Why to Use Xiaomi as a USB Modem
Modern Xiaomi smartphones are capable not only of calls and instant messengers - they can become a full-fledged replacement for wired or Wi-Fi Internet. USB-The modem allows you to distribute mobile traffic to your computer via cable, which is especially important in situations where Wi-Fi is not available or unstable, for example, on a business trip, in the country or when you have problems with the main provider.
Advantages USB-The distribution before the Wi-Fi hotspot is obvious: lower power consumption (the phone does not warm as much), more stable connection and higher speed - up to 150 Mbit / s against 50-80 Mbit / s through the air. However, not all users know how to set up this mode correctly on Xiaomi, especially if Windows does not recognize the device or there are connection errors. In this article, we will discuss step-by-step instructions, compatible models and solutions to typical problems.
Important: functionality may vary depending on the version of MIUI and the carrier, for example, some tariffs block the distribution of the Internet - this should be checked with the provider in advance.
What Xiaomi models support the regime USB-modem
Almost all Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 9 and newer support Internet distribution over USB, but there are nuances: Old models (for example, Redmi 4X or Mi A1) may require manual installation of drivers, and the flagships of recent years (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) work out of the box.
| Series of devices | Support USB-modem | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 11/12/13, Mix 4/Fold | Yes, no restrictions. | Automatic Driver Installation in Windows 10/11 |
| Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F4/X4 | Yes. | You may need to enable debugging over USB |
| Redmi 9/8/7, POCO M3/M4 | Yes, but mistakes are possible. | Update to the latest version of MIUI is recommended |
| Mi A2/A3 (Android One) | Yes, with limitations. | You need to manually enable the mode in Settings → Network and Internet |
| Xiaomi before 2017 (Mi 5, Redmi 3S) | Partially. | Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers are required |
If your model is not on the list, check the support as follows:
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- Open Settings → Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
- If the paragraph «USB-Modem is active – the function is supported.
Step-by-step adjustment USB-Xiaomi modem
The activation process takes no more than a minute, but requires preparation.
- Connect your phone to your PC with the original cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).
- On the phone, select the data transfer mode: 📱 In the notification curtain, tap on “Charging through” USB». 🔄 Select "File Transfer» (MTP) or “Transmission of photographs» (PTP).
Settings → Network and Internet → Access Point and modem
«USB-modem»
A new network connection should appear on the computer.
Ensure that the cable is in good working order and supports data transmission |
Check if the developer mode and USB debugging are enabled (if required)|
Update the driver through Device Manager |
Restart your phone and PC|
Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0)-->
MacOS or Linux may require additional network configuration, such as Ubuntu manually specifying the network. DNS-servers (e.g. 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) in connection settings.
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If the Internet speed is through USB-modem low, disable traffic savings in settings MIUI (Section SIM cards and mobile networks → Saving traffic).
Addressing common mistakes
Even with the right setup, users face problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
- 🚫 Mistake «USB-Reason: no Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers. download them from the official Xiaomi website (Support section) → Drivers) or use the Mi program PC Suite.
- 🔌 The modem is connected, but the Internet is not working Check: is the mobile Internet on the phone activated, does not block the distribution operator (for example, Tele2 or Yota can limit the function). IP-Addresses (manually set on PC) IP 192.168.42.x).
- 🔄 Connection is constantly breaking Possible solutions: Turn off energy saving for USB-Try a cable from another device (such as a Samsung or Google Pixel). Update your phone's firmware to the latest version. MIUI.
⚠️ Note: If you are using Xiaomi with a MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO C31), Drivers may not be installed automatically. In this case, download the package MTK USB Drivers from MediaTek and install manually through Device Manager.
Optimization of connection speed and stability
Maximize the speed of data transmission through USB-modem, follow these tips:
- 📶 Select the network. 4G/5G In Settings SIM cards and mobile networks → Network type set up 4G (LTE) or 5G (if maintained) Regime 3G limiting speed 42 Mbit/s.
- 🔋 Turn off background apps Close messengers, streaming services, and other traffic-consuming programs. Use Do Not Disturb mode on your phone.
- 🖥️ Set your priorities USB into BIOS Some PCs in the BIOS/UEFI You can set a priority for USB-Find the option. USB Configuration and turn on XHCI Hand-off.
- 🔄 Use it. USB 3.0 Ports USB 3.0 (blue) provides higher bandwidth. Connect the cable to them.
To check the real speed, use services like Speedtest.net or Fast.com. Normal performance for 4G:
- 📥 Download: 30-100 Mbps
- 📤 Impact: 10–50 Mbps
- 🕒 Ping: 20-60 ms.
How to check which one USB-port?
Alternative ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi
If USB-The modem is not working or uncomfortable, consider other options:
- 📶 Wi-Fi hotspot Simple but battery consuming and speed limited. → Access Point and modem → Wi-Fi hotspot.
- 🔗 Bluetooth modem is less energy-consuming than Wi-Fi, but the speed rarely exceeds 10 Mbps.
- 🔌 Reverse tethering - when the Internet is transferred from the PC to the phone. Requires root rights or ADB-team.
Comparison of methods:
| Method | Speed. | Battery consumption | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB-modem | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (up to 150 Mbps) | ⭐ (minimum) | ⭐⭐ (drivers may be required) |
| Wi-Fi hotspot | ⭐⭐⭐ (up to 80 Mbps) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (heat-up) | ⭐ (squirts in 2 tapas) |
| Bluetooth | ⭐ (up to 10 Mbps) | ⭐⭐ (moderate) | ⭐⭐ (mating) |
⚠️ Note: When using Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi with Snapdragon processor (e.g, POCO F3 or Redmi K40) You may experience a lot of heat, in which case limit the maximum speed in the access point settings or use the USB-modem.
Operator safety and limitations
Some mobile operators block the distribution of the Internet or charge an additional fee. USB-modem check:
- 📄 For example, MegaFon and Beeline may restrict traffic for distribution, and MTS offers special options (“Internet for devices»).
- 🔒 APN-If the Internet via the modem does not work, check the access point (APN). For most operators, this is the Internet or Internet.beeline.ru. Way: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
- 🛡️ VPN And proxy operators, like Yota, block the distribution at the network level. VPN-Apps like 1.1.1.1 or ProtonVPN.
Also keep in mind that long-term use of the phone as a modem can lead to:
- 🔋 Quick discharge of the battery (even when connected to the USB).
- 🔥 Overheating of the processor (especially on budget models).
- 📵 Possible speed limit by the operator after exceeding the traffic limit.
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If the operator blocks the distribution, try changing the APN to Internet.yota (for Yota) or Internet.mts.ru (for MTS). Sometimes it helps to reboot the phone after changing the settings.