Why to display the speed of the Internet on Xiaomi and what it gives
The current download/return rate on a smartphone screen is not just a โgeek featureโ; itโs a practical tool that helps you quickly assess connection quality, detect problems with your router or mobile operator, and monitor traffic flow. For example, if you notice that the file jump rate in the Mi Browser has dropped dramatically from 50 Mbps to 2 Mbps, you can immediately restart the router or switch to another network โ without unnecessary tests in Speedtest.
On Xiaomi smartphones (especially under management) MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS) have several ways to bring speed to the screen, from built-in shell features to third-party widgets, and not all methods are equally convenient. For example, a standard indicator in the status bar shows speed only in real time and disappears when applications are curtailed, and widgets from NetSpeed Indicator or Internet Speed Meter can work in the background, but require additional permissions. In this article, we will analyze all the current options - from simple to advanced, taking into account the features of different Xiaomi models (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark).
โ ๏ธ Important: On some firmware (especially custom) speed display may conflict with battery optimization. If after setting up the indicator disappears after 5-10 minutes, check Settings. โ Annexes โ Permits โ Auto-start for the selected method.
Method 1: Built-in speed indicator in MIUI/HyperOS
The most obvious and safe method is to use the standard shell function, which is available on most Xiaomi devices with a wide range of devices. MIUI 12 and newer, and also on HyperOS (for example, on Xiaomi) 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+). The indicator displays the current download/return rate in the status bar (near the icons). Wi-Fi/mobile).
To activate it:
- Open the Settings โ Screen โ Status lines.
- Find the option โShow network speedโ (on some firmware it may be called โInternet speedโ or โNetwork indicatorโ**).
- Turn on the switch and select where to display speed: Wi-Fi only, mobile data only, or both types of connection.
โ ๏ธ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) This option is hidden in the advanced settings. If it's not in the status bars menu, try the path: Settings โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI (tap 5-7 times to activate the developer mode, then return to Settings โ Additionally. โ Laboratory.
Advantages of the method:
- ๐น Does not require the installation of third-party applications.
- ๐น Minimum battery consumption (integrated into the system).
- ๐น It works even in games or full-screen applications (unless the status bar is hidden).
Disadvantages:
- ๐ซ The speed is shown only when the data is transmitted actively (if nothing is downloaded, the indicator is zeroed out).
- ๐ซ No traffic consumption history (only current value).
- ๐ซ On some firmware, the indicator may disappear after restarting.
How to return the indicator if it is missing after the update?
Method 2: Internet Speed Meter Widget (for continuous monitoring)
If you don't have enough built-in indicators (e.g., you need to see real-time speed even when the screen is locked), use third-party widgets. One of the most popular solutions is the Internet Speed Meter app (available on Google Play), which not only shows the current speed, but also keeps statistics on the traffic consumption of applications.
Instructions for setting:
- Install Internet Speed Meter from the Play Market.
- Open the app and grant permissions to access the network and display over other windows (in Android settings).
- In the main menu of the application, select Display Settings** and set: Widget position (e.g., top right corner), font color and size, Measurement units (Kb/s or MB/s) to show speed on the locked screen (requires permission for Display over other apps).
"Show speed"**
Install the application from the official store|Provide all requested permits|Disable battery optimization for the application|Customize the appearance of the widget-->
Features of the annex:
- ๐ Shows separate values for downloading (โ) and payback (โ).
- ๐ฑ It works on all versions of Android (including Android). MIUI 11-14 and HyperOS).
- ๐ Consumes slightly more battery than the built-in indicator (due to background activity).
- ๐ก๏ธ There are no ads in the free version (but there are premium features, such as advanced statistics).
โ ๏ธ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M4 Pro) the application may conflict with the power saving mode. If the widget is lost, add Internet Speed Meter to the optimization exceptions: Settings โ Battery โ Optimizing the battery โ All applications โ Find the Internet Speed Meter โ Select "No restrictionsยป.
Method 3: NetSpeed Indicator Widget (for MIUI with floating windows)
If you want more flexible control over speed display (like changing transparency, moving the widget around the screen, or adjusting data updates every second), look out for NetSpeed Indicator.This app supports floating windows, which is handy for multitasking.
How to set up:
- Download NetSpeed Indicator from Google Play or APKMirror (if the app is not available in your area).
- Launch the app and grant permissions to access the network and display over other windows.
- In the settings ("Display"**), select: Display speed type (load only, recoil only, or both values); font color and style (e.g., monowidth for better readability); screen position (you can drag the widget with your finger); refresh rate (from 1 to 10 seconds).
ยซStartยป**
Advantages of NetSpeed Indicator over analogues:
| Function | Internet Speed Meter | NetSpeed Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Floating window | โ No. | โ Yes. |
| Transparency setting | โ No. | โ Yes. |
| Display on a locked screen | โ Yes (with permission) | โ Yes (with permission) |
| Statistics by annex | โ Yes. | โ No. |
| Support for a dark topic | โ Yes. | โ Yes. |
โ ๏ธ Note: On Xiaomi with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or Redmi K70) Floating windows can automatically fold when you start games or videos. To avoid this, add NetSpeed Indicator to the optimization exceptions and turn off Smart Window Closing** in the multitasking settings.
Method 4: Display speed through Control Center (for HyperOS)
If your smartphone is running HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 or POCO F6), you can output the Internet speed directly to the control panel (similar to Control Center on iPhone), this method is convenient because it does not require the installation of third-party applications and does not load the system.
Step-by-step:
- Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to open Control Center.
- Click on the icon ยซโ๏ธ Settings" (or "Edit") in the lower right corner of the panel.
- Find the Network Speed widget (or Network Speed) and drag it to the active area.
- Click "Ready" to save the changes.
Now, when you open Control Center, you'll see the current download and recoil speeds in real time, which is especially useful for quick checks without having to unlock the phone.
โ ๏ธ Note: On some HyperOS builds (e.g., the Xiaomi Pad 6), the speed widget can display data with a delay of 2-3 seconds. This is due to the optimization of the system for tablets. If you want more accurate data, use Internet Speed Meter.
๐ก
If the speed widget in Control Center is not updated, try restarting your smartphone or resetting the control panel settings: Settings โ Control Panel โ Reset settings.
Method 5: Displaying speed in games (for gamers)
If you are actively playing on Xiaomi (e.g. Black Shark) 5 or POCO F5) If you want to control your Internet speed right during a stream or an online match, the standard methods won't work -- the status bar in games is usually hidden. MIUI/HyperOS) or a third-party NetSpeed Indicator with a "Game" mode HUDยป**.
Instructions for Game Tools:
- Open Settings โ Special Features โ Game Turbo (or โGame Modeโ).
- Activate the option โShow FPS and Network Speedโ**.
- Start the game โ in the upper left corner will appear a panel with data on FPS, ping and Internet speed.
If Game Tools doesnโt show speed (like on the Redmi Note 12), use NetSpeed Indicator:
- In the application settings, turn on the โGame HUDโ mode**.
- Select games that need to display speed (such as PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty, or Genshin Impact).
- Adjust the position and size of the font so that the panel does not interfere with gameplay.
โ ๏ธ Note: On Black Shark devices (such as Black Shark 6 Pro), the built-in Shark Space can block third-party overlays. To make NetSpeed Indicator work in games, disable Performance Optimization** in the Shark Space settings.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
If you want maximum simplicity and minimum battery consumption, use the built-in MIUI/HyperOS indicator. Internet Speed Meter is good for detailed statistics and display on a locked screen. Gamers should stop at Game Tools or NetSpeed Indicator with HUD mode.
| Criteria | Built-in indicator | Internet Speed Meter | NetSpeed Indicator | Control Center (HyperOS) | Game Tools |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installation of third-party applications | โ No. | โ Yes. | โ Yes. | โ No. | โ No. |
| Display on a locked screen | โ No. | โ Yes. | โ Yes. | โ No. | โ No. |
| Floating window | โ No. | โ No. | โ Yes. | โ No. | โ No. |
| Traffic statistics | โ No. | โ Yes. | โ No. | โ No. | โ No. |
| Suitable for games. | โ No. | โ ๏ธ Partially. | โ Yes. | โ No. | โ Yes. |
On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and other flagships with HyperOS, the built-in speed indicator may conflict with the Adaptive Screen Update feature**.If the speed is displayed with a delay, turn off adaptability in Settings โ Screen โ Update frequency.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after you have set up your Internet speed map correctly, Xiaomi can experience some disruptions. Let's look at typical situations and how to fix them.
Problem 1: Speed is displayed, but values are not updated.
- ๐ Reboot your smartphone.
- ๐ถ Check if the traffic saving mode is included in the settings Wi-Fi/mobile.
- ๐ง For third-party applications (Internet Speed Meter), check the Background Activity resolution** in the battery settings.
Problem 2: The indicator disappears after the screen is locked.
- ๐ In the application settings (if a third-party widget is used), enable the option โShow on a locked screenยป**.
- ๐ก๏ธ Give the application permission to Display over other apps and Modify system settings (via Settings) โ Annexes โ Permits).
Problem 3: The speed is shown in Kb/s, not Mb/s.
- ๐ In the widget or system settings, change the units of measurement (for example, in Internet Speed Meter: Settings). โ Display โ Units).
- ๐งฎ Note that 1 Mb/s = 1024 Kb/s If the speed is 500 Kb/s, this is ~0.5 Mb/s.
Problem 4: The widget doesnโt work on custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
- ๐ง Make sure the firmware supports overlays (some builds turn this feature off to save resources).
- ๐ฆ Try alternative applications like Network Speed Indicator (available on F-Droid).
๐ก
If none of these methods work, check to see if the antivirus (e.g. Mi Security) blocks applications from accessing the network. Add a speed widget to firewall exceptions.