How to turn on 5 GHz network on Xiaomi router: full instructions with pictures and tips

Did you buy a Xiaomi router with dual-band Wi-Fi support, but 5GHz network is not visible on devices or is unstable? the problem is familiar to many users - despite the stated support for the standard 802.11ac, The second band is often disabled by default or hidden in settings. In this article, we will discuss how to properly activate 5 GHz on popular models of Xiaomi routers (including Mi Router). 4A Gigabit, AX3600, Redmi Router AC2100), Avoid common errors and optimize network performance for maximum speed.

It's worth noting that 5GHz isn't just "faster Wi-Fi." It has its own features: smaller coverage area, but more bandwidth and less interference from neighboring networks. If your smartphone or laptop doesn't see 5GHz, the problem can lie in both the router settings and the limitations of the client device. We'll look at both scenarios.

Why 5GHz network can be disabled by default

Xiaomi manufacturers often supply routers with the 5GHz band turned off for several reasons:

• 📶 Regulatory restrictions: in some countries (e.g. Russia before the 2022 part-channel 5 GHz banned for civilian use: Xiaomi routers could come with blocked channels 100-140.
• 🔄 Older device compatibility: Many budget smartphones and laptops (especially those released before 2018) don't support 5GHz. To avoid confusion, the manufacturer only leaves 2.4GHz behind.
• ⚡ Energy savings: The simultaneous operation of two bands increases the load on the router's processor. 3G) This can lead to overheating.

In addition, in some Xiaomi firmware, the 5GHz network is not completely disabled, but simply hidden under the same name (SSID), This means that your device automatically connects to a more stable range, but not always to the fastest range.

⚠️ Note: If you bought a Xiaomi router abroad (e.g. in China), check the supported 5GHz channels in your area. 4C) Cannot physically work on channels above 149 in Russia.

What Xiaomi models support 5 GHz

Not all Xiaomi routers are equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi module. Below is a table with popular models and their capabilities:

If your model is not in the table, check the characteristics on the official Xiaomi website or on the device box. 5 GHz, some channels can be blocked by firmware. For example, in Mi Router. 4A Only channels are available by default 36-64.

Step-by-step: how to turn on 5 GHz on the Xiaomi router

The 5GHz activation process depends on the firmware version and router model. We will look at the universal way through the web interface, as well as an alternative method using the Mi Wi-Fi mobile application.

Method 1: Through a Web Interface (recommended)

This method works on most models, including the Mi Router. 4A, AC2100 and AX3600:

1. Connect to the router via cable or Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz networks).
2. Open your browser and type in the address bar 192.168.31.1 (or miwifi.com).
3. Enter the login and password (by default — admin/admin, unless changed).
4. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi (or Advanced Settings → Wi-Fi in English).
5. Find the 5 GHz Wi-Fi tab (can be called Dual Band or Wi-Fi). 5G).
6. Activate the Enable 5 GHz Wi-Fi switch.
7. Set up network settings: 📛 Name of the network (SSID): You can leave the same as 2.4 GHz, or set a unique one (for example, add a suffix _5G). 🔒 Password: Recommended to use WPA2-PSK or WPA3. 📡 Channel: choose manually (optimum - 36, 40, 44 or 48 for Russia). 📶 Channel width: Select 80 MHz for maximum speed (if supported by devices).

Save the settings and restart the router.

Name of the network (SSID) non-Cyrillic|Password complex (minimum 8 characters)|The channel is selected from the allowed channels in your region.|The channel width does not exceed the capacity of client devices.-->

If the 5GHz network did not appear after saving, check:

• 🔌 Is the router connected to power (sometimes when changing Wi-Fi settings, a physical restart is required).
• 📱 Does your device support 5GHz (check the smartphone/laptop specifications).
• 🔄 Update the router to the latest version (instruction below).

Method 2: Using the Mi Wi-Fi mobile app

If the web interface is not available or you prefer to control the router from your smartphone:

1. Download the Mi Wi-Fi app (available for Android and iOS).
2. Connect to the router network and log in to the application.
3. Go to the Wi-Fi settings section.
4. Slip on the 5 GHz tab (or dual-band Wi-Fi).
5. Activate the slider and adjust the settings similarly to the web interface.
6. Save the changes and wait for the router to restart.

⚠️ Note: In some versions of the Mi Wi-Fi app, the 5GHz power option may be hidden. If you can't see it, update the app or use the web interface.

💡

If the internet speed has dropped after turning on 5GHz, try manually setting up a 40 or 44 channel – they are usually less loaded in apartment buildings.

Optimal settings for a 5 GHz network

Just turning on 5GHz isn't enough -- you need to set the settings right for stable operation.

Choice of channel

There are many more channels available in the 5GHz band than in 2.4GHz, but not all are equally good:

• 🏆 Best channels for Russia: 36, 40, 44, 48 (less busy).
• ❌ Avoid: channels 100-140 (It may be blocked, and 149-165 (demand DFS, What's not all devices).
• 🔍 How to check your load: Use applications like Wi-Fi Analyzer (Android) or NetSpot (Windows/macOS).

Channel width

This parameter determines the maximum speed, but also the stability of the connection:

• 20 MHz: The most stable but slow (up to 200 Mbps) is suitable for devices away from the router.
• 40 MHz: Balance between speed (up to 400 Mbps) and stability. Optimal for most cases.
• 80 MHz: maximum speed (up to 867 Mbps per second) AC2100), It's very sensitive to interference. Use it if the router and the devices are nearby.
• 160 MHz: Available only on Wi-Fi 6 (e.g, AX3600). Requires perfect conditions – without interference and at close range.

If your devices don't support broad channels, the router will automatically lower the width, but this can lead to communication breakdowns. 6s It doesn’t work with 160 MHz, and some laptops do with 80 MHz.

Mode of operation (Mode)

In the 5GHz settings, you'll find Mode or Wi-Fi Standard.

• 802.11a/n/ac: Universal mode compatible with most devices.
• 802.11ac: Only for modern gadgets (higher speed, but old devices will not connect).
• 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6: Available on the AX3600 It's optimal if all your devices support Wi-Fi 6.

💡

If after the change of mode, some devices stopped connecting to the 5 GHz, return the setting to 802.11a/n/ac — This will ensure maximum compatibility.

5GHz network problems and their solutions

Even after setting up 5GHz properly, there can be difficulties, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

The device does not see the 5 GHz network

If your smartphone, laptop, or TV doesn’t display the network, check the following:

• 📱 Device support: Not all gadgets work with 5GHz. e.g. Redmi 4A or Samsung Galaxy J2 Support only 2.4 GHz.
• 🔍 Hidden network: Hide can be enabled in router settings SSID. Turn it off.
• 🔄 Regional restrictions: if the router is purchased abroad, some channels may be blocked. Try manually installing channel 36 or 40.
• 🛠️ Wi-Fi Driver: On Windows PC, Update Adapter Driver through Device Manager.

5 GHz network is slower than 2.4 GHz

It's a paradoxical but common situation, and it's a cause and a solution.

• 📡 Weak signal: 5 GHz is worse at passing through walls. Check signal strength (should be at least lower than that). -60 Solution: Move the router or use a repeater.
• 🔌 Channel congestion: even if you choose 40 MHz, neighboring networks can cause interference.Use the Wi-Fi Analyzer app to find a free channel.
• 🖥️ Device limitations: Some laptops (such as those with Intel 7260 adapters) don’t support high speeds at 5GHz.
• ⚙️ Incorrect router settings: If the channel width is set to 20 MHz, the speed will be lower than 2.4 GHz with 40 MHz. Set 80 MHz (if the devices support).

5GHz network is periodically shut down

If the connection breaks, try:

• 🔄 Change channel: some channels (e.g., channel changes, 100-140) You can interfere with radar (at airports). 48.
• 🛡️ Shut down. DFS: If the router automatically switches to 100 channels+, disable support DFS customized.
• 📡 Reduce the channel width: from 80 MHz to 40 MHz, which will reduce speed, but increase stability.
• 🔋 Check the router's power: if a non-original power supply is used, the router may overheat and reset the network.

💡

If the problem persists, try disabling Beamforming in your router settings, which sometimes conflicts with some devices.

Firmware Update for Better 5GHz Work

Outdated firmware can limit 5GHz functionality or cause errors. You can update Xiaomi router software in two ways:

Method 1: Through the Web Interface

1. Go to the router control panel (192.168.31.1).
2. Go to the Update or System Upgrade section.
3. Click Update Checker.
4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off power!).

Method 2: Manually through a firmware file

If the automatic update does not work:

1. Download the latest firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website or 4PDA forum.
2. Unpack the archive (if it is in.zip or.rar format).
3. Go to the router's web interface, section Update.
4. Select the option Select a file and download the downloaded firmware.
5. Confirm the update and wait for the reboot (may take up to 5 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the upgrade process or turn off the router, this can lead to the "bricking" of the device. If the router does not turn on after the upgrade, try resetting with the Reset button (hold 10 seconds).

After the update, check the 5GHz settings – some settings may reset to default values.

How to split 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks on Xiaomi

By default, many Xiaomi routers use the same network name (SSID) This is convenient, but not always optimal: devices can automatically connect to a lower-speed 2.4 GHz network, even if 5 GHz is available:

1. Go to the router's web interface.
2. Go to Wi-Fi Settings.
3. Find the option to split. 2.4G and 5G (Separate Bands in English version).
4. Activate it and set different names for networks (e.g, Xiaomi_2G and Xiaomi_5G).
5. Save the settings and reconnect the devices to the desired network.

Advantages of separation:

• ⚡ You can manually choose which network to connect to (useful for devices that don’t perform well at 5GHz).
• 📱 Some devices (like Yeelight smart bulbs) only run at 2.4GHz – they won’t try to connect to 5GHz now.
• 🛡️ It makes it easier to diagnose problems (you know exactly what range you’re connected to).

Disadvantage: you will have to manually select the network when connecting new devices.

💡

If after the network split, the devices stopped automatically switching between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, that's OK. Now you have control of the connection.

FAQ: Frequent questions about 5GHz on Xiaomi routers