Wi-Fi on Xiaomi seems like a simple task — until you face unexpected problems. Brand devices, whether Redmi smartphones, POCO or flagship Xiaomi 13/14, have a common logic of network management, but the interface may differ depending on the version of MIUI (12 to 14 to 2026).This article will not only show the basic ways to activate a wireless network, but also help to understand why Wi-Fi may not turn on or work unstable.
The feature of Xiaomi devices is the presence of hidden power saving functions that sometimes block the background operation of the Wi-Fi module. For example, in models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (as in Xiaomi 13 Pro), automatic network shutdown can work when the battery is low. We will consider all the nuances, including the unique Wi-Fi Assistant mode, which is only available in MIUI firmware for the Russian market.
1. Basic method: through the Quick Settings Panel
The most obvious method is to use the top notification curtain, which works on all Xiaomi devices, regardless of the model and version of Android (10 to 14).
- Swipe your finger down the screen to open the notification bar.
- If the panel is not fully opened, swipe again - all icons should appear.
- Find the Wi-Fi icon (usually an icon with a “wave” or antenna).
- If the icon turns blue/green, the module is on.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5) The first time you turn on, you need to confirm access to the geodata. This is a requirement of Android 12.+ — Without it, Wi-Fi will scan networks more slowly.
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If the Wi-Fi icon is missing from the curtain, tap on the pencil (✏️) in the upper right corner and add it manually.
2. Including through system settings
If fast access doesn't work (for example, because of an interface failure), you can activate Wi-Fi through the settings menu, which is also useful if you need to manually configure network settings:
- Open the Settings app (cog icon).
- Go to the Wi-Fi section (in MIUI 14 it can be in the Connection and Sharing submenu).
- Transfer the slider to the position On. at the top of the screen.
- Wait until the device finds the available networks, and choose your own.
On models with dual Wi-Fi (for example, Xiaomi 12T Pro) here you can switch between the bands 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
- 🔹 Click on your network name in the list.
- 🔹 Select Additional Settings.
- 🔹 In the frequency range, indicate the preferred.
3. Activate Wi-Fi via voice assistant
Xiaomi devices with MIUI 13/14 support voice control via Google Assistant or built-in Xiao AI assistant (on Chinese firmware) to enable Wi-Fi voice:
- Say OK, Google or hold the Home button to activate the assistant.
- Say the command: Turn on Wi-Fi or Connect to the network [name].
- Confirm the action if necessary.
⚠️ Attention: On models with Xiao AI (For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G for China) voice commands are only in Chinese. For Russian firmware, only Google Assistant is available.
What other commands does Xiao AI understand?
4. Enable Wi-Fi in aircraft mode
If Wi-Fi isn't on normally, try activating it via the plane mode, which resets the temporary errors of the communication module.
Activate the aircraft mode in the notification curtain
Wait 10 seconds.
Turn off the aircraft mode
Enable Wi-Fi through a curtain or settings
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On some devices (such as the POCO X5 Pro) you will need to restart your smartphone afterward. If the Wi-Fi still doesn't work, check:
- 📶 Availability of updates MIUI In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🔋 Battery level (below 5% the module can be switched off automatically).
- 🛠️ Antenna operation – physical damage to the body can block the signal.
5. Hidden Wi-Fi settings in MIUI
MIUI firmware contains additional Wi-Fi options that are not visible in the main menu.
- Go to Settings. → Wi-Fi.
- Press three points (⋮) top-right.
- Select Additional Features or Advanced Settings.
Options are available here:
| Function | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Assistant | Automatically connects to open networks (works only in Russia) | Turn it off for safety. |
| Smart connection | Switches between Wi-Fi and mobile data to save traffic | Useful for weak signal |
| Power saving mode Wi-Fi | Disables the module when blocking the screen | Disconnect for stable connection |
| Notifications on open networks | Shows available public access points | Turn off to reduce spam |
⚠️ Note: Wi-Fi Assistant can connect the device to insecure networks. MIUI 14 The assistant ignores low signal networks (-80 dB).
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Turning off Wi-Fi power saving increases battery consumption by 3-5%, but stabilizes the connection for online gaming and video calls.
6. Solving Connection Problems
If Wi-Fi is on but not working, check the following:
Resetting network settings
This will remove all stored networks and settings:
- Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi settings.
- Confirm the action (you will need to enter the PIN-code of the lock screen).
- Reset the device.
Verification MAC-address
Some routers block dynamic devices MAC-To check your address:
- Open Settings → About the phone → General information → Status.
- Find a line. MAC-Wi-Fi address.
- If the address starts at 02:00:00, then a virtual MAC is used (it can be turned off in additional Wi-Fi settings).
Update of Wi-Fi module drivers
On devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon (such as Xiaomi 11T Pro), drivers are sometimes required to update.
- 📥 Download the latest firmware for your model at en.miui.com.
- 🔄 Install it through Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Select a firmware file.
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If after the update Wi-Fi stopped working, reset to factory settings, pre-saving data through Settings → Additional → Backup.
7. Features on different Xiaomi models
Some devices have unique nuances of Wi-Fi management:
- 📱 Redmi Note 10/11 Series: Supports Wi-Fi 6, But you have to manually select a standard to activate it. 802.11ax subset.
For infrared port devices (e.g. Redmi 9A), there may be a conflict between Wi-Fi and the IR transmitter, in which case restarting or disabling the IR port in the settings will help.