How to turn off your Wi-Fi connection on Xiaomi: full instructions for all models

The automatic Wi-Fi connection on Xiaomi smartphones is a handy feature for most users, but not everyone. If your phone is constantly clinging to unreliable networks, wasting battery scanning or connecting to points at low speeds, this feature becomes more of a hindrance than an assistant, especially for owners of Redmi, POCO and flagship Mi lines, where MIUI algorithms sometimes too aggressively search for available networks.

In this article, you will find detailed instructions on how to disable autoconnection for different firmware versions (MIUI 12, 13, 14), including hidden settings and workarounds for older models. We will also look at why this feature can be dangerous, how it affects autonomy, and what to do if standard methods do not work. For convenience, we have added visual tables, warnings about possible risks and answers to frequent questions.

Why Xiaomi is automatically connected to Wi-Fi and how it is dangerous

The default auto-connection feature of MIUI is to provide the user with the fastest and most stable Internet experience possible, switching between mobile data and Wi-Fi depending on the signal, but there are hidden risks to this mechanism:

🔴 Data breach: Connecting to open or fake networks (e.g, "Free_WiFi_Xiaomi") This can lead to interception of traffic.
🔋 Increased battery consumption: Continuous network scanning in the background drains the battery 5-15% faster.
🐢 Slowdown: with frequent reconnections between 2G/3G/4G Wi-Fi and delays in content downloads.
📡 Conflicts with VPN: Some networks block secure connections, which leads to the failure of messengers or banking applications.

For example, in MIUI 14, the auto-connection algorithm became even more aggressive: a phone can cling to networks with a signal of 1-2 divisions, ignoring more stable mobile data, especially in apartment buildings, where the visibility of networks of neighboring apartments creates chaos for the Wi-Fi module.

Yes, the phone is connected to unreliable networks.|

Yeah, the battery's going down fast.|

Yes, there are conflicts with VPN|

No, I'm working fine |

I don't know, I didn't pay attention.-->

Method 1: Disable autoconnection via standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in system options, which is suitable for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 12-14.

Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
Go to the Wi-Fi section.
Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Additional Features (or Advanced Settings in older versions).
Find the option of Auto Connect to Open Networks or Smart Switch and turn off the slider.
For reliability, also deactivate Automatic Connection to known networks (if any).

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 Global), the path may be slightly different:

Settings → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi settings → Autoconnection

The option "Auto-connection to open networks" is turned off |

Smart Switch option disabled |

No unknown connections in the network list |

The phone does not reconnect after restarting.-->

Important: Once these options are disabled, the phone can still store the networks it previously connected to. To reset the list completely, click Save Networks → Delete everything (or delete the networks manually).

Method 2: Disconnect via Developer Modes (for power users)

If standard settings don't work (for example, on custom firmware or regional versions of MIUI), you can use the developer menu, which gives you more control, but you need to be careful.

First, activate the developer mode:

Go to Settings. → The phone.
Tap 7 times on the MIUI version (you will be notified "You became a developer!").
Go back to the basic settings and open a new section for developers.

Now turn off the auto-connection:

In the developer menu, find Network settings (or Wi-Fi).
Turn off options: Automatic Wi-Fi connection Scanning is always available (this will reduce battery consumption) Switching to mobile data (if you need to block auto-switch completely)

Restart your phone to apply the changes.

What to do if there is no "Network settings" item?

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 12.5 Enhanced), this partition may be called differently. Try: 1. Wi-Fi debugging → disable all options. 2. Adaptive communication → deactivate. 3. Use a search by settings (a magnifier at the top of the screen) with the request "Wi-Fi auto".

Warning: Changes in developer mode can affect communication stability. If the phone stopped catching the network at all after disabling the options, return the settings to factory settings or reset the network settings to Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset settings Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (for root users)

If you have root rights or unlocked bootloader, you can use specialized utilities for deep control over the Wi-Fi module.

🔧 WiFi Manager (from Smart Pack) – allows you to block autoconnection at the system level.
🛡️ NetGuard – Blocks background scanning of networks.
📱 Tasker – to create automatic rules for turning off Wi-Fi in certain conditions (for example, when the signal level is low).

Example of settings in Tasker:

Profile: Status → Net → Wi-Fi Connected (any network)


Task: Net → Wi-Fi → Disable (if SSID is not on the whitelist)

💡

Before using root applications, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset. Some utilities may conflict with MIUI and lead to freezes.

Note: Using root rights voids Xiaomi’s warranty and may result in the device being locked through an anti-piracy system (e.g. on Redmi Note 10 Pro and later).

Comparison of methods: what way to choose

To make it easier for you to determine, we have compiled a comparative table of all methods with their pros and cons:

Method	Difficulty	Required rights	Efficiency	Risks.
Standard settings of MIUI	⭐ (simple)	No.	Medium (not on all firmware)	Minimum
Developer mode	⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road)	No.	Tall.	Possible network failures
Third-party annexes	⭐⭐⭐ (difficult)	Root or ADB	Maximum	Loss of warranty, lockdown
Resetting network settings	⭐ (simple)	No.	Temporary assistance	All saved networks are removed

For most users, the first or second method is enough, and you should only resort to root applications if:

You are a user and you understand the risks.
Standard methods do not work (for example, on custom firmware such as LineageOS).
You need to manage connections flexibly (e.g., locking networks by time of day).

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after the auto-connection is turned off, users sometimes experience unexpected phone behavior, and let's look at typical scenarios and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The phone still connects to older networks after the MIUI update.

⚠️ Note: After major updates (e.g., with the MIUI 13 by 14) the system may reset some network settings. Check the list of saved networks in Settings → Wi-Fi → Save Networks and Remove Unnecessary Networks by Hand.

Problem 2: The option "Auto Connection" is not in the menu.

This is typical for some regional firmware (e.g. MIUI India or MIUI Russia).

🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.
🌐 Install a global version MIUI (Requires unlocking of the loader).
📱 Use it. ADB-Adb shell settings put global settings wifi_watchdog_on 0

Problem 3: After the auto-connection was turned off, the phone stopped seeing some networks.

You may have accidentally disabled the scan in the background.

Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
Find the Settings (system application) and open the Permissions.
Make sure that the location is enabled (needed for Wi-Fi scanning).

How to check if the auto connection is actually disabled

To make sure that the settings are applied correctly, perform several tests:

Test 1: Go to a place where multiple Wi-Fi networks are available (such as a cafe or shopping mall) and make sure your phone doesn't connect automatically.
Test 2: Turn on flight mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off. The phone must not connect to the network itself.
Test 3: Check the connection log: Install the WiFi Analyzer app (from farproc.) Open the Connection Log tab - there should be no unauthorized connections.

If the phone is still connected to the network, it means:

🔹 The settings are not saved (try restarting the device).
🔹 The firmware ignores user preferences (you need to update or reset your network settings).
🔹 The system is running malware (check the phone with an antivirus, such as Dr.Web or Malwarebytes).

💡

If the problem is still there after all the manipulations, it is likely the firmware that is to blame, in which case only the flashing to the global or European version of MIUI will help.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Can I turn off auto-connection only for certain networks?

Yes, but not through the standard settings. You're going to need: Install Macrodroid or Tasker. Create a rule: "If you're connected to the network [name], turn off Wi-Fi." Add networks to the blacklist. It doesn't require root rights, but you need permission to change system settings.

Will the battery be saved after disconnecting the auto connection?

Yes, but the effect depends on the phone model. According to the tests of users of the Redmi Note 11 and POCO X4 Pro, turning off background Wi-Fi scanning increases battery life by 8-12% with moderate use. On flagships (Xiaomi 13, Mi 11 Ultra), the difference is smaller — about 3-5%.

Why is the auto connection back on after resetting?

This is a feature of MIUI: when resetting through Settings → Reset, factory settings, including network settings, are restored. To avoid this: Before resetting, write down all important settings (for example, take a picture of the screen with Wi-Fi settings). Use Local Backup in Settings → Additionally, eliminating network settings from it.

Can I turn off the auto-connection on Xiaomi without accessing settings (for example, if the phone is locked)?

No, you can't change these settings without unlocking the screen. ADB through the computer, but for this to be enabled debugging mode USB (If the phone is locked, try: Enter a pattern lock or PIN at least 5 times in a row, the button "Forgot your password?" (needs a Mi Account) will appear. Reset your device via Recovery Mode (hold power). + Volume up when switched on). ⚠️ Warning: Recovery Reset will delete all data on your phone, including photos and messages.

Does disabling your auto-connection affect Google services (e.g. geolocation)?

Indirectly, yes. Some services (like Google Maps or Wi-Fi Search) use data from nearby networks to determine where they are located: 📍 Geolocation accuracy in premises may decrease by 10–30 meters. 🔄 Updating maps and weather will be less frequent (if mobile data is disabled). To minimize the impact, leave Wi-Fi scanning in the background (in location settings) on).