Xiaomi as a modem for PC: how to distribute the Internet from phone to computer

Why Use Xiaomi as a Modem

Xiaomi's modern smartphones are not just phone and social media devices, but also full-fledged Internet access points. If you urgently need to connect a laptop or a desktop PC to the network, and there is no router or cable connection at hand, a phone based on MIUI or HyperOS can easily cope with the role of a modem, this method is especially relevant in travel, in the country or in case of temporary problems with the provider.

Unlike specialized 4G-It's not expensive to use modems, it's just enough to activate the corresponding function in the settings, and the data rate is often comparable to a wired connection (with a good network signal). In this article, we'll look at all the ways that you can distribute the Internet -- through the Internet. USB, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and how to avoid common bugs and save traffic.

What Xiaomi models support modem modem

Almost all Xiaomi smartphones released after 2016 support modem function, but there are nuances depending on the firmware version and hardware platform:

• 📱 Flagship series: Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi K60/K70, POCO F5/F6 — Support all types of distribution (USB/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) maximum speed up 1 Gbit/s (when connected to the 5G).
• 📱 Mid-segment: Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5/X6 — speedily LTE (before 300 Mbit/s), but stable in modem modem.
• 📱 Budget models: Redmi A2, POCO M6 — They can only distribute the Internet via Wi-Fi and USB (supportless 5G).
• ⚠️ Outdated devices: Xiaomi Mi 5/6, Redmi 4/5 — require manual adjustment APN modem-work.

To check support on your device, go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access point and modem. If you don't have a point, upgrade your firmware to the latest version. MIUI or hyperos.

Method 1: Distribution of the Internet via USB (the most reliable)

USB connectivity is the best option if you want maximum stability and speed. Unlike Wi-Fi, there is no signal loss, and the phone’s charge is not consumed as quickly (on the contrary, the device is recharged from a PC).

Instructions for MIUI/HyperOS:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-cable (preferably original).
2. A notification will appear on the phone – select File Transfer (MTP) or Charging Only (this is temporary, we will change it further).
3. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access Point and modem.
4. Activate the switch. USB-modem.
5. On PC, check the connection: in Windows, open Settings → Network and Internet – a new network connection should appear.

Connect the original cable|Enable debugging on USB (old-model)|Disable energy saving on PC|Check the balance of mobile Internet-->

Important point: some Windows 10/11 PCs may require driver installation if the connection does not appear:

1. Download Mi PC Suite from the official website.
2. Install the program – it will automatically add the desired drivers.
3. Restart the computer and reconnect.

⚠️ Note: If after activation USB-The modem starts to warm up, check the cable - cheap non-original cords can cause the port to overheat. Also turn off background apps on your smartphone (especially games and instant messengers).

Method 2: Wi-Fi Distribution (comfortable for multiple devices)

Wireless access point is a universal method that allows you to connect to the Internet not only PCs, but also tablets, other phones or even Xiaomi TV. Minus - quickly dies battery (20-30% per hour of active use) and possible interference from other networks.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Access Point and Modem → Setup Wi-Fi hotspot.
2. Set a network name (SSID) and password (minimum 8 characters, with numbers).
3. Select the 2.4 GHz range (for range) or 5 GHz (for speed).
4. Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point switch.
5. On a PC, connect to the network you have created as if it were a regular Wi-Fi.

On models with HyperOS (Xiaomi 14, Redmi K70) appeared the function “Intelligent access point” – it automatically turns off the distribution if the network is not connected devices, saving charge.

⚠️ Note: If after activation of the access point the Internet on the phone disappears, check the settings APN. Go to Settings. → SIM-map → Settings of access points (APN) and compare the parameters with those listed on the website of your operator (for example, for MTS - Internet.mts.ru).

Method 3: Distribute via Bluetooth (economical but slow)

This method is suitable if you need a minimum speed (up to 10 Mbps) to check email or instant messengers, but it is important to save battery power. Bluetooth consumes 3-5 times less power than Wi-Fi.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and PC.
2. Connect devices: On your phone, select your computer from the list of available devices.
3. On PC, confirm the pairing code (usually 6 digits).
4. On your phone, go to Settings → Access Point and modem and activate the Bluetooth modem.
5. On PC in Settings → Devices → Bluetooth, find the connected device and select Connect via → Access Point.

Limitations of the method:

• ⏳ Speeds rarely exceed 5–7 Mbps (enough for text, but not for video).
• 🔋 Battery consumption is minimal – about 5% per hour.
• 📱 It only works with one device at a time.

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If the Bluetooth modem is not connected, try to remove the device from the list of conjugated devices on both gadgets and repeat the procedure again.

How to save traffic when giving out the Internet

Using your phone as a modem can quickly deplete mobile traffic, especially if your PC is running background updates or torrents.

• 📉 Turn off automatic update: Windows: Settings → Update and security → Windows Update → Suspend for 7 days. MacOS: System settings → Update of the PO → Off..
• 🚫 Block background programs: In Task Manager (Windows) complete the processes of Steam, Epic Games, OneDrive. On Mac, turn off iCloud Drive and Time Machine.
• 🌐 Use Traffic Compression: In Chrome, enable Traffic Savings (Settings) → Install the Opera Turbo extension for additional compression.

For advanced users, phones with MIUI 14+ and HyperOS have a hidden speed limit feature to activate it:

Enter the phone code in the app: ##4636##


Go to the tab "Phone Information"




Select "Wi-Fi Information" → "Limiting the speed of the access point"




Set a limit (e.g. 50 Mbps)

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you set it up properly, you can have problems.

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

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
2. Confirm the action (password is not required).
3. Restart the phone and reset the modem.

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Before resetting the network, save your Wi-Fi passwords – they will be deleted!

FAQ: Frequent questions about using Xiaomi as a modem