How to connect the Internet on Xiaomi phone: all ways and solutions to problems

Xiaomi smartphones offer several ways to connect to the Internet – from classic Wi-Fi to using mobile data or even converting a device into a mobile phone. USB-But not everyone knows how to set up each of these connections, especially when it comes to newer models like the Redmi Note 13 Pro.+ or POCO F6 In this article, we will discuss all current methods of connecting to the network, including hidden functions. MIUI, And we also solve typical problems like no signal or slow speed.

We will focus on setting the priority of networks in the β€œDual SIM” mode, which is often confusing for owners of smartphones with two SIM cards, and you will learn how to save traffic without losing functionality and why some applications (for example, YouTube or TikTok) can β€œeat” gigabytes in the background.

1. Wi-Fi Connection: Step-by-step setup and hidden features

The most common way to connect to the Internet is through a wireless Wi-Fi network. On Xiaomi smartphones, the connection process is intuitive, but there are nuances that will help improve connection stability. For example, few people know that you can enable the option of Autoconnect to open networks (not recommended for security reasons) or prioritize 5 GHz networks for higher speeds.

To connect to Wi-Fi:

  • πŸ“Ά Open the Settings. β†’ Wi-Fi and activate the slider at the top of the screen.
  • πŸ” Select the network you want from the list (SSID Not broadcasting, click Add Network manually.
  • πŸ”‘ Enter the password (make sure the register of characters matches!) and click Connect.
  • βš™οΈ For additional settings tap on the network name β†’ Here we can change. IP-address (for example, static) or enable Power Saving Mode to save charge.

If the network is connected but the internet is not working, check:

  • 🌐 Having internet access on other devices (possibly router-side problem).
  • πŸ“± Proxy settings in the Wi-Fi menu β†’ Additionally. β†’ Proxy settings (should stand No).
  • πŸ”„ Rebooting your router and smartphone solves 70% of connectivity problems.

πŸ’‘

If your Xiaomi often loses Wi-Fi connectivity, try turning off the Smart Switch feature in network settings. It automatically switches to mobile data when the signal is weak, which is not always convenient.

2.Mobile Internet: APN setup, network selection and traffic savings

Mobile data (3G/4G/5G) is an alternative to Wi-Fi, especially on the go. However, to work properly, you need to configure the APN access points that depend on your operator (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon or Tele2). Most settings are automatic, but sometimes manual adjustments are required.

How to set up mobile Internet:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [choose SIM] β†’ Access points (APN).
  2. If the list is empty or there is an error, click Add APN and enter your operator’s settings (they can be found on the official website).
  3. Save the settings and restart the phone.

To save traffic:

  • πŸ“‰ Include Traffic Savings in Settings β†’ Connections and sharing β†’ Saving traffic.
  • 🚫 Limit the background activity of applications in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Auto-start.
  • πŸ“Š Use the built-in Traffic Monitor to track data consumption across applications.
πŸ“Š What mobile operator is installed on Xiaomi?
MTS
Beeline
MegaFon
Tele2.
Yota
Other

⚠️ Note: If after updating the firmware lost mobile Internet, check if the settings are not lost APN. Often the system drops them to standard values that are not suitable for Russian operators.

Modem mode: how to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi to other devices

Your Xiaomi can work as a Wi-Fi hotspot, USB-A modem or Bluetooth modem, giving the Internet to a laptop, tablet or other phone, called modem mode, and it comes in a few taps, but there are limitations: Some operators block the distribution of the Internet (a separate option is required in the tariff), and with an active modem, the battery goes down faster.

How to turn on the Wi-Fi distribution:

  • πŸ“Ά Go to Settings. β†’ Connections and sharing β†’ Modem mode.
  • πŸ”„ Select Wi-Fi Access Point and set up the network name (SSID) password.
  • ⚑ Turn on the Wi-Fi hotspot slider, and other devices can connect to your phone.

For USB connection:

  • πŸ”Œ Connect your phone to your computer via cable.
  • πŸ–₯️ In the modem settings, select USB-modem.
  • πŸ”„ On PC in Network Connections will appear a new connection.
Type of modemSpeed.Battery consumptionLimitations
Wi-Fi access pointHigh (up to 150 Mbps)Average (3-5% per hour)Restriction on the number of devices (usually up to 8)
USB-modemMaximum (up to 300 Mbps)Low (power from USB)Cable is required, works only with PC
Bluetooth modemLow (up to 3 Mbps)MinimumSuitable only for small data transfer
Why are the operators blocking the distribution of the Internet?
Many tariffs include a restriction on the use of the phone as a modem (tethering), which is because operators want to sell separate packages for tablets and laptops, bypassing the lock is possible through a VPN or changing the TTL, but this may violate the terms of the contract.

Dual SIM: How to Set Network Priority for the Internet

Xiaomi’s dual-SIM smartphones (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro or POCO X5 Pro) allow you to flexibly manage which one will be used for mobile internet. By default, SIM-1 is prioritised, but this can be changed. There is also an option to automatically select when the phone switches to the network with the best signal.

How to set priority:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Select your mobile data and indicate your preferred SIM-map.
  3. For flexible management, activate Automatic Data Selection (not available on all models).

Important nuances:

  • πŸ“Ά If one of the SIM cards supports 5G, And the other one is just 4G, It is better to give priority to the first.
  • πŸ’° Some operators tariffs with unlimited Internet work only on the mainΒ» SIM (check in the salon).
  • ⚑ With an active internet on one SIM The second may not be available for calls (depending on VoLTE support).

Make sure both of you SIM activated by the operator|Check support 4G/5G map-on|Turn off "In the plane" mode"|Update the firmware to the latest version-->

5.Internet problems on Xiaomi: diagnostics and solutions

If the Internet on your Xiaomi is unstable or not at all, the reasons may lie in the settings of the phone, firmware, SIM-Here's a checklist for diagnostics and how to solve some of the most common problems.

The Internet does not work via Wi-Fi:

  • πŸ”„ Restart router and phone.
  • πŸ“± Forget the network in Wi-Fi settings and connect again.
  • πŸ› οΈ Check if the battery saving mode is on – it can limit background activity.

No mobile internet:

  • πŸ“Ά Make sure you have enough money on your account and activate the Internet packet.
  • πŸ”§ Check the settings. APN (see section 2).
  • πŸ“‘ Manually select the operator network in Settings β†’ Mobile network β†’ Network operators.

Slow Internet:

  • πŸ“Š Run a speed test (for example, through the Speedtest app).
  • 🚫 Turn off background synchronization and app updates.
  • πŸ”„ Switch from 5G on 4G (Sometimes the new network is worse due to weak coverage).

⚠️ Note: If after resetting settings (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Resetting the settings) the Internet has not worked, the problem may be in the IMEI This often happens after unofficial firmware. IMEI *#06# - If it is missing or incorrect, you will need to restore it.

6 Hidden MIUI features to improve connection

The MIUI shell (and the new HyperOS) contains several hidden options that will help optimize the Internet, such as manually specifying the network type (4G only, 3G only) or enabling acceleration for specific applications. These features are not always obvious, but can significantly improve the user experience.

Useful hidden settings:

  • πŸ“‘ Manual network selection: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [choose SIM] β†’ Network type. You can turn it off here. 5G, if it's not working smoothly.
  • ⚑ Acceleration MIUI: Included in Settings β†’ Special facilities β†’ Acceleration MIUI. Reduces delays when downloading content.
  • πŸ”„ Network reset: Useful if the Internet is lost after the update. β†’ The phone. β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting network settings.

For experienced users:

  • πŸ› οΈ Engineering menu: Dial ##4636## and select Phone Information, where you can check signal strength and switch network type.
  • πŸ“‘ Band Selection: Some firmwares have a choice of frequency bands (useful if the operator uses non-standard frequencies).

πŸ’‘

If your Xiaomi switches between 4G and 3G frequently, try turning off the Auto Network Selection option and manually prioritize 4G. This will reduce the number of β€œjumps” between standards and stabilize the speed.

7. Internet via USB (Reverse Tethering): how to connect Xiaomi to a PC

Few people know, but Xiaomi can connect to the Internet through the Internet USB-This is called reverse tethering, and it's useful if you don't have a phone. SIM-maps or Wi-Fi, but you have access to the network on a PC, and it works without root, but you need to enable debugging over a PC. USB.

Instructions for Windows:

  1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB and enable USB Debugging (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version – tap 7 times, then go back to Additional β†’ For Developers).
  2. Download and install Android Reverse Tethering (e.g. with XDA Developers).
  3. Run the program on your PC, select your device and press Connect.

Limitations of the method:

  • πŸ–₯️ It only works with active internet on PC.
  • ⚑ Can be blocked by antiviruses (add the program to exceptions).
  • πŸ“± Not all apps will work (e.g. Google Play may be a bug).

Frequently asked questions

πŸ”Ή Why Xiaomi doesn’t have Wi-Fi internet, even though it’s connected?
There are several reasons: πŸ“‘ Router does not give away the Internet (check on other devices). πŸ“± The phone is running a traffic saving mode or VPN, locking-in. πŸ”§ Wrong settings IP (Try switching from DHCP statically IP Solution: Reboot the router, forget the network on your phone, and reconnect. If it doesn't work, reset the network settings to Settings. β†’ Resetting settings.
πŸ”Ή How to turn it on 5G Xiaomi, if it doesn’t catch a new network?
For work. 5G You need to: Make sure yours is yours. SIM-map and tariff support 5G (Check with the operator. In the network settings (Settings) β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [choose SIM] β†’ Type of network to select 5G. Update the firmware to the latest version (in older versions) MIUI support 5G I could have been absent. 5G It does not appear, check the coverage in your area through the operator card.
πŸ”Ή Is it possible to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi if the operator blocks tetering?
Some operators (for example, Tele2) block the distribution of the Internet at the level of the Internet. APN. Bypasses: πŸ”„ Change. TTL through the engineering menu (requires root or ADB). πŸ›‘οΈ Use it. VPN on the phone before switching on the access point. πŸ“‘ Connect to Wi-Fi and distribute it (if the lock is only for mobile data). ⚠️ Please note: bypassing the lock may violate the terms of the contract with the operator.
πŸ”Ή Why After Updating MIUI Mobile Internet is missing?
This is a typical problem when you move to a new version of firmware: πŸ”§ Check the settings. APN β€” they could have dropped off. πŸ“‘ Manually select the operator in Settings β†’ Mobile network β†’ Network operators. πŸ”„ Make a reset of network settings (Settings) β†’ Resetting settings β†’ If nothing helps, try to reset to the previous version. MIUI via Fastboot.
πŸ”Ή How to limit traffic consumption for specific applications in Xiaomi?
MIUI has built-in tools to control traffic: Open Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ Data Use. Select an app (like TikTok or Instagram) and set a limit. Activate Traffic Savings for background processes. You can also prevent unnecessary apps from auto-run in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Permissions β†’ Auto-Run.