How to improve the quality of communication on Xiaomi smartphones: from settings to hardware solutions

Weak mobile signal, call interruptions, or slow internet on Xiaomi are a problem that many users face, and can be attributed to software failures (incorrect settings, outdated firmware) and hardware limitations (weak antenna, damaged communication module). In this article, we will explore all possible ways to improve communication quality on Redmi, POCO and Mi devices, from basic settings to radical measures like replacing the module.

We will focus on three key aspects: mobile networking (2G/3G/4G/5G), Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, each of which requires a personalized approach, for example, to enhance the power of the system. 4G-The signal can be enough to change the network mode in the settings, and to stabilize Wi-Fi - update the module drivers. MIUI, which are rarely mentioned in the standard instructions, but can significantly improve the stability of the connection.

Important: If the problem occurs after a phone drop or moisture gets in, first check the hardware (see the section "Diagnostics of the communication module").

1. Check basic settings of the mobile network

Before digging deeper, make sure the phone settings are the best settings for your carrier. Often users have been using a phone for years with factory settings that aren't always perfect.

Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Network type. Options are available: 4G (preferably), 3G, 2G Or a car, if you have Xiaomi. 5G (Like Redmi. K50 Xiaomi 13 Pro, select 5G/4G/3G/2G (motor-car).

• 📶 For urban conditions: optimal mode 4G (preferablyTE It will reduce the switching between standards that can cause cliffs.
• 🏡 For rural areas: try it out 3G — In some regions, it is more stable. 4G.
• 🔄 If the network goes missing: turn on Automatic Network Selection in the same menu (sometimes helps with roaming).

Also check if VoLTE mode is enabled (voice via voice) LTE) — It improves the quality of calls. → SIM-map → [yours SIM] → Enable VoLTE. If you do not have an option, update your firmware or contact the operator to activate the service.

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO X3 Pro after updating to MIUI 14 may be missing the option to select the type of network, in which case the reset network settings (see section 3).

2. firmware updates and modified radio modules

Manufacturers regularly release updates that fix communication errors. For example, MIUI 13.0.4 for the Redmi Note 10 Pro fixed a bug with a 4G cliff when switching between base stations.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates and install the latest version.
3. After the update, reboot.

If official updates don’t work, consider custom firmware with modified radios. For example, firmware based on Pixel Experience or LineageOS often contains optimized drivers for communication modules. However, this method requires unlocking the bootloader and is only suitable for advanced users.

For models with 5G support (such as Xiaomi 12T or Redmi K60), check if SA/NSA mode is enabled in network settings. In some regions, carriers use only NSA (non-autonomous 5G), and if the phone is configured for SA (autonomous), the network may not catch.

3. Network reset and engineering menu

If the connection is unstable after the update or change SIM-Maps, reset network settings, which will delete stored Wi-Fi networks, passwords and mobile Internet settings, but often solves connection problems.

Path: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset your mobile network settings. Once reset, the phone will reboot, and you'll need to reset your settings. APN (They can be requested from the operator or found on its website).

Save passwords from Wi-Fi (take a photo or record)

To clarify the APN settings with the operator

Disable Two-Factor Authentication by SMS (Temporary)

Charge your phone at least 50 times%-->

For advanced users, there's an engineering menu where you can manually configure the communication settings, and you can get there.

1. Open the phone app.
2. Enter the code ##4636##.
3. Select Phone Information.
4. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block and experiment with modes (e.g. LTE only or GSM auto (PRL)).

⚠️ Warning: Don't change the options in the engineering menu unless you're sure they're important! Incorrect settings can lead to total network loss. For example, changing the Band Mode value to the non-upported range will make the phone "deaf" before resetting.

Hardware methods: antenna and communication module

If the software didn’t help, the problem could be hardware: modern Xiaomi smartphones use built-in antennas located along the side bezels, and their damage (for example, after a fall) leads to signal degradation.

Do a simple test:

1. Take the phone in your hand so that your fingers do not overlap the upper and lower parts of the body (where the antennas are located).
2. If the signal is improved, the shielding problem is (your hand blocks the waves).
3. Try using your phone in and without a case – some cases with metal elements worsen reception.

If you suspect damage to the communication module, check it with the help of the test:

1. Enter the number #4636##.
2. Go to the tab Information about the phone.
3. See Signal Strength. A value below -110 dBm indicates a critically weak signal (normal: -70 to -90 dBm).

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If the signal is weak only in a particular place (for example, at home), try using a mobile repeater (repiter). Xiaomi will be suitable models TP-Link 4G Signal Booster or Huawei B315>.

