Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi Redmi phone: a complete guide to setup and use

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need Internet on a laptop or tablet and only a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone with mobile traffic is on hand? The solution is simple: turn your phone into a Wi-Fi hotspot (also known as a "modem" or "internet sharing"), a feature that allows you to share mobile Internet with other devices wirelessly, creating a mini-router right in your pocket.

But how do you set up a Redmi hotspot to work consistently, not eat up battery power, not limit speed? In this article, we’ll look at everything from basic setup to solving typical problems (such as when devices don’t connect or the Internet “slows down”). You will also find out which Xiaomi Redmi models support Wi-Fi distribution 5/6, How to save traffic and why sometimes the operator blocks this feature.

Important: the access point capabilities depend not only on the phone model, but also on the version. MIUI, We tested the instructions on the latest versions of the firmware and even your carrier's tariff plan. MIUI 14/15 For Redmi Note models 12/13, Redmi 10/11, POCO X5 — All steps are relevant for older devices (taking into account the features of the interface).

What is an access point on your phone and why you need it

Wi-Fi Hotspot is a mode of operation of a smartphone, in which it turns into a mini-router that distributes Internet to other devices wirelessly, in fact, your Xiaomi Redmi becomes the center of the local network, which can connect to:

• 💻 Laptops and computers (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• 📱 Other smartphones or tablets (Android, iOS)
• 🎮 Game consoles (PlayStation, Nintendo Switch)
• 📺 Smart TVs (Mi) TV, Samsung, LG)
• 🔌 IoT devices (smart lamps, cameras, speakers)

Main use cases:

• 🏠 Home Internet is temporarily disconnected, and work is urgent.
• ☕ You are in a cafe or airport where Wi-Fi is paid or unstable.
• 🚗 Travel and you need to distribute the Internet to several gadgets (for example, a navigator). + tablet).
• 🎮 Want to play online, but only mobile internet is at hand.

Advantages of the access point on Xiaomi Redmi:

• ⚡ High speed (up to 1 Gbps on Wi-Fi 6 models, such as Redmi Note 12 Pro)+).
• 🔋 Energy efficiency (modern Qualcomm Snapdragon or MediaTek chipsets optimized for long-term distribution).
• 🛡️ Protection (encryption support) WPA3 new-model).
• 📶 Flexibility (you can distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or even USB).

How to enable Wi-Fi access point on Xiaomi Redmi: Step-by-step instructions

The activation algorithm of the access point is the same for most models of Xiaomi Redmi (from Redmi 9 to Redmi Note 13 Pro), but the names of menu items may differ depending on the version. MIUI. Follow this instruction:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to Network and Internet (or Connections and Sharing in older versions) MIUI).
3. Select Access Point and modem (or modem modem).
4. Slip on the Wi-Fi Access Point (or Portable Access Point).
5. Activate the switch at the top of the screen.

After activation, the system automatically assigns the network name (usually). Redmi_XXXX or Xiaomi_XXXX) You can change them in the same menu by clicking on Setting up the access point.

Include mobile data (4G/5G)

Activate the access point in the settings

Set a strong password (minimum 8 characters)

Check connected devices in the list of customers

Disable the access point after use-->

Tip: If you use Internet distribution frequently, add the hotspot shortcut to the Quick Settings Panel.

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification curtain.
2. Click on the pencil icon (Edit).
3. Find the Access Point tile and drag it to the active area.

Optimal access point settings for stable operation

By default, Xiaomi Redmi sets the basic access point settings that don’t always provide top speed or security.

For Wi-Fi 6-enabled models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ or POCO F5) Additional options available:

• 🔄 OFDMA — Includes multiplayer mode to reduce delays.
• 📶 Beamforming – Focuses the signal on connected devices.
• 🔒 WPA3-Enterprise — for corporate use (requires a radius server).

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If your Redmi supports dual access point (at 2.4 and 5 GHz simultaneously), activate it in the developer settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI and tap 7 times on the build number. → Additionally. → For developers, find the option of dual-band access point.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after setting up correctly, the access point on Xiaomi Redmi can be unstable. Here are the typical errors and ways to fix them:

1. Devices do not connect to the access point

Causes and solutions:

• 🔐 Incorrect password: Check the symbol register (password is sensitive to it!).
• 📵 Operator restriction: some tariffs block the distribution of the Internet. Check the conditions or call for support.
• 🔄 Conflict IP: In the access point settings change the Range IP (for example, 192.168.43.x on 192.168.155.x).
• 📱 Limitation MIUI: on some firmware you need to disable Traffic Savings in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks.

2.The Internet is slow or cut off

How to speed up the connection:

• 📶 Switch from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz (if devices support it).
• 🔋 Disable Battery Optimization for the Access Point: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → System applications → Access point → Battery → No restrictions.
• 🚫 Limit the number of connected devices (optimally no more than 5).
• 🔄 Restart your phone and modem (if you use an external one) 4G-modem).

3. The access point itself is off.

Possible causes:

• ⚡ Charge savings: Turn off Adaptive battery in power settings.
• 🔄 Time Out: Never set in auto-disconnect settings.
• 📱 Mistake. MIUI: Update the firmware to the latest version.

⚠️ Note: on some Xiaomi Redmi models (especially those with firmware for China), the access point may not work without the Chinese carrier’s activated SIM card, which requires unlocking regional restrictions via Fastboot or installing global firmware.

How to Save Traffic Using an Access Point

Phone Internet can eat up even unlimited rates quickly if you don't control your consumption.

• 📊 Limit background traffic: In the access point settings, enable the option to Limit Data and set a limit (e.g. 5GB per day).
• 🎮 Block updates: on connected devices, turn off automatic updates of applications and OS.
• 📹 Downgrade Video: On YouTube, Netflix or TikTok, select permission 480p instead 1080p.
• 🔄 Use data compression: activate Easy Mode in the browser (for example, in Chrome or Opera).
• 📵 Turn off autoplay in social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).

For advanced users:

• 🛠️ Set up firewall via NetGuard (root rights required).
• 📡 Use it. VPN with compressed traffic (for example, Opera) VPN or 1.1.1.1).
• 📊 Install a traffic monitoring app, such as My Data Manager or GlassWire.

⚠️ Note: some operators (e.g. MegaFon or Beeline) may block Internet distribution at tariffs with "unlimited" traffic, in which case traffic from connected devices may be charged separately or limited in speed!

Alternative ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi Redmi

In addition to the classic Wi-Fi hotspot, Xiaomi Redmi supports 3 more ways to distribute the Internet.

1. Distribution via Bluetooth

Suitable for connecting a single device (for example, a laptop) with minimal battery consumption.

• ✅ Pros: low power consumption, stable connection over short distances.
• ❌ Cons: low speed (up to 3 Mbps), suitable only for mail or instant messengers.

How to turn on:

1. Activate Bluetooth on both devices.
2. In the access point settings, select a Bluetooth modem.
3. Connect the device via the Bluetooth menu.

2. Distribution through USB (USB-ethernet)

Ideal for laptops when you need to save your phone.

• ✅ Pros: high speed (up to 150 Mbps), the phone charges while in use.
• ❌ Cons: cable required, does not work with iOS devices.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable.
2. In the access point settings, select USB-modem.
3. A new connection will appear on the PC in Network Connections.

3. Distribution via Wi-Fi Direct

It allows you to connect devices directly without creating a full network.

• ✅ Pros: high speed, low latency (suitable for gaming).
• ❌ Cons: Not working with all devices, limited number of connections.

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Use it for maximum speed. USB-A modem (if you need to connect a laptop) or 5GHz Wi-Fi (for multiple devices) is only suitable for small amounts of data.

Comparison of Xiaomi Redmi models on the capabilities of the access point

Not all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are equally good at being an access point, and we tested popular models and ranked them in key areas:

Models with Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets 7xx/8xx (Like Redmi. K60 or POCO X5 Pros provide the most stable Internet distribution thanks to optimized Wi-Fi modules and energy efficiency. Budget devices on MediaTek Helio G (e.g. Redmi) 9A) They may overheat with prolonged distribution.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the access point on Xiaomi Redmi