How to use Xiaomi smartphone as a modem: the complete guide

Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi line and POCO) They can replace the full-fledged 4G/5G-A modem that distributes mobile Internet to a laptop, tablet or PC, which is useful when traveling, in the country or when the main Internet suddenly went off. However, not everyone knows that the modem modem on Xiaomi has hidden settings, operator restrictions and nuances with the Internet. USB-Connection that affects connection speed and stability.

In this article - detailed instructions for activating all types of distribution (Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth, speed comparison, solution of typical problems (for example, when the modem turns off after 5 minutes) and unique data on the restrictions of the operators “Beeline”, MTS and MegaFon for Xiaomi devices in 2026. We will also discuss how to bypass the distribution block on tariffs without this option – by legal means.

Three ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi: comparison and choosing the best

Xiaomi smartphones support three use cases as a modem:

• 📶 Wi-Fi access point – the most versatile method, works with any device (up to 10 connections at a time).
• 🔌 USB-Modem is more stable than Wi-Fi, but requires cable and drivers (on Windows, you may not automatically determine the modem).
• 🔵 Bluetooth modem - saves battery, but the speed is limited by the Bluetooth version (up to 2-5 Mbit / s on Bluetooth 4.2).

The choice of method depends on the task:

• 🎮 For online games or video calls better USB — Minimum delays (ping up to 20 ms vs 50–100 ms for Wi-Fi).
• 💻 Wi-Fi is good for a laptop all day – you do not need to keep your phone close to you.
• 🔋 If autonomy is important (for example, when traveling), use Bluetooth – the phone will run out 10-15% slower.

The speed of the transfer depends not only on the way you connect, but also on the Xiaomi model and operator support.+ 5G frequency-wise n78 (3.5 GHz) can distribute up to 300 Mbps over Wi-Fi 6, and POCO M5 on 4G — maximum 75 Mbps.

Step-by-step setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi

You can activate the modem over Wi-Fi on Xiaomi in 30 seconds:

1. Open Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → Access Point.
2. Switch to the Access Point and ask: 🔐 Name of the network (SSID) — Latin, without spaces (e.g, Xiaomi_Hotspot). 🔑 Password minimum 8 Symbols (we recommend using them) WPA2-PSK). 📡 Range — 2.4 GHz (preferably coverage) or 5 GHz (higher speed but smaller radius).

Access point

If the access point is not turned on, check:

• ✅ Nana SIM-The card activated the option "Data Transfer" (in the settings) SIM).
• ✅ No operator restrictions (see table below).
• ✅ Phone is not in power saving mode (turn off Settings) → Battery. → Energy saving regime).

It is important for owners of Xiaomi MIUI 14+: In newer versions of the firmware, the option Auto Shutdown (in the AP settings) is added. If it is turned on, the modem will turn off after 5-10 minutes without active connections.

USB-Modem: how to connect Xiaomi to a PC or laptop

Internet distribution USB More stable than Wi-Fi, but requires pre-configuration:

1. Connect your phone to your computer with the original cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).
2. On the phone in the notification, select Data Transfer mode (USB).
3. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access point → USB-modem and switch on.

Windows. 10/11 It may be necessary to install drivers:

• 🖥️ If an unknown device with an exclamation mark appeared in the Device Manager, download the driver MIUI USB Driver.
• 🔄 After installation, restart your PC and reconnect your phone.

Challenges and solutions:

• 🚫 "No Internet access on PC: check that the phone is enabled Data Transfer to SIM-map.
• 🐢 Slow speed: Try another one USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0) or unplug VPN phone-on.
• 🔌 Connection is interrupted: disable Debugging by USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times tap to activate the developer mode).

sudo networksetup -setdhcp "USB 10/100/1000 LAN"

This will reset the network settings for USB-connection.-->

Bluetooth modem: battery saving at the expense of speed

Bluetooth Internet distribution is suitable for devices without Wi-Fi (for example, old tablets) or when you need to save your phone charge. The speed will be low - up to 2-5 Mbps (depending on the Bluetooth version), but this is enough for instant messengers or mail.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and target device.
2. Connect devices (on the phone: Settings) → Bluetooth, select the device and confirm the code).
3. Back to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access point → Bluetooth modem and activate the function.

On Windows to connect:

1. Open the settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
2. Find your Xiaomi in the list, click Connect through → Access Point.

Limitations:

• 📉 Speed is lower than that. Wi-Fi/USB, due to protocol PAN (Personal Area Network).
• 🔋 The phone discharges more slowly, but the target device (like a laptop) may use up more battery on Bluetooth.
• 📱 Only one device can be connected at the same time.

Operator Limitations: Why a Modem May Not Work

Even if the phone supports handouts, the mobile operator can block this feature at some tariffs, as follows: up-to-date data for Xiaomi in 2026:

🔍 How to check if the operator is blocking the distribution:

1. Turn on the hotspot on your phone.
2. Connect from another device and try to open a website (for example, ya.ru).
3. If the page is not loaded, but the phone has Internet - the blocking is confirmed.

Solving typical modem problems on Xiaomi

If the distribution of the Internet is unstable, use this instruction:

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi phones with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 10C, POCO M4 Pro) may not be available USB-modem due to chipset limitations, in which case use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Problem 1: The access point is turned on, but the devices are not connected.

• 🔄 Restart the phone and target device.
• 🔐 Make sure your password is entered correctly (registration is important!).
• 📡 Change your Wi-Fi range from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz (or vice versa).

Problem 2: USB-The modem is defined, but the Internet is not working.

• 📵 Check the balance and activity of the Internet package on SIM-map.
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
• 🖥️ On Windows, open Network Connections and check that the connection is “Internet” status".

Problem 3: The modem shuts down after 5-10 minutes.

• ⚡ Turn off the Adaptive Battery in Settings → Battery. → Energy saving regime.
• 🔄 In the access point settings, turn off Automatic Shutdown.
• 📱 Add the app Settings in the exception of battery optimization.

💡

If the Internet is slow, check the speed of the mobile Internet on the phone (for example, through Speedtest), if it is low, the problem is with the operator, not with the modem settings.

Hidden Modem Modem Features on Xiaomi

In the firmware MIUI There are non-obvious options that improve the modem:

1.Amendment MTU for USB-modem

If the speed is USB Low, try to change. MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit):

1. Put the phone on. USB and activate the modem.
2. On PC, open the Command Prompt (Win) + R → cmd).
3. Enter the netsh interface ipv4 set subinterface "Ethernet 2" mtu=1472 store=Replace "Ethernet 2" with your connection name).

Priority of the distribution network

On two phones. SIM-Cards (Redmi Note 11 Pro)+, Xiaomi 13 can be selected as the SIM will be used for the modem:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access point.
2. Tap it on. SIM to transfer data and select the desired map.

3. Resetting network settings

If the modem is glitching after the update MIUI, reset the network settings:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth settings.
3. ⚠️ Warning: This will remove all saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions