How to turn Xiaomi Redmi into a USB-modem for computer: full instructions with nuances

When there is no router or wired Internet at hand, and the computer urgently needs access to the network, the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone can become a full-fledged smartphone. USB-This way of distributing the Internet via cable not only saves battery life compared to a Wi-Fi hotspot, but also provides a more stable connection without delay. The computer doesn’t see the modem, drivers aren’t installed, or the connection is permanently broken.

In this article, we will discuss all stages of adjustment. USB-Xiaomi Redmi modem (including Note models) 10/11/12, Redmi K50, Redmi A2 Let’s pay attention to common errors and offer solutions for Windows. 7/10/11 And Linux, and we're going to focus on the hidden settings. MIUI, which are often ignored in standard instructions, but without them the modem may not work properly.

Why? USB-Modem is better than Wi-Fi Hotspot?

Before proceeding to the setting, it is worth understanding in which cases USB-connection is preferable to wireless:

• 🔋 Battery savings: when distributed USB A smartphone consumes 30-40% less power than Wi-Fi, which is critical if you don’t have charging on hand.
• 📶 Signal stability: USB-cable eliminates interference from other devices (microwaves, neighbor routers) and provides minimal ping values – important for online games or video conferencing.
• 🛡️ Security: The cable connection cannot be intercepted, unlike Wi-Fi, where the password can be selected.
• 🚀 Speed: in theory USB 2.0 is limited to 480 Mbps, but in practice, the real speed depends on the operator. 4G USB-The modem delivers up to 150-200 Mbps, while the Wi-Fi hotspot rarely exceeds 100 Mbps.

There are downsides: cables limit mobility, and some older PCs may have driver problems, but for most tasks, work, study or streaming — USB-The modem remains the optimal solution.

Preparation of the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone to modem modem

Before connecting to your computer, you need to activate hidden functions in the MIUI settings. Without this, Windows or Linux may simply not see the smartphone as a modem.

Follow the step-by-step instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose. SIM-The card that will be distributed on the Internet (if there are two of them).
3. Go to Access Point and modem.
4. Activate the slider USB-modem (it can be hidden - see next paragraph).

If the paragraph USB-The modem is not on the menu, follow additional steps:

Enable Developer Mode (7 times press "Version" MIUI" on the telephone")|

Go to "Settings → Additional → For Developers" and turn on "Debugging by USB" |

Connect your phone to your PC and select File Transfer (MTP) mode, then reopen the modem settings |

If the item does not appear, update MIUI last-minute-->

An important feature for owners of Redmi Note 10/11 New models: some of the new features "USB-The modem is blocked by the operator (for example, the Telescope).2 In this case, resetting the network settings (Settings) will help. → SIM-map → Resetting mobile network settings) or installing custom firmware.

Setting up a computer to work with USB-modem

Even if the smartphone is configured correctly, the computer may not recognize it as a modem, most often due to the lack of drivers or the wrong network settings, consider solutions for Windows and Linux.

For Windows 10/11

Microsoft operating systems usually automatically install drivers for Xiaomi, but sometimes manual configuration is required:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC through the original USB-cable (cheap cables may not support data transmission!).
2. In the tray (lower right corner of the screen), a notification will appear "Install device driver." Wait for completion.
3. If the driver is not installed: Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager). Find Other Devices → Xiaomi Composite MDB Interface (may appear as an unknown device). Right-click → Update driver → Search for drivers on this computer. Select Install from the list of available drivers and specify Network Adapters → Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing Device.

⚠️ Note: If the modem is unstable after you connect (the connection breaks every 5-10 minutes), turn off the "Allow this device to be disabled to save energy" function in Windows. → Manage the power supply of your modem and uncheck the tick.

For Linux (Ubuntu, Mint, Debian)

In most Linux distributions, Xiaomi drivers are already built into the kernel, but additional steps may be needed:

sudo apt update


sudo apt install usb-modeswitch usb-modeswitch-data

After installing the packages, reconnect the smartphone. If the modem is undecided, check the output command:

lsusb | grep Xiaomi

If the device is displayed but no network, try manually running the modem:

sudo ifconfig usb0 up


sudo dhclient usb0

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even with the right setup, Xiaomi Redmi users are faced with typical bugs. We have compiled the most common ones and ways to fix them.

If none of the solutions worked, try resetting the network settings on your smartphone (Settings). → SIM-map → Reset mobile network settings) or update firmware MIUI last-minute.

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If you use USB-Hub or extension cord, try connecting your phone directly to USB-Cheap hubs often don't provide enough current to keep the modem running smoothly.

How to speed up the Internet through USB-modem?

Connection speeds are not just operator-specific, but also phone and computer settings, and here are a few ways to increase speed:

• 📡 Network Selection: Manually set your preferred network type to 4G (LTE) In Settings → SIM-map → Preferred type of network. Automated mode is often switched to 3G, slowing down.
• 🔄 Shift. DNS: default DNS Change them to Google (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
• 🛠️ Turn off background processes: Close all applications on your phone except those you need, especially messengers and cloud services that consume traffic.
• 🔌 Use of the USB 3.0: If your PC and cable support USB 3.0 (blue connector), connect through it – this will increase bandwidth.

For advanced users, if you're good at networking, you can optimize MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) -- the default value is often overestimated, leading to packet fragmentation.

ping -f -l 1472 ya.ru

If packets are fragmented, reduce the number 1472 until the fragmentation disappears. Then set this value in the network adapter settings on your PC.

Safety in use USB-modem

Distributing internet via USB seems secure, but there are a few hidden risks that few people know about:

• 🔓 Vulnerabilities MIUI: In some versions of the firmware, gaps were found that allowed USB-- connection to access your phone files. MIUI last-minute.
• 👁️ Operator tracking: Some operators (e.g. Yota or Tinkoff Mobile) block the distribution of the Internet or limit speed. VPN on the phone to get around the restrictions.
• 💻 Malware on PC: if the computer is infected with viruses, they can USB You can also get into your smartphone.

⚠️ Warning: Never connect Xiaomi Redmi to public computers (in Internet cafes, libraries) in modem modem mode.Attackers can intercept your traffic or install spyware through ADB (if debugging is on).

For maximum protection:

1. Turn off USB Debugging after setting up the modem (if it was enabled).
2. Use a locked screen on your phone while you are sharing the internet.
3. Install a firewall on your PC (such as Windows Defender or Kaspersky Internet Security).

Alternative ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi Redmi

If USB-The modem is not suitable for some reason, consider other options:

• 📶 Wi-Fi Hotspot: Classic, but battery-consuming. → Access Point and modem → Wi-Fi hotspot.
• 🔵 Bluetooth modem: slower USB, It's more economical than Wi-Fi, it's more efficient for small data transfers. → Bluetooth → Modem mode.
• 🔌 Reverse tethering: If you have Internet on a PC, you can distribute it to your phone. ADB).

Comparison of methods by key parameters:

For most tasks USB-The modem remains the best choice, but in some scenarios (for example, if you need to connect a tablet without a tablet). USB-port) alternatives will be appropriate.

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If you often use your smartphone as a modem, get a quality one. USB-cable with a span and a length of no more than 1 meter. Long or damaged cables reduce the speed and stability of the connection.

FAQ: Frequent questions on USB-modem on Xiaomi Redmi