How to make the distribution of the Internet on Xiaomi: all ways and solutions to problems

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones are not just call and messenger devices, but also full-fledged mobile routers. The ability to distribute Internet from your phone will come in handy when you travel, at the country house or when the main Wi-Fi suddenly turned off, but not everyone knows how to set up this feature correctly, especially if we are talking about the new models of the Redmi Note 13 or POCO F6 with the updated HyperOS interface.

In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of distributing the Internet - from the classic Wi-Fi hotspot to the rarely used one. USB-Modem and Bluetooth connections: We will focus on common errors (for example, when devices can not see the network or connect without access to the Internet) and how to fix them. MIUI 12 and later, we give a comparative table with the features of the setting.

1. Preparation of the telephone for the distribution of the Internet

Before you turn on the hotspot, make sure your Xiaomi is ready for the role.

  • πŸ“Ά Mobile Internet: the phone must be active data transfer (icon) 4G/5G or LTE Check the balance - some operators block the distribution when the score is negative.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery charge: Internet distribution consumes energy 2-3 times faster than usual. If the charge is below 30%, connect the phone to charge.
  • πŸ”’ Password by default: in the new firmware Xiaomi can stand standard password type Xiaomi_1234. It is better to change it to avoid unauthorized connection.

You also need to consider operator restrictions, for example, MTS and Beeline limit the speed of distribution to 64 Kbps at some tariffs, and Tele2 can completely block the function. USSD-request:

*100#

Or call in support of the operator with a request to clarify the tariff conditions for modem mode.

πŸ“Š What Internet Distribution Method Do You Use More Often?
Wi-Fi hotspot
USB-modem
Bluetooth
Never used it.

2. Internet distribution via Wi-Fi (hotspot mode)

It is the most popular and versatile method, and works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi. 10C, POCO X5 Pro and flagship Mi 14. Instructions are relevant for firmware MIUI 14 and HyperOS.

To enable the access point:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Network and Internet β†’ Modem mode and access point.
  2. Slip on the Wi-Fi hotspot.
  3. Activate the slider at the top of the screen.
  4. Set up network settings: πŸ” Name of the network (SSID): Think of a unique name (for example, Redmi_Hotspot_Name). πŸ”‘ Password: minimum 8 Symbols, preferably with numbers and letters. πŸ“‘ Range: Choose 2.4 GHz for better compatibility or 5 GHz for higher speed (if the device supports the).

After activation, other devices will see your network in the list of available Wi-Fi. Connect to it by entering the password set.

β˜‘οΈ Check before connecting to the hotspot

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Note: If the Internet does not work after connecting to the hotspot, check the settings APN. On Xiaomi Way: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Settings of access points (APN). Make sure the Tip field is in. APN Default,supl,dun (dun is responsible for distribution).

3. Internet distribution via USB (USB-modem)

This is a way to connect laptops or PCs when the Wi-Fi adapter is missing or broken. USB-modem:

  • ⚑ Stability: No interference, as in wireless networks.
  • πŸ”Œ Charging: The phone is charged at the same time from USB.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Security: No risk of interception of traffic.

Instructions for Xiaomi:

  1. Connect your phone to your computer through the original USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).
  2. In the phone settings, select Modem Modem and Access Point β†’ USB-modem.
  3. On PC, wait for the driver installation (usually they are installed automatically).
  4. Check Connection: A new connection should appear in Windows Network Connections.

If the computer can't see USB-modem:

  • πŸ”„ Reconnect the cable by selecting the file transfer mode on the phone (MTP), then again USB-modem.
  • πŸ–₯️ Update drivers through Device Manager (Network adapters section).
  • πŸ“± On the phone, turn on the debugging. USB In Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times according to version, then return to Additional settings β†’ For developers).
What to do if Windows writes "Unidentified Device"?
This error occurs due to the lack of drivers for Xiaomi. download the official Mi PC Suite or drivers manually from the website of the chipset manufacturer (Qualcomm or MediaTek).

4. Internet distribution via Bluetooth

Less well-known, but useful way – especially if you need to connect a tablet or other phone without Wi-Fi. the speed will be lower (up to 3 Mbps), but battery consumption is minimal.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
  2. On the handset (Xiaomi) go to Settings β†’ Modem Modem and Access Point β†’ Bluetooth modem.
  3. Connect the second device via Bluetooth (enter the pairing code if required).
  4. On the connected device in Bluetooth settings, select your Xiaomi and activate the Internet Access option.

Features of the method:

  • πŸ“± It works even if your phone is turned off Wi-Fi.
  • πŸ”‹ Minimum battery consumption (compared to Wi-Fi).
  • 🐒 Speed is limited by the Bluetooth version (in Bluetooth 5.0 to 2 Mbit / s, in 5.2 - up to 3 Mbit / s).

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO X3 Pro) The Bluetooth modem function can be hidden. To activate it, type the phone code in the Phone app: ##4636## then select Phone Information. β†’ Wi-Fi information β†’ Bluetooth modem.

5. Comparison of ways to distribute the Internet on Xiaomi

To choose the best method, read the comparative table:

MethodSpeed.Battery consumptionCompatibilityWhen to use
Wi-Fi hotspotUp to 150 Mbps (5 GHz)High-pitchedAny Wi-Fi devicesFor multiple devices
USB-modemUp to 300 MbpsLow (charging)PCs, laptopsFor stable connection
Bluetooth modemUp to 3 MbpsMinimumPhones, tabletsTo save battery life

On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) speed USB-The modem can reach 500 Mbps when using a cable USB 3.2.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even if you set up the Internet, the distribution may not work, so let's look at some of the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

6.1 Devices do not see the access point

Causes and solutions:

  • πŸ“΅ Plane mode: check that it is turned off in the notification curtain.
  • πŸ”„ Reboot: Sometimes restarting your phone and connected device helps.
  • πŸ“‘ Wi-Fi Range: If the device doesn't support 5GHz, switch to 2.4GHz hotspot.
  • πŸ”’ Operator restrictions: some tariffs block distribution (for example, Home Internet from MegaFon).

