How to improve signal reception on Xiaomi smartphones: from Wi-Fi to mobile network

Why Xiaomi is bad at catching the network and how to fix it

Have you noticed that your Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 Pro has become worse at catching mobile networks, and Wi-Fi is constantly “breaking”? The problem of weak signal is familiar to many owners of smartphones of the brand – and the fault is not always hardware limitations, most often due to incorrect settings, outdated software or external interference.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible causes of bad reception on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from basic settings to hidden MIUI features. You’ll learn how to amplify 4G/5G signals, stabilize Wi-Fi, and even improve GPS without buying additional hardware.

Spoiler: In 80% of cases, it is enough to change a couple of settings in the Settings menu → SIM-maps and mobile networks or firmware updates, but in order.

1. Check basic settings of the mobile network

The first thing to do with a weak signal is to make sure the smartphone is properly configured to work with your carrier, and even if everything worked before, resetting or updating MIUI could return the settings to factory settings.

Open the Settings. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and check:

• 📶 Network mode: must be selected 4G (preferably 5G (If it's supported. 3G or 2G — The network will be slower and the signal will be weaker.
• 🔄 Automatic network selection: turn on this option if it is disabled. Manually selected network can stick on a weak tower.
• 📡 Roaming: If you are travelling, turn on National Roaming (for Russia) or International Roaming (for abroad).

If the signal has not improved after the changes, try to manually select the operator:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choice of network.
2. Turn off Automatically and wait until the smartphone finds the available networks.
3. Select your operator (for example, MTS, Beeline, Tele2) and save.

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If after manual selection the signal became worse, return the settings to automatic mode and restart the smartphone.

2 Update of firmware and modem files

The weak signal is often associated with outdated modem files, the firmware responsible for communication, and manufacturers regularly release updates to improve compatibility with carrier networks.

To update the software:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates and install the latest version of MIUI.
3. After the update, be sure to restart the device.

If there are no updates but the problem remains, check the modem file version:

• Go to the Settings → About the phone → MIUI version.
• Slip 7 times on the kernel version line to open the hidden modem menu.
• Compare the version to the latest updates on the XDA Developers forum or Mi Community website.

Important: Some models (e.g. Redmi 9A and POCO M3) reset network settings after major MIUI updates. Always check mobile settings after the update.

3. Optimization of Wi-Fi: from channels to DNS

If the communication problems only occur when connecting to Wi-Fi, it may be the fault of:

• 📶 Overloaded router channel (especially in apartment buildings).
• 🔌 Incompatible security settings (e.g., outdated) WEP instead WPA3).
• 🌍 Slowly. DNS-server.

To improve the Wi-Fi experience on Xiaomi:

1. Change router channel: Go to the router control panel (usually 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1). Under Wi-Fi or Wireless mode, select the channel manually (for example, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz). For 5 GHz, use channels 36-48 or 149-165 (they are less busy).

Change the DNS.

• In the Wi-Fi settings on your smartphone, tap the name of your network → Change the network → More.
• In the DNS field, type 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).

Hardware methods of signal amplification

If the software settings did not help, the problem may lie in the antenna of the smartphone or SIM-Here's what we can do:

• 📱 Check it out. SIM-card: Remove the card and inspect the contacts, they must be clean, without scratches. If the card is old (more than 5 years old), replace it with a new one in the operator's cabin. SIM In another smartphone, if the signal is the same bad, the operator has a problem.
• 📡 Use a signal repeater: For mobile network: buy a repeater 4G/5G (for example, Huawei B525). For Wi-Fi: install Mesh system or additional router in repeater mode.
• 🛠️ Check your smartphone antenna: If your phone falls or gets wet, the antenna tracks may have damaged. Take the device to a service center for diagnosis (e.g. Xiaomi Service).

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to disassemble your smartphone to check the antenna, this will lead to loss of warranty.

5.APN setup for maximum speed

APN (Access Point Name) is the “entry point” to the operator’s network. Incorrect APN settings can limit speed or even block Internet access.

To set up APN on Xiaomi:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
2. Click Add Access Point and enter your operator's settings. Below is an example for popular providers:

After entering the parameters:

• Save the settings.
• Select the APN created in the list.
• Reboot your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: If after the change APN Internet is gone, return settings to factory (click Reset to default values in the menu) APN).

Improvement GPS-navigational

Bad GPS reception on Xiaomi can manifest as:

• 📍 Long-term location determination (more than 1-2 minutes).
• 🗺️ «Jumping tag on the map (especially in the city).
• 🚗 Loss of signal in tunnels or between buildings.

To boost GPS:

1. Enable high-precision location: Go to Settings → Privacy → Permissions → Location. Select High-Accuracy (Uses GPS + Wi-Fi + Mobile Networks).
2. Update your A-GPS data: Install the GPS Status & Toolbox app from Google Play. Launch A-GPS Reset and Data Download.

Turn off charge saving for navigation apps

• In Settings → Battery → Energy saving add Google Maps or Yandex.Navigator in exception.

After discharge:

• 🔄 You will have to reconnect to all Wi-Fi networks.
• 📶 You may need to re-configure. APN (see section 5).
• 🔑 Network passwords will be saved if you used Mi Account to sync.

⚠️ Note: Network resets do not delete personal data (photos, messages, apps), but may require re-authorization in some services (for example, in banking applications).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the signal on Xiaomi