In the age of the ubiquitous Internet, the ability to quickly distribute Wi-Fi from a smartphone is not just a useful skill, and sometimes a salvation. Xiaomi smartphones are one of the most popular devices for creating a mobile access point due to flexible settings and stable operation. But what is a hotspot on Xiaomi really? It is not just a “distribution of the Internet”, but a whole range of technologies that allow you to turn your phone into a full-fledged router with traffic control, connection restriction and even security settings.
Many users mistakenly think that the access point function works the same on all Android devices. However, Xiaomi has introduced branded chips into its smartphones, from energy-saving modes to integration with the MIUI ecosystem. In this article, we will examine not only basic settings, but also hidden features - for example, how to limit speed for connected devices or why some Redmi models automatically turn off the access point when battery is low. You will also learn how to avoid typical errors (such as the lack of Internet on connected gadgets) and which Xiaomi models are best able to cope with the role of a mobile router.
What is a Wi-Fi hotspot in a smartphone 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 via a wireless network. In the case of Xiaomi, this feature is implemented on the basis of Wi-Fi Direct technology and supports simultaneously up to the Internet. 10 The main difference from a conventional router is the Internet source: a smartphone can use mobile data (3G/4G/5G) or even connect through USB/Ethernet (Some flagships like Xiaomi 13 Ultra).
Main use cases:
- 📱 Emergency Internet access: if the house turned off Wi-Fi, but on a laptop or tablet SIM-map.
- 🎮 Console games: Nintendo Switch connection or PS5 to the mobile Internet for online gaming.
- 🖥️ Work on the road: the distribution of the Internet from phone to laptop on a business trip or cafe.
- 🚗 Travel: Connecting several passengers in the car to one fare.
It’s important to understand that the access point is not only a convenience, but also an additional load on the battery and the processor. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, when you actively distribute Wi-Fi, the charge consumption increases by 20-30% compared to normal mode.
How to enable access point on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
The activation algorithm of the access point on all Xiaomi smartphones (including the one that is not available) POCO Black Shark is almost the same, but there are nuances depending on the version. MIUI. Let us consider the universal method for MIUI 12–14:
- Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
- Go to Connections and Sharing → Access Point (on some models, the path may look like the Network and the Internet → Modem Modem).
- Activate the mobile access point switch.
- Click Access Point Settings to Ask: 🔐 Name of the network (SSID) — any convenient name (for example, Xiaomi_Hotspot_Pro). 🔑 Password minimum 8 symbols (a combination of letters, numbers and characters is recommended). 📶 Frequency range — 2.4 GHz (better for range) or 5 GHz (faster but smaller radius).
Save settings and connect other devices by selecting the network you created from their Wi-Fi list.
On models with MIUI 14 (for example, Xiaomi 13T) has an option Auto Shutdown, which deactivates the access point if it is not connected to any device for a specified time (5 to 30 minutes), which helps save battery power.
Mobile Internet is on and working
Battery charge > 30%
Modem mode is allowed at the tariff
Password for the access point is remembered-->
⚠️ Note: At some mobile operator rates (for example, "Internet for devices" from MegaFon), the access point may be blocked.
Hidden access point settings in Xiaomi: what you can configure
In addition to basic parameters, MIUI offers advanced options that are rarely mentioned in official instructions, these settings allow you to optimize the access point for specific tasks:
| Setting up | Wherever | Why do you need it? |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic restriction | Access point → Additionally. → Data limit | Automatically disables the distribution when exceeding the specified volume (useful for tariffs with a limit). |
| Blacklist. | Access Point → Connected Devices → Block | Blocks the connection of certain gadgets (for example, if someone uses your Wi-Fi without permission). |
| Energy saving regime | Access Point → Additional → Battery Optimization | Reduces signal power to save charge (may worsen speed). |
| AP-isolation | Access Point → Security → Isolate devices | It prevents connected devices from seeing each other on a local network (useful for public points). |
One of the most useful hidden features is connectivity priority: On smartphones with MIUI 13+ (like the Xiaomi 12 Pro), you can manually assign which device will receive more traffic, which is true if you connect a laptop (for work) and a friend’s smartphone (for social networks) at the same time, you can give priority to a laptop.
Another little-known possibility is changing the Wi-Fi channel. By default, the smartphone selects the channel automatically, but in conditions of severe interference (for example, in an apartment building), manual selection of the channel (for example, 6 or 11 in the 2.4 GHz band) can significantly improve the stability of the connection.
How to change the Wi-Fi channel manually?
Xiaomi Access Point Problems and Their Solutions
Even on Xiaomi’s flagship models, users face typical hotspot issues, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
- 🔌 Access Point is turned on, but the Internet does not work: Reasons: no mobile Internet, blocking by the operator or failure in settings APN. Solution: Check if the mobile internet is working on the smartphone itself (open the browser). Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) And compare the parameters to the ones on your carrier's website.
- 📵 Devices can't see Xiaomi's network: Reasons: wrong frequency range (like an old laptop doesn't support 5GHz) or channel conflict.Solution: Change range from 5GHz to 2.4GHz in access point settings. Disable Hide network if it's active.
The access point shuts down itself.
Causes: Auto-Switch Off option activated or overheat protection activated.
- Turn off Automatic Shutdown in the access point settings.
- Remove the case from your phone and make sure it doesn’t overheat (especially for the POCO F4 GT for long-term handouts).
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) post-update MIUI 12.5, a bug appears, where the access point is turned off after 10 minutes, the solution is to roll back the firmware or wait for a patch from the manufacturer.
If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings: go to Settings → System → Reset → Network Reset. This will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks and mobile Internet settings, but often solves distribution problems.
💡
Before resetting the network, take screenshots of your operator’s APN settings (access points) – after resetting, they will have to be re-entered.
Comparison of access points on different Xiaomi models
Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equally good at being a mobile router, performance depends on the MIUI version, hardware platform, and even the body material (metal models are better at dissipating heat but may miss the signal).
| Model | Max, speed of distribution. | Support for 5G support | Battery operating time (when handed out) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13 Ultra | up to 1.2 Gbps | Yes. | ~6 hours | Wi-Fi 6E support, minimum latency for online gaming. |
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | up to 600 Mbps | Yes. | ~4.5 hours | Automatic switching between 2.4/5 GHz for stability. |
| POCO F5 | up to 800 Mbps | Yes. | ~5 hours | Optimized for games (low ping when handed out). |
| Redmi 10A | up to 150 Mbps | No. | ~3 hours | Budget option, limit to 5 connections. |
On smartphones with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro), the access point is more stable thanks to hardware optimization of the Wi-Fi 7 module. At the same time, budget models on MediaTek Helio G (for example, Redmi 9C) can “brake” when more than 3 devices are connected simultaneously.
If you want to get the best speed, look for Wi-Fi 6-enabled models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or POCO X5 Pro) that not only transmit data faster, but also handle load better when jammed.
Energy consumption and how to reduce battery consumption
Wi-Fi distribution is one of the most energy-consuming features of a smartphone. In the case of Xiaomi 11T Pro, with an active access point, battery consumption reaches 15-20% per hour (versus 5-8% in normal mode).
- 🔋 Limit the number of connections: each new device increases the load on the processor. 3-4 gadget.
- 📶 Use it. 2.4 GHz instead of 5 GHz: range 5 GHz is faster but consumes more 25-30% more energy.
- ⚡ Activate the energy saving mode: in MIUI There is a separate option for the access point (Settings) → Battery → Power saving mode for Hotspot).
- 🔌 Connect charging: if you give out the Internet for a long time, use an adapter with a power of at least 18 watts (for example, the original from Xiaomi).
Xiaomi’s MIUI 14 smartphones have a new connection notification feature, so you’ll receive a push message whenever a new device connects to your access point, which helps you spot unauthorized access in time.
If you often give out Wi-Fi in public places, consider using a VPN on connected devices, for example, on a laptop you can activate ProtonVPN or Windscribe to encrypt all traffic.