6.2 Connection is available, but the internet is not working

Checklist for diagnosis:

  1. Check that the phone is enabled mobile data transfer.
  2. Make sure that the connected device does not use a VPN or proxy.
  3. On Xiaomi, go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Transfer data and select the correct one SIM-card (if there are several).
  4. Update the phone’s firmware: Older versions of MIUI had handout bugs.

πŸ’‘

If the Internet works only on the phone, but does not give away, try changing the type of APN from default to default, dun in the mobile network settings.

Rapid battery discharge

Internet distribution is a resource-intensive process, to reduce the cost of:

  • πŸ”‹ Connect the phone to charge (it is better to use the power supply on the 18W+).
  • ❄️ Reduce screen brightness and turn off background apps.
  • πŸ“΄ Switch from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz – this will reduce the load on the processor.
  • ⏱️ Turn on Automatic Hotspot Shutdown in Settings (after 5-10 minutes without activity).

7. Features of settings on different Xiaomi models

The interface and location of the settings may vary depending on the model and firmware version.

Smartphones on MIUI 12–14

On devices like the Redmi Note 11 or Mi 11 Lite, the path to hotspot settings is:

Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ Wi-Fi Access Point

It's here, and USB-Note: Please note: MIUI 13 there is a function Personal access point, which allows you to restrict access to the hotspot on the MAC-address.

7.2 New models on HyperOS

In the firmware HyperOS (for example, on Xiaomi 14 or POCO F6) menu reworked:

Settings β†’ Network and Internet β†’ Access Point and modem

Here are added:

  • πŸ“Š Traffic statistics for connected devices.
  • ⏳ Auto-disconnection timer with flexible settings.
  • πŸ”— Wi-Fi Repeater Mode (to distribute Internet from another router).

Old models (MIUI 11 and below)

On the Redmi 8 or Mi A3, the path to settings is:

Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Modem Modem

These versions do not support Wi-Fi 6 and 5 GHz for hotspot, and there is no function of restriction on the use of the Internet. MAC-address.

πŸ’‘

On models with a MediaTek chipset (e.g. Redmi 10A), USB distribution may not work without installing additional drivers on a PC.

8. Alternative ways of distributing the Internet

If standard methods don’t work, consider these options:

Annexes for distribution

Some apps from Google Play offer advanced hotspot settings:

  • πŸ“² PdaNet+ β€” bypassing operator restrictions on distribution.
  • 🌐 NetShare – allows you to distribute the Internet without root rights.
  • πŸ”— ClockworkMod Tether – for power users (requires an unlocked bootloader).

⚠️ Note: Applications to circumvent operator restrictions may violate the user agreement. Some operators (e.g. Yota) block accounts for using such tools.

Wi-Fi repeater mode

If you have access to another Wi-Fi network (such as a cafe) but need to distribute it to multiple devices, use the repeater function:

  1. Connect to the original Wi-Fi network.
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Access Point and modem β†’ Repeater mode.
  3. Enable the function and configure the settings of the new network (name and password).

This method works on the firmware HyperOS and MIUI 14.

8.3. Distribution through OTG-cable

Connecting to devices without USB-Ports (for example, some tablets) can be used OTG-adapter:

  • Connect. OTG-phone-line.
  • Connect the second end with USB-device (e.g. Raspberry Pi).
  • Turn it on. USB-modem in the settings of Xiaomi.

This method requires USB OTG support on your phone (check Settings β†’ Additional β†’ USB OTG).

FAQ: Frequent questions about giving the Internet to Xiaomi

πŸ” Why does the hotspot shut down on its own?
This can be related to: battery savings (turn off Adaptive battery in settings); phone overheating (let it cool); operator restrictions (some tariffs block long-term distribution); Solution: turn on the Always on option in the hotspot settings or connect the phone to charge.
πŸ“΅ Can I give the internet to two people? SIM-mapping?
Xiaomi does not support simultaneous distribution with two SIM. You can select only one card to transfer data to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Data transfer. Exception: some models with Dual 4G (For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+) allow the second to be used SIM for calls during distribution, but not for duplication of the Internet.
πŸ”’ How to put a password more difficult on a hotspot?
Use a combination of: upper and lowercase letters (AaBb (123). Symbols (!@#) Example of a strong password: Xia0mi_H0tsp0t!. Avoid simple sequences like this. 12345678 or qwerty.
πŸ“‘ Can the radius of the hotspot be increased?
The radius depends on the power of the phone's transmitter (typically up to 10 meters). To improve coverage: Put the phone in an open space (not in your pocket or bag). Use an external antenna (requires root rights and a special adapter). Switch to the 2.4 GHz band - it has a longer range than 5 GHz. On some models (e.g., Xiaomi 13T), you can increase the transmission power through the engineering menu (#4636# β†’ Wi-Fi information), but this will reduce battery life.
πŸ’» Why does the laptop not see? USB-Xiaomi modem?
The problem might be in: πŸ”Œ Cable: Use the original cable with data support. πŸ–₯️ Drivers: Download Mi PC Suite. πŸ“± Connection mode: on the phone select USB-Modem, not Charge or File Transfer. On Windows 11, it sometimes helps to manually install the driver through Device Manager (select Update Driver). β†’ Perform a search on this computer β†’ Select from the list and specify Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing Device).