WiFi Red Envelope on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Setup and Use

If you own a Xiaomi device (smartphone, tablet or router), you may have noticed the mysterious name “Red Envelope WiFi” on the list of available networks.** This term often raises questions: what kind of network is it, who created it, is it safe to connect to it and how to use it? In this article, we will analyze all the nuances, from the technical side to practical tips for setting up.

It's important to understand that Red Envelope WiFi is not a virus, a vulnerability, or a system bug. It's the official function of Xiaomi's ecosystem, which is connected to Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) and the mechanism for fast file sharing between the brand's devices. But it has its own features that many users don't realize. Then you'll learn how this network comes into being, how to manage it, and what to do if it interferes or doesn't work.

What is Red Envelope WiFi on Xiaomi?

Red Envelope WiFi (or Red Envelope WiFi in English) is a temporary wireless network that your Xiaomi device creates to share data with other gadgets of the brand, and it appears in two cases:

• 📱 When activating the function Mi Share (fast file transfer between smartphones Xiaomi).
• 🎁 When sending or receiving “red envelopes” (virtual gifts) on Mi Pay or Mi Wallet apps (e.g. during Chinese holidays).

Technically, it is a hotspot with a limited range (usually up to a maximum of two hours). 10 The name of the network always contains the word RedEnvelope or Xiaomi_Red, Sometimes it’s part of your device’s name.

Why the red envelope? In China, red envelopes (hóngbāo) symbolize good luck and are often given on New Year’s Eve. Xiaomi has integrated this tradition into its services, making virtual gifts part of the ecosystem. WiFi is needed to quickly and without the Internet to transfer such “gifts” between devices.

How WiFi Red Envelope Works: Technical Details

The Red Envelope WiFi network uses Wi-Fi Direct, a technology that allows devices to connect directly without a router, and this is how it works:

1. Initiation: When you send a file through Mi Share or activate the red envelope feature, the device creates a temporary access point.
2. Connection: Xiaomi's second device (like a friend's smartphone) scans the available networks and finds RedEnvelope_XXX.
3. Data exchange: Devices establish a secure connection (with WPA2-PSK encryption) and transmit files or data about a virtual gift.
4. Completion: After transmission, the network automatically shuts down (usually after 30 to 60 seconds of inactivity).

Features of technology:

• 🔒 Security: The network is protected by a password that is generated automatically and is not displayed to the user.
• 📶 Speed: Transfers are at the maximum speed of Wi-Fi (up to 300 Mbps in the standard). 802.11n).
• 🔄 Automation: No need to manually turn on/off the access point – everything is controlled by the system.

Interestingly, this feature works even without an internet connection, for example, you can send photos to a friend on the subway or on an airplane if both Xiaomi devices have Mi Share enabled.

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If you share files frequently with other Xiaomi devices, add the Mi Share shortcut to the home screen, which will speed up access to the feature and reduce network creation time.

When WiFi Red Envelope Appears and How to Turn It Off

The Red Envelope WiFi network is activated automatically in three scenarios:

1. When sending files via Mi Share (photos, videos, documents).
2. When you receive or send virtual red envelopes to Mi Pay/Mi Wallet.
3. When connecting to some Xiaomi smart devices (such as Mi Smart Speaker speakers).

If the network interferes (for example, conflicts with your main Wi-Fi), you can turn it off:

Open the settings → Connections → Mi Share

Turn off the slider Automatic Receipt

Settings menu → Wi-Fi Find the Network RedEnvelope_XXX And forget it.

Restart your device (if the network continues to appear)-->

Some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14+) have a separate switch for the Red envelope function in Settings → Special Options → Function Lab. If it is turned off, the network will cease to be created when virtual gifts are sent.

⚠️ Note: If you disable Mi Share completely, you will not be able to quickly share files with other Xiaomi devices.

Red Envelope WiFi Problems and Their Solutions

Sometimes the Red Envelope WiFi network doesn't work properly.

If the problem persists, try resetting your network settings:

Settings → System → Reset → Network settings reset

Important: After resetting, all saved Wi-Fi passwords will be deleted, so write them down in advance.

Security: Can I connect to the Red Envelope WiFi?

Many users fear that the Red Envelope WiFi network could be used to hack or steal data.

• ✅ Protection: The network uses encryption WPA2-PSK, This makes it resistant to most attacks.
• ⏳ Temporary access: Network automatically shuts down after 1-2 minutes of inactivity.
• 🔍 Limited functionality: It only allows you to transfer files or data of “red envelopes” – no access to other functions of the device.

But there are nuances:

• 🚨 If you are connected to someone else’s network RedEnvelope_XXX (In a cafe, the owner of the device can see your MAC-address.
• 📡 In public places, attackers can create a fake network with a similar name to intercept data.

⚠️ Warning: Never connect to RedEnvelope networks in crowded areas (airports, train stations) unless you are sure of their origin.

To improve safety:

1. Turn off automatic connection to Xiaomi networks in Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → Autoconnection.
2. Use a VPN when transferring confidential files.
3. Update MIUI regularly – new versions will fix vulnerabilities.

How to Use Red Envelope WiFi to Transfer Files

Red Envelope WiFi makes it as easy as possible to exchange data between Xiaomi devices.

1. Open the Files app or gallery on your Xiaomi.
2. Select the files you want to send and click Share.
3. In the list of options, select Mi Share (or Quick Transfer).
4. On the second Xiaomi device, activate Mi Share in the notification curtain or in Settings → Connections.
5. Wait for the devices to find each other and confirm the transmission.

The transmission speed depends on the device model:

• 📱 Xiaomi 12/13 series: before 50–70 MB/s (under ideal conditions).
• 📱 Redmi Note 10/11: 20–40 MB/s.
• 📱 POCO F3/F4: 30–50 MB/s.

To speed up the process:

• 🔋 Make sure that both devices have a battery charge above 20%.
• 📶 Turn off mobile internet during transmission.
• 🔄 Restart both devices if the speed is too low.

WiFi Red Envelope on Xiaomi routers: features

If you have a Xiaomi router (such as Mi Router) 4A, AX3600 or AIoT Router AC2350), You may have noticed that he also sometimes creates a network with a name. Xiaomi_Red. This is due to the quick setup feature of smart devices (e.g. Yeelight light bulbs or Mi Home sensors).

How it works:

1. You add a new smart device to the Mi Home app.
2. Router temporarily creates a network Xiaomi_Red, to transmit data to connect (SSID and the password of your main Wi-Fi).
3. Once successfully linked, the network disappears.

If the router is constantly creating this network for no reason:

• 🔄 Restart the router via the web interface (192.168.31.1).
• 🔧 Update the router's firmware in Settings → Update of the PO.
• 🚫 Turn off the function Quick configure smart devices in the router settings.

⚠️ Note: If you turn off the quick setup feature, Xiaomi’s new smart devices will have to be manually connected via Wi-Fi password entry.

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The Red Envelope WiFi network on Xiaomi routers is only needed to initially set up smart devices, and once linked, it automatically shuts down and does not affect the speed of the main Wi-Fi.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions