How to speed up the Internet on a Xiaomi smartphone: from simple settings to hidden chips MIUI

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO are all known for their value for money, but even flagship models sometimes suffer from slow internet. The problem can be in both MIUI settings and hardware limitations of the device. In this article, we’ll look at 12 proven ways to speed up mobile traffic and Wi-Fi, from basic settings to little-known tricks that you won’t find in standard instructions.

It's important to understand that Internet speed depends on three key factors: operator signal (for mobile network), router and tariff (for Wi-Fi), and optimization of the smartphone itself. We will focus on the last point, but also touch the network settings that can be improved without buying new equipment. If after all the manipulations the speed remains low, the problem is most likely on the provider or the iron side of the phone (for example, a weak modem in the budget models of the Redmi 9A or POCO C31).

Before you start setting up, check your current Internet speed through services like Speedtest or FAST.com. Write down the metrics so you can objectively assess the effectiveness of each method. And remember, some methods (like resetting network settings) require re-entering Wi-Fi passwords.

1. Network Mode Optimization: 4G vs 5G vs 3G Only

Xiaomi smartphones are 4G/3G/2G (auto) by default, which is not always optimal. In densely populated areas, the phone can constantly jump between standards, losing connection stability, and in some cases, forced range restriction, on the contrary, increases speed.

How to choose the best mode:

• 📶 5G (If supported, it is relevant for Xiaomi. 12/13/14 series, Redmi K50/K60, POCO F4/F5. Turn on only if there is coverage in your area (check on the operator map). Otherwise, the phone will waste energy searching for a non-existent network.
• 📊 Only 4G (LTE) — Best choice for most users. Disables unnecessary switching to 3G/2G, It's a little bit more latency, and it's a little bit more lag-free. 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5.
• 🏙️ Only 3G — Paradoxically, in some areas with overloaded towers 4G «rollback 3G It gives a more stable signal (though at a slower speed) and is relevant for older models like the Redmi 8 or Mi. A2.

To change the regime:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Type of network.
2. Select the standard you want. 5G may require you to enable the option to Enable 5G in the same menu.
3. Restart your phone – the changes will take effect after the modem restarts.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (especially global) option Only 4G In this case, use the engineering menu (see section 6) or install custom firmware.

2. APN setup: why standard settings slow down the internet

APN (Access Point Name) is the gateway through which your smartphone connects to the carrier's Internet. Incorrect APN settings can limit speed even when the signal is full. Operators often update settings, but phones don't always pull them up automatically.

How to check and update your APN:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. If there are several profiles, choose the one that matches your operator (for example, Internet.beeline.ru for Beeline).
3. Click on the profile and check the fields: Name - can be any (e.g. MTS 4G). APN - must match the official one for your carrier (list below). Authentication type - usually PAP or CHAP. APN protocol and roaming protocol - set IPv4/IPv6 (if available).

Save the changes and restart the phone.

If the Internet is gone after the changes, go back to the standard settings and check if the operator blocks manual editing of APN (relevant for some tariffs of MegaFon and Tele2).

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Save a screenshot of the current APN settings before editing. If the Internet disappears after the changes, you can quickly return the working configuration.

3. Background Disconnection: Who is Stealing Your Traffic?

MIUI is known for its voraciousness to background processes, and many system and third-party applications consume traffic even when you're not using them: weather updates, account syncs, and ad modules, and turning off unnecessary activity can increase Internet speed by 20 to 40 percent by freeing up the channel.

How to limit background traffic:

• 🔄 Restriction for individual applications: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management. Select an app (e.g. Mi Browser or Facebook). Click Data Use → Background data → Limit.

Disabling Auto Updates:

• For Google Play: Settings → Network → Auto-Update apps → Never.
• For Mi App Store: Settings → Auto Update → Off...

Account synchronization:

Settings → Accounts and Synchronization → [Your Account]

Mi Cloud

Google Photo

Pay special attention to the following “gluttonous” applications:

• 🌍 Mi Browser – Even if you don’t use it, it can update your news feed.
• 📊 Clean Master / Security – Antivirus and SEOs often “fun” home.
• 💬 Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) – disable autoload media in the settings of each.
• Save and reconnect to the network.

For advanced users:

If the official updates don't solve the problem, you can flash a custom modem (e.g. from Xiaomi.eu or LineageOS), which is a risky procedure, but sometimes gives you a speed increase of 30-50%.

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Updating your firmware is the safest way to improve your internet speed. Always install the latest versions of MIUI, even if they weigh a few gigabytes.

8. Hardware restrictions: when iron is to blame

If you've tried all the software methods, but the speed is still low, the problem may be the hardware of the phone.

Modem and antennas

Budget models (Redmi 9A, POCO C31) are equipped with weak modems (for example, Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 or MediaTek Helio G35), which are physically unable to provide high speeds 4G.

8.2 Problems with SIM-card

Damaged or old SIM-The card may limit speed:

• The phone often loses its network.
• Internet speeds drop when driving (for example, in transport).
• SIM-card is heated or poorly inserted into the tray.

Solution: Contact the operator for a new one SIM-card (preferably nano-SIM or eSIM if supported).

8.3 Telephone overheating

When it is warmer than 45°C, Xiaomi smartphones automatically reduce performance, including internet speed. Check the temperature using the AIDA64 or CPU Monitor app.

• Remove the cover during charging or heavy use.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Clean the charging connector from dust (use a wooden toothpick).

Antenna defect

If the Internet speed has dropped dramatically after a phone drop or moisture hit, the antenna module may be damaged.

• Compare the speed with another phone on the same phone SIM-map.
• If the signal indicator is constantly flashing or shows 1-2 divisions, the antenna can be damaged.

In this case, only the replacement of the antenna module in the service center will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about speeding up the Internet on Xiaomi