How to increase the Internet on Xiaomi phone: from APN settings to hidden MIUI features

Why Xiaomi is Slow and How to Fix It

Have you noticed that pages in the browser load forever, videos on YouTube are constantly “buffered”, and online games are laid even with a full 4G signal? The problem of slow Internet on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO) is most often associated not with the “crooked hands” of the user, but with the wrong network settings, operator restrictions or features of the MIUI firmware. In 80% of cases, the speed can be increased by 2-3 times without buying a new tariff or router.

In this article, we will discuss 7 working methods, from basic (APN check and reboot) to advanced (change network type in the engineering menu). All instructions are tested on Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and other current devices from 2023-2026. If you use a smartphone older than 2020 (for example, Redmi 9 or Mi 10T), some methods will also work, but the effectiveness may differ due to an outdated modem.

Before you start, make sure that the problem is not on the operator’s side. Go to your ISP’s website (e.g. mts.ru, beeline.ru) and check the network status in your area. If all is well, start setting up the phone.

1.Verify and reset APN settings

APN (Access Point Name is the "entry point" to the Internet that your carrier provides. APN They are lost (for example, after updating) MIUI shift SIM-maps, the phone can connect to the network, but the speed will be limited. APN Frequently reset to standard values that are not optimized for maximum speed.

To check and update your APN settings:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
3. Slip on Access Point (APN).
4. If there are more than one APN in the list, select the one that matches your operator (for example, Internet.mts.ru for MTS). If the list is empty, click Add and enter the settings manually.

Below are the current APN settings for popular carriers (2026):

After saving the settings, restart your phone. If the speed hasn't changed, try resetting the APNs to the factory:

1. On the APN menu, click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
2. Select Reset to factory.
3. Confirm the action and restart the device.

⚠️ Note: If after discharge APN The Internet will go down completely, don't panic. Just add the access point manually to the instructions above — MIUI sometimes APN discharged.

2. Change of network type: 4G, 5G or "LTE only"

Xiaomi smartphones are connected by default to the network in Auto mode, which is not always optimal. For example, if your local area has a weak 5G signal, the phone will constantly switch between 4G and 5G, which causes the speed to jump. Or vice versa: if you are in a stable 5G zone, but the phone stubbornly holds on to 4G because of battery savings.

To manually select the type of network:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Type of network.
2. Choose one of the options: 📶 Only 4G (LTE) — if 5G Unstable or not in your area. 🚀 5G/4G/3G/2G (Auto: if you want maximum speed, but are willing to put up with switching. ⚡ Only 5G — If you are confident in coverage (relevant to Xiaomi) 12/13 series and newer).

Speedtest

On some models (such as the POCO F4 or Redmi K50) there is a hidden LTE only option in the network type menu that forcibly disables the transition to 3G/2G. This is useful in roaming or at the edge of the 4G coverage area.

3. Wi-Fi optimization: channel and frequency band selection

If the problem with slow Internet only occurs when connecting to Wi-Fi, it may not be the phone, but the router. Xiaomi smartphones (especially flagships like Xiaomi 13 Ultra) support modern Wi-Fi standards 6/6E, but if the router is older than 5 years, it can “slow down” speed.

Check the following options on the router (instructions for Xiaomi Mi Router, TP-Link, Keenetic):

• 📡 Wi-Fi Channel: Use Auto or select a channel manually (e.g. 6, 11 for 2.4GHz). Avoid congested channels (check through Wi-Fi Analyzer app).
• 🔄 Channel width: For 5 GHz, set 80 MHz (if the router supports). For 2.4 GHz, 20 MHz (wider channel, more interference).
• 🔒 Wi-Fi Standard: Select 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6, if your Xiaomi supports it.
• 📶 Mode of operation: Turn off 802.11b In settings - this is an outdated standard that slows down modern devices.

On the phone itself, you can also optimize the connection:

1. Open the Settings. → Wi-Fi.
2. Slip on your network and select Change the network.
3. Enable the Auto Connection option and Notify about a bad network (if any).
4. If the speed is still low, forget the network (Delete) and connect again.

⚠️ Note: If you have a dual-band router (2.4 + 5 Give networks different names (e.g., GHz, MyWiFi_2G and MyWiFi_5G). This will allow the phone to choose the optimal frequency, rather than clinging to a less busy but slow one. 2.4 GHz.

