How to turn on Wi-Fi on Xiaomi phone: instructions for all models

Xiaomi smartphones are not just devices for calls, but full-fledged multimedia centers, where a stable Internet connection determines 90% of the user experience. Without Wi-Fi, you lose fast access to social media, streaming high-resolution videos, automatic app updates, and syncing data to the cloud, POCO or flagship Mi face a basic problem: how to turn on WiFi on a new device or after resetting settings?

This article will not just tell you where the Wi-Fi switch is located in the MIUI — We will look at all possible scenarios, from standard activation to solving typical errors (for example, when the network does not find the device or permanently breaks the connection). You will learn how to set up an automatic connection to trusted networks, hide your network from outsiders and even how to turn on WiFi through developer mode if standard methods do not work. 4X, Mi A1) We will give individual instructions taking into account the features of their firmware.

Where is the Wi-Fi button on Xiaomi: the basic way

On most Xiaomi smartphones (including the latest MIUI 14/15), it takes no more than 10 seconds to turn on the Wi-Fi, the main thing is to know where to look.

1. Unlock the screen (PIN-code, print or face ID).
2. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen and the notification panel will open.
3. Find the Wi-Fi icon, if it's not in the first line, swipe the panel to the left to open all the switches.
4. Slip the icon and it will light up in blue (or green on some themes), which means activation of the module.

If WiFi is turned on, but the network is not displayed, wait 10-15 seconds: Xiaomi does not scan the air instantly. On models with MIUI 12 and later, you can speed up the process by clicking on the Wi-Fi settings bar in the same notification panel.

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On some firmware (like POCO Launcher), the notification bar may look different. If you don't find a Wi-Fi icon, try swiping twice (first for quick settings, then for the full menu).

An alternative way is through system settings:

1. Open the Settings app (cog on the desktop).
2. Go to the Wi-Fi section (usually in the first menu block).
3. Move the slider to the position On. at the top of the screen.

Why Wi-Fi is not turned on: common reasons

If the WiFi has not worked after all the manipulations, the problem may lie in one of three components: a software failure, a hardware malfunction, or a router settings.

• 🔄 Failure MIUI: Most commonly found after a system update or custom firmware installation, the signs are a grey waifa icon, nothing happens when you press it.
• 📡 Router problems: If other devices don't connect, check if the Wi-Fi indicator on the router is on.
• 🔧 Hardware failure: Rarely, but it happens that the Wi-Fi module itself fails (for example, after a phone falls), in which case the Wi-Fi will not turn on either through the settings or through the engineering menu.
• 🔒 Lockdown MAC-Addresses: Some routers are configured to only connect permitted devices. Make sure your Xiaomi isn't blacklisted.

The first thing you should do is reboot your phone. Press the power button, select Reboot and wait until it's fully powered. In 30% of cases, this solves the problem. If it doesn't work, check if the flight mode is activated (it turns off all wireless modules, including WiFi).

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global Stable for Redmi Note 10) may reset connection priority after the update. If the phone connects to mobile data instead of WiFi, go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Prioritize the network and choose Wi-Fi preferred.

How to enable Wi-Fi through the Engineering Menu (for power users)

If the standard methods don't work, you can try activating WiFi via the Engineering Mode, which is suitable for advanced users, because careless actions can disrupt the phone.

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Wi-Fi information block.
4. Press Enable Wi-Fi (if the button is active).

If the WiFi still doesn't turn on, check the status of the module in the Wi-Fi status bar. If it says Disabled or Error, the problem may be in the firmware or hardware.

For Xiaomi owners, Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (e.g. Mi 11, POCO F3) have an alternative code: ##225##. It opens the calibration menu where in the Wi-Fi section you can check the signal and restart the module.

Set up an automatic connection to Wi-Fi

So that your phone can connect to WiFi automatically when you go home or to the office, you need to set up priority networks, so you don't have to manually turn on Wi-Fi every time.

1. Open the Settings. → Wi-Fi.
2. Tap the name of your network (which you have already connected to).
3. Activate the Autoconnect option (or Auto-connect in English firmware).
4. Turn on Connect to the network at a weak signal (useful for large apartments).

For additional security, you can configure a notification about connecting to the new network:

1. Go to Settings. → Wi-Fi → Additionally (or) ⋮ → Additional settings).
2. Enable Notification of New Networks.
3. Activate Secure Connection (checks networks for phishing).

Autoconnection to the network is enabled

The option "Connect at weak signal" is active

Notifications for new networks included

The password from the network is saved in the phone

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Hidden Wi-Fi features on Xiaomi: what MIUI can do

MIUI offers some unique features for WiFi management that many users are unaware of.

• 🔄 Switching between 2.4GHz and 5GHz: If your router supports two bands, Xiaomi can automatically select a less loaded one.To enable: Wi-Fi settings → Additionally. → Frequency range → Automobile.
• 📶 Signal amplification: On some models (Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) There's an option to improve the Wi-Fi signal in the extra settings, which increases the transmission power, but slightly reduces the battery life.
• 🔒 Hidden networks: You can connect to a network that doesn’t broadcast your name (SSID). To do this, in the network list, select Add Network and enter the name manually.
• 📊 Usage statistics: C Settings → Wi-Fi → ⋮ → You can see how much data is spent through each network.

On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), Wi-Fi 6E is available, which supports the 6 GHz band. To activate it, the router must also support this standard - check the router settings.

Another useful option is to split traffic. SIM-You can configure certain applications (like YouTube) to use only Wi-Fi, and the rest of them use mobile Internet:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Use of data.
2. Select an app (like Chrome).
3. Set a Wi-Fi-only limit.

Solving Connection Problems with Specific Routers

Sometimes Xiaomi refuses to connect to certain routers, even though other devices work fine.

• 🔐 Incorrect security type: If the router uses an outdated protocol WEP or TKIP, MIUI It can block the connection. Go to the router's settings and change it to WPA2-PSK (AES) or WPA3.
• 📵 Hidden SSID: Some routers don't broadcast the network name, in which case manually add the network to the phone, specifying the network. SSID password.
• 🔄 Conflict IP-Addresses: If the router gives IP ranged 192.168.1.x, So, if you try to use a static address, you don't connect. Solution: In the Wi-Fi settings on your phone, select the phone. DHCP (automatic IP).
• 🛑 MAC-Filtering: The router can block your phone MAC-Check the list of allowed devices in the router settings.

If the problem only occurs with public networks (such as at cafes or airports), try:

1. Open the browser and go to any page (often requires authorization through the portal).
2. Disable Secure Connection in Wi-Fi settings (sometimes it blocks captive portals).
3. Reset network settings: Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset settings Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: On TP-Link routers and ASUS Merlin firmware may have a problem connecting Xiaomi devices because of the feature AP Isolation: Turn it off in the router's wireless network settings.

How to turn on Wi-Fi on older Xiaomi models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1, etc.)

Owners of older smartphones (Redmi 3S, Mi Max, Mi A1) may find that the MIUI interface is very different from the current versions.

For MIUI 8/9 (Redmi 4X, Redmi Note 4, etc.):

1. Swipe down to open the notification panel.
2. Click on the Wi-Fi icon (may be on the second page of the switches).
3. If there is no icon, open Settings → Wi-Fi and move the slider.

For the Mi A1/A2 (Android One):

1. Open Settings → Networks and Internet → Wi-Fi.
2. Turn on the slider at the top of the screen.
3. Click on the network name and enter your password (Android One does not have the default automatic connection feature – it must be enabled manually).

These models may also lack the Safe Connection feature, so be careful when using public networks.

• Turn off Wi-Fi Power Saving Mode in additional settings.
• Install a fixed channel on the router (e.g. 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz), instead of Auto.
• Update your firmware to the latest available version (even if the phone hasn’t been supported for a long time).

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Older Xiaomi models (especially those with MIUI 8) may not support modern Wi-Fi standards (e.g. 802.11ac). If the router only runs in 5GHz, the phone simply won't see the network; the solution is to enable 802.11n compatibility on the router or use 2.4GHz.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Wi-Fi on Xiaomi