How to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi phone to your computer: 3 ways + solving errors

Xiaomi smartphones have long since ceased to be just devices for calls — they have become multifunctional gadgets that can replace a router, a flash drive or even a modem. If you urgently need Internet on a laptop and only a phone at hand, the distribution of mobile traffic will be a salvation. But how to properly configure Xiaomi in modem modem mode so as not to face connection errors or unexpected operator limitations? In this article, step-by-step instructions for all methods (USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), a table of model compatibility, and solutions to the 5 most common problems that users face.

We tested all the methods on the latest MIUI 14/15 firmware, and took into account the nuances of working with operators MTS, Beeline, Tele2, MegaFon. You will learn which method is the fastest, which is the most economical in battery charge, and how to bypass the blocking of distribution of Internet, if the operator has installed it, and at the end - FAQ with answers to the questions most often asked in service centers.

Before you get to the settings, check two key points: having mobile internet on your phone (even if it works, sometimes you need to reboot) and the rest of the traffic on the tariff. Some carriers block the distribution if less than 100MB is left - this is their way of encouraging you to buy more packages.

1.Phone Preparation: What to Check Before Setup a Modem

Even if you are sure that your Xiaomi supports modem modem, pre-checking will save time.

✅ Version. MIUI. The feature is available on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 8 and newer, but in older versions (e.g, MIUI 10) some options may not be available, as USB-Modem for Windows 11. Update firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

✅ Plan: Check with the operator if the distribution of the Internet (so-called tethering) is allowed, for example, Tele2 blocks it at My Tele2 rates without a surcharge, and MTS can limit the speed after 10 GB of traffic.

✅ Battery charge: Wi-Fi handset discharges 2-3 times faster than normal. If you plan to use it for a long time, charge it or use it. USB-modem - it burns the battery less.

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On Xiaomi phones with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), Wi-Fi 6 handouts run at speeds up to 1.2 Gbps – almost like a home router.

🔧 Checklist before setting up:

2. Method 1: Distribution of the Internet via USB (the most stable)

USB-A modem is the best option if you want the fastest and most stable Internet without losing your phone charge. SIM-cards (up to 1 Gbps) 5G).

📌 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Connect your phone to the original computer USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).
2. On your phone, select File Transfer Mode (not Charging).
3. Open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Modem Modem.
4. Activate the switch. USB-modem.
5. On PC, check the connection: in Windows, open the Network → Ethernet, in macOS – System settings → Network.

⚠️ Note: If your computer does not recognize the modem, install Mi drivers. PC Suite (download from [the official website of Xiaomi](https://www.mi.com/global/mipcsuite/)). Windows. 11 Sometimes you need to disable driver signatures through the Download Options → Disabling mandatory verification of driver signatures.

📊 Speed comparison USB-modem on different models Xiaomi:

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USB-The modem is the only way to distribute that does not drain the phone’s battery and provides minimal delays (ping up to 20 ms).

Method 2: Wi-Fi access point (convenient but energy-intensive)

Wi-Fi distribution is suitable if you need to connect multiple devices (laptop, tablet, other phone), but the battery will run down 30-50% faster than normal use.

📌 How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Wi-Fi Access Point.
2. Click Access Point Settings and ask: 🔐 Name of the network (SSID) — any but without Cyrillic; 🔒 Type of security - choose WPA3-Personal (most protected); 📶 Range: 5 GHz (faster but smaller radius) or 2.4 GHz (farther but slower).

Turn on the Wi-Fi Access Point switch.

On a PC, find a new network in the Wi-Fi list and connect by entering a password.

⚠️ Note: Some carriers (e.g. Yota) automatically limit the speed of Wi-Fi to 64 Kbps. To get around this, use applications like PDANet.+ (requires rooting or USB-modem.

🔍 How to find out who is connected to your access point:

1. Open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Wi-Fi Access Point.
2. Slip on the connected devices - here will display all gadgets with MAC-address.
3. To disable an unfamiliar device, click on it and select Lock.

4. Method 3: Distribute via Bluetooth (saves charge, but slowly)

Bluetooth modems are the slowest, but also the most economical way, and rarely exceed 10 Mbps, but the battery is minimal, and they're good for checking emails or messengers, but not for streaming or downloading files.

📌 Instructions:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and computer.
2. Connect devices: On a PC, find the phone in the list of available devices and confirm the connection.
3. On the phone, open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Modem Modem.
4. Activate the Bluetooth modem.
5. On a PC in Bluetooth settings, select your phone and click Connect through → Access Point.

⚠️ Attention: On Windows 10/11 Sometimes you need to add a new connection manually:

1. Open the Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network Management Center.
2. Select Setting up a new connection → Internet connection → Bluetooth.
3. Choose your Xiaomi from the list.

💰 Saving traffic:

• 📉 Limit the speed of the distribution in Settings → Connection and sharing → Wi-Fi hotspot → Data transfer speed (not available on all models).
• 🚫 Block background traffic for unnecessary apps in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Use of data.

7. Alternative methods: if the standard methods do not work

If the operator blocks the distribution, and USB-modem is not defined, try workarounds:

🔗 1. Applications to bypass lockdown:

• PDANet+ (requires root) – masks traffic as normal.
• ClockworkMod Tether – works without root, but may not be stable.