How to check the frequency of Wi-Fi on your phone Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Why itโ€™s important to know your Wi-Fi frequency and how to do it on Xiaomi

Have you ever noticed that the speed of the Internet on Xiaomi drops sharply in some rooms, even though the router shows a full signal? Or why 4K video starts to โ€œslow downโ€ when you have a tariff of 300 Mbps? The reason often lies in the Wi-Fi frequency โ€” 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, which is connected to your smartphone. These ranges are fundamentally different in range, speed and resistance to interference, and choosing the wrong frequency can negate all the benefits of your tariff.

Xiaomi manufacturers (including Redmi and POCO) donโ€™t always show this information on the surface. Unlike some brands, where the frequency is displayed directly in the status bar, in MIUI this data is hidden deeper. But there are at least 5 ways to get it, from standard settings to hidden engineering menus. In this article, we will discuss each method, including nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 15) and Android (11-14).

Before you get into the instructions, remember: Wi-Fi frequency is not equal to connection speed. Yes, 5 GHz is usually faster, but it passes through walls worse, and 2.4 GHz can be clogged by neighboring networks, so frequency checking is only the first step to optimizing the connection.

Method 1: Using standard Wi-Fi settings (MIUI 14/15)

The simplest method that works on most modern Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13 and later) is that you donโ€™t need third-party apps or technical knowledge โ€“ just a few taps on the screen.

Open Settings โ†’ Wi-Fi and find your network (it should be connected) in the list. Click on its name to open additional settings. Depending on the version of MIUI, you will see one of two:

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Direct frequency indication โ€“ the string โ€œFrequencyโ€ or โ€œBandโ€ with values of 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz (found on the MIUI 14+).
  • ๐Ÿ” Indirect signs โ€“ if there is no frequency, please note the Standard (e.g, 802.11ac means 5 GHz, and 802.11n could be any).
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Connection speed โ€“ if the Speed section indicates a value above 300 Mbps, it is most likely 5 GHz (2.4 GHz rarely exceeds 150 Mbps in real-world conditions).

โš ๏ธ Note: Some firmware (especially global) may not have a frequency item, in which case move on to the following methods. MIUI Sometimes it shows the maximum theoretical speed, not the real one โ€“ donโ€™t focus on that value alone.

๐Ÿ“Š What Wi-Fi range do you use most often?
Only 2.4 GHz
Only 5 GHz.
Automatic choice
I don't know what I got.

Method 2: Using the Wi-Fi Analysis app (without root)

If the standard settings don't show the frequency, third-party utilities come to the rescue. One of the most reliable is WiFi Analyzer (from VREM Software), which not only determines the current frequency, but also analyzes the load of channels. The application is free, without advertising and works on all Xiaomi smartphones with Android 8.0 and above.

Instructions for use:

  1. Download WiFi Analyzer from Google Play.
  2. Open the app and wait for the network scan.
  3. Find your network in the list (it will be marked as โ€œConnectedโ€).
  4. Note the Band column, which will be 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.

The advantage of this method is that the app shows the actual connection frequency, not what the system thinks it will show, and you will also see how busy your channel is โ€” if there are too many networks in the 2.4 GHz band, this can be the reason for slow Internet.

Determine the current frequency (2.4 or 5 GHz)

View the load of the channel (the fewer networks โ€“ the better)

Check the signal level (should be above -60 dBm)

Compare speed with other networks in range-->

โš ๏ธ Note: Some routers (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Router) 4A) By default, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks are combined under one name (SSID). In this case, the smartphone can automatically switch between frequencies, and the app will show the current one. To turn off this behavior, go to the router settings and activate the option "Separate networks by frequenciesยป.

Method 3: Through the Engineering Menu (for Advanced)

If youโ€™re not afraid to dig deeper, you can use the hidden engineering menu (Engineer Mode), which works on all Xiaomi smartphones, but you need to be careful โ€“ do not change other settings unless you are sure of their purpose.

Instructions for entry:

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
  2. In the menu that opens, select Wi-Fi (or Wi-Fi information) information.
  3. Scroll down to the Wi-Fi frequency block โ€“ there will be a frequency in megahertz (for example, 2437 MHz = 2.4 GHz, 5180 MHz = 5 GHz).

In the engineering menu you can also see other useful data:

  • ๐Ÿ“ก Signal strength โ€“ the optimal value above -60 dBm.
  • ๐Ÿ”— Link speed โ€“ the real speed in Mbit/s.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Channel width โ€“ for example 80 MHz (typical for 5 GHz).

โš ๏ธ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F4 Xiaomi 12T) The engineering menu can be blocked, and in this case, use alternative methods or applications like this. MTK Engineering Mode (for devices running MediaTek processors).

What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
On some firmware (especially Chinese) access to the engineering menu is limited. Try: 1. Use Activity Launcher app (available on Google Play) to run hidden activities. 2. Enter alternative code: ##36446337# (for Snapdragon devices). 3. Install MTK Engineering Mode (only for smartphones on MediaTek, such as Redmi Note 11).

Method 4: Through a terminal (ADB or Termux)

For users familiar with ADB or Termux, there is a way to check frequency through the command line.This method is universal and works on any Xiaomi smartphone, regardless of the MIUI version.

Instructions for Termux (does not require root):

  1. Install Termux from Google Play.
  2. Enter the command: dumpsys wifi | grep frequency
  3. In the output, find the string with frequency=-the number after the sign is equal and there is a frequency in MHz (for example, frequency=5745 means 5.745 GHz).

For ADB (requires PC connection):

  1. Connect your smartphone to your computer and enable USB debugging in the developer settings.
  2. In the command line (or PowerShell) run: adb shell dumpsys wifi | find "frequency"

This method is the most accurate, because it reads information directly from the system, but it requires minimal technical skills. If you've never used ADB or Termux, you'd better choose one of the previous methods.

cat /proc/net/wireless | grep wlan0

It will show the signal strength and frequency (if supported by the kernel).-->

Method 5: Through router settings (indirect method)

If none of the above methods worked, you can go from the opposite to check how many other devices on your network are connected to, and you need access to the routerโ€™s web interface.

Instructions:

  1. Open the browser and enter IP-router address (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
  2. Log in (logins/passwords are indicated on the router sticker by default).
  3. Find Wireless Network (or Wi-Fi) โ†’ Customer List (or Connected Devices).
  4. Find your Xiaomi smartphone in the list โ€“ the frequency (2.4G or 5G) will be indicated next to it.

This method is not always accurate because:

  • โš ๏ธ Some routers do not show the frequency for each device.
  • โš ๏ธ If you have Smart Connect enabled, your smartphone can migrate between bands.

However, itโ€™s a good way to check which devices on your network are using 2.4GHz and which are using 5GHz. For example, if all smartphones are sitting at 5GHz and smart light bulbs are sitting at 2.4GHz, this could explain the connectivity issues.

Comparison of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands: which one to choose for Xiaomi

Now that you know how to check the frequency, the main question remains: what range is best to use on a Xiaomi smartphone? The answer depends on your tasks and conditions.

Parameter2.4 GHz5 GHz
Range of actionHigh (passes through walls)Low (signal weakens at a distance)
Maximum speedUp to 150-300 Mbit / s (real ~50-100 Mbit / s)Up to 1-2 Gbit / s (actually 300-800 Mbit / s)
Channel loadingHigh (much interference from neighbors)Low (fewer networks in this range)
Support for devicesAll devices (including IoT)Only modern smartphones, laptops, TV
Best applicationVideo viewing, messengers, smart homeOnline games, 4K-streaming, file uploading

๐Ÿ”น Choose 2.4 GHz if:

  • ๐Ÿ’ก You have a lot of smart home devices (Xiaomi Mi Home, Yeelight, etc.) that only work at 2.4 GHz.

๐Ÿ”น Choose 5 GHz if:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ You play online games (PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty or watch video in the video 4K.
  • ๐Ÿš€ You have a high-speed fare (300)+ Mbps, and you want to make the most of it.
  • ๐Ÿ  There are few 5GHz networks in your home (check in WiFi Analyzer).

๐Ÿ’ก

If your router supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), prioritize 5GHz, which is where the new standard delivers the best results in speed and stability.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you check or change the frequency of Wi-Fi to Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and let's look at the most common and ways to solve them.

Problem 1: The smartphone does not see a 5GHz network.

โš ๏ธ Note: If your Xiaomi does not detect a 5GHz network, check it out: ๐Ÿ”ง Router settings: some models (e.g. TP-Link) TL-WR840N) default to shut down 5 GHz. ๐Ÿ“ฑ Smartphone support: old models (Redmi) 4A, Xiaomi Mi A1) It may not work with 5 GHz. ๐ŸŒ Regional restrictions: in some countries (e.g. Russia until 2020) the 5GHz band has been restricted.

Problem 2: Band Steering is not working properly.

Many Xiaomi routers (such as Mi Router 4 or AX3600) use Smart Connect technology, which should automatically select the best frequency. However, in practice, it often sticks to 2.4 GHz, even if 5 GHz is free.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Turn off Smart Connect in router settings and divide networks by frequency (give them different names, for example, MyWiFi_2G and MyWiFi_5G).
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Forget the network on your smartphone and connect again by selecting the desired frequency manually.

Problem 3: Low speed at 5 GHz.

If the speed is 5 GHz lower than expected, check:

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Signal level โ€“ if it is weak (below) -70 dBm, move closer to the router.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง Channel width โ€“ set 80 MHz in router settings (if supported).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Channel โ€“ in WiFi Analyzer, select the least loaded channel in the 5GHz band (e.g., 36, 40, 44, 48).

โš ๏ธ Note: Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek processors (such as the Redmi Note 10) sometimes have problems with Wi-Fi drivers, which artificially restricts the speed of 5 GHz. โ†’ System system โ†’ Reset โ†’ Resetting Wi-Fi settings).

My Xiaomi is 866 Mbps, but the real speed is 50 Mbps.
You are probably connected to 5 GHz, but: ๐Ÿ“ถ Signal weak (check the level in WiFi Analyzer). ๐ŸŒ Your service providerโ€™s tariff is limited (for example, 100 Mbps). ๐Ÿ”ง The router canโ€™t handle the load (try restarting it). Also keep in mind that 866 Mbps is the maximum theoretical speed for the standard. 802.11ac (The real speed is always lower due to interference and protocol limitations.
How to get Xiaomi to always connect to 5 GHz?
If the router supports both bands, but the smartphone chooses 2.4 GHz: Separate networks in the router settings (give them different names). On the smartphone, forget the old network and connect to... 5G. In Settings โ†’ Wi-Fi โ†’ Additionally disable the option of Autoconnect (if any). On some MIUI firmwares, you can manually set the network priority through ADB: adb shell cmd wifi setCountryCode US (This command will unlock additional 5 GHz channels, but may violate local regulations.)
Why is ping 2.4 GHz lower than 5 GHz?
This is OK! The 5GHz range provides a high speed, but because of the shorter wavelength, the signal is more prone to interference and delay: ๐ŸŽฏ 2.4 GHz is better for stability (below ping but lower speed). ๐Ÿš€ 5GHz is better for speed (higher ping, but faster downloading).For online gaming, it is sometimes better to stay at 2.4GHz if stability is more important than speed.
Can 2.4GHz and 5GHz be used simultaneously on Xiaomi?
No, a smartphone can only connect to one frequency at a time: ๐Ÿ”„ Some routers (such as Xiaomi) AX6000) Support Band Steering โ€“ automatic switching between frequencies without breaking the connection. ๐Ÿ“ฑ On a smartphone, you can manually switch, connecting to different networks (if they are separated).
How to check the Wi-Fi frequency on Xiaomi without a network connection?
If you want to know what frequencies your smartphone supports (for example, before buying a router), use the following: ๐Ÿ” Annex AIDA64 (section โ†’ Wi-Fi). ๐Ÿ“„ Official model specifications on Xiaomi website (seek support) 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax). For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro supports Wi-Fi support 6E (including 6 GHz, and Redmi 9A โ€” only 2.4 GHz.