How to connect Wi-Fi on a Xiaomi smartphone: all ways + problem solving

Connecting to a wireless network on Xiaomi smartphones usually does not cause difficulties, but sometimes users face unexpected problems: the phone does not see the network, constantly asks for a password or refuses to save settings. In this article, we will analyze all current ways of connecting - from the standard through the settings menu to alternative methods like WPS and QR-We will pay special attention to typical errors and their elimination in the latest versions. MIUI 14/15.

It’s important to consider that the connection algorithm may vary slightly depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) and the firmware version. However, the basic principles remain the same. If you just purchased a smartphone or experienced problems after the upgrade, this guide will help you to figure out without going to the service center.

1. Standard connection via settings

The most common way is to manually connect via the Wi-Fi menu, which works on all Xiaomi models, including the budget Redmi and the flagship Xiaomi 14.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to Wi-Fi (usually the second item after Mobile Network).
3. Activate the Wi-Fi slider at the top of the screen if it is turned off.
4. In the list of available networks, select the desired one. If there is no network, click Update (round arrow).
5. Enter the password (registration is important!) and click Connect.

If the network is protected by a hidden SSID (not shown in the list), click Add Network manually at the bottom of the screen and specify:

• 📡 Name of the network (SSID) — Exact name (with spaces and symbols).
• 🔒 Type of security - usually WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK.
• 🔑 Password – Check the keyboard layout before entering.

Wi-Fi on the router (the indicator should burn)

Is the password entered correctly (try entering it in your notebook and copying it)

Is the phone in range of the network (check the signal level)

Are there any restrictions on MAC-addresses in router settings-->

Note for MIUI 15: In the latest firmware versions, the Quick Connection feature has appeared – if there is a Xiaomi device already connected to this network, the phone will offer to move the settings automatically (via Mi Share).

2. Connection through QR-code: fast and error free

Method QR-It eliminates the need to manually type complex passwords, which is especially useful for networks with long character combinations, or if you're connecting guests:

1. On a device that is already connected to Wi-Fi (such as another smartphone or laptop), generate QR-Network code: On Android: Open Settings → Wi-Fi → Name of the network → On iPhone: Settings → Wi-Fi → Click on the "i" next to the network → Share your password. On the router: usually QR-code is on the sticker below or in the web interface (192.168.1.1).

Xiaomi

Settings → Wi-Fi

QR-code

Point the camera at the generated code – the connection will happen automatically.

⚠️ Note: Some routers (e.g. TP-Link Archer) C6) generate QR-codes that Xiaomi does not recognize, in which case use the standard method or update the router firmware.

I'm manually entering the password.

Use it. QR-code

Pressing WPS on the router

I'm asking someone to do it for me.-->

3.WPS Connection: Why You Need a Method

Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) technology allows you to connect to the network without entering a password — just press the button on the router.

• 🔄 You often reconnect devices (such as at a hotel).
• 🔒 The password from the network is very complex or unknown.
• 📱 You have an old Xiaomi model (up to Redmi 9) that doesn't have support QR-code.

Instructions for Xiaomi:

1. Go to Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → WPS (on some models, the item is called WPS Connection).
2. Click Connect via WPS – the phone will start searching for the router.
3. For 2 minutes, press the physical WPS button on the router (usually at the back, near the ports).
4. Wait for the message Connected.

⚠️ Attention: Method WPS It is considered less safe than WPA3. If your router supports WPA3-PSK, recommend turning off WPS in its settings after connection (192.168.1.1) → Wireless network → WPS).

4. Solving typical connection problems

If Xiaomi is not connecting to Wi-Fi, check out the following:

Error "Authentication" or "Save but without Internet access":

• 🔄 Restart router and phone.
• 🔒 Make sure the password is entered correctly (try entering it in the text editor and copying it).
• 📶 Check if the number of connected devices is exceeded (in the router settings).
• 🔧 Reset network settings on your phone: Settings → Memory. → Reset → Resetting network settings.

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

1. Check if the internet is working on other devices.
2. Open the Settings. → Wi-Fi → Click on your network. → IP-address and select DHCP (if it's static).
3. In router settings (192.168.1.1) check if it is enabled. DNS-server (try to manually specify 8.8.8.8).

💡

If the problem only occurs on Xiaomi and other devices are working normally, try disabling the Smart Wi-Fi Switch feature in your network settings.

5. Features of connection on different versions of MIUI

The interface and layout of menu items may vary depending on the firmware version.

MIUI 15 also introduced Network Priority, which allows you to manually select your preferred frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), which is useful if the router broadcasts both networks under the same name, but the phone clings to a less stable one.

Important for POCO owners: on these devices, the path to Wi-Fi settings can be called Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi, not as on standard Xiaomi. Also, POCO Launcher does not have a fast Wi-Fi switch in the curtain - it must be added manually.

6. Additional settings for stable operation

To improve the speed and reliability of the connection, we recommend setting the following parameters:

• 📶 Frequency selection: If the router supports 5 GHz, connect to it - it is less loaded and faster. However, 2.4 GHz is better through walls.
• 🔄 Auto Connection: In network settings, tick Auto Connection so that the phone connects itself when you return home.
• 📊 Background Limitation: In Settings → Annexes → Permits → Autorun: Turn off background activity for apps that consume traffic (such as TikTok or Facebook).
• 🔋 Saving charge: In Settings → Battery → Energy saving: Add Wi-Fi to exceptions so that the connection doesn’t break down when optimised.

For advanced users:

To force 5GHz Wi-Fi on supported models, do the following in ADB:


adb shell settings put global wifi_frequency_band 1

Where 1 is 5 GHz priority, 0 is 2.4 GHz priority. Be careful - the wrong commands can disrupt the network.

💡

If the Wi-Fi speed on Xiaomi is significantly lower than on other devices, try disabling the Mi Wi-Fi Assistant feature in network settings. It sometimes conflicts with some routers.

7.Security: How to Protect Your Connection

Public Wi-Fi networks (in cafes, airports) are often used to steal data. Xiaomi has built-in security tools:

• 🛡️ VPN: Turn on the settings. → Connections → VPN (We recommend ProtonVPN or Warp).
• 🔒 Forget the network: After using public Wi-Fi, press Forget to prevent the phone from automatically connecting in the future.
• 📱 Restriction of rights: C Settings → Annexes → Allows to disable network access for unnecessary applications.
• 🔄 Updates: Regularly update the firmware – in new versions MIUI Closes Wi-Fi vulnerabilities.

⚠️ Never connect to networks with suspicious names like Free_WiFi_Hack or Starbucks_Free (Attackers often create fake hotspots to intercept traffic.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Wi-Fi on Xiaomi