5. Optimization of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Communication problems on Xiaomi are not limited to the mobile network. Often users are faced with unstable Wi-Fi (cliffs, low speed) or poor Bluetooth connection (for example, Redmi AirDots headphones are constantly turned off).

Wi-Fi:

• 📡 Change range: In router settings, select 5 GHz instead of 2.4 GHz (less interference but less range). → Wi-Fi → [your network] → Range.
• 🔒 Turn off Wi-Fi power saving: Go to Settings → Battery and productivity → Energy conservation → Power saving settings and disable the option to turn off Wi-Fi in sleep mode.
• 🔄 Update the Wi-Fi driver: This is true for Qualcomm Snapdragon devices (e.g., Qualcomm Snapdragon, POCO F4). Install the last firmware or core through TWRP.

Bluetooth:

• 🎧 Reset Bluetooth Settings: Remove all paired devices and reconnect them. path: Settings → Bluetooth → [gear-plate] → Remove the device.
• 📱 Disable Bluetooth scanner: Some apps (like Mi Fit) constantly scan devices, which can cause conflicts.
• 🔋 Check the battery: At a charge below 15%, Xiaomi automatically limits the power of the Bluetooth module.

To diagnose Wi-Fi, use the WiFi Analyzer app (available on Google Play), which will show the load of channels and help you choose the best one for your router, if the speed is low only on Xiaomi, and other devices are normal, there is a problem in the phone (possibly damaged Wi-Fi module).

6.Use of third-party applications to amplify the signal

There are apps on Google Play that help optimize connectivity, but beware: many require root rights or contain ads, and we tested a few and selected the most effective ones:

• 📱 Network Signal Speed Booster: Shows detailed network information (signal level, connection type) and allows you to manually switch between base stations.
• 🛠️ MTK Engineering Mode (for Mediatek): Allows you to configure the settings of the communication module on Mediatek chipsets (for example, Redmi). 9A or POCO C31). Careful – Incorrect settings can bring your phone down.
• 🌐 OpenSignal: Mobile Coverage Map Helps you find the place with the best signal in your area.

For Qualcomm Snapdragon devices (such as Xiaomi 11T or POCO X4 Pro), you can use QPST (Qualcomm Product Support Tools), which is a PC software that allows you to reflash the radio module, but requires an unlocked bootloader and experience with ADB.

⚠️ Note: Applications like Network Signal Guru or Signal Master promise to “boost signal by 200%” but in fact just force reconnection to the network, which can increase battery consumption without real effect. SMS or call).

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Third-party applications can temporarily improve communication, but they won’t replace hardware repairs or firmware tuning; they should be used only for diagnostics or as a temporary solution.

7. Alternative methods: from SIM card to service center

If none of the above has worked, consider the following options:

• 📱 Replacement SIM-maps: Old SIM-Cards (especially Mini-SIMs) may not communicate well with the slot, order a new nano-SIM from the operator, and check if the slot is contaminated. SIM — clean it with a dry brush.
• 📡 Use of external antenna: For some models (for example, Xiaomi Mi Max 3) there are adapters for connecting an external antenna through the connector USB-C. This is true for areas with very weak signals.
• 🔧 Replacement of communication module: If the phone fell or got wet, the module could fail. On AliExpress you can find modules for popular models (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro) at the price ~1500-3,000 rubles. it is better to entrust the replacement to the service center.
• 🏥 Contact the service: If the warranty is still valid, contact the official Xiaomi service. Communication problems can be a sign of a defect in the motherboard, which is subject to free repair.

For owners. POCO Redmi with Dual support SIM There is another life hack: if one SIM-The card catches poorly, try to move it to the second slot. In some models, the second slot has better antenna connection.

8. Frequent User Errors (and How to Avoid Them)

Many of the problems with Xiaomi’s connectivity are due to user misconduct, and here are the most common mistakes:

• 🚫 Disabling mobile data to save battery, which causes the phone to constantly switch between modes, which impairs the stability of communication. Instead, use Power Saving Mode in battery settings.
• 🔄 Frequent network mode change (4G/3G/2G). This forces the phone to constantly search for a new network, which increases the load on the module and reduces battery life.
• 📴 Use of metal cover.
• 🔋 Battery under 10%. With low charge, the phone automatically limits the transmission power of the communication module, which can lead to call interruptions.

Another common mistake is ignoring security updates, which often include patches for vulnerabilities that affect communication stability, such as MIUI 12.5, where Redmi Note 9 phones lost network when they connected to some MTS base stations. The fix only came in the October 2021 security update.

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If the communications remain unstable after all the manipulations, check if the problem is regional, for example, in some areas Tele2 is turning off 3G, and MegaFon has not yet deployed 5G, which may explain the poor signal regardless of the phone model.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions