Where to find and how to turn on modem modem on Xiaomi smartphones: the full guide

Xiaomi modem allows you to turn your smartphone into a Wi-Fi hotspot or USB-A modem that distributes the Internet to other devices, a feature that is indispensable for travel, when there is no fixed Internet or when you need to connect a laptop / tablet to a mobile network, but many users face the problem of where exactly in the settings. MIUI This mode is hidden, especially after firmware updates or on new models such as the Redmi Note 13 or the Redmi Note. POCO F6.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to activate modem modem – from the standard path through the menu to hidden settings for older versions of MIUI. You will learn how to distribute Internet over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB, as well as what to do if the Suddenly option disappeared after the update.

What is a modem modem and why it is needed

Modem mode (or tethering) is a feature that turns your smartphone into a mini-router, allowing you to share your mobile Internet with other gadgets: laptops, tablets, even other phones, and Xiaomi has three options for this:

• 📶 Wi-Fi hotspot is the most popular solution. A smartphone creates a wireless network that you can connect to like a normal router. Supports up to 10 devices at a time (depending on the model).
• 🔌 USB-Modem is cable, suitable for laptops when you need to save battery power on your smartphone, faster than Wi-Fi, but requires drivers on your PC.
• 🔵 Bluetooth modem is a slow but energy efficient way, useful for devices without Wi-Fi (such as some smartwatches or older tablets).

Main use cases:

• 🏨 In a hotel or hostel, where Wi-Fi is paid or slow, and mobile Internet is cheaper.
• 🚗 When traveling by car, when you need to give Internet to passengers.
• 💻 To work on a laptop in places without wired Internet (park, cafe, cottage).
• 🎮 Connecting game consoles (such as Nintendo Switch) to a mobile network.

Important: when you activate the modem, the smartphone begins to actively consume the battery and heat up. At some tariffs of mobile operators, additional fees may be charged for the distribution of the Internet (especially if you have unlimited "smart-only"); Before using, check the conditions with your provider.

Standard method: where to look for modem modem in MIUI 14/15

In the latest versions of the firmware MIUI 14 and MIUI 15 (2023-2026), the path to modem settings is unified for most models Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark.

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to SIM cards and mobile networks (or Mobile network on some models).
3. Slip on Access Point and modem (on POCO it can be called Modem Modem).
4. Select the type of connection you want: Portable Wi-Fi hotspot USB-Bluetooth modem

If you have a dual-sim phone (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+), Before activating the modem, the system will suggest selecting SIM-The card that will be distributed to the Internet, choose the one that has a high-traffic tariff.

After activating the access point, her name (SSID) You can change the password in the same menu, and by default the name matches the smartphone model (for example, the name is the same as the phone, Redmi_Note_13_1234), A password is a random set of 8 We recommend setting your password to avoid unauthorized connection.

💡

If the access point doesn't turn on the first time, try restarting your smartphone. Sometimes a temporary shutdown helps. SIM-cards (physical extraction for 10 seconds).

Alternative ways to enable modem

If the standard path didn’t work (e.g., Access Point and modem isn’t on the menu), try these methods:

1. Through the notification panel

On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13T or POCO X5 Pro) quick access to the access point is implemented through the notification curtain:

1. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
2. Swipe down again to turn the full panel around.
3. Find the Access Point icon (usually next to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth). If it's not there, tap the icon. ⚙️ Edit and add it manually.
4. Hold your finger on the icon to get into the settings.

2. Through search in settings

If the menu is overloaded or you can’t find the right item:

1. Open the Settings.
2. In the top line of the search, enter a modem or access point.
3. The system will show a direct path to the desired section.

💡

If the speed of the Internet through the access point is lower than on a smartphone, check whether your mobile operator limits it, some tariffs artificially reduce the speed when distributing (for example, up to 10 Mbps).

USB-Modem: How to connect and eliminate errors

USB-The modem is convenient for laptops, as it does not consume the battery of the smartphone and provides a more stable connection:

1. Data-enabled cable (not all charging cables are suitable!)
2. Xiaomi drivers on your computer (usually installed automatically when you first connect).
3. The enabled mode Data transfer when connecting to the PC.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your laptop/PC via USB-cable.
2. On your smartphone in the notification curtain, select File Transfer mode (MTP) or USB-Modem (if such a point appears automatically).
3. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Access Point and modem.
4. Activate the switch. USB-modem.

If there is no new network connection on the PC:

• 🖥️ Check Device Manager for unknown devices (may require manual driver installation).
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0).
• 📱 On a smartphone in Settings → System system → For developers, turn on the debugging by USB (If the section is hidden, tap 7 times on the version MIUI phone).

⚠️ Note: Some laptops with Windows 11 USB-The modem may not work due to driver conflict.Solution: disable the battery saving option for USB in Parameters → System system → Food and sleep. → Additional nutrition parameters.

Bluetooth modem: when it is needed and how to configure

Bluetooth modem is the slowest, but also the most economical way to distribute the Internet, it consumes minimal battery power and is suitable for devices without Wi-Fi, for example:

• 🎧 Headphones with Internet connection support (for example, Sony) WH-1000XM5).
• 📱 Older smartphones or tablets without Wi-Fi.
• ⌚ Smart watches (such as Amazfit) GTR 4 for airborne updates).

To activate the Bluetooth modem:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. Connect them (on your smartphone: Settings → Bluetooth, select the device and confirm the password).
3. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Access Point and modem.
4. Activate the Bluetooth modem.

The connection speed rarely exceeds 1-2 Mbps, so this method is only suitable for transferring small data packets (for example, updates for smart watches or synchronizing messengers). USB.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 10C) Bluetooth modem can automatically shut down after 5-10 minutes without activity. To avoid this, before activating, turn off the Bluetooth option Energy Saving.

Typical errors and their solutions

Even after setting the modem properly, it can be unstable, and we'll look at some of the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings:

Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Resetting mobile network settings

After reset, all stored Wi-Fi networks and APN settings will be deleted – write them down in advance!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions