How to distribute Wi-Fi from Xiaomi phone: all methods and hidden settings MIUI

Internet distribution with Xiaomi or Redmi can be needed in a variety of situations: from the lack of a home router to the need to connect a laptop or tablet to a mobile network on a trip. Despite the apparent simplicity of the function, users often face problems - then the access point is not turned on, then the devices do not connect, then the speed drops to an unacceptable level. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to distribute Wi-Fi on Xiaomi smartphones, including hidden settings. MIUI, Solving Typical Errors and Optimizing Connection.

Feature of Xiaomi phones - shell MIUI, It's updated regularly and sometimes changes the menu layout. MIUI 15 Including) and tested the instructions on models from the budget Redmi Note 12 before the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra if your phone is released after 2023 year, but it works on MIUI 14/15, instructions will remain current. For older devices (up to the MIUI 12) We will make separate recommendations.

Important: Internet distribution consumes significantly more battery power than normal smartphone use. If you plan to work in hotspot mode for a long time, connect your phone to charge in advance or use Power Bank. Also, note that some mobile operators block Internet distribution at unlimited traffic rates, we will discuss this in a separate section.

1. Standard method: Distributing Wi-Fi through the settings menu

This is the simplest and most reliable method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the model. MIUI 12–15, but may differ slightly on older versions of the shell.

To enable the access point:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to Network and Internet (or Connections and Sharing on some models).
3. Select modem modem and access point (in) MIUI 14/15 This can be called the Access Point and the modem).

After activation, the system automatically assigns the network name (usually). Xiaomi_XXXX or Redmi_XXXX) You can change them by tapping on the Settings of the access point:

• 📡 Frequency Range: Choose 2.4GHz for better compatibility or 5GHz for higher speed (but shorter range).

Network name (SSID) does not contain spaces or special characters |

Password is stored in a secure location (e.g. in notes)|

The frequency range corresponds to the capabilities of the connected device|

The phone has enough battery charge (minimum 30%)-->

If, after turning on the access point, other devices do not see it in the network list, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📱 Make sure the plane is offline.
• 🔍 Check if the network is hidden (Hidden network option must be turned off).

2. Alternative ways to distribute the Internet on Xiaomi

In addition to standard Wi-Fi, Xiaomi smartphones support two more ways to distribute the Internet: USB-cable and Bluetooth, which are less popular, but they can be useful in specific situations.

Transfer of the Internet by USB (USB-modem)

This is a good way to connect a laptop or PC to the Internet that does not have a Wi-Fi module (or it is broken).

• ⚡ More stable connection than Wi-Fi.
• 🔋 Less battery consumption of the phone (as it is charging through the USB).
• 🛡️ No need to enter a password.

To turn on USB-modem:

1. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
2. In the phone settings, go to modem modem and access point.
3. Activate the switch. USB-modem.
4. On the computer, wait for the driver to install (usually it happens automatically).

💡

If Windows does not recognize USB-Modem, download the Mi driver PC Suite from the official Xiaomi website or update the driver manually through Device Manager

Distribution of Internet over Bluetooth

This method is convenient for connecting devices that do not support Wi-Fi (for example, some smartwatches or old printers), or when you need to save battery power.

• 🐢 Low connection speed (usually no more than 3 Mbit/s).
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge on both devices.
• 📶 Limited range (up to 10 meters).

To distribute the Internet over Bluetooth:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. Make sure you have the same confirmation code if required.
3. On Xiaomi phone, go to Modem Modem and Access Point.
4. Activate the Bluetooth modem switch.

Wi-Fi|

USB-cable|

Bluetooth|

I don't use the handout.-->

3. Hidden settings MIUI optimizing the access point

MIUI It offers a few hidden options that can improve the operation of the access point. These settings are not always obvious, but turning them on will help avoid typical problems.

3.1 Change of Wi-Fi channel

If you have many other Wi-Fi networks in your environment, they can interfere, and you can choose a less loaded channel.

1. Go to Settings. → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi hotspot → Setting up the access point.
2. Tap on the Wi-Fi channel (or frequency range in some versions).
3. Select the channel manually (recommended 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz).

Restriction of connected devices

By default. MIUI It allows you to connect up to 10 devices at a time, but it can slow down the speed:

1. Open the Settings. → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi hotspot.
2. Select Connected Devices.
3. Put the badge on. ⚙️ In the upper right corner and set a limit (e.g. 5 devices).

Power saving mode activation for the access point

If the phone is discharged quickly in modem modem, turn on the option Power saving access point:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance.
2. Select Power Saving Mode.
3. Activate the option Access Point Optimization (or Energy Saving when distributing Wi-Fi).

4. Solving typical Wi-Fi distribution problems

Even when set up correctly, the access point can be unstable, and let's look at some of the most common errors and how to fix them.

4.1 Devices do not connect to the access point

If a laptop, tablet or other smartphone doesn’t see the network or can’t connect, check:

• 🔍 Network Visibility: Make sure the Hidden Network option is disabled.
• 🔒 Password: Enter it again, there may have been an error when entering.
• 📱 Plane mode: it must be turned off.
• 🔄 Reboot: Reboot both devices (access point and client).

The access point is permanently disabled

If the Wi-Fi distribution is spontaneously turned off, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔋 Low battery charge: MIUI Automatically disables the access point at a charge level below 15%.
• 📵 Lack of mobile signal: if the phone loses communication with the network, the distribution may be interrupted.
• 🔄 Energy saving: disable the option to disable the access point when inactivity.

💡

If the access point is turned off after 5-10 minutes of inactivity, check the energy saving settings in Settings → Battery → Power saving mode and add the Settings app to exceptions.

Low speed of the Internet when distributed

If the speed through the access point is significantly lower than when connecting directly to a mobile network, try:

• 📶 Change frequency range: switch from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz (if devices support the device).
• 🔄 Reboot your phone: sometimes resetting your network settings helps.
• 📱 Disable background apps: They may consume traffic.
• 🛡️ Check the operator limit: some tariffs limit speed when handing out.

5. Operator restrictions: why distributions can be blocked

Many mobile operators in Russia and the CIS block Internet distribution at unlimited rates, which is done to prevent abuse (for example, when users connect a router to a phone and distribute the Internet to several devices).

How to check if your operator is blocking the distribution:

• 📱 Turn on the access point and try to connect.
• 🌐 Open any website on a connected device.
• 🚫 If the page is not loaded, but the Internet works on the phone - most likely, the distribution is blocked.

Ways to circumvent restrictions (at your own risk):

• 🔄 Shift. APN: sometimes helps the use of alternative access points (for example, Internet.beeline.ru instead of home.beeline.ru).
• 🛡️ VPN on the phone: some users report that the inclusion VPN On the phone (not on the client device!) allows you to bypass the lock.
• 📞 Call in support: sometimes operators go to meet and remove the restriction on request.

💡

If you use Internet distribution frequently, choose rates that explicitly state "Share is allowed" or "Shareless" -- for example, Tele2 has My Online rate, MTS has Smart rate.

⚠️ Attention: use VPN alteration APN To circumvent the operator's restrictions, it may violate the terms of your plan. SIM-Before using these methods, check the rules with your provider.

6. Optimizing Wi-Fi Distribution for Gaming and Streaming

If you are giving away the internet for online gaming (for example, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty or streaming (YouTube, Twitch), standard access point settings may not provide enough stability:

Prioritizing traffic

V MIUI There's a hidden traffic prioritization feature for games:

1. Activate Developer Mode (as described in the spoiler above).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Developer settings.
3. Find the Net Optimization for Games item and turn it on.
4. In the list of applications, select the game for which you need to improve the connection.

Use 5 GHz for less delays

The 5GHz range provides less ping, which is critical for online gaming.

• 📶 The range of 5 GHz is less than that of 2.4 GHz.
• 📱 Not all devices support 5GHz (check the specifications of your laptop or tablet).

Background activity shutdown

To free up the channel for play or streaming as much as possible:

• 🔄 Close all background apps on your phone.
• 📴 Turn off automatic application updates.
• 📥 Stop downloading in the Play Market or Mi App Store.

💡

For maximum stability, connect your phone to charging and disable all unnecessary connections (Bluetooth, NFC). This will reduce the load on the processor and improve the quality of the distribution.

7 Wi-Fi Distribution on Old Xiaomi Models (MIUI 11 and below)

If you have a Xiaomi phone older than 2019 (e.g. Redmi Note 7, Mi 9 or more) POCO F1), The interface of the settings may be different. Here's how to turn on the access point MIUI 11 and below:

1. Open the Settings.
2. Go to the Supplementary → Modem mode.
3. Select the Wi-Fi Access Point.
4. Set up your network name and password (optional).
5. Activate the switch.

On the old versions. MIUI There may be specific problems:

• 🔍 No 5GHz option: on most devices up to MIUI 12 available only 2.4 GHz.
• 🔋 Fast battery drain: older smartphones are less optimized for long-term Wi-Fi distribution.
• 📱 5 Connected Devices Limit: This is a tough restriction on the versions below MIUI 12.5.

⚠️ Attention: on devices with MIUI 10 and below after updating the firmware settings access points may be reset.We recommend to write down the network name and password in notes or take a screenshot of the screen settings settings.

8.Security in Wi-Fi Distribution: How to Protect Your Connection

Open access points are a potential security threat, and attackers can connect to your network and intercept data or exploit your traffic, and follow these guidelines to minimize the risks:

8.1 Use a complex password

Don't leave a standard password generated by the system.

• 🔢 Number (0-9).
• 🔤 Letters from different registers (A-Z, a-z).
• 🔑 Special symbols (!@#$% etc.).

8.2. disable the access point when it is not needed

Even if you are not connecting devices, the access point is enabled:

• 🔋 It's consuming battery power.
• 📡 Makes your phone more vulnerable to attacks.
• 📱 It can attract the attention of hackers in public places.

Set up the filtering to MAC-address

This feature allows you to connect to your network only to authorized devices, to enable it:

1. Go to Settings. → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi hotspot → Connected devices.
2. Put it on the filter. MAC-address.
3. Add in. MAC-Trusted device addresses (can be found in network settings on the client device).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the distribution of Wi-Fi on Xiaomi