How to improve the Internet on the phone Xiaomi Redmi: from basic settings to hidden chips MIUI

Slow internet on Xiaomi Redmi is a problem faced by every third smartphone owner of this line. Even flagship models like the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or the budget Redmi 10A sometimes “slow down” on the network, despite support for 4G+ or 5G. The reason for this can be both hardware limitations (weak communication module in cheap models) and software bugs MIUI, which “suffocate” speed due to background processes.

In this article, we'll look at some unique ways to improve the Internet on Redmi that you won't find in standard instructions. We'll look at not only the obvious methods like changing the operator or rebooting the router, but also the hidden MIUI settings that Xiaomi doesn't advertise, such as how to force carrier aggregation (CA) for 4G or turn off power saving for the mobile network. All methods have been tested on Redmi 9, Note 10 Pro, Note 11S models and are relevant for MIUI 13/14.

Before you start settings, check the base speed through services like Speedtest or FAST.com. Write down the metrics – after optimization, the difference can reach 30-200% (depending on the initial state).

1. Check the current mobile Internet settings

The first thing to do is make sure that the smartphone uses the best possible network settings, and users often don’t even realize that their Redmi is running 3G instead of 4G/5G due to randomly altered settings.

Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Network type. This should be the location «4G (preferably” or «5G» (If it is supported, if it is only available 3G or 2G — problem:

• 📶 SIM card: obsolete USIM (We need a nano-SIM. 4G/5G) chip-in-chip.
• 📡 Operator coverage: There may be no support in your area 4G/5G (Check the coverage map on the MegaFon / MTS / Beeline website).
• 🔧 Hardware limitations: budget models (Redmi) 8A, Redmi 9C) support 4G range-only B3/B7/B20, not available everywhere.

If the menu does not have a 5G option, but the smartphone supports it (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G), update the firmware to the latest version of MIUI. In older builds, the function could be hidden.

2.Resetting APN settings to factory

Incorrect parameters APN (Access Point Name is one of the main reasons for slow internet. MIUI, installation of custom firmware or even after replacement SIM-Operators rarely report changes in the APN, So the settings are obsolete.

To reset the APN:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset to default values.
3. If the Internet does not work after reset, add APN manually (options can be found on your operator's website).

For MegaFon, MTS and Beeline, the current settings of APN (2026):

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If you lose your Internet after resetting your APN, reboot your phone, and sometimes the changes only apply after the reboot.

3. Optimization of the communication module: hidden settings MIUI

MIUI hides a few important parameters that affect Internet speed, which can be changed through developer mode or engineering menus, which are not documented by Xiaomi, but are actively used by enthusiasts.

First, turn on the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click on the MIUI version 7 times in a row (you will be notified “You became a developer”).
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.

Hidden options are now available:

• 🔄 Carrier aggregation (CA): Turn on Enable aggregation 4G (Increases speed by combining several frequencies).
• 📶 Network priority: select LTE only if not necessary 3G/2G) stability.
• 🔋 Energy saving of mobile network: disable background restriction for mobile data (removes artificial speed limit).

For advanced users, there is an engineering menu (code #4636##) where you can manually select a network type (LTE only) or even block specific frequencies that are not working well in your area.

4. Wi-Fi Acceleration: Channel Choice, Standard and DNS

If the Internet problems only occur over Wi-Fi, either the router or the smartphone settings are to blame. Xiaomi Redmi has several bottlenecks that slow down speed:

• 🔄 Autoconnection to weak networks: MIUI He likes to cling to low signal networks. → Wi-Fi → Additionally. → Auto-connection to open networks.
• 📡 Outdated Wi-Fi standard: if the router supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), And the phone is connected to 802.11n, The speed drops by 2-3 times. Update the router's firmware.
• 🔒 DNS-Operator servers: standard DNS Replace them with 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google).

To change the DNS to Redmi:

1. Go to Settings. → Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the connected network → Change the network → Additional settings.
3. In the DNS field, type 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4 (Google).

Also check the Wi-Fi channel in the router settings. Channels 1-6 are often overloaded - try 11 or 40 (in 5 GHz mode).

1. Go to the router control panel (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
2. Find the Wi-Fi section → Channel settings.
3. Select the channel manually (auto-selection is often wrong).

5. Cleaning of cache and background processes

MIUI is known for clogging memory with background processes that steal traffic and slow down the Internet, especially on budget Redmis with 2-3 GB of RAM. Clearing cache and limiting background can give speeds up to 40%.

