How to connect data transfer on Xiaomi smartphones: all ways and solutions to problems

Data transfer on Xiaomi smartphones is the basis for the work of instant messengers, social networks, online games and streaming services. Without a properly configured Internet connection, even the most powerful Redmi or the most powerful Internet. POCO But what if mobile internet doesn't work and Wi-Fi is constantly shut down? In this article, we'll look at all the ways that you can connect data on Xiaomi devices, from basic settings to solving complex bugs.

The manufacturer regularly updates the shell MIUI, So the interface may vary depending on the firmware version, and we've taken this into account and prepared generic instructions that are relevant for the 2020-2026 models, from the budget Redmi Note 12 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Particular attention will be paid to the typical problems that users face after updating or resetting settings.

1. Connecting the mobile Internet (3G/4G/5G)

Mobile data is the most common way to get online when there is no Wi-Fi nearby, and it takes less than a minute to set up, but there are nuances that many people don't know about.

To activate data transfer, go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Mobile Internet. If you have two SIM-maps, select the default for data. 5G (for example, Xiaomi 13T pro POCO F5) There will be an additional switch Network mode → 5G/4G/3G/2G.

• 📶 Automatic network selection is recommended for most users (4G or 5G).
• 🔄 Manual operator selection - useful if the automatic connection is not working. → SIM-map → Choice of network → Manually.
• 📊 Background Limitation – If traffic is being consumed quickly, turn on Background Data Limit in Settings SIM-map.

On some firmware MIUI There is a hidden function only. 4G (LTE), which forcibly shuts down the transition to 3G. This is useful in areas with unstable coverage. 5G. To find it, enter the request “Only” in the search for settings. LTE».

💡

After the update MIUI mobile Internet is missing, try to restart your smartphone in Safe Mode (hold the power button) → "Restarting in Safe Mode.This will help to check if the third-party application is blocking the connection.

2. Set up Wi-Fi access points

Connecting to Wi-Fi on Xiaomi doesn’t usually cause problems, but there are hidden features that will make it easier to work with networks, such as saving a password in the Mi Cloud so you don’t re-enter it after a reset, or enabling an automatic connection to known networks.

To connect to Wi-Fi:

1. Open the Settings. → Wi-Fi.
2. Select the network from the list or click Add the network if it is hidden (SSID broadcast).
3. Enter the password and click Connect.
4. For public networks (for example, in a cafe) may require authorization through a browser – the system will prompt you to open it automatically.

If the network is not connected, check:

• 🔒 Type of security: Xiaomi does not support outdated standards WEP. Use it. WPA2-PSK or WPA3.
• 📡 Frequency Range – Some routers only work in the 5GHz band, which does not support older models (e.g. Redmi). 9A).
• 🔄 MAC-filtering – if the router blocks the devices MAC-Add your smartphone address to the whitelist (you can find it in Settings) → The phone. → General information → MAC-Wi-Fi address).

3. Modem mode and Internet distribution

Your Xiaomi can act as a router, giving the Internet to other devices, which is useful if you want to connect a laptop, tablet or second phone. There are three ways to distribute:

• 📶 Wi-Fi hotspot is the most popular option, speed depends on standards support (e.g., Xiaomi 12 Pro distributes over Wi-Fi 6, which gives up to 1 Gbps).
• 🔌 USB-modem: cable connection, suitable for PCs where Wi-Fi is unstable.
• 📱 Bluetooth modem – slow but economical way (useful for smart watches or fitness bracelets).

To enable the access point:

1. Go to Settings → Access Point and Modem → Wi-Fi Access Point.
2. Set a network name (SSID) and password (minimum 8 characters).
3. Select the frequency range – 2.4 GHz for compatibility with older devices, 5 GHz for high speed.
4. Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point switch.

If the access point is not turned on, check:

• 🔋 Battery charge – on some models, the distribution is blocked at a level below 20%.
• 📱 Operator – some tariffs prohibit the distribution of the Internet (for example, the “Internet for a tablet” at Tele2).
• 🔄 APN-settings – if mobile internet works and the distribution does not, check the settings APN (More about them in the next section).

Manual configuration APN mobile-internet

If the mobile Internet does not work even after a restart, the problem may be in the APN (Access Point Name: Operator network access settings, which are usually set automatically, but sometimes require manual adjustments.

To add or change 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 to edit.
3. Fill in the fields according to your operator’s parameters (see the table below).
4. Save the changes and restart the smartphone.

On Xiaomi models with two SIM-For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+) APN-settings are tied to each SIM If you copy the settings from one SIM The mobile Internet will not work on another, you will have to configure again.

⚠️ Note: If after the change APN Internet is not working, check if it is blocked by the firewall MIUI. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Autorun and make sure that the SIM Card and mobile network application is enabled by autorun.

5. Diagnostics and elimination of data transmission errors

Even if you set up the mobile Internet or Wi-Fi properly, it can be unstable, and let's look at the typical problems and their solutions.

🔴 Mobile Internet is connected, but websites are not opened

Causes and means of elimination:

• 🛡️ Lockdown DNS — try to change DNS-server SIM-8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).
• 📱 VPN Or a proxy, turn it off. VPN-programs (e.g., Turbo) VPN or 1.1.1.1.) in settings.
• 🔄 Mistake. IP-Addresses - go to Settings → SIM-map → [yours SIM] → Type APN Make sure you choose default,supl.

🟡 Wi-Fi is connected but without internet access

Most often the problem is on the router side, but sometimes the smartphone is to blame:

• 🔒 Wrong password -- even if the connection is gone, the system can request the password again. Delete the network and reconnect.
• 📡 Conflict IP — In the Wi-Fi settings, turn on static IP and enter the address manually (e.g. 192.168.1.100).
• 🔄 Resetting network settings - last resort: Settings → System system → Reset → Resetting network settings.

🟢 Access point is turned on, but devices are not connected

Internet distribution problems are often related to security settings:

• 🔐 Password too complex – use only Latin letters and numbers (no special characters).
• 📱 Device Restriction – Check Max for Connected Devices in the access point settings (default: 8).
• 🔄 Conflict IP — If the distribution is working but the internet is not available, try to turn it off. IPv6 customized APN.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14+ There's a bug that causes the access point to shut down after 5 to 10 minutes. SIM-maps and add the Settings app to battery optimization exceptions.

6. Optimizing data transmission to save traffic

Mobile Internet on Xiaomi can be configured to be spent sparingly, which is true for tariffs with limited traffic or when traveling abroad (roaming).

The main ways of saving:

• 📉 Background Limitation - in Settings → SIM-map → [yours SIM] → Limit background data.
• 🔄 Auto-Update Apps – Disable It in Play Market → Settings → Auto-update of applications.
• 📊 Traffic statistics - in Settings → SIM-map → Traffic usage can be set a limit and notified when it is exceeded.
• 📱 Data saving mode – some firmware has a hidden option Save data (find through search in settings).

For advanced users, there is another way to block traffic for individual apps, such as preventing TikTok or YouTube from using mobile data:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Choose the appropriate app (such as Instagram).
3. Click Data Use and disable Mobile Data.

💡

In the models with MIUI 13+ There's a smart traffic saving feature that automatically limits background data for underutilized applications. → Battery and productivity → Saving traffic.

7. Features of data transfer on different models Xiaomi

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are the same – they have different processors, modems and versions. MIUI. This affects the stability of the connection and the available functions.

For example, the owners of Xiaomi 11T Pros often face smartphone 'forgetting' Wi-Fi networks after rebooting.Solution:

1. Turn off the function of Automatic connection to open networks in the Wi-Fi settings.
2. Add the network manually with static IP.
3. Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI (The bug was fixed in versions after 13.0.5).

For models with MediaTek (e.g. Redmi Note 12 or POCO M5) The problem with the “suspend” of the mobile Internet when switching between 4G and 5G. In this case, it will help:

• Forced network selection only 4G customized SIM-map.
• Disabling VoLTE (if not used) HD-call-up).

8 Additional Features: Dual 4G, VoLTE and eSIM

Today’s Xiaomi smartphones support advanced data technologies that many people don’t know about.

🔄 Dual 4G (DSDS)

The function allows you to use two simultaneously SIM-map-mode 4G (old-model SIM worked only 2G). To activate:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Additionally. → Dual 4G.
2. Turn on the switch (not available on all models).

Please note: Dual 4G It can reduce battery life by 10-15%.

📞 VoLTE and VoWiFi

VoLTE technologies (calls by phone) 4G) And VoWiFi improves the quality of the connection:

• Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Calls on 4G (VoLTE).
• For VoWiFi, find the Wi-Fi Call option in the same menu.

If you do not have an option, update your firmware or check the support from the operator (for example, MTS and Beeline support VoLTE, and Tele2 only in some regions).

📱 eSIM (virtual) SIM-map)

Xiaomi models 12T Pro, Xiaomi 13 and newer support eSIM:

1. Get it. QR-code or activation data of the operator.
2. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Add eSIM.
3. Scan it. QR-code or enter data manually.

eSIM is convenient for travel – you can connect a local operator without changing the physical SIM-map.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14 there is a bug that causes the eSIM to disappear after resetting. Before resetting, save the eSIM profile to Settings → SIM-map → eSIM → Save profile.

FAQ: Frequent questions about data transfer to Xiaomi