How to set up an access point on a Xiaomi smartphone: a complete guide with error solutions

Modern Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi and POCO lines) are able to distribute Internet over Wi-Fi, turning into a full-fledged router. This feature is useful when there is no fixed network at hand, and you need to connect a laptop, tablet or other gadget urgently. However, many users face problems: the access point is not turned on, devices are not connected, or traffic is “eat” in the background.

In this article, we will look at all the stages of configuration, from basic networking to subtle parameters such as speed limits, changing Wi-Fi channels and solving common errors. We will focus on hidden MIUI settings that the manufacturer does not advertise, but can significantly improve connection stability, and you will learn how to circumvent the operator’s restriction on Internet distribution (if any), and which applications will help control connected devices.

Preparation of the smartphone: checking compatibility and requirements

Before you set up an access point, make sure your Xiaomi supports this feature. Virtually all models after 2018 (starting with the Redmi Note 7 and Mi 9) are able to distribute Wi-Fi out of the box.

• 📱 Old models (up to) MIUI 10): may require manual modem activation in the developer settings.
• 🌍 Regional firmware: on Chinese versions MIUI (For example, for Redmi K50) The access point is sometimes blocked by the operator.
• 📶 Support 5G: Flagships only (Xiaomi 13, POCO F5) It can be used to distribute the fifth generation network.

Also check:

• 🔋 Battery Charge: At a level below 20%, the system can automatically disable the access point.
• 📡 Cellular network signal: if you have 1-2 division, the speed of distribution will be extremely low.
• 📱 Version MIUI: Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

⚠️ Attention: At some tariffs of mobile operators (for example, Beeline or Tele2), the distribution of the Internet is blocked at the level of the Internet. SIM-In this case, you'll need a map. VPN or a special application (we will talk about them below).

Basic setting of the access point: step-by-step instructions

The easiest way to turn on the Wi-Fi distribution:

1. Open Settings → Access Point and modem (or Settings → Connections → Access Point on new versions of MIUI).
2. Slip on the mobile access point.
3. Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point slider.
4. When you first turn on, the system will prompt you to specify the network name (SSID) and password.

• 🔐 Password: at least 8 characters, with numbers and letters (e.g, Xiaomi123!).
• 📛 Network name: avoid Cyrillic and gaps (better) Xiaomi_Hotspot, than "My WiFi»).

Once you save the settings, the access point will be active. Connect another gadget to it by selecting the network in the list of available Wi-Fi.

Smartphone connected to mobile Internet (3G/4G/5G)

Access point is enabled (indicator in notification panel)

Password entered correctly (registration matters!)

On the connected device, it's off. VPN (may block access)-->

If the devices are not connected, try:

• 🔄 Rebooting your smartphone – sometimes helps to reset your network settings.
• 📱 Change Wi-Fi range: Select 2.4 GHz instead of 5 GHz (or vice versa) in the access point settings).
• 🔒 Disable Firewall: Some antiviruses (such as Avast) block the distribution.

Advanced settings: speed and safety optimization

By default, Xiaomi uses standard access point settings, which are not always optimal. To improve speed and stability, go to Settings → Access Point and modem → Setting up the access point and note the following points:

For maximum speed:

• 📶 Turn off traffic savings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Saving traffic.
• 🔋 Connect your smartphone to charging – with a low battery level, the system can limit the speed of distribution.
• 📱 Close background apps, especially instant messengers and streaming services.

💡

If the speed of the transfer suddenly drops, try changing the Wi-Fi channel manually. In urban areas, channels 1, 6 and 11 are usually the least loaded.

Traffic Limitation and Control of Connected Devices

By default, any device that knows the password can connect to your access point to avoid unauthorized access and control traffic:

1. Set a data limit: Settings → Access Point and modem → Data limit Here you can set a monthly limit (for example, 10 GB) or daily limit (500 MB). If you exceed the distribution will automatically turn off.
2. See the list of connected devices: Settings → Access Point and modem → Connected devices can be seen here. MAC-Addresses, gadget names, and traffic volumes you consume, and you can tap off unfamiliar devices on the basket icon.

For more flexible management, use third-party applications:

• 📊 NetGuard – blocks Internet access for individual applications on connected devices.
• 🔒 WiFi Hotspot Manager – allows you to configure whitelisting» MAC-address.
• 📈 GlassWire – monitors real-time traffic and shows which devices are consuming it.

⚠️ Note: If you share the Internet from Xiaomi to a Windows laptop, the system can automatically update in the background, eating gigabytes of traffic. → Update and security → Additional parameters.

Addressing common mistakes

Even when set up correctly, the access point may not work as well, and here are the typical problems and solutions:

If nothing helps, reset your network settings:

Settings → About phone → Resetting → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings

How to distribute the Internet via USB or Bluetooth

In addition to Wi-Fi, Xiaomi supports Internet distribution via USB (more stable and saves charge) and Bluetooth (less traffic, but slower).

Distribution by USB (USB-modem):

1. Connect your smartphone to a PC or laptop via cable.
2. Turn on Developer Mode (7 times tap the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
3. In Settings → Additional → For developers, activate debugging over USB.
4. Back to Settings → Access Point and modem and turn on USB-modem.

Bluetooth distribution:

1. Connect devices via Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Turn on the Bluetooth modem in the access point settings.
3. On the connected device, select Connect via Bluetooth in network settings.

⚠️ Attention: When distributed through USB Windows can automatically install the Xiaomi Composite driver MDB Interface.If the connection is not working, update the driver manually through Device Manager.

Hidden MIUI functions for the access point

Xiaomi hides a few useful options that are not visible in the standard interface.

1. Enable Developer Mode (as described above).
2. Open Settings → More → For developers and find:

• 📡 Default modem modem - select RNDIS for USB or DUN Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Automatic reconnection – useful if the network is frequently interrupted.
• 📶 Network priority - set up LTE only if 5G floundering.

MIUI also has a hidden menu of engineering settings where you can fine-tune the settings of the Wi-Fi module.

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636###.
3. Go to Wi-Fi Information and see the current channel settings, signal power, etc.

💡

If your Xiaomi doesn’t keep a connection longer than 5-10 minutes, the power saving mode is to blame. Add the Access Point app to the battery optimization exceptions!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions