How to use Xiaomi smartphone as a modem: 3 ways to distribute the Internet

Turning Xiaomi into a full-fledged modem is easier than it seems. Just activate one of the built-in functions and your phone will become a source of Internet for a laptop, tablet or even a desktop PC: USB-The modem gives maximum stability, the Wi-Fi hotspot is convenient for several devices, and Bluetooth saves battery power. The choice depends on the task: whether you need speed for online games, autonomy for long-term operation or the ability to connect 3 gadgets at once.

In this article, we'll give you step-by-step instructions for all methods, including hidden MIUI settings that speed up the connection, and we'll also look at why the modem can shut down on its own, how to get around operator restrictions, and what to do if the device isn't visible on the list of available networks, and at the end, we'll look at a chart of how to compare methods on speed, battery consumption, and compatibility with different versions of MIUI.

We warn you right away: if your tariff does not include unlimited traffic, monitor data consumption. Some operators block the distribution of the Internet or reduce speed after exceeding the limit. Check the tariff conditions in the My MTS / MegaFon / Tele2 application or on the provider's website.

1. Preparation of the smartphone: what to check before setting up the modem

Before you activate your modem, make sure your Xiaomi is ready to share the internet. Here are the critical points that are often missed:

✅ Update MIUI. Outdated firmware versions may not support modern data protocols. Check the software's relevance in Settings → The phone. → Update the system. If you have a new version, install it. This is especially important for Redmi Note models. 10/11/12 and POCO X3/X4, where in the latest updates corrected bugs with USB-modem.

✅ SIM card and fare: Not all operators allow Internet distribution. For example, Yota and Tinkoff Mobile can block traffic when a hotspot is detected, check the conditions in your personal account or call support (numbers: *111# for MTS, *555# for Beeline). If the tariff does not support the distribution, consider the option "Modem" (cost) ~150–300 ₽/moss).

✅ Battery charge. When you give it over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, it runs out of power. 2–3 Connect the charger if you plan to use it for a long time. for Xiaomi with fast charging support (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) We recommend using the original adapter on the 67W/120W.

🔧 Additional settings:

• 📶 Turn it off. VPN. Some applications (e.g., 1.1.1.1 or ProtonVPN) conflict with the Internet distribution. → VPN.
• 🔄 Reset your network settings if you have previously had connection problems: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
• 🔒 Set up the hotspot password in advance. MIUI It generates a complex key, but it can be changed to a more memorable one (minimum length is 8 characters).

2. Method 1: USB-Modem - maximum speed and stability

USB-The modem is the best choice if you want high speed and minimal battery consumption, suitable for gamers, streamers or working with cloud services, the main advantage is that there is no packet loss that occurs during wireless transmission. Speed is limited only by the capabilities of your SIM card (up to 1 Gbps per day). 5G-Modems like Xiaomi 13 Ultra).

📌 Requirements:

• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original or certified) Cheap cables may not support data transmission.
• 🖥️ Windows computer 10/11, macOS or Linux (kernel) 5.4+).
• 📱 Initiated Debugging Mode USB (optional, but recommended for stability).

🛠 Step-by-step instruction:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC with a cable. From the phone's notification menu, select File Transfer (MTP) mode.
2. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access Point and modem.
3. Activate the switch. USB-The modem will show a notification of the connection on the screen.
4. On your PC, check the network: on Windows, open Control Panel → Networks and the Internet → Network Connections. A new connection called Xiaomi should appear.

Original cable connected|File Transfer Mode Enabled"|Activated. USB-modem|On the PC there is a new network connection|Speedtest.net is the same as the rate

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⚠️ Warning: If the PC doesn't have Internet, check the drivers. For Windows, download Mi PC Suite from the official Xiaomi website or install the driver manually through Device Manager → Other devices → Xiaomi Composite MDB Interface.

📊 Speed comparison (test on Xiaomi) 12T Pro with a MegaFon SIM card, tariff "Everything is possible"):

Method 2: Wi-Fi Hotspot - for multiple devices

If you want to connect your laptop, tablet and smartwatch to the Internet at the same time, use a Wi-Fi hotspot. This method is universal, but has two drawbacks: it quickly puts the battery down (30-50% per hour) and can slow down when connecting 3+ devices, but does not require cables and even works with Smart TVs or game consoles.

🔧 Hotspot setting:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access Point and modem.
2. Select the Wi-Fi Access Point.
3. Set up the parameters: 🔐 Name of the network (SSID): any of them, Xiaomi_Hotspot_5G). 🔑 Password: minimum 8 Symbols (we recommend using a password generator). 📡 Range: 5 GHz (faster but smaller radius) or 2.4 GHz (more but slower). ⏱️ Auto-Disable: Install Never if you need a constant handout.

Wi-Fi hotspot

📱 How to connect devices:

• 💻 Nana Windows/macOS: Find the network in the Wi-Fi list, enter the password.
• 📺 Smart. TV (for example, Xiaomi TV A2): Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → Pick a point.
• 🎮 Nana PlayStation/Xbox: Settings → Network → Set up a connection → Wi-Fi.

💡

If the hotspot is not visible on other devices, try changing the Wi-Fi channel manually. To do this, select Additional → Channel in the access point settings and set a value from 36 to 48 (for 5 GHz).

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⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) limit the hotspot to 10 Mbps when you connect more than 2 devices. This is a hardware limitation that you can't fix software. USB-modem for the main device (for example, laptop) and distribute the Internet from it to other gadgets.

Method 3: Bluetooth modem - battery saving

Bluetooth modem – a compromise between USB It saves power (battery consumption is 20-30% lower than Wi-Fi) and works steadily at a distance of up to 10 meters. However, the speed is limited to 50 Mbps, and ping higher - up to 100 ms. SD-quality.

🔗 How to set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and the device you’re connecting to (like a laptop).
2. Connect devices: On Xiaomi, open Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth and select the target device.
3. After pairing, return to the settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access Point and modem.
4. Activate the Bluetooth modem switch.
5. On the PC in the notification panel, select a Bluetooth connection.

⚡ Advantages of the method:

• 🔋 Minimum battery consumption – ideal for travel.
• 🔒 Security: Connection is encrypted, unlike open Wi-Fi networks.
• 🎧 Parallel use: you can listen to music through Bluetooth headphones and distribute the Internet at the same time.

❌ Limitations:

• 🐢 Low speed – not suitable for online gaming or 4K-streaming.
• 📱 Not all devices support Bluetooth modems (for example, some MacBook models require additional drivers).

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Bluetooth modem is the best choice for saving power, but only if you don't need high speed, optimal for working with documents, messengers or music.

5. Problem Solving: The modem is not working or is shutting down

If the internet is not handed out or the connection is cut, check for these common reasons:

🔍 Problem. 1: The device is not visible in the network list (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth)

• 📴 Reboot your smartphone and target device.
• 🔄 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
• 📡 Check if the In-plane or Energy Saving mode is on.

🔍 Problem 2: USB-The modem is not defined on PC

• 🔌 Try another cable (preferably original).
• 🖥️ Update drivers via Mi PC Suite or manually (download from the official website).
• 🔧 Turn on Debugging. USB: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to activate Developer Mode, then Settings → Additionally. → For developers → Debugging by USB.

🔍 Problem 3: Low speed or breakage of the connection

• 📶 Check the signal strength of the mobile network. If it is weak (1-2 divisions), move closer to the window or use a repeater.
• 🔄 Switch from 4G on 3G or vice versa: → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred type of network.
• 🛡️ Turn it off. VPN Antivirus on the target device – they can restrict traffic.

6 Hidden MIUI features to speed up modem

MIUI hides a few useful options that improve stability and speed of the Internet, which are not on the main menu, but they are available through the codes of the engineering menu or ADB.

🔧 How to enable hidden settings:

1. Open the phone app and enter the code: ##4636##
2. Go to the phone information section.
3. Scroll down and find the preferred network type.
4. Choose LTE only (if you have a 4G SIM card) or NR/LTE (for 5G).

🚀 Additional tweaks:

• 📶 Increase Network Priority: In the Engineering Menu (#4636##) select Battery Settings → Disable the adaptive battery, and this will prevent the modem from automatically shutting down.
• 🔄 Disabling traffic restriction: C Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data → Restrict traffic without restrictions.
• 🛡️ Change of change MTU (to reduce ping: through ADB Execute: Adb shell ifconfig rndis0 MTU 1420 (1420 is optimal for most operators).

Important: on Xiaomi models with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Xiaomi 13 Pro). POCO F5 Pro) after modification MTU speed USB-Modem increases by 15-20%.

7. Alternative ways of distributing the Internet

If the standard methods don’t work, try these non-obvious solutions:

🔄 1. Wi-Fi Repeater Mode (only for Android 12-based firmware)+)

• Connect your smartphone to any Wi-Fi network (for example, in a cafe).
• Activate a hotspot with another name (Settings → Access Point and Modem → Wi-Fi Access Point).
• Now, your Xiaomi will relay someone else’s Wi-Fi, saving mobile traffic.

📡 2. applications for distribution of the Internet without root

• 📱 NetShare – bypasses the locking of operators through VPN.

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⚠️ Note: Applications like NetShare may conflict with some banking applications (like SberBank Online or Tinkoff) If payment services stop working after installation, uninstall the program or add it to the antivirus exceptions.

FAQ: Frequent questions about modem modem on Xiaomi