How to speed up mobile Internet on Xiaomi phone

Slow loading of pages, “hung” videos in YouTube and endlessly spinning buffering indicator in messengers – these problems are faced by every smartphone owner, but on Xiaomi devices the situation can be aggravated by the specific features of the MIUI shell. The operating system of the Chinese manufacturer is known for its aggressive work with background processes and deep implementation of system services that can consume traffic, unnoticed by the user. The speed of the mobile Internet often drops not because of a weak signal tower, but due to incorrect network priorities settings inside the device itself.

Redmi and POCO owners often notice that after a new firmware update, data rates decrease, because new security patches or changes in modem algorithms may conflict with current operator parameters. Android, the underlying MIUI, allows you to flexibly configure network connections, but standard values are not always optimal for specific reception conditions in your region. Understanding how the mobile network works at the software level will help you resolve most problems without going to the service center.

In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive approach to solving a problem, from simple actions like rebooting modules to advanced manipulation of APN access points and engineering menus. You’ll learn what hidden Xiaomi features can choke traffic and how to properly disable them. Connection optimization requires consistent steps, since one incorrect parameter can negate all other efforts.

Diagnostics of the current network status and signal

Before making changes to system files or settings, you need to objectively assess the quality of the received signal. Often users confuse the number of sticks in the status bar with the real data rate. 4G or LTE It can burn even at extremely low speeds if the channel is overloaded or the signal is unstable. SIM-card.

Use built-in diagnostic tools or third-party speed measurement apps to get accurate numbers. Pay attention to RSRP (signal level) and SINR (signal/noise ratio). If the signal level is below -110 dBm and SINR is less than 0 dB, then no software settings will make the Internet fast - the problem lies in the physical location relative to the tower or the presence of obstacles.

⚠️ Warning: If you see the icon 3G or+ instead 4G/LTE, forced inclusion LTE In settings, you may not be able to communicate in low-cost areas at all. Make sure your location supports the fourth-generation standard.

It is also worth checking the condition. SIM-Older cards issued by more 5-7 years ago, they may not support modern encryption and frequency standards, which limits speed. Try to move the SIM to another slot, as on two-sym Xiaomi, the first slot often takes priority in working with the SIM. LTE-Physical contact also plays a role: oxidized contacts or a poorly cropped map can cause periodic breaks in the connection.

📊 What is your main problem with the Internet?
The network is permanently lost (3G/4G switched)
Low speed at full signal
The Internet is only available in Wi-Fi
There are no problems with the Internet.

Resetting network settings and re-registration in the system

The most effective and safe way to fix a modem's software malfunction is to reset your network settings, which does not delete your personal data, photos or apps, but returns to factory values the parameters of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile data. In the process, MIUI accumulates errors in configuration files that prevent the correct handshake with the operator's base station.

To perform the reset, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Once confirmed, the phone will reset the network stack. This is especially useful after changing carriers or moving to another region, when old roaming settings may conflict with new towers. Re-registration on the network forces the phone to re-authenticate and select the optimal frequency.

☑️ Checklist of net reset

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Once reset, the system can request the re-entry of passwords from stored Wi-Fi networks. This is normal behavior, indicating a complete cleanup of the network connection cache. If the problem was a software conflict of drivers or incorrect DNS settings, the Internet should earn more stable. In some cases, it helps to temporarily turn on flight mode for 10-15 seconds, which forcibly turns off the radio module.

Manually configuring APN access points

One of the most effective methods of speeding is manual adjustment of access point parameters (APN). Telecom operators often provide standard settings that do not take into account the features of Xiaomi equipment or the current load on the network. By changing the protocols and types of APN, you can force the phone to use faster and more modern data channels, ignoring outdated gateways.

To enter the settings menu, go on the Settings path → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choose yours. SIM → Access points (APN). Click the "New Access Point" button or edit the existing one. It's important to be careful here: changing the wrong parameter can completely deprive you of access to the network. APN», «Protocol APN» and “Roaming protocol».

In the APN type field, the default value is often the default,supl. Try adding dun (for the distribution of the Internet) or changing it to default,supl,mms. In the APN protocol field, select IPv4/IPv6, since many operators are already actively using IPv6, and the forced use of only IPv4 can create unnecessary overhead for translating addresses. It is also worth trying to change the Network Type to LTE or LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM, if available.

ParameterRecommended valueDescription of the impact
Name.Fast Internet (anything)Profile name for convenience
Protocol APNIPv4/IPv6Use of both addressing standards
Type APNdefault,suplBasic traffic and satellite data
MCC/MNCDo not change (automatically)Operator IDs are critical

⚠️ Note: Never change the meaning of the fields. MCC and MNC, If you don't know exactly your carrier's code, these numbers identify the network, and changing them will make it impossible to connect to the Internet.

After making the changes, be sure to save the profile (three dots in the corner of the screen → Save) and activate it by ticking the box. Then turn on and off the flight mode to make the changes take effect. If the speed has not changed or the Internet is gone, go back to the APN menu, click the menu and select Reset to Standard. This will return the operator's factory settings.

Optimizing Hidden Settings of MIUI and Android

Xiaomi’s shell contains a lot of hidden features that can both help and interfere with internet speed. In particular, the function “Setting Assistant” or “Game Acceleration” can artificially limit the background traffic of other applications, but sometimes these algorithms work incorrectly, blocking the necessary system requests. DNS.

In Android 9 and above, and in current versions MIUI, The “Private” function is available DNS» (Private DNS). Switching to Google or Cloudflare servers can significantly speed up the opening of sites, as their DNS-servers respond faster than standard mobile carrier servers. → Connection and sharing → Private DNS and select "Host Name of the Provider" DNS».

Enter the address dns.google or 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com. This will allow your phone to bypass some carrier restrictions and resolve domain names faster. However, if the DNS server is unavailable, the Internet may disappear completely, so use this method only if you are sure of the stability of the third-party server.

Xiaomi's Secret Engineering Menu
Enter ##4636## in the call. The test menu will open. Select Phone Information. You can force the network type (e.g., LTE only) to be installed here, or you can view detailed signal statistics. Be careful: improper changes can lead to loss of communication.

Another important aspect is the management of background data. Xiaomi is known for its energy saving system, which often kills processes, but sometimes leaves active heavy applications that pump updates. Go to Settings → Apps → All applications, select heavy programs (social networks, marketplaces) and in the paragraph “Energy saving” select “No restrictions” only for instant messengers, and for the rest – “Limit background activity”.

Managing two-symbol regime and priorities

Owners of two-symbol Xiaomi smartphones often face the fact that the activation of the second SIM-This is due to the modem architecture, where one SIM is busy calling or actively searching for the network, the other can switch to mode. 2G/3G or lose the connection altogether. SIM-Maps are a key parameter for stability.

Settings menu → SIM-Make sure that the SIM card that has the best coverage in your area is selected for data transfer, and if you use the second SIM only for calls, set it up so that the Internet on the main SIM is not interrupted when you call it. Some Xiaomi models have the option to “Allow data transfer during a call to the second one”. SIM», But it doesn't work with all operators.

  • 📶 Slot 1 vs Slot 2: On many Redmi devices, the first slot supports a wider frequency range LTE. If you have one fast and one slow SIM, put a quick one in the first slot.
  • 📞 VoLTE: Make sure that VoLTE is enabled for both SIMs.This allows you to conduct a conversation over the network 4G, non-retard 3G, What keeps the internet speeds high during a conversation.
  • 🔄 Automatic Switch: Turn off the option to "Automatically switch to mobile Internet" if Wi-Fi is weak. MIUI often works incorrectly, causing constant reconnections and breaks.

It is also worth checking whether the “smart” function is included. SIM-map (Smart) SIM It is designed to save traffic by switching to a cheaper SIM card in the absence of Wi-Fi, but in practice often creates delays in determining network availability. SIM-If you don’t use it consciously.

Impact of system updates and reset to factory

Sometimes the operating system itself is the cause of problems. After major Android or MIUI updates, users often forget to clear the cache of system services. The accumulated debris from the previous version of the firmware can conflict with the new modem drivers. If none of the above has helped, it is worth considering more radical measures.

Try clearing the Settings and Google Play Services cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Show system processes, find the right services and click Clear → Clear Cache. Don’t confuse it with Clear All Data, as this will reset your phone’s settings.

⚠️ Warning: Wipe All Data is a last resort, and before that, be sure to back up all your important data to the Mi Cloud or your computer, as the information will be permanently deleted.

If the problem occurs immediately after the firmware update, there may be a bug in the new version, in which case it makes sense to wait for the next patch or, for advanced users, to roll back to the previous stable version via Recovery mode. However, in most cases, careful setting up APN and DNS solves 90% of the speed problems.

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Use Flight mode for 10 seconds every time you leave a confident reception area (such as the subway or basement) to reconnect your phone to the nearest tower faster than waiting for automatic recovery.

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Integrated setup APN, DNS and management of priorities SIM-cards allow you to squeeze the maximum out of the available coverage, even if the operator does not provide ideal conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did MIUI lose 4G and only 3G?
Often, after the update, the preferences of the preferred network type are reset. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Yours. SIM → Preferred network type and select “Prefer” LTE». Also check if the service is offline. 4G operator-side.
Does a phone’s overcrowded memory affect internet speed?
Indirectly, yes. If the memory is more than 90% occupied, the system is slower, the data buffering is delayed, and the browser can "hang" to create the illusion of slow Internet. Free up at least 2-3 GB of space.
Should I use Internet accelerators from the Play Market?
No, most of them are empty. They just reset the DNS cache or change the IP (which does the proxy), but can't change the physical signal reception or modem settings that are only available on the system menu.
How do you know if the operator is cutting speed?
Compare the speed through the operator’s mobile app (where you often get unlimited access to your services) and through your browser. If the app has high speed and the browser has low speed, you may have run out of high-speed traffic packet or turbo mode is turned on.
Will the IMEI change help to accelerate?
No, changing the IMEI is illegal in many countries and does not affect speed, and it can result in a device being blocked by an operator or blacklisted, and do not use questionable software to change the IMEI.