How to set up a network on a Xiaomi phone: from Wi-Fi to VPN

Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO models) offer a wide range of network features, but their configuration sometimes raises questions from users. From stable Wi-Fi connection to mobile Internet optimization, each parameter affects the speed and power consumption of the device. In this article, we will discuss all aspects of network configuration on Xiaomi phones, including hidden settings and solutions to typical problems.

The feature of the firmware MIUI is additional options that are not available in pure Android. For example, here you can manually select DNS- servers, configure dual Wi-Fi (for models with Wi-Fi support 6), or activate Data Saver mode to save traffic. But without knowing the nuances, these functions may not work properly. Next, detailed instructions with the latest updates MIUI 14/15.

1. Wi-Fi Connection: Basic and Hidden Settings

The first thing that starts setting up a network on Xiaomi is to connect to a wireless network, and in most cases, you just need to select an access point and enter a password, but MIUI has additional parameters that affect the stability of the connection.

To open the advanced Wi-Fi settings:

1. Go to Settings. → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the name of the connected network (or select a new one).
3. Put the pin on the gear badge (⚙️) near-name.

Options are available here:

• 🔄 Autoconnect – turn on if you want your phone to automatically connect to that network.
• 📶 Performance mode – improves speed but increases battery consumption (useful for gaming or streaming).
• 🔒 Security type – if the network is using an outdated WEP, it is best to avoid it.
• 🌐 IP- settings – you can set static IP or change DNS (e.g., 1.1.1.1 from Cloudflare).

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If your phone isn't connected to Wi-Fi, try forgetting the network (Settings → Wi-Fi → [click on network] → Delete) and reconnecting, often solving authentication problems.

For models with Wi-Fi 6 (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60), dual Wi-Fi (some firmware called Wi-Fi Assistant) is available, which allows you to connect to two networks simultaneously (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) to increase stability. Activated in Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → Dual Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Warning: If the internet is not working after connecting to Wi-Fi, check the settings of DNS. Some providers block access when using standard servers. Try specifying 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare).

2. Mobile Internet setup (4G/5G)

Mobile Internet on Xiaomi is set up automatically when you install the SIM- card, but sometimes manual configuration is required – especially if the operator uses non-standard settings APN.

To set up the APN:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. Click Add Access Point or select an existing one.
3. Fill in the fields according to your operator’s data (usually they are listed on the official website).

The main parameters of APN for popular operators in Russia:

If the mobile internet is slow, check:

• 📶 Network Mode — in Settings → SIM-maps → Preferred network type, select 4G (preferably) or 5G (if supported).
• 🔄 Data roaming – turn off if you are on a home network.
• 📥 Traffic Limit – MIUI has a built-in counter that can be reset to Settings → Data Transfer → Mobile Data Use.

3. Speed optimization and traffic saving

MIUI offers several tools for managing network traffic, one of the most useful is Data Saver, which limits the background activity of applications.

To enable Data Saver:

1. Go to Settings → Data Transfer → Traffic Savings.
2. Activate the switch.
3. In the Unlimited Data section, select applications that are allowed to use the Internet without restrictions (for example, instant messengers).

Other ways to optimize:

• 📉 Background Traffic Limitation – in Settings → Annexes → Application management → [select the application] → Data transmission can be prohibited background activity.
• 🔄 Auto-Update Apps – Disable it in the Play Store → Settings → Auto-Update Apps
• 🌐 Data compression – in Mi Browser or Google Chrome, turn on Traffic Saving mode.

Xiaomi phones with MIUI 14+ firmware have a hidden Smart Network Switch feature that automatically switches between Wi-Fi and mobile data when the signal is weak. Activates in Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → Smart Network Balance.

4. Set up VPN and secure connection

If you need to ensure privacy or bypass regional restrictions, you can set up a VPN on Xiaomi. MIUI has built-in support for PPTP, L2TP/IPSec and IKEv2, but OpenVPN or WireGuard will require third-party apps.

To set up a VPN manually:

1. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → VPN.
2. Click Add VPN and select the type (PPTP or L2TP/IPSec).
3. Fill in server data, username and password (provided by your VPN- provider).
4. Save and connect.

Popular VPN- services for Xiaomi:

• 🔒 ProtonVPN is a free rate with a speed limit.
• 🌍 NordVPN is paid, but with high speed and support for WireGuard.
• 🛡️ Windscribe – 10GB of traffic per month for free.

⚠️ Warning: Some banking applications (e.g., SberBank or Tinkoff) may block access when VPN is active.

For advanced users: If you need OpenVPN, install an official app from the Play Store and import configuration files (.ovpn). Xiaomi phones may require permission to install from unknown sources (Settings → Applications → Special Access → Install Unknown Apps).

5. Solving network problems on Xiaomi

Even after you set up correctly, you can have problems, like connection breaks, slow internet, or inability to connect, and these are the most common causes and ways to fix them.

Problem 1: Wi-Fi is connected, but the Internet is not working

• Check the DNS (replace by 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1).
• Restart the router and phone.
• Make sure that the router does not include customer isolation.

Problem 2: Mobile Internet only works in 3G mode

• Check the APN settings (see Section 2).
• Update the phone firmware (Settings → About the phone → System Update).
• Make sure that the SIM- card supports 4G/5G (older cards may not work on newer networks).

Problem 3: Phone Cannot See 5GHz Wi-Fi Network

• Check if your Xiaomi supports 5GHz band (e.g. Redmi 9A only runs at 2.4GHz).
• On the router, enable support for 802.11a/n/ac.
• Try changing your Wi-Fi channel on your router (for example, 36 or 48).

6 Additional Network Functions in MIUI

MIUI firmware offers unique networking features that many users are unaware of. Let's take a look at the most useful ones.

1. 2G mode only

If you need to save battery power on a trip, you can force the switch to 2G:

1. Settings → SIM- Cards and Mobile Networks → [select SIM] → Preferred Network Type]
2. Select 2G Only.

2. Internet transmission over Bluetooth

If you don’t have Wi-Fi access but have another phone with internet, you can distribute the network via Bluetooth:

1. On the donor phone, turn on Modem Modem (Settings → Connections and Sharing → Modem Modem).
2. Select a Bluetooth modem.
3. On your Xiaomi, connect to this device via Bluetooth and activate data transfer.

3 Priority Setup for SIM- Cards

On dual-SIM models (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+), you can specify which card is used for the default data:

1. Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → Default Data
2. Select the SIM you want.

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Smart Network Switch automatically switches to mobile data when Wi-Fi signal is weak, which is useful for stability, but can increase traffic consumption.

7 Network Security: How to Protect Your Connection

Open Wi-Fi networks, insecure VPNs, and outdated protocols can put your data at risk. Here’s how to secure your connection on Xiaomi:

1. Disable automatic connection to open networks

• 🔄 Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → Autoconnect to open networks – turn off.
• 🛡️ Use only encrypted networks WPA2/WPA3.

2. Set up the firewall

There is no built-in firewall in MIUI, but you can use applications like NetGuard or NoRoot Firewall to block suspicious connections.

3. Check the connected devices

If your phone is used as an access point, make sure that it is not connected to any other gadgets:

1. Settings → Connections and Sharing → Wi-Fi Access Point.
2. Click Connected Devices to see the list.

⚠️ Warning: If you frequently connect to public Wi-Fi (in cafes, airports), turn on VPN or use HTTPS- connections (the browser must have an icon 🔒 next to the site address) to protect your logins and passwords from being intercepted.

FAQ: Frequent questions about network setup on Xiaomi