First, clean the cache of system applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Open the Everything tab and search for Google Play Services, Google Play Market, Telephony Services.
3. In each of them, click the Warehouse → Clear the cache.

Then limit background activity:

• 🔄 B Settings → Battery and productivity → Battery management select for critical applications (messengers, social networks) mode No restrictions, and for the rest – Limit background activity.
• 🚫 Turn off auto-update apps in the Play Store → Settings → Auto-Update Apps (Select Never).
• 📴 B Settings → Special facilities → Background Activity Notifications Enable the Option to See Which Apps Are “Eating” Traffic.

If the speed is still low after cleaning, try resetting the network settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).

1. Go to Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
2. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

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Cache clearing and background restriction are especially important for Redmi with 2-4 GB of RAM. On flagships (6+ GB), the effect is less noticeable, but still positive.

6.Verification for viruses and malware

Malware and ad Trojans are a common cause of unexplained high traffic and slow internet. They can run in the background, downloading data or redirecting traffic through proxy. On Xiaomi Redmi, viruses are often disguised as system applications (for example, com.android.system).

How to check and clean your phone:

1. Install Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light (free versions are sufficient).
2. Run a full scan (not fast!). Pay attention to /system/app and /data/app folders.
3. If the antivirus finds the threats, remove them and restart the phone.

Also check the list of installed applications:

• 🔍 Remove suspicious programs with names like Fast Cleaner, Super Battery, Mobile Booster – they often contain advertising modules.
• 📊 B Settings → Annexes → App management sort the list by Data usage and find those that consume traffic for no reason.

If the speed has not increased after cleaning, but the traffic still “leaks”, check the settings of the VPN and proxy:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Additional → VPN and delete any suspicious profiles.
2. In Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → Proxy settings, select No.

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Some viruses block the installation of antiviruses. If you can not download Malwarebytes, try installing it via APK from the official website (enable Installation from unknown sources in the security settings).

7. Hardware problems: antenna, SIM card, communication module

If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be the hardware, and most often, the problem is:

• 📶 antenna Wi-Fi/4G: On Redmi, it's located at the top of the case, and if the phone fell or got wet, the contacts could oxidize.
• 🔌 SIM card: microcracks on the chip or contaminated contacts cause signal loss.
• 📱 Communication module: in budget models (Redmi) 8/9) It often overheats and slows down the speed.

How to diagnose hardware problems:

1. SIM card test: insert it into another phone, and if the internet is working properly, the problem is your Redmi.
2. Antenna check: Cover the phone with your hand at the top (where the camera is) and if the signal is lost, the antenna is damaged.
3. Module diagnostics: If the phone is very warm when using mobile Internet, the communication module may be faulty (replacement is required).

For an interim solution, it is possible to:

• 🔧 Reinstall the SIM card (take out, wipe contacts with alcohol, insert back in).
• 📱 Use your phone without a cover (overheating exacerbates communication problems).
• 🔄 Enable Flight Mode for 30 seconds, then turn off (sometimes resets module errors).

If nothing works, contact the service center.Replacing an antenna or communication module with Xiaomi Redmi costs 1,500-4000 ₽ (model-wise).

8.Alternative methods: from firmware to external antennas

If standard methods fail, radical measures remain: they take longer, but they can dramatically improve Internet speed.

1. Installation of custom firmware

Stock MIUIs often limit speed because of energy savings, and alternative firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS doesn’t have these limitations, but they will require:

• 🔓 Unlock bootloader (officially via Xiaomi website).
• 📱 Install TWRP (customization).
• 🔄 Switch alternative firmware (instructions are available for the XDA Developers).

2.Use of an external antenna

For supported models 4G/5G (For example, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) You can connect an external antenna through MIMO-This is true for low signal areas. You can buy an antenna on AliExpress (~500–1 500 ₽).

3.Configure via ADB

With Android Debug Bridge (ADB), you can force some features that are not available in the interface, such as a command to enable carrier aggregation (CA):

adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 9

Where 9 is LTE/NR (4G/5G) mode with maximum aggregation.

• 7 - LTE only (4G)
• 9 — LTE/NR (4G/5G)
• 10 – NR/LTE (5G priority)

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Custom firmware and ADB-commands can cause a loss of warranty or a build-up of your phone, and use them only if you're confident in your actions!

FAQ: Frequent questions about improving the Internet on Xiaomi Redmi