Wi-Fi hotspot in Xiaomi Redmi smartphone: a complete guide to setting up and using

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones have long since ceased to be just a means of communication, becoming universal devices that can replace a router, modem or even a full-fledged computer in some scenarios. One of the most popular features that many users underestimate is a Wi-Fi access point (or hotspot), which allows you to distribute mobile Internet to other gadgets: laptops, tablets, game consoles or even smart TVs. But how to set it up on Redmi so as not to face problems of speed, connection or battery discharge?

In this article, we’ll explore not only basic access point settings, but also hidden nuances, from limiting traffic to choosing the optimal Wi-Fi frequency (2.4 or 5 GHz), why sometimes a smartphone refuses to give out the Internet, how to circumvent carrier restrictions, and which Redmi models support Wi-Fi Direct for direct data exchange, and how to save battery power without sacrificing connection speed.

If you've ever encountered a laptop that doesn't see a hotspot from Xiaomi, or the Internet through hotspot worked slower than directly on your phone, this guide will help you understand the causes and eliminate them. We've tested the feature on models from Redmi Note 10 Pro to Redmi 12, so the recommendations are relevant for most modern devices of the brand.

Before we get to the settings, it's important to understand that a Wi-Fi hotspot and a modem are not exactly the same thing: the first creates a local area network that you can connect multiple devices to, and the second is more often used to connect to a PC. USB. In this article, we will talk about wireless distribution of the Internet.

What is a Wi-Fi hotspot and why is it needed?

The Wi-Fi hotspot (or mobile hotspot) is a feature of the smartphone that turns it into a mini router (3G/4G/5G) And it's distributed to other gadgets wirelessly, which is convenient in a few cases:

• 🌍 There is no fixed Internet: in the country, on a trip or in a cafe where Wi-Fi is paid or absent.
• 💻 Working on a laptop: when you need to urgently check your mail or send a file, and only your phone is at hand.
• 🎮 Game consoles: Nintendo Switch or PlayStation Portable can be connected to hotspot for online gaming.
• 📱 Backup channel: if the main Wi-Fi router broke, the smartphone will temporarily replace it.

On Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, this function is implemented through the company shell MIUI, It offers more customization than naked Android, for example, you can limit the speed for connected devices, change the range of Wi-Fi, or even set up an automatic hotspot shutdown when you do not act.

But there are pitfalls. First, battery consumption increases 1.5-2 times — the smartphone simultaneously holds a connection to the operator's tower and distributes Wi-Fi. Second, some mobile operators block the distribution of Internet at unlimited rates, requiring you to connect a special option. Third, the Internet speed on connected devices can be lower than on the phone, due to the limitations of the processor or Wi-Fi module.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, check before setting up the access point:

⚠️ Note: If your tariff is unlimited for phone only, the operator may charge an additional fee for the distribution (tetthering.

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

Hotspot activation process on all Redmi models (Redmi 9 to Redmi Note 13 Pro)+) It is almost identical due to a single shell. MIUI. Here's the universal instruction:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
3. Slip on the Wi-Fi Access Point.
4. Activate the slider at the top of the screen. If the feature is turned on for the first time, the system will prompt you to set the network name and password.

By default, the smartphone generates the network name (SSID) format Redmi_XXXX or Xiaomi_XXXX, where XXXX — last-minute IMEI Passwords are also created automatically, but it is better to change them to more memorable (but not too simple!).

Once activated next to the mobile network icon, an access point icon (two triangles connected by vertices) will appear in the status bar, which means that other devices can connect to your Redmi.

If you want to change your network settings (for example, change Wi-Fi range or limit the number of connected devices), go back to the Wi-Fi Access Point menu and tap on the Access Point Settings.

Note the Wi-Fi range. Redmi models since the Note 10 support 5 GHz Internet, which gives you faster speeds and less interference. However, not all devices (like older laptops) can work in this range. If you can't connect, go back to 2.4 GHz.

Make sure that the mobile Internet is turned on on on your smartphone|Check the remaining traffic at the rate|Turn it off. VPN (He can block the distribution)|Restart your smartphone if the access point is not turned on-->

Internet speed via an access point: why it is lower and how to speed up

Many users notice that the Internet speed on a laptop or tablet via hotspot Xiaomi Redmi is lower than directly on the phone.

• 📡 CPU limitations: the smartphone must simultaneously process the signal from the operator’s tower and distribute it over Wi-Fi, which loads the chipset.
• 🔄 Double conversion: data passes through two radio modules (mobile and Wi-Fi), which adds to the delays.
• 📶 Signal quality: if the phone has a weak signal level 4G/5G, The speed for connected devices will be even lower.

To get the speed as close as possible to a “direct” connection, follow these tips:

1. Use the 5GHz band for Wi-Fi (if your Redmi and your connected device support it) to reduce interference and increase bandwidth.
2. Turn off traffic savings in mobile network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Saving traffic).
3. Place the smartphone closer to the window or on a hill – this will improve the reception of the signal from the operator’s tower.
4. If you are using Redmi with support 5G, Turn this mode on in your mobile network settings. 5G-The network is unstable, the phone will automatically switch to the 4G, But with priority for faster connection.

