How to remove saved Wi-Fi network on Xiaomi smartphone: all ways

Stored Wi-Fi networks on Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi lines) sometimes require forced removal — for example, if the network is no longer in use, there are problems with connection or need to reset security settings. Unlike iOS or “pure” Android, MIUI firmware has its own network management features, which can confuse users.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to remove Wi-Fi networks on Xiaomi devices, including standard methods through settings, hidden features for developers and even ADB commands for power users. We will focus on the nuances of different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and smartphone models where the interface may differ. If you encounter an error “Save but not connected” or just want to clear the list of networks, here you will find a solution.

1. Standard method: Removal through Wi-Fi settings

The simplest method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the MIUI version is suitable for removing individual networks or cleaning the list completely.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to Wi-Fi (or Connections → Wi-Fi on some models).
3. Click on the network name in the saved list (not active connection!).
4. In the window that opens, select Delete (or Forget Network in English firmware).
5. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

⚠️ Note: On certain devices (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12) post-update MIUI 14 The "Delete" item may be hidden behind a long tap by the network name (hold your finger). 2-3 seconds).

If the standard method does not work (for example, the Remove button is inactive), move on to the next method.

2. Delete through Developer Mode (for hidden networks)

Some networks (especially corporate or hidden SSIDs) are not displayed in the main list, but remain in the device’s memory.

Steps:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will be notified "You're a developer!").

Additional → For Developers

List of saved Wi-Fi networks

Wi-Fi verbose logging

Remove configuration

💡 Useful tip: If the developer mode does not have the item "List of networks", try using the command ADB (This is true for the Xiaomi 13 Pro and other flagships with MIUI 14.

3. Network settings reset (complete cleaning)

If you want to delete all the stored networks immediately (for example, before selling a phone or after a virus attack), use network reset, which will also solve connection problems if they are caused by configuration conflicts.

How to do this:

1. Open Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Network Reset (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. Enter the screen lock password (if installed).
4. Confirm the action.

4. Remove Wi-Fi networks via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods fail (for example, due to firmware failure or corporate policy constraints), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer.

Step-by-step:

1. Install. ADB-PC drivers.
2. Turn on your smartphone to debug by USB (Settings → Additional → For developers).
3. Connect your phone to your computer via USB (select File Transfer mode).
4. Open the command line (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) and type:

adb shell


su




cmd wifi forget-network <SSID>

Where <SSID> — network name in quotation marks (e.g, "Mi_Home_2.4G"). To see a list of all the saved networks, first perform:

cmd wifi list-networks

Important: On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+), the forget-network command may not work due to MIUI limitations.

adb shell


su




rm /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStore.xml

This command will completely reset all Wi-Fi settings, including connection priorities.

1. Reinstall drivers (use official from Xiaomi).

2. Include in the developer settings the item "Cancel USB-debugging authorization".

3. Try another. USB-cable (preferably original).-->

5. Delete via file system (root access)

For users with unlocked bootloaders and root rights, it is possible to edit system files that store data about Wi-Fi networks, a risky method that is effective for removing “undetectable” networks.

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Follow the path:

/data/misc/wifi/

1. Delete or edit the WifiConfigStore.xml file (contains a list of networks).
2. Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to:

• 🔴 Loss of all network settings (including mobile internet).
• 🔴 Cyclical reboot of the device (bootloop).
• 🔴 Reset to factory settings.

💡 Tip: Before editing, make a backup copy of the file WifiConfigStore.xml on SD-card.

6. Features for different Xiaomi models

The MIUI interface may vary depending on the smartphone model and regional firmware, and here are the key nuances for popular devices:

• 📱 Xiaomi 13/13 Pro (MIUI 14): The "Delete Network" item is hidden behind a long tap. In developer mode, the list of networks may not be available - use it. ADB.
• 📱 Redmi Note 12/11 In the Wi-Fi settings, there is a separate tab called "Save Networks" and resetting the network settings may require you to enter. PIN-code SIM-map.
• 📱 POCO F4/F5: On global firmware, the "Forget network" item is called "Delete." In Chinese versions. MIUI It may be necessary to translate the interface.
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra: When you delete the network through the settings, sometimes there is a bug - the network remains in the list, but does not connect.

If your model is not specified, check the MIUI version in the settings (About Phone → MIUI version) and compare it with instructions for devices close to the release date.

💡

On Xiaomi smartphones with a Qualcomm chip (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro) after removing the network via ADB, it may be necessary to reboot to apply changes. On devices with MediaTek processors (such as the POCO M4 Pro), this bug is less common.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

When you delete Wi-Fi networks on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems.

• 🚫 "Remove button is inactive: Check if you are currently connected to this network (disconnect).Reboot your smartphone - sometimes helps. Use ADB-team (section 4).
• 🔄 "Network deleted, but reappears after connection": This may be caused by the function "Automatic connection in the Wi-Fi settings (disable it). Check if the password is saved in the Xiaomi account (Settings section) → Xiaomi account → Cloud → Synchronization of Wi-Fi).
• 📵 "Can't connect to the network after deleting": Make sure you enter the correct password (registration is important!). Try changing the type of network security on the router (for example, with a computer or a computer). WPA3 on WPA2). Reset your network settings (Section 3).

If the problem is not solved, check if the connection is blocking the installed connection. VPN-Application or antivirus (e.g. Avast or 360 Security).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions