Xiaomi’s “connected without internet”: why Wi-Fi doesn’t work and how to fix it

You've connected to Wi-Fi on a Xiaomi smartphone, but instead of the usual Internet icon, you see the word "Connected without Internet access"? This problem is familiar to many users, and it's not always related to a malfunction of the phone. IP-In this article, we will look at all possible causes, from the trivial to the technically complex, and give step-by-step instructions on how to return access to the network on Redmi, POCO or Mi.

It's important to understand that the message "Connected without Internet" means that the phone successfully connected to the router (there is a local area network), but can not get data from the global network. This can be due to problems on your device, and because of errors of the provider or router. We will start with the simplest solutions and gradually move to deeper settings, so you save time and nerves.

1.Reboot devices: why it works 60% of the time

It sounds trivial, but rebooting your phone and router fixes the problem in most cases, because temporary network protocol failures (like DHCP or DNS) can cause an Internet connection to “break down,” even though Wi-Fi remains formally active, and when you reboot, all network services are reset and the connection is restored.

How to properly reboot:

📱 On Xiaomi: press the power button, select Reboot (don't turn off!). If the phone freezes, hold the power button 10.+ seconds before forced reset.
📶 On the router: find the Reset or Power button on the back. Turn off power for 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Wait for full load (all indicators should burn steadily).

If you have a problem after the reboot, check if the Internet is working on other devices (laptop, tablet), if so, the problem is in the phone, if not, the router or the provider is to blame.

📊 How often do you have a problem with “Wi-Fi without internet"?

Rarely, 1-2 times a year

Sometimes every few months.

Often, almost every month.

Always, it's my headache.

Verifying IP and DNS settings: why the phone doesn't get the address

One of the most common causes of error is conflict. IP-addresses or incorrect settings DNS. Xiaomi’s default phone gets IP automatically through the protocol DHCP, But sometimes it gets lost, and it gets connected to the network, but it can't get online.

How to check and correct:

Select “Change Network” (or “More”, depending on the version of MIUI).

Save your settings and reconnect to the network.

If the internet was working, the problem was DHCP-If you don't, try to return the settings «DHCP» (automatic IP) and move on to the next step.

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If you don’t know the gateway address, look it up on the router’s sticker (usually listed as “Default Gateway” or “IP Address”).

3. Network reset: When the phone "forgets" the right settings

Xiaomi’s network settings can be “lost” after MIUI updates, VPN installations, or manual setting changes, resulting in the phone retaining incorrect network data, leading to the “Connected without Internet access” error, resetting network settings will return all settings to factory settings, but will not affect personal data (photos, contacts, etc.).

Instructions:

Open Settings → About the phone → All the parameters.
Select “Settings Reset” → “Wi-Fi, Mobile Network, and Bluetooth Resets”.
Confirm the action (a password or pattern lock may be required).
After restarting, connect to Wi-Fi again by entering the password.

How to change the settings of the router:

Enter the router address in the browser (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1).
Sign in (login/password is indicated on the router sticker).
Go to the Wireless section and change the settings.
Save the settings and restart the router.

How do you know? MAC-phone address?

Open the Settings. → The phone. → All parameters. → General information → Status. MAC-The Wi-Fi address will be listed under the Wi-Fi Address section (may be called Wi-Fi). MAC»).

5. MIUI Update and Router Firmware: Why Older Versions Glitch

If your Xiaomi phone is released before 2020 and runs on MIUI 12 or older, the problem may be an outdated network stack.Manufacturers regularly release updates to fix connection errors to modern routers. Similarly, the router firmware may contain bugs that prevent Xiaomi devices from accessing the Internet.

How to update:

The device	How to update	Notes
Xiaomi (MIUI)	Settings → About the phone → System update	If the update doesn’t come, check the phone’s region (should match your country).
router	Go to the router’s web interface, the “System” or “Software Update” section.	Do not update your firmware over Wi-Fi – use a cable!
Google Play Services	Settings → Applications → Application Management → Google Play Services → Update	Google’s outdated services can block access to the network.

If the problem persists after the update, try rolling back the router’s firmware to the previous version (the instructions are on the manufacturer’s website). Sometimes new versions of the software contain errors that are incompatible with Xiaomi devices.

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Upgrading MIUI to the latest stable version solves the Wi-Fi problem 70% of the time on phones older than 3 years.

6. Conflict with VPN, Proxy or antivirus

Network-based applications that change your network settings (VPN, Proxy, and antiviruses with network protection) can block access to the Internet even after you shut down, because they modify system settings that are not always reset correctly.

How to check:

🔍 Turn it off. VPN/Proxy: Go to Settings. → Connections → VPN and delete all profiles.
🛡️ Check the antivirus: temporarily disable network protection in the antivirus settings (for example, Avast, Kaspersky).
📱 Reset network settings: If the conflict remains, reset (see Section 3).

If the problem disappears after the VPN is turned off, uninstall the app or reconfigure it. Some VPNs (like Psiphon or Turbo VPN) are known for breaking the Wi-Fi connection on Xiaomi.

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Before removing the VPN, export configuration files (if any) so as not to reset the connection.

7. Hardware problems: When the Wi-Fi module is to blame

If none of the above methods worked, the reason could be a faulty Wi-Fi module or antenna.

💥 Falling from a height or being hit hard.
💦 Contact with fluids (even if they worked normally afterward).
🔧 Disassembled for repair (e.g. battery or screen replacement).

How to diagnose a hardware problem:

Check whether Wi-Fi is working in modem modem (distribute the Internet from your phone to another device).
Connect to another network (such as a coffee shop or friends’).
Try using the Bluetooth Internet (if you have one).

If Wi-Fi is not working on any network and other devices are connected normally, it is almost guaranteed a hardware malfunction, in which case only repairs in the service center will help, the average cost of replacing a Wi-Fi module on Xiaomi is from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles.

How do you temporarily use the Internet without Wi-Fi? If the Wi-Fi module is broken, you can use it.

1. Use mobile data (4G/5G). 2. Connect to the Internet through USB-cable (USB tethering). 3. Buy an external Wi-Fi adapter with support OTG (It does not work on all models).

8.Problems on the provider’s side: why the Internet exists, but it is not

Sometimes the "Unconnected" error is caused by a failure of the ISP, such as:

🔌 Cable break on the line (neighbors have Internet, but not you).
📡 Problems with DHCP-server provider (the router cannot receive an external IP).
🔒 Lock-in MAC-address (the provider has linked the Internet to another device).

How to check:

Connect the ISP cable directly to your computer (without a router), and if the Internet is not working, call for support.
Check if the Internet or WAN light is on on the router. If it's not, there's a problem on the line.
Try manually prescribing Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8) in your router settings.

If the provider has confirmed the problem on its side, it's only a matter of waiting for the problem to be fixed, which usually takes hours to a day.

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If the Internet indicator on the router flashes orange, the problem is definitely on the provider’s side.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Wi-Fi problem on Xiaomi

🔹 Why Xiaomi says “Connected without Internet” and other phones?

This may be due to: Incompatibility of Wi-Fi protocols (for example, the router runs in mode). 802.11ac, The phone only supports the 802.11n). Blocking. MAC-Your Xiaomi address in your router settings. MIUI (Solution: Try changing the router's mode to the old one. 802.11n or update MIUI.

🔹 Could the virus be causing this problem?

In theory, yes, but extremely rare. Viruses usually block the Internet completely or reroute traffic, rather than leaving the connection "unaccessible." If you suspect a virus: Install an antivirus (like Malwarebytes) and scan the phone. Check the list of installed apps for suspicious ones. Reset the phone to factory settings (if nothing helps).

🔹 Why the problem comes back after resetting Wi-Fi settings?

This suggests a system failure that is not eliminated by resetting. Possible causes: damaged files in the firmware (you need to reflash the phone); conflict with the MIUI update (roll back to the previous version); hardware malfunction (for example, a Wi-Fi antenna falls off); Solution: try flashing the phone through Fastboot or contact the service.

🔹 How to check if the router or phone is to blame?

Simple test: Connect your phone to another Wi-Fi network (e.g., in a cafe or at a friend's house); connect another device (a laptop, a tablet) to your router; Results: If the phone is running on another network, it's your router's to blame; if the other device is connecting to your router normally, it's your phone's fault.

🔹 Can I fix the problem without restarting the router?

Yes, try: Turn off and turn on Wi-Fi on your phone. Forget the network and connect again. Change the DNS manually (e.g., 8.8.8.8). Turn off the Wi-Fi power saving in the battery settings. If nothing helps, you'll still need to restart the router.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a dual-band router (2.4 GHz) + 5GHz), try connecting separately to each band.Some Xiaomi phones (especially budget models) are unstable at 5GHz.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 13+ There is a bug that can shut down Wi-Fi when the signal is low, so to fix this, turn off Auto Open Networks in your Wi-Fi settings.