices (including Mi Router). 4C, AX3600, AX6000).

Step 1: Go to the Wi-Fi settings section

After entering the Administrator Panel:

1. In the top menu, select the Settings tab (or Advanced in the English version).
2. Go to the Wi-Fi section (sometimes it is divided into two parts). 2.4G Wi-Fi and 5G Wi-Fi).
3. Click on the Additional Settings (or Wi-Fi Settings).

Step 3: Save and Reboot

After selecting the protocol:

1. Then click Save (or Save).
2. Confirm the router reboot (it is mandatory for the application of changes).
3. Wait until the router restarts (usually 1-2 minutes).

Features of settings for popular Xiaomi models

Despite the general principle, some of the Xiaomi router models have unique nuances.

Mi Router 4A / 4C (budgetary models)

These routers only support Wi-Fi. 4 (802.11n) frequency-wise 2.4 GHz. You won't find any options for Wi-Fi in their settings. 5/6, but it's a choice:

• 🔘 802.11b/g/n (recommended for maximum compatibility).
• 🔘 802.11n (Only for modern devices).

On Mi Router. 4A Gigabit Edition is also available at 5GHz, but without support 802.11ac.

Mi Router 4 / 4 Pro

These models support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) 5GHz, available in settings:

• 🔘 802.11a/n/ac (optimally for most users).
• 🔘 802.11n/ac (If there are no older devices on the network 2010 year-end).

Note: Mi Router 4 Pro can be configured separately for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

AX3600 / AX6000 / AX9000 (Wi-Fi 6)

Flagship models with support for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) They offer maximum flexibility:

• 🔘 802.11ax/ac/n (recommended 5 GHz).
• 🔘 802.11ax/n (for 2.4 GHz).
• 🔘 802.11ac/n (If you have compatibility issues with Wi-Fi 6).

On these routers, you can also adjust the channel width to 160 MHz (but in urban conditions it is better to limit 80 MHz).

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On Xiaomi routers with Padavan firmware (alternative) the protocol settings menu can be in the Wireless section. → Basic and have advanced options such as Beamforming or MU-MIMO.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When changing protocols, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

⚠️ Note: If after changing the protocol, the router stopped distributing the Internet, but the devices are connected to the network, check the settings. DHCP. Maybe a distribution server. IP-addresses were accidentally disabled.

Problem 1: Devices can’t see the network after changing protocol

Causes and solutions:

• 📵 Incompatible protocol: for example, you have chosen 802.11ac, The device only supports 802.11n. The solution is to return the mixed regime.
• 📵 Hidden SSID: Check if the network name concealment mode is enabled in the settings.
• 📵 Wrong frequency: If you changed the protocol for only 5GHz and the device searches for a 2.4GHz network.

Problem 2: Internet speeds drop after protocol changes

Possible causes:

• 🐢 Too wide a channel band: 160 MHz can cause interference in urban environments. Try 40 MHz or 80 MHz.
• 🐢 Outdated firmware: update the router software in the System section → Firmware Upgrade.
• 🐢 Neighborhood Network Interference: Use Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) to select a free channel.

Problem 3: The router is constantly restarting after changes

This may be due to:

• 🔄 Unstable firmware: rollback to the previous version of the software can help.
• 🔄 Overheating: Check if the router’s vents are closed.
• 🔄 Settings conflict: reset the router to factory settings and set up the protocol again.

Additional settings for network optimization

Changing the protocol is only part of optimizing Wi-Fi, and to achieve maximum speed and stability, consider the following:

1. Channel selection and bandwidth

At 2.4 GHz, it is recommended that:

• 📶 Use channels 1, 6 or 11 (they do not overlap).
• 📶 Channel width to leave 20 MHz (wider bandwidth will increase interference).

At 5 GHz:

• 📶 Select 36-48 or 149-165 channels (less loaded).
• 📶 Set the channel width to 80 MHz (if the router supports the).

Incorporation of acceleration technologies

On routers with Wi-Fi 5/6 optional:

• 🚀 MU-MIMO: Allows the router to communicate with multiple devices at the same time.
• 🚀 Beamforming: Focuses the signal on connected devices.
• 🚀 OFDMA (Wi-Fi 6 only: Improves performance in high-load environments.

These features are usually found in the Wireless section. → Advanced.

3. QoS (Quality of Service) setting

If you have devices that are sensitive to delays on your network (such as Smart) TV or game console, turn on QoS:

1. Go to Advanced. → QoS.
2. Enable the function and specify priority devices on MAC-address.
3. Select the type of traffic (such as Games or Videos).

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If you have a Xiaomi router that supports Mesh network (for example, AX3600), After changing the protocol, synchronize settings on all network nodes in the Mesh section → Settings.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions