The modern smartphone has long ceased to be just a means of communication, becoming a full-fledged control center for the digital space. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices often face the need to provide network access for a laptop, tablet or other gadget when stationary Wi-Fi is not available. The functionality of the shell MIUI and the new HyperOS makes it easy to turn the device into a powerful router using 4G or 5G mobile data.
There are several proven methods, each with its own characteristics, data rate and power consumption. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to set up an access point, use a wired connection, and even use Bluetooth to transmit traffic. You will learn about the intricacies of setting frequency bands and the hidden capabilities of the system that will help optimize the network.
Preparation of the device and checking the settings of the mobile network
Before you start broadcasting the signal, you need to make sure that your smartphone is technically ready to work in modem mode. First of all, check whether the mobile data transmission is activated, as without it, the distribution of traffic is physically impossible. SIM-card with an active tariff plan and sufficient traffic balance to avoid unexpected blocking by the operator.
Pay attention to the signal level in your current location. If the indicator shows uncertain reception, the speed on the connected devices will be low, and the battery of the smartphone will be consumed critically quickly due to the constant attempts of the system to hold the connection, in such cases it is better to move closer to the window or find a hill.
It’s also worth checking the current network settings in the operator’s selection menu. Sometimes automatic mode can pick up an overloaded tower, so manually selecting a network with either LTE or 5G support can significantly improve connection stability when handed out.
⚠️ Attention: When the Internet is actively distributed, the smartphone heats up much more than usual. Do not cover the device with a cloth or leave it in direct sunlight while operating in router mode.
Classic setting of Wi-Fi access point
The most popular and convenient way to do this is to create a wireless hotspot, which allows you to connect multiple devices at once, creating a local network with access to the World Wide Web. First, go to the settings menu of your gadget and find the section responsible for connecting and sharing data.
In MIUI, the path is usually: Settings → Wi-Fi Access Point. In some firmware versions, this item may be hidden inside the Connection and Sharing section. By clicking on the appropriate item, you will be taken to the broadcast settings management menu.
Here you can set a network name (SSID) that other users will see and set a strong password. It is recommended to use the WPA2 PSK or WPA3 encryption standard to prevent unauthorized access to your traffic.
☑️ Checking before handout launch
After activating the slider "Wi-Fi Access Point" smartphone will start broadcasting the signal. On the connected device, you need to find the created network in the list of available Wi-Fi and enter the previously set password.
Advanced range and security settings
Xiaomi’s shell provides users with advanced wireless control capabilities that are often ignored. In the access point menu, you can find the “Set up a Wi-Fi hotspot” item, where important parameters are hidden. One of the key is choosing the frequency range: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz.
The 2.4 GHz range provides wider coverage and better penetration through walls, making it ideal for older devices or when the receiving gadget is far away.However, this range is often overloaded by neighbouring routers, which can slow down speeds.
The 5GHz range offers significantly higher data rates and lower latency, but has a shorter range. If you plan to watch high-resolution video on a laptop next to your phone, choose this option.
Hidden Connection Limit
Also available in this section is the whitelist feature, which you can only allow to connect to specific devices whose devices are connected to you. MAC-This is the maximum level of protection, which excludes the possibility of selecting a password by brute force.
⚠️ Attention: Switching frequency bands during active distribution will cause a temporary disconnection of the connection with all connected clients.
Distribution of the Internet through USB-cable
When you need maximum stability of the connection or you need to save battery power smartphone, to help comes the wired method. USB-The modem allows you to transfer data directly to your computer or laptop, eliminating signal loss typical of wireless technology.
To do this, you'll need a high-quality cable that can transmit data, not just the current to charge. Connect your smartphone to your computer, unlock the device screen, and lower the notification curtain. USB select "File Transfer" or"USB-modem" if such a point is immediately available.
If the automatic menu does not appear, go to Settings → Connection and sharing → USB-Activate the appropriate switch. The computer must automatically determine the new network connection and install the necessary drivers.
Unlike Wi-Fi, wired connections can't give you a password, because only a physically connected device has access, which makes it very safe to intercept data from the outside, but requires a cable at hand.
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Use the original Xiaomi cable or certified analogues with a label that supports data transfer. Cheap "charging only" cables will not allow you to activate modem modem.
It is worth noting that when using USB-If the modem is on a Windows computer, a new network adapter may appear in the Device Manager. If the driver is not automatically up, you may need to install drivers. ADB Fastboot components, although in modern versions of Windows 10/11 It's rarely required.
Using Bluetooth to Transmit Traffic
Although this method is considered obsolete due to low speed, it can be a rescue in an emergency situation when the Wi-Fi module is damaged and the device is not fully equipped. USB-There's no cable at hand. Bluetooth transmission speed is limited, so you can't expect to be comfortable surfing or video, but texting or emailing is enough.
The setup process begins with pairing devices. On a Xiaomi smartphone and on a receiving device (laptop or tablet), you need to turn on Bluetooth and search. Once the devices are detected, you need to confirm the pairing by checking the codes and enter the pairing. PIN-code if required.
After successful pairing on your smartphone, go to the Wi-Fi Access Point menu (or "More" in older versions) and find the "Bluetooth modem." Activate it. On the receiving device in the list of Bluetooth devices, you need to select your phone and in the connection properties, the "Connect through" option → "Access Point" (or similar).
| Comparison parameter | Wi-Fi access point | USB-modem | Bluetooth modem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed | High (up to 100+ Mbps) | Very tall (stable) | Low (up to 2-3 Mbps) |
| Battery consumption | High-pitched | Charging from a PC | Medium. |
| Number of clients | Up to 10 devices | 1 | 1 |
| Stability | Depends on the interference. | Maximum | Medium |
The choice of method depends solely on your current tasks and the equipment available. USB is best for constant work, Wi-Fi is best for a mobile office, and Bluetooth is left for extreme cases.
Optimization and problem solving
Users may encounter a situation where the access point is created, but the Internet on connected devices does not work. APN (access points) mobile operator. Go to the mobile network settings, select your SIM-You need to check the access point settings, sometimes manually. APN or reset the settings to the factory.
Another common reason is carrier blocking, and some plans explicitly prohibit the use of a smartphone as a router or require an option to be connected, in which case no phone settings will help until you contact the carrier.
Also worth mentioning is the Traffic Limit feature, which allows you to set limits on data transfers or uptime in the hotspot settings, which is a useful feature if you share the Internet with children or want to control packet megabytes.
⚠️ Note: If you use Wi-Fi on 5GHz, older devices (such as the first iPad or laptops before 2013) may not see your network.
For advanced users, a hidden function "Access Point" is available WPS". It allows you to connect devices without entering a password, simply by pressing a button in the interface or scanning. QR-code. QR-Quick connection code is displayed directly on the access point settings screen MIUI 12/13/14 HyperOS.
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The fastest way to share the internet with a guest is to show them. QR-code on the lock screen or in the access point menu, eliminating the need to dictate a complex password.