How to remove the Wi-Fi hotspot on the Xiaomi smartphone: all the ways

Stored Wi-Fi networks on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi models and POCO) Sometimes you need to clean up, whether it's because of a password change, an unstable connection, or a desire to free the list from unnecessary points. Unlike iOS or "pure" Android, the shell is a very simple device. MIUI It has its own nuances of removing networks, especially if we are talking about hidden networks or profiles with enterprise authentication. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from standard deleting through menus to resetting network settings and working with the Internet. ADB power-user.

It's important to understand that simply forgetting the network in the settings doesn't always solve the problem, for example, if the access point was added through a WPS or QR-The code, its data can stay in the cache of the system, and in the case of corporate networks (for example, in the case of corporate networks, EAP-SIM or PEAP) We'll have to remove the security certificates, and we'll look at each scenario with the specifics in mind. MIUI 12/13/14 We recommend specific models such as Xiaomi. 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5.

Why you can’t remove your Wi-Fi network on Xiaomi

Xiaomi users often experience a situation where the "Delete" or "Forget Network" button in the Wi-Fi settings is inactive or the network reappears after a reboot.

  • πŸ”’ Administrative restrictions: on devices with a work profile (for example, through Android Enterprise), the removal of networks can be blocked by security policies.
  • πŸ“± Mistakes. MIUI: versionally MIUI 12.5–13.0 was a bug that caused networks added through the WPS, not removed in the standard manner.
  • πŸ”„ Cached data: after updating the firmware, the old network settings can be saved in a file wpa_supplicant.conf.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Security Certificates: Networks with EAP-authentication (e.g. in universities or offices) requires the removal of associated certificates in Settings β†’ Security β†’ Additionally.

If you're trying to delete the network, but it reappears after the reconnection, it's probably one of the things that's wrong with you.

  1. Does the network have a lock icon with a gear (indicates enterprise authentication).
  2. Has the network been added through QR-code WPS (These networks are often cached separately).
  3. Is the device using a working profile (check in Settings) β†’ Accounts).
πŸ“Š What version? MIUI you have a smartphone?
MIUI 12 or older
MIUI 13
MIUI 14
I don't know.

Method 1: Standard Network Deletion through Settings

The easiest method is to delete the network directly from the Wi-Fi menu, which is suitable for most home and public networks (WPA2-PSK, WPA3). Instructions:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Wi-Fi.
  2. Click on the name of the network in the list "Save Networks".
  3. Slip the "Delete" button (or "Forget Network" in older versions) MIUI).
  4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

If the "Delete" button is inactive or absent:

  • πŸ”Œ Try to disconnect from the network first (if connected).
  • πŸ”„ Reboot your smartphone – sometimes it helps to unlock the button.
  • πŸ“± Check if there are restrictions on guest mode (in Xiaomi, this can block network changes).

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for network removal

Done: 0 / 4

Some models (e.g. Redmi 10 or more) POCO X3) Once the network is deleted, it can reappear in the list after scanning. MIUI It shows all the points that are available, including those that you've previously connected to. To make sure that the network is actually deleted, try connecting to it, and the system needs to request the password again.

Method 2: Remove from the Network Settings Reset menu

If the standard method didn't work, you can use network resets, which removes all stored Wi-Fi networks, and also resets mobile Internet, Bluetooth and other settings. VPN. Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Select Resetting β†’ Resetting Network Settings.
  3. Confirm the action by entering PIN-code.
  4. Wait for the device to restart.

After discharge:

  • πŸ”„ All Wi-Fi networks will be removed, including hidden and enterprise networks.
  • πŸ“± Settings APN Mobile Internet will also be reset (you will have to reconfigure it).
  • πŸ”’ Network-related security certificates will remain intact (they must be removed separately).
What to do if the network reset does not help?
If the network is automatically connected after reset, check it out: 1. Synchronization settings (Wi-Fi synchronization can be enabled in Xiaomi account). 2. Network management applications (such as WiFi Master Key or NetMaster). 3. Configuration file `wpa_supplicant.conf` (Requires root rights for editing).

This method is most effective for fixing problems with automatically connecting to unwanted networks or when the smartphone β€œforgets” passwords after updating. MIUI. However, remember that the reset affects all network settings, so after the procedure you will have to reconfigure the reset:

  • 🌐 Connection to mobile Internet (APN).
  • πŸ”— Bluetooth devices (headphones, fitness bracelets).
  • πŸ” VPN-connections (if used).

Method 3: Removing Enterprise Networks (EAP, PEAP, TTLS)

Enterprise networks (e.g., universities or offices) use authentication protocols. EAP, PEAP or TTLS. These networks cannot be removed in the standard way - additional cleaning of certificates is required:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Wi-Fi and find the network you want (usually displayed with the lock and gear icon).
  2. Click on it and select "Delete." If the button is inactive, move on to the next step.
  3. Go to Settings. β†’ Security β†’ Additionally. β†’ Certificate management.
  4. Remove the certificates associated with the network (usually they have the name of the organization or domain, for example, edu.university.com).
  5. Go back to Wi-Fi settings and try to delete the network again.

If the network still shows up,

  • πŸ”§ Try to disable automatic connection in the network settings (if there is no such option, use it). ADB).
  • πŸ“„ Check if the device has a configuration profile (c Settings) β†’ Accounts. β†’ Working profile).
  • πŸ”„ Reset your network settings (described in the previous section).

πŸ’‘

If you frequently connect to enterprise networks, back up your certificates before you delete them. `.p12` or `.crt` through the "Certificate Management" menu".

On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi 11 Ultra or Redmi) K50) After deleting the enterprise network, you may need to restart the changes to take effect. If the network is still displayed, try connecting to it with the wrong password - sometimes this resets the cached data.

Method 4: Remove via ADB (for power users)

If none of the above methods worked, you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connecting the smartphone to the computer and enabling debugging USB. Warning: Incorrect commands could disrupt the system!

Instructions:

  1. Enable the developer mode on your smartphone: Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (press 7 times)
  2. Activate USB Debugging in Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers.
  3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
  4. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices (should display the name of your device).
  5. Get a list of saved networks: adb shell cmd wifi list-networks (remember networkId of the desired network).
  6. Remove the network by ID: adb shell cmd wifi remove-network [networkId] For example, adb shell cmd wifi remove-network 3.
  7. Reboot your smartphone.

If the remove-network command doesn’t work, try an alternative method through file editing. wpa_supplicant.conf:

  1. Download the configuration file: adb pull /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStoreFile.xml
  2. Open it in the text editor and delete the block with the network data (see by SSID).
  3. Save the file and download it back: adb push WifiConfigStoreFile.xml /data/misc/wifi/
  4. Change the access rights: adb shell chmod 660 /data/misc/wifi/WifiConfigStoreFile.xml

πŸ’‘

Use it. ADB The wrong commands can lead to the loss of all network settings or system failure.

On devices with MIUI 14 newer WifiConfigStoreFile.xml It can be encrypted, and in this case, the only reliable way is to reset the network settings or reset the network completely to the factory.

Method 5: Complete reset to factory settings

The last resort is a complete smartphone reset, which will delete all data, including Wi-Fi networks, accounts, apps and files, and use this method only if:

  • πŸ”§ None of the previous methods worked.
  • πŸ“± Device infected with virus that adds unwanted networks.
  • πŸ”„ You plan to sell or transfer your smartphone to another user.

Instructions:

  1. Create a backup of important data (photos, contacts, messages).
  2. Go to Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ Reset settings.
  3. Select Reset all settings (or Delete all data).
  4. Enter. PIN-code and confirm the action.
  5. Wait for the process to be completed (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After discharge:

  • πŸ”„ The smartphone will return to the state of β€œout of the box".
  • πŸ“± All Wi-Fi networks, including hidden and enterprise, will be removed.
  • πŸ”’ You will have to re-enter the Xiaomi account and configure the device.

πŸ’‘

Before reset, untie your Xiaomi account from your device in the Settings menu β†’ Accounts.This will make it easier to set up after a reset and prevent blocking due to Mi Account protection.

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+) After reset, you may need to re-activate over the Internet. Make sure you have access to another network (mobile internet or other Wi-Fi hotspot).

Solving problems after removing the network

Sometimes, after the network is deleted, there are problems. Let's look at typical situations and how to solve them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The network reappears after deletionSync with Xiaomi account or cached dataTurn off Wi-Fi sync in account settings or reset the network
Cannot connect to another networkFailure of the Wi-Fi module or incorrect settings IPReboot your smartphone or reset your network settings
Constantly asking for a password for the networkDamaged Wi-Fi configuration fileRemove the network through ADB or do the reset
No "Delete" button in Wi-Fi settingsWork profile limitations or bugs MIUITry to remove through ADB or contact the administrator of the device
After reset, mobile data does not workAPN settings have droppedSet up. APN manually (data can be requested from the operator)

If after all the manipulations the network is still not deleted, it is possible that the problem lies in the hardware failure of the Wi-Fi module.

  • πŸ”§ Check Wi-Fi in Safe Mode (Put the Power button on the device) β†’ "Safe regime").
  • πŸ“± Update the firmware to the latest version (sometimes bugs are fixed in new builds) MIUI).
  • πŸ› οΈ Contact Xiaomi Service Center for Diagnostics.

FAQ: Frequent questions about removing Wi-Fi networks on Xiaomi

Can I delete the Wi-Fi network without entering a password?
Yes, you don't need a password to remove the network from the saved list, but if you're currently connected to the network, disconnect first.
Why does it appear on the list again after the network is deleted?
This may be due to: Sync with Xiaomi account (disable it in account settings) cached data in file wpa_supplicant.conf (requires manual cleaning through ADB). Automatic connection via applications such as WiFi Master Key.
How to remove hidden Wi-Fi network on Xiaomi?
Hidden networks (with broadcasts disabled) SSID) Removed as usual: Open the settings β†’ Tap on "Other Networks" (or "Add Network" in older versions) MIUI). Type the name of the hidden network manually, it will appear in the list, and it can be deleted. If the network does not appear even after manual input, try resetting the network settings.
Will Wi-Fi network be removed after the update? MIUI?
No, a firmware update does not remove stored Wi-Fi networks, but in rare cases, after major updates (e.g., with a new version of the software). MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) some settings, including network passwords, may be reset.
Can I restore a remote Wi-Fi network?
If the network has been removed in the standard way, it can only be restored by re-entering the password, and if a setting reset or a complete device reset has been performed, the network data cannot be restored (unless a backup has been created).