On some models (e.g. Redmi) K50 Or the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+) There's a hidden setting that allows you to prioritize traffic for the access point:

1. Enter the dialer code ##4636##.
2. Go to the phone information menu.
3. Scroll down to the Wi-Fi hotspot client manager and set priority to High.

⚠️ Note: On models with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10C or Redmi 9A) This code might not work. In that case, use applications like MTK Engineering Mode (root rights required).

Only 2.4 GHz|Only 5 GHz.|Automatic choice|I don't know what it is.-->

Limiting traffic and connected devices

If you distribute the Internet through Xiaomi Redmi on multiple devices, you risk quickly exhausting the traffic limit or experiencing a slowdown, MIUI It allows flexible control of consumption:

To set a traffic limit:

1. Go to Settings. → The Internet and the Internet → Access Point and modem → Wi-Fi hotspot.
2. Slip on Data Limitation.
3. Set the limit in megabytes or gigabytes (e.g. 5GB if you have 10GB on the tariff).
4. Activate the option to Disable the access point when you exceed the limit.

You can also limit the number of connected devices:

1. In the same access point menu, select Connected Devices.
2. Slip on Max. the number of connections (default - 8).
3. Set the desired value (for example, 2-3 if you give only to a laptop and tablet).

On the Redmi models with MIUI 13/14 You have a device priority feature that allows you to allocate more traffic to certain gadgets (like a laptop to work) to customize it:

1. Connect all devices to the access point.
2. Go to the connected devices and tap on the desired gadget.
3. Choose High Priority.

⚠️ Note: If you distribute the Internet to devices with active updates (such as Windows or macOS), they can eat up traffic in the background.

💡

If you need to give out the internet regularly (for example, for work), consider buying. USB-modem or router with support 4G. This will save battery power and give a more stable connection.

Problems with the access point on Xiaomi Redmi and their solutions

Even when set up correctly, the access point can be unstable, and here are the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If the access point is turned on but the internet is not working, check the following points:

• 📵 Make sure your smartphone is enabled with mobile internet (sometimes it turns off automatically when hotspot is activated).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone – it resets network settings.
• 🛡️ Turn it off. VPN or firewall, if they are installed.
• 📱 Check if In-plane mode is activated or Traffic Saving is activated.

On some firmware MIUI (especially on custom) the access point may not work due to downed settings APN. To throw them off:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
2. Slip three dots in the top right corner and select Reset to default values.
3. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Note: If after discharge APN Internet stopped working even on the phone, contact the operator – you may need to send settings automatically (via the phone). SMS).

Battery consumption when the access point works: how to reduce

Active access point is one of the most voracious features of the smartphone. According to our tests, Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro+ With a 5,000 mAh battery, it runs 15-20 percent per hour when you distribute the Internet to 2-3 devices:

• 🔋 Connect charging: If you’re giving away the internet for a long time, use an adapter with at least 18W of power.
• 🌡️ Control the temperature: when overheating, the phone automatically reduces performance, which worsens the speed.
• ⚡ Turn off background processes: Close unnecessary apps, especially instant messengers and social networks.
• 📴 Lower the brightness of the screen and activate Battery Savings mode (but not Ultramode, as it limits network activity).

In the models with MIUI 14, there's a smart power management feature for the access point:

1. Go to Settings. → Battery and productivity → Nutrition management.
2. Select the Wi-Fi Access Point.
3. Activate the option to optimize consumption.

If you use hotspot frequently, consider buying a powerbank with a capacity of 10,000 mAh. This will allow you to distribute the Internet for 6-8 hours without connecting to the outlet. K60) External batteries will be available with an exit PD 30W+.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use cheap, uncertified chargers when an active access point is in place – this can cause the battery to overheat and wear faster.

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The most effective way to save battery is to limit the number of connected devices to 1-2 and use the 5GHz band (it consumes less power for data transfer than 2.4GHz).

Alternatives to the access point: USB-modem and Bluetooth

If wireless internet is not suitable (for example, due to weak Wi-Fi signal or carrier restrictions), Xiaomi Redmi has two alternative ways to share the internet:

• 🔌 USB-modem: connect your phone to your PC or laptop via cable. Pros - stable connection and charging of the smartphone, cons - binding to the wire.
• 📶 Bluetooth modem: distribution of the Internet via Bluetooth. Pros – low battery consumption, cons – very low speed (up to 1-2 Mbit / s).

To activate USB-modem:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer via the original cable.
2. In the phone settings go to the Network and the Internet → Access Point and modem.
3. Activate the option. USB-modem.
4. A new connection should appear on the computer in Network Connections.

For Bluetooth modem:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices and pair them.
2. On your phone, activate the Bluetooth modem in the same Access Point and modem menu.
3. On your computer in Bluetooth settings, select your Redmi and connect to the internet.

USB-Modem is the best choice for stable operation, especially if you need to download large files or hold video conferencing. Bluetooth modem is suitable only for checking mail or instant messengers.

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9T) USB-The modem may not work with Windows 7 due to the lack of drivers. In this case, update the OS or use a wireless access point.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions