Xiaomi Access Point: How to distribute the Internet from your phone in 5 minutes

Xiaomi's modern smartphones can not only connect to Wi-Fi, but also become a source of Internet for other devices. The access point (or "modem mode") turns your Redmi, POCO or Mi into a mini-router that distributes mobile traffic wirelessly, which saves you when you travel, in the country, or when your home Internet suddenly goes down. But how to properly configure this feature so as not to face slow speed or connection problems?

Many users mistakenly think that it is enough to turn on the distribution and everything will work perfectly. In practice, the quality of the connection depends on the chosen frequency range (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), the type of encryption, the operator's limitations and even the location of the phone in space. In this article, we will discuss not only the basic setting, but also the hidden MIUI parameters that will help to strengthen the signal and save battery power.

Preparing a smartphone for the distribution of the Internet

Before you activate the hotspot, make sure your Xiaomi is ready for this task. First, check the balance of mobile Internet — some carriers block the distribution at zero or negative score. Second, update the firmware: older versions of MIUI (below 12) may not have important options, such as choosing the 5 GHz band.

Also, keep in mind that the constant distribution of the Internet puts a lot of battery on the battery. If you plan to use the hotspot for a long time (for example, in the workplace), connect the phone to the charging. And remember, some carrier rates have restrictions on traffic for modem mode — check this in your personal account or at the support.

• 📱 Check the version. MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Up-to-date firmware guarantees stable operation.
• 🔋 Battery charge: Optimal at least 50%, below 20%, the phone can automatically disable the access point.
• 🌐 Mobile Internet: Make sure that data transfer is enabled (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data).
• 🔒 Operator restrictions: Some tariffs (for example, "For a smartphone" from Tele2) block the distribution without additional payment.

⚠️ Note: If you use two of these SIM-The access point will only distribute the Internet from the one selected as the main one for data transfer. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → By default, data transfer.

Basic settings of the access point on Xiaomi

The easiest way to turn on the handout is through the notification bar. Swipe down from the top of the screen and find the Access Point (or Modem Mode) icon. Click on it and the network will be active in a few seconds. However, this method does not allow you to configure the network name (SSID) or password, so it is better to use advanced settings.

For full control, go to Settings → Access Point and Modem → Wi-Fi Access Point. Here you can:

• 🔄 Change the network name (default: phone model, for example Redmi Note 12 Pro)+).
• 🔐 Set a password (minimum 8 characters, it is recommended to use numbers, letters and special characters).
• 📡 Select the range: 2.4 GHz (long range, but lower speed) or 5 GHz (faster but worse passes through walls).
• 🔋 Turn off automatic shutdown (by default, the access point is turned off after 5 minutes without connected devices).

When you change the settings, remember to click Save. The new network will appear in the list of available Wi-Fi on other devices in 10-20 seconds. If the connection does not occur, try restarting the phone or resetting the access point settings to factory.

The network name (SSID) does not contain Cyrillic or emoji.

Password complex (not "12345678")

The optimal range is selected (2.4 GHz for range, 5 GHz for speed)

Mobile data transfer enabled

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Optimization of connection speed and stability

If the Internet through the hotspot is slow or constantly shut down, the problem may lie in the settings of Xiaomi or the limitations of the operator.

1. Change frequency range: If you have a lot of connected devices or walls of concrete, try 2.4 GHz. 5 GHz is better for transferring large files (for example, 4K video).
2. Turn off power saving: Battery Mode → Energy saving can limit the performance of a Wi-Fi module.
3. Check the network load: If more than 5 devices are connected to the access point, the speed will drop. Limit the number of customers in the settings.
4. Use static IP: In the access point settings (Additionally → IP settings), you can set a fixed address for connected devices – this will reduce delays.

On Xiaomi smartphones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the “Wi-Fi 6E” function is available, which increases the speed of the transfer to 1.5 Gbps. To activate it, select the 6 GHz band in the access point settings (available not in all regions).

2.4 GHz (range over speed)

5 GHz (speed is more important than range)

6 GHz (Wi-Fi 6E, if any)

I don't know/don't use/-->

Hidden functions of the access point in MIUI

Xiaomi hides some useful options that aren't visible in the main menu, such as limiting the maximum speed for connected devices or enabling guest mode to restrict access to the local network, to access these settings:

1. Open Settings → Access Point and modem → Wi-Fi Access Point.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Additional Settings.
3. You'll find it here: 🔒 Speed limit (useful if someone eats up all traffic). 👥 Guest mode (connected devices will not see other gadgets on the network). ⏱ Automatic shutdown timer (you can set the time of the access point).

Another hidden possibility is to change the Wi-Fi channel, and by default, MIUI selects the channel automatically, but in the face of severe interference (for example, in an apartment building), it is better to manually set it.

1. Install the Wi-Fi Analyzer app from Google Play.
2. Check which channels are least loaded in your environment.
3. In the access point settings, select Additional → Wi-Fi channel and specify a free channel (for example, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz).

⚠️ Note: If you are sharing the Internet in a public place (cafe, airport), turn on guest mode in the access point settings. This will prevent connected devices from accessing your local files and other gadgets on the network.

Solving common problems

Even after setting up the hotspot correctly, the Xiaomi hotspot can malfunction. Let's look at typical situations and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Devices are connected, but the internet is not working

This is most often due to operator settings: some providers (for example, MTS or Beeline) require additional activation of the service "Data Transfer" for modem modem.

1. Call the operator and check if your tariff supports the distribution of the Internet.
2. Check it out. APN-Settings: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) Compare the parameters with those listed on the operator’s website.
3. If nothing helps, try inserting. SIM-card to another phone and check the distribution on it.

Problem 2: Access point is permanently shut down

This could be due to energy savings or system constraints.

• 🔋 Disable Battery Optimization for "Access Point": Settings → Annexes → Application management → Access point → Battery → No restrictions.
• ⏱ Increase the timeout of inactivity: in the access point settings, select Never Disable.
• 📱 Restart your phone – sometimes resetting temporary files helps.

Problem 3: Low speed at 5GHz

The 5GHz band is theoretically faster, but in practice it can slow down due to interference or weak signal.

• 📶 Move your phone closer to the connected device (walls and furniture greatly weaken the signal).
• 🔄 Change the channel manually (for example, from 36 to 48).
• 🔌 Connect your phone to charge – with a low battery level, the performance of the Wi-Fi module drops.

💡

If you need an access point regularly (for example, for work), create a shortcut on the home screen: press the empty space → Widgets → find “Access Point” and drag it to the screen. Now you can turn the handout on one tap.

Alternative ways to distribute the Internet

Wi-Fi isn’t the only way to share the internet with Xiaomi, and other methods may be useful depending on the situation:

• 🔗 USB-Modem: Connect your phone to your PC or laptop via cable, which is more stable than Wi-Fi and doesn’t land the battery, but requires drivers (usually installed automatically).
• 📶 Bluetooth modem: Slower Wi-Fi, but more energy efficient, suitable for transferring the Internet to a smartwatch or tablet.
• 📡 Bridge Mode (if available): Allows you to “extend” your existing Wi-Fi network, such as in a hotel with a 1 device limit.

To turn on USB-modem:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via the original cable.
2. In the settings go to the Access Point and modem → USB-modem.
3. On the PC in the "Network Connections" should appear a new connection.

For Bluetooth modem:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices and pair them.
2. On the phone, activate the Bluetooth modem in the access point settings.
3. On the second device, select a Bluetooth connection in the network list.

💡

USB-The modem is the most stable way to give away, but only works with one device.Wi-Fi is suitable for multiple gadgets, but drains the battery faster.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the access point on Xiaomi