Why Xiaomiโs Internet Speed Could Be Different From What It Claims
Have you ever noticed that your Xiaomi's internet speed is significantly lower than the mobile carrier or home provider promises? This is a common problem, and it's not always due to vendor deception. The fact is that real speed depends on a variety of factors: from network congestion and signal quality to device limitations.
Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi Note 12 models, POCO X5, Mi 11 and others are equipped with built-in network diagnostic tools, but they are often hidden in the depths of the network. MIUI. Moreover, the manufacturer may artificially limit the speed in some modes of operation (for example, when the active mode of energy saving or when using two modes of operation). SIM-To get objective data, you need to know what kind of tests operators perform when checking speed, and how to repeat them on your device.
In this article, we will examine not only standard methods of checking (through applications like Speedtest), but also little-known functions. MIUI, And you'll learn how to measure not only download/return speeds, but also critical parameters like ping, jitter, and connection stability, which affect comfort in online games, video calls, and streaming.
Method 1: Built-in speed test in MIUI (covert)
Few people know, but in the firmware MIUI (Since version 12, there is a hidden tool for checking Internet speed that does not require installing third-party applications, it is built into the Mobile Network menu** and allows you to quickly assess the quality of the connection without unnecessary clicks.
To find him:
- Open the settings on your Xiaomi.
- Go to section. SIM-Maps and mobile networks (or mobile networks on some models).
- Choose an active one SIM-card (if there are several).
- Tap on Network Type or Network Speed (name may vary depending on version) MIUI).
- At the top of the screen will appear a small chart with the current download speed (Download) and return (Upload).
This method is convenient for its simplicity, but has limitations:
- ๐ถ Shows speed only for mobile Internet (does not work with Wi-Fi).
- ๐ The data is updated with a delay of 2-3 seconds, so it is not suitable for accurate measurements.
- ๐ง Does not display ping and other network metrics.
โ ๏ธ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F4 or Redmi K50) If you can't see the speed chart, try updating the firmware to the latest version. MIUI Or use alternative methods from this article.
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If the speed chart is not displayed, try switching between network modes (4G/5G) customized SIM-Maps โ sometimes it โwakes upโ hidden functions.
Method 2: Speed Testing Applications (Speedtest, Ookla, nPerf)
The app side remains the most popular way to check internet speed, and for good reason: they offer detailed analytics, meter history, and the ability to compare results with other users in your area.-3 Apps optimized for Xiaomi:
| Annex | Advantages | Deficiencies | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speedtest by Ookla | Largest server base, accurate measurements, support 5G | Advertising in the free version, sometimes understates the results | Google Play |
| nPerf | Tests not only speed, but also network stability, supports jitter and packet losses | The interface is overloaded with data, can be difficult for beginners | Google Play |
| FAST (by Netflix) | Minimalist design, fast testing, optimized for streaming | Does not show ping and other metrics, only speed | Google Play |
How to perform the test correctly:
- Close all background apps (especially instant messengers and streaming services).
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network or activate mobile internet (depending on what youโre testing).
- Launch the application and select the nearest server (for example, if you are in Moscow, choose MTS or Beeline server in Moscow).
- Do 2-3 tests in a row and average the results.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If you're testing mobile internet speeds, turn off Wi-Fi and vice versa. Using two types of connections at the same time can skew the results.
Method 3: Verification through the Engineering Menu (for advanced users)
If you want the most accurate network status data, including cell information, signal strength, and even modulation type, you can use Xiaomiโs engineering menu, which is suitable for advanced users, as it requires special commands.
Instructions:
- Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
- In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
- Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block โ you can manually select the network type (e.g., the network type) here, LTE only for forced use 4G).
- For more information about the connection, go to the Network or SIM Status (depending on version) MIUI).
On this menu you will see:
- ๐ก Signal level in dBm (the closer to the -50, better).
- ๐ Type of network (e.g, LTE CA This means aggregation of carriers, which increases speed).
- ๐ถ Band (band band, such as Band 3 or Band 7).
- โก Real-time speed (in kilobits or megabits).
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
This method gives you the most complete picture, but it requires you to understand technical terms. 20 signal-level -110 dBm, which means your device is running at the most โlong-rangeโ but slow range, and the speed will be lower than on the Band. 7.
Method 4: Testing through ADB (technical)
If you want to conduct professional testing of the network with log output and detailed statistics, you can use the ADB (Android Debug Bridge is suitable for engineers or enthusiasts who want to analyze the network at a low level.
What you'll need:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
- ๐ฑ Xiaomi with enabled debugging on USB (Settings โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI โ Tap 7 times, then return to the Additional Settings โ For developers โ Debugging by USB).
- ๐ USB-cable (preferably original).
Test teams:
Check the download speed (10 seconds)
adb shell ping -c 10 8.8.8.8
Monitoring traffic in real time
adb shell netstat -t
Verification of DNS- Permits
adb shell getprop | grep dnsThese teams will allow:
- ๐ Measure ping to Google servers (8.8.8.8).
- ๐ See active network connections.
- ๐ Check which ones DNS-The servers are using your device.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Some commands require root access. If your device is not rooted, some of the features will not be available. ADB It can cause network failures.
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ADB-The checks are the most accurate, but they require technical skills. For most users, there are enough apps like Speedtest or built-in tools. MIUI.
Method 5: Checking speed through the browser (without installing applications)
If you don't want to install additional programs, you can check your Internet speed directly in your browser, which is convenient for quick diagnosis, but less accurate than specialized applications.
The best online testing services:
- ๐ Speedtest.net โ a classic service with a choice of server.
- ๐ Fast.com is a minimalist test from Netflix (only shows download speeds).
- ๐ Cloudflare Speed Test โ Tests the speed to Cloudflare servers (useful for checking) CDN).
How to run the test:
- Open a browser (such as Google Chrome or Mi Browser).
- Go to one of the above sites.
- Press Begin Test or Go.
- Wait until it is completed (usually takes 20-30 seconds).
Advantages of this method:
- โ No need to install applications.
- โ It works on any device, including Xiaomi with outdated firmware.
- โ You can compare the results with different services.
Disadvantages:
- โ Less accurate than native apps (depending on browser load).
- โ Does not show jitter and packet losses.
Close all tabs except the test tab|Shut down. VPN (if used)|Connect to the right network (Wi-Fi or mobile Internet)|Select the nearest server-->
How to interpret the results of the speed test
Getting the numbers is only half the battle, and the key is to read them right and understand what they mean for your use of the Internet.
| Parameter | Good indicator. | Poor performance | What does it mean? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Download speed (Download) | > 50 Mbps | < 10 Mbps | Speed of downloading files, loading pages, streaming |
| Speed of return (Upload) | > 10 Mbps | < 2 Mbps | Speed of sending files, videos to Zoom, streams to Twitch |
| Ping (delay) | < 30 ms | > 100 ms | Server response time (critical for games and video chats) |
| jitter | < 10 ms | > 30ms. | Connection stability (important for VoIP and online gaming) |
Examples of interpretation:
- ๐ฎ For online gaming: The important ping < 50ms and jitter < 15ms Even at high download speeds, a bad ping will make the game unplayable.
- ๐ฅ For streaming (Netflix, YouTube): You need to download > 25 Mbps for 4K and > 5 Mbps for Full HD.
- ๐ For video calls (Zoom, WhatsApp): Critical upload > 3 Mbps and ping < 80 ms.
If your results are significantly lower than expected, try:
- ๐ Reboot the router or smartphone.
- ๐ถ Switch to a different Wi-Fi range (from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz or vice versa).
- ๐ฑ Disable the power saving mode in the settings Xiaomi (Settings) โ Battery โ Energy saving regime).
Frequent Internet Speed Problems on Xiaomi and Their Solutions
Even on new Xiaomi models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) And these are the most common causes and ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Low speed on 5G | There is no support for ranges 5G your operator | Check the list of supported ranges on the Xiaomi website or operator |
| Speed drops when connected to Wi-Fi | Router channel overload or interference from other devices | Change your Wi-Fi channel in your router settings (use 5GHz for less interference) |
| The Internet is slow in some applications. | MIUI Limitations for Background Processes | Turn off battery optimization for problem applications (Settings) โ Annexes โ Permits โ Auto-start) |
| Mobile Internet speeds are lower than other devices | Active mode of energy saving or restriction of background traffic | Turn off Background Traffic Limitation in Settings โ The Internet and the Internet โ Transfer of data |
If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings:
- Go to Settings โ System โ Resetting settings.
- Select Network Resetting.
- Confirm the action and restart the device.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Network reset will delete all stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings. save them in a safe place in advance.