Wi-Fi Connection on Xiaomi Redmi: Instructions for All Models (2012–2026)

Connecting to a wireless network on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones seems like a simple task — as long as you do not encounter errors like “Authentication failed” or “Save, but without Internet access.” Even experienced users sometimes get lost when MIUI (branded shell Xiaomi) behaves outside the box: requires additional security settings, then “does not see” the network with hidden SSID. In this article, we will analyze not only the basic steps of connection, but also the nuances for different versions of the firmware, as well as ways to diagnose problems, from resetting network settings to manual DNS input.

Redmi’s (as opposed to the flagship Mi or POCO) feature is a simplified settings interface, where some options are hidden deeper. For example, in 2020-2022 models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or Redmi 9T), the Wi-Fi menu may differ from the current Redmi 12 or Redmi Note 13, and we will take these differences into account and give universal recommendations that will work even on older devices with MIUI 11 or fresh ones with HyperOS.

Before you go to the instructions, check two key points:

• 🔋 Battery charge above 15% – at low charge, the system can block network functions.
• 📶 Airplane mode is turned off (check the top notification panel).

1.Basic Wi-Fi connection on Xiaomi Redmi

If you just turned on your smartphone or reset your settings, the network connection algorithm is standard. Consider the example of the Redmi Note 12 with MIUI 14 (relevant to HyperOS):

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Wi-Fi section (in some versions – Connections → Wi-Fi).
3. Activate the Wi-Fi slider at the top of the screen.
4. From the list of available networks, select your own. If you don't have a network, click Update (round arrow).
5. Enter the password and click Connect.

A Wi-Fi icon will appear on the lock screen or notification panel, and if an exclamation point is lit instead, the network is saved, but the Internet is not working due to problems with DHCP or DNS (solution is in section 5).

Check if Wi-Fi is on on the router

Make sure that the smartphone is in range (not further than 10 meters from the router)

Restart the router (turn off power for 30 seconds)

Try connecting to another network (such as a mobile access point)

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On older models (Redmi 4X, Redmi 5A), the path to settings may be different: Settings → Wireless Networks → Wi-Fi. Also, there is no automatic switching between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz in MIUI 10 and below – if the router supports both bands, choose a network marked 5G (for 5 GHz) manually.

2. Connect to a hidden network (with a hidden SSID)

Some routers (such as Keenetic or ASUS RT-AX88U) hide the network name (SSID) for security, in which case Redmi will not show it in the list of available ones, but you can manually connect:

1. In the Wi-Fi menu, click Add Network (or Other Networks in older versions).
2. In the Network Name (SSID) field, enter the exact name (registration is important!).
3. Select the security type: usually WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK.
4. Enter the password and save it.

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If you don't know the type of security, check it in the router settings (wi-fi → security). Most often it's WPA2-PSK [AES].

Redmi with MIUI 12+ will be alerted to the hidden network, "Network without Internet." That's OK, just press Connect again. If the Internet doesn't work, check:

• 🔄 Reboot the router and smartphone.
• 📡 Make sure the router does not have a filter on MAC- addresses (in Settings → Wireless → Filter MAC).
• 🔒 Check that the password is entered without errors (symbols 0 and O or 1 and l are easily confused).

3. Solving Authentication Problems

The error "Authentication failed" or "Incorrect password" is one of the most common.

If the problem persists, try to “forget” the network:

1. Open the Settings. → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the problem network name and select Delete (or Forget).
3. Connect again by entering the password.

Authentication failed

The network is saved, but without the Internet

Phone can't see the network

Connection “hangs” at the stage of obtaining IP

Another problem.-->

4. Static IP and DNS configuration

If the router does not automatically give out the IP- address (or you want to assign a specific IP to the device), manually configure it:

1. Connect to the network (even if the internet is not working).
2. In the Wi-Fi menu, click on the current networkname → Change the network (or Additional).
3. Enable the option Additional settings (MIUI 13+ may be called IP Settings).
4. Select Static instead of DHCP.
5. Fill in the fields: IP-address: 192.168.1.X (where X is a number from 2 to 254 not occupied by other devices. Gateway: usually 192.168.1.1. Network prefix length: 24. DNS 1 and DNS 2: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).

Save the settings.

If the Internet has not worked after these manipulations, check:

• 🔌 Correctness of the entered gateway (it must match the IP router).
• 🌐 Settings DNS – Some providers block third-party DNS (try 77.88.8.8 for Russia).
• 🔄 Reboot the router after changes.

5. Network resets and other radical measures

If none of these things worked, it's time for heavy artillery, and let's start with the safest method, which is resetting the network settings.

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth settings.
3. Confirm the action (you will need to enter a pattern lock or PIN-code).

⚠️ Warning: This reset will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks, passwords and Bluetooth settings. Phone data (photos, messages) is unaffected.

If that didn't help, try:

• 📱 Update firmware: Settings → About Phone → System Update. In MIUI 14+ updates can fix Wi-Fi driver errors.
• 🔄 Return the settings to factory (last option). Pre-backup in Settings → Additional → Backup.
• 🛠️ Check hardware health: If the smartphone is not connected to any network, it may be damaged Wi-Fi module (relevant after falls or moisture).

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Before resetting, try connecting to another network (like a mobile hotspot) if the problem is repeated, it's the phone's fault, if it's not, the router.

6. Features of connection on different versions of MIUI and HyperOS

The interface and the Wi-Fi settings have changed with the release of new firmware versions.

Redmi with HyperOS (2026) also introduced Wi-Fi Direct, a feature that allows you to share files quickly without the Internet.

1. Activate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
2. Open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi Direct
3. Select a device to connect (such as another Redmi or printer).

7. Frequent Questions and Myths About Wi-Fi on Xiaomi

Let’s look at some common misconceptions and user questions:

8. Alternative ways to connect to the Internet

If Wi-Fi is not working hard, use the following alternatives:

• 📶 Mobile Internet: activate data transfer to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks. To save traffic, turn on Data Savings.
• 🔗 USB-Modem: Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB and enable the USB-Modem in Settings → Access Point and modem.
• 📡 Bluetooth modem: Connect Redmi to another device (like a laptop) via Bluetooth and distribute the internet.
• 🌐 Public Networks: Cafes or malls often have open Wi-Fi (but use VPN for security!).

To distribute the Internet from Redmi to other devices:

1. Open Settings → Access Point and modem → Wi-Fi Access Point.
2. Set up a network name and password.
3. Activate the access point.

⚠️ Warning: Some mobile carriers' tariffs block or charge separately for Internet distribution (tetering).