How to improve communication on Xiaomi smartphones: from weak signal to stable connection

Weak mobile signal, Wi-Fi cliffs or unstable Bluetooth connectivity on Xiaomi smartphones are common problems faced by users of Redmi, POCO and Mi lines. The reasons can lie in hardware limitations (for example, poor communication module in budget models), as well as software failures, incorrect settings or external factors. In this article, we will discuss 10 proven ways to improve communication on Xiaomi, from basic actions to advanced engineering menu settings.

It’s important to understand that not all methods are equally effective for different models. For example, the 5G-enabled Xiaomi 12 Pro requires different approaches than the 4G-enabled Redmi Note 10. We will show you which solutions are suitable for specific scenarios, from urban environments to remote areas with poor coverage, and you will learn how to diagnose the problem: whether the deterioration of communication is due to MIUI firmware, hardware malfunctions or external interference.

1. Check the basic network settings

Before you start complex manipulations, make sure that the smartphone has all the necessary communication options on it, and users often accidentally turn off key options or choose sub-optimal modes.

Go to Settings. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and check:

• 📶 Network mode: For modern smartphones (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12), choose 5G/4G/3G/2G (auto). On older models (Redmi 9A), 4G/3G/2G is sufficient.
• 🔄 Automatic network selection: must be activated, otherwise the phone will not switch between operator towers.
• 📡 Roaming: If you are on a trip, turn on National Roaming (for Russia) or International (for abroad).
• 🔗 VoLTE and VoWiFi: These options improve call quality. Include them in Settings → SIM- Maps → [Your SIM] → Call on LTE/Wi-Fi.

If the connection hasn't improved after the changes, try manually selecting the operator.

1. Go to Settings → SIM- Maps → Network Selection.
2. Turn off Automatic Search.
3. Wait for the list of available operators and select your (for example, MTS, Beeline).

⚠️ Warning: On some firmware MIUI, after manually selecting the network, the phone may not return to automatic mode. To reset the settings, restart the smartphone or return to Auto Search.

2. Update of firmware and modems

Manufacturers regularly release updates that optimize the operation of communication modules, and Xiaomi is responsible for this:

• 📱 Updates MIUI – fix errors in network management.
• 📡 Radio Firmware updates improve signal stability.

To update the firmware:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates and install the latest version.
3. If the update doesn’t come, check it manually at MIUI Downloads (select a stable version for your model).

To update modems:

• Download the full firmware package (Fastboot) for your model from the official website.
• Unpack the archive and find the file NON-HLOS.bin (this is the modem).
• Fastboot is a fastboot flash modem NON-HLOS.bin

⚠️ Warning: Firmware modems via Fastboot may cause IMEI to be lost if the process is interrupted. Before doing so, back up through Settings → Additional → Backup.

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If the connection has deteriorated after the update, roll back to the previous version of MIUI via Recovery. To do this, download the old firmware and select Install update.zip in Recovery mode.

3. Optimization of work SIM-map

The quality of communication depends largely on the state of the SIM- card and its slot, and even minor contamination or improper installation can degrade the signal.

What to check:

• 🔧 Contact purity: Remove the SIM- card and wipe its contacts with an alcohol napkin. Do the same with the contacts in the slot.
• 📏 Proper installation: SIM should fit tightly to the contacts. On some models (POCO X3, Redmi 9T), the tray has two slots - make sure the card is inserted into SIM1 (it usually catches the net better).
• 🆔 Type SIM: For 5G and VoLTE, it is recommended to use a new sample nano-SIM (with a chip USIM). Older cards may not support modern standards.

If you have duality SIM (Dual SIM), remember:

• Both SIM- cards cannot work simultaneously in 4G/5G. One of them will be limited to 3G/2G.
• For maximum internet speed, install the main SIM in Slot 1.

Extract and clear SIM | Check the attachment density in the slot | Make sure that nano-SIM | is used Move the main SIM to Slot 1 (for Dual SIM)

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4. customization of the engineering menu (for experienced users)

Xiaomi smartphones have a hidden engineering menu where you can manually adjust communication settings, a powerful tool, but the wrong actions can lead to loss of network or the need to reset settings.

To open the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636###.
3. Select Phone Information.

The main parameters for setting:

For manual band settings (Band Mode), find out what frequencies your operator uses.

• MTS: B1 (2100), B3 (1800), B7 (2600), B20 (800)
• Beeline: B3 (1800), B7 (2600), B20 (800)
• Megaphone: B1 (2100), B7 (2600), B20 (800)

⚠️ Warning: Not all Xiaomi models support manual range adjustment. On some devices (POCO M3, Redmi 8A), this item may be missing or reset after a reboot.

5. Improve Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signal

Communication problems on Xiaomi are not limited to the mobile network; low speed Wi-Fi or Bluetooth breaks also ruin the user experience.

For Wi-Fi:

• 📶 Change range: in the router, select 5 GHz for speed (but shorter range) or 2.4 GHz for stability. On Xiaomi, this is configured in Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → Wi-Fi range.
• 🔒 Security type: Use WPA2-PSK or WPA3. Obsolete WEP slows down the connection.
• 📡 Wi-Fi Channel: In the router settings, select the least loaded channel (e.g., 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz).

For Bluetooth:

• 🔄 Reset: Go to Settings → Connected Devices → Bluetooth Settings → Reset.
• 🎧 Codecs: For headphones, turn on aptX or LDAC (in Settings → Sound → Bluetooth Audio Quality).
• 📱 Developer Mode: activate Bluetooth Debugging in Settings → About Phone → Version MIUI (click 7 times) → Additional → For Developers.

If you have problems with Wi-Fi, try:

1. Forget the network: Settings → Wi-Fi → [Your network] → Forget.
2. Reconnect by entering the password.
3. Turn off Adaptive Wi-Fi in Settings → Wi-Fi → More

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Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 14+ have Wi-Fi 6 Enhance feature, which automatically optimizes the connection. Turn it on in the Wi-Fi settings for better speed.

Hardware solutions: antennas and amplifiers

If software methods didn’t help, the problem could be hardware: Budget models (Redmi 9A, POCO C31) often save on antenna quality, and a metal case (Xiaomi 11T Pro) impairs signal passage.

What can be done:

• 📶 Amplifier stickers: Special metalized stickers (like the Signal Booster Sticker) are glued to the back cover in the antenna area, and the effect is small, but it can help in the weak signal area.
• 🔌 External antennas: For models with a TS-9 connector (a rarity in new smartphones), you can connect an external antenna via an adapter.
• 🛠️ Replacement of antenna module: If the phone fell or got wet, the antenna tracks could have moved away, soldered or replaced at the service center (cost: ~1500–3000 ₽).

To check for hardware faults:

1. Enter the engineering menu ##4636## → Phone information.
2. Look at Signal Strength, and if it's always at -110 dBm or below, it could be the antenna.
3. Compare the numbers to another smartphone in the same place.If the difference is greater than 20 dBm, your Xiaomi needs repair.

Temporary solution for weak signal:

• Use Wi-Fi Calling. Included in Settings → SIM- Cards → [Your SIM] → Wi-Fi Calling].
• Connect to Wi-Fi for the internet, and leave the mobile network for SMS only.

7. Alternative firmware and cores

MIUI stock firmware does not always work optimally with communication modules. Alternative firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience, LineageOS) or custom cores (FrancoKernel) can improve the situation.

The advantages of custom firmware:

• 🔄 More flexible modem settings.
• 🚀 Optimized power consumption (less overheating affecting communications).
• 🛡️ Absence of unnecessary background processes MIUI interfering with communications.

Cons:

• ⚠️ Loss of guarantee.
• 🔧 Installation difficulty (requires unlocking the loader).
• 📡 There may be problems with VoLTE and ViWiFi on some builds.

If you decide to use custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model.
3. Download the firmware from the XDA Developers forum (look for your model theme).
4. Sweat through TWRP, having previously made a backup.

⚠️ Warning: On some models (Xiaomi 12/13) the custom software will stop working 5G after firmware is installed. Before installing, check user reviews on 4PDA or XDA.

8. Diagnostics and contact with the service

If none of these methods worked, the problem could be more serious than it looks.

• 📵 Complete lack of signal (even in areas with good coverage).
• 🔥 Overheating in the area of the top of the phone (where the antennas are located).
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge when searching for a network.
• 📡 Constant switching between 2G/3G/4G without cause.

What to do:

1. Run a SIM- card test on another phone, and if it's working, your Xiaomi is the problem.
2. Check the IMEI (enter *#06#). If it is null or incorrect, you need to restore.
3. Contact the Xiaomi service center (addresses on the official website). Diagnostics costs ~500 ₽, antenna repairs from 1500 ₽.

Before the service visit:

• Make a backup copy of the data.
• Write down the IMEI (on the box or under the battery).
• Check if the warranty is maintained after repair.

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If the phone is warranty, don't open it yourself! Any trace of interference will void warranty obligations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about communication on Xiaomi