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If you have Xiaomi with MIUI 14+, turn on the Wi-Fi Assistant feature in your Wi-Fi settings. It automatically switches the phone to mobile data if the Wi-Fi is too slow.

4. Reset network settings and update firmware

If previous methods failed, the problem may lie in system settings or outdated software. Network resets will return the phone to factory communication settings, which often solves problems with slow Internet after updates or changes. SIM-map.

How to reset network settings:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Network Reset (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

After the reset, you'll have to do it again.

• 🔄 Connect to Wi-Fi.
• 📱 Enter passwords for APN (unless you're automatically pulled up).
• 🔑 Set up Bluetooth devices (headphones, smart watches).

If the reset didn’t help, check the relevance of the firmware:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. If you have an update, install it, especially for the Redmi Note 11/12 and POCO X4, where newer MIUI versions fix modem bugs.

5. Engineering menu: hidden modem settings

For advanced users, Xiaomi has a hidden engineering menu (MTK Engineer Mode or Qualcomm Service Menu) where you can manually adjust modem settings. This is a risky method – improper changes can lead to network loss, but if done carefully, the speed can be increased by 20-50%.

Instructions for smartphones on Qualcomm Snapdragon (most Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO):

1. Open the phone app and enter the code: ##4636##
2. Select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
4. Select LTE only or NR/LTE/TD-SCDMA/GSM auto (for 5G).
5. Go back and tap on Enable LTE only (if any).

For smartphones on MediaTek (such as Redmi 10C or POCO M5):

1. Enter the code ##36446337##
2. Go to Connectivity → BandMode.
3. Choose LTE or 5G depending on the support.
4. Save the settings and restart the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you know their purpose! RF band CA Configuration can cause complete loss of communication before resetting settings.

Record the current settings (take a screen picture)

Have a backup copy of the data

Charge your phone at least 50%

Have a second one on hand SIM-card (for tests)-->

6. Optimization of background processes and traffic savings

Slow internet isn’t always connected to the network — sometimes apps that eat traffic in the background are to blame. For example, MIUI allows many services (Mi Cloud, Themes, Security) to use mobile data by default, even in saving mode. Disabling unnecessary background processes can free up to 30% of bandwidth.

How to limit background traffic:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select an app (like Facebook or TikTok).
3. Slip on the mobile data and turn off the background data transmission.
4. For system applications (such as Mi Video), use Limit Background Data.

Also check the traffic saving settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Saving traffic.
2. Include the option Save data and add to the exceptions only critical applications (messengers, navigator).
3. Turn off Autoload multimedia in WhatsApp, Telegram and other instant messengers.

If you play online games frequently (PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty), add them to Game Mode (Settings → Special Features → Game Turbo) this prioritizes game traffic over other processes.

Hardware problems: antenna, SIM-map, modem

If none of the software methods worked, the problem may be the hardware:

• 📶 Damaged antenna: Common cause after falls or repairs. Check if the antenna contact is leaving (relevant for Redmi Note) 8/9, where the antennas are mounted on the latches).
• 🪪 Worn-out SIM-If the card is over 5 years old, its contacts may have oxidized. SIM or clean the contacts with a swallow.
• 🔧 Faulty modem: On Xiaomi models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi K60) Sometimes the modem firmware flies, and it's solved by flashing it over QFil or Mi Flash.
• 🔋 Weak signal due to battery: Bloated battery can press on antenna unit. check if battery is swelling (relevant for phones over 2 years old).

How to check the hardware:

1. Put it in. SIM-If you're on a card to another phone, check the speed. If it's okay, your Xiaomi is the problem.
2. Call Xiaomi Service Center and check if there were any reviews on your model (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro had problems with the modem in the first batches).
3. If you have a warranty phone, don't take it apart yourself, you better go to an authorized service.

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If, after the replacement, SIM-Maps or repairs phone stopped catching the network, first check if the settings are lost IMEI. Please enter *#06# and compare IMEI If they're different, they need to be restored. IMEI through an engineering menu or service center.

FAQ: Frequent questions about increasing the Internet on Xiaomi