How to improve the Wi-Fi signal on the Xiaomi phone: expert methods

When a Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone suddenly loses connection to a router and the network indicator begins to show a critically low reception level, many users are familiar with this situation. Often this happens at the most inopportune moment: during a video call, downloading an important document or watching a high-resolution film, the problem can be hidden in software failures of the MIUI or HyperOS operating system, as well as in physical obstacles or outdated equipment of the provider.

Before you carry a device to a service center or buy an expensive router, it is worth conducting a comprehensive diagnosis. Owners of Xiaomi phones have a wide range of hidden tools and settings that allow you to significantly amplify the signal without installing third-party software.

In this guide, we will take a look at all available optimization methods, from simple reboots to deep changes in the engineering menu. You will learn how to choose the optimal frequency, why to turn off energy saving for the communication module and what hidden codes will help diagnose the problem. Follow the instructions consistently to rule out all possible causes of a weak signal.

Diagnostics of the current state of the network and equipment

The first step is always to make an objective assessment of the situation, and you don't have to rely on the number of sticks in the status bar, because this indicator is often incorrect. You need to use Android's built-in tools to get accurate data on signal power and noise level.

The most informative tool is the test menu. To get into it, open the Phone app and enter the code ###4636##. In the menu that opens, select "Wi-Fi Information." Here you will see the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) parameter, which shows the real signal power in dBm. The closer to zero, the better the signal; -90 dBm is considered critical, and -50 dBm is excellent.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change the Wi-Fi Configuration menu or other engineering sections unless you are sure you are doing something. Resetting the wrong settings can cause the Wi-Fi module to be completely disabled, requiring the device to be flashed over.

It’s also worth checking what frequency your router is running on. Current 802.11ac and ax standards offer 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. 2.4 GHz range has a longer range but is more prone to interference from microwaves and neighborhood networks. 5 GHz range provides high speeds but doesn’t pass through walls well. If your phone is far from the router, switching to 2.4 GHz can improve connection stability.

Basic Android and MIUI settings to amplify the signal

Xiaomi’s operating system has a number of features that can by default limit Wi-Fi to save battery life. Aggressive energy saving often shuts down the communication module or reduces the power of its radiation when the phone’s screen is turned off. This leads to connection breaks when files are loaded in the background.

To fix this, you need to configure exceptions for system services. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Settings (cog icon). Find the "Wi-Fi" option and make sure that the "Sleep Wi-Fi Disable" option is turned off. Also, in the "Applications" section, find "Settings" (or "Wi-Fi") and set the power saving mode to "No Limits" value. This will allow the Wi-Fi module to run at full power all the time.

Another important setup is network scanning. On the Wi-Fi menu, click on your network name or the arrow icon next to it to open additional settings. Make sure the "Use" option is enabled. MAC-Device address instead of randomized MAC, If your router is old, then in the “Additional Settings” section (or “Advanced Settings”), look for “Wi-Fi Assistant” and you can turn off the “Switch to Mobile Data” feature, which often misinterprets temporary speed drops as a loss of network.

Remember to reset your network settings periodically. This action won't delete your personal files or contacts, but will return all Bluetooth, mobile internet and Wi-Fi settings to factory values. → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth, and after this procedure, the phone will re-enter the router, which often solves conflict problems. IP-address.

Use of 5 GHz band and channel width

Choosing the right frequency and channel width is key to adjusting speed and stability. If you're in an apartment building, 2.4GHz air can be jammed with dozens of neighborhood networks, and even a powerful signal will give you a low speed due to data packet collisions.

The ideal solution is to switch to 5GHz if your router and provider tariff allow it. However, if the 5GHz signal is too weak due to distance, you can try optimizing 2.4GHz. To do this, go to the router settings (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1) and manually change the channel. On Xiaomi phones, the Wi-Fi menu has a feature called “Wi-Fi Optimization”, which can prompt a free channel, but manually configuring the router is more reliable.

Channel width also plays a role. For the 2.4 GHz band, it is recommended to set a width of 20 MHz to minimize interference. For 5 GHz, you can safely put 40, 80 or even 160 MHz if you want. A narrow channel provides a more stable, albeit less fast connection, which is critical for video calls and online games, where ping is important, not traffic volume.

Resetting network settings and reconnecting

If the software settings don’t help, there may be software debris or errors in the cache of network services in the system, and resetting network settings is a safe and effective procedure that should be performed every time you change your provider or router, and when strange connection glitches appear.

The process of resetting on Xiaomi is as follows: go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. The system will warn you that all saved passwords other Bluetooth devices will be deleted. Confirm action. After restarting the phone, re-enter the Wi-Fi password. Often after this procedure, the phone begins to “see” the network where it used to be completely calm.

In some cases, forgetting the network without completely resetting helps. Click on your network name in the list of available ones and select Delete or Forget. Then reboot the router (turn it off for 10 seconds) and only after it is fully loaded, connect again. This sequence of actions clears up DHCP- leases (leases) IP-addresses) at both ends of the connection.

⚠️ Note: After resetting your network settings, you will have to re-authorize in all applications that use Wi-Fi for local data transfer, and re-match your smartwatch or headphones.

Work with DNS static IP-address

Often the problem is not signal strength, but the slow response of domain name servers (DNS). If the pages are loaded with jerks, and the video is buffered, although the signal is full, it is worth prescribing reliable ones. DNS-This is especially true for users whose providers use congested servers.

On Xiaomi smartphones with Android 9 and above, you can use the “Private” function DNS» (Private DNS). Go to Settings. → Connection and sharing → Private DNS. Select "Host Name of the Provider" DNS» and enter the address dns.google or 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com. This will provide encryption. DNS-Requests and often speed up the opening of websites.

For more advanced users, static settings are available. IP. In the Wi-Fi menu, click on the arrow next to the network name, select Settings. IP» and switch with DHCP You can write it in here. IP-address (e.g. 192.168.1.128), gateway (router address) and DNS (Static 8.8.8.8) IP eliminates address conflicts when a router mistakenly gives the same address to two devices.

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Use Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) – they are faster and more stable than standard servers of most providers, which reduces ping in games.

Hidden Opportunities and Engineering Codes

Xiaomi phones have a hidden engineering menu that is accessible through special codes, which allows you to get detailed information about the status of communication modules. Enter ##6484## to enter the CIT (Customer Interface Test), where you can select the "Wi-Fi" item and run the test, which will show whether the device is physically able to receive the signal at the proper level.

Another useful code is ##4636##. In the Wi-Fi section, you can see not only RSSI, but also Link Speed and packet relays. If the number of relays is high, then the signal is there, but it's dirty, and the data is transmitted with errors, in which case no software crutches will help - you need to change the location of the router or the phone.

There's a myth about code to increase Wi-Fi power that's floating around the forums. Users are looking for a way to type a command that magically raises the power of the transmitter. The reality is that the transmitter power is tightly regulated by the driver and the country's laws. Software "boosting" is impossible without soldering the antenna module or installing custom cores, which is not recommended for ordinary users.

⚠️ Note: Entering codes from unverified sources into the engineering menu may result in changes to regional settings (e.g., with a different set of codes). EU In India, which will limit Wi-Fi power by law. Be careful with the "Region" items».

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The engineering menu is a diagnostic tool, not a magic wand, that will help you understand that the problem is hardware or drivers, but it won't add physically new decibels to the antenna signal.

Physical factors and the influence of covers

You can't discount physical obstacles either. The antennas in Xiaomi smartphones are often located in the top and bottom of the case (in plastic inserts). If you hold the phone with your full hand, closing these areas, the signal will drop. Try changing the grip of the device when you receive poorly.

The material of the case also matters. Cases with metal inserts, magnetic rings for car holders or simply very thick rubber cases can shield the signal. Remove the case and check the signal level. If the difference is significant (more than 10 dBm), you should consider replacing the accessory with a thinner one or with antenna cutouts.

The location of the router is another critical factor: don't hide the router in the closet, behind the TV or on the floor. The ideal place is the center of the apartment, at a height of 1.5-2 meters. The router antennas should be directed vertically. If the router is on the floor in the corner, no phone, even the most powerful, can break through three concrete walls and get a good signal.

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