Why? USB-Connection better Wi-Fi hotspot for Xiaomi?
Transfer the Internet from Xiaomi to a computer via USB-And the cable is the most stable and energy efficient way that we can do it, unlike the Wi-Fi hotspot, which drains the battery of a smartphone. 2-3 high-hour, USB-The modem consumes minimal power β the phone can even charge a little from the PC while running β which is critical for owners of models with small batteries, such as the Redmi Note. 11 (5000 mAh POCO X5 (5000 mAh), where each percentage of charge counts.
Another key advantage is the speed and reliability of the connection. USB 2.0 (Even with older Xiaomi models like Redmi. 5 Plus) provides capacity up to 480 Mbps, while Wi-Fi access point mode is often limited 150-300 Mbps due to interference and distance from the router, and if you're connected to the network 5G Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60, USB-The modem will allow you to use the maximum speed without loss of wireless transmission. USB-There is no problem with the regime NAT-A type that can block online games or video calls.
But there are pitfalls, like some operators, like the Body.2 or Iota can block USB-modem on the tariffs without the option "distribute the Internet", although the Wi-Fi hotspot does work. 10/11 Sometimes you need to manually install drivers for MIUI-Devices, especially if you use custom firmware like Xiaomi.eu or PixelExperience, in this article we will examine all the nuances from basic configuration to solving rare bugs.
What Xiaomi models support USB-modem?
Function USB-The modem is available on all Xiaomi smartphones released after 2016, but there are important nuances depending on the version. MIUI And the hardware platform. Here are the key points:
- π± Old models (2016β2019): Redmi 4X, Redmi Note 5, Mi A1 β Requires the inclusion of the developer mode for stable operation USB-modem. MIUI 9-10 There may be no option in the quick settings.
- π Midsize (2020β2022): Redmi Note 9 Pro, POCO X3 NFC, Mi 10T β support USB-box-on modem MIUI 12+, But there may be problems with drivers on Windows.
- β‘ Flagships and new models (2023β2026): Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi K70 Pro, POCO F6 β They have optimized firmware for USB-modem, including support USB 3.2 (speed up to 10 Gbps) on the appropriate cables.
- π« Exceptions: Some regional versions (e.g. Redmi for India) may have limitations due to operator locks. MIUI for Russia (e.g. Redmi) 12C) Sometimes there is no option due to local regulatory requirements.
To know if your model supports you USB-modem, check for modem modem option β USB-The modem is in the settings. If it's not there, try updating it. MIUI Up to the latest version or activate the developer mode (more on this below).
Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on USB-modem
Activation process USB-The modem on Xiaomi takes no more than a minute, but requires the correct sequence of actions. Important: before connecting, make sure that your data is allowed on your tariff (some operators, such as MTS or Beeline, may need to connect the option βModem / Hotspot").
Step 1: Preparing the phone
- Open the settings on your Xiaomi.
- Go to the Network and Internet β Modem Modem (on some firmwares the path may differ: Connections and Sharing β Modem Modem).
- Activate the slider USB-If you don't have one, tap the three dots in the top right corner and select Additional Modem Settings.
Step 2: Connecting to a computer
- Connect the phone and PC with the original USB-cable (cheap cables may not support data transmission).
- On the phone screen, select the Data Transfer Connection Mode (not Charging!).
- Wait for the drivers to install on your computer (on Windows, it can take 1-2 minutes).
βοΈ Checking before connection
If the Internet does not appear on the PC after connecting, check:
- π Port port USB: Try another port on your computer (preferably) USB 3.0, marked in blue).
- π± Regime. USB: Some Xiaomis need to be manually selected RNDIS Developer Settings (For Developers) β Configuration USB default).
- π₯οΈ Drivers: Windows may require Mi installation PC Suite or manual installation of the Remote driver NDIS.
π‘
If you have Xiaomi on custom firmware (like LineageOS), turn on USB-Modem via terminal with setprop sys.usb.config rndis,adb command (root rights required).
Solving Problems: Why It Doesnβt Work USB-modem?
Even with the right setup USB-The modem may not start due to software or hardware constraints. Consider typical errors and their solutions:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The computer does not see the phone as a modem | There are no RNDIS drivers | Install Mi PC Suite or download the driver from the Microsoft directory (search for device code in Device Manager) |
| The Internet is connected but not working. | Operator locks in. USB-modem | Check the rate (modem option may be required) or use a VPN on your phone (e.g. 1.1.1.1) |
| Speed is lower than Wi-Fi. | USB 2.0 or a cheap cable | Use a USB 3.0+ cable and connect to the blue port on your PC |
| The phone doesn't offer a mode USB-modem | Restriction of firmware or region | Update MIUI or activate Developer Mode (Settings β About Phone β MIUI Version β Tap 7 times) |
β οΈ Attention: On some tariffs MegaFon and Beeline USB-The modem can only work after sending USSD-request *111*77# (activation of the service "Modem").Clarify the conditions with your operator!
If none of these methods worked, try an alternative method with ADB:
- Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings.
- Connect the phone to the PC and perform in ADB Adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0
- Reboot the phone and reconnect.
What to do if the operator is blocking USB-modem?
How to speed up the Internet through USB-modem?
The speed of data transfer over USB depends on several factors: the protocol version (USB 2.0 vs USB 3.0), the quality of the cable, network settings and even the temperature of the phone.
- π Use the right cable: Original Xiaomi cables (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro kit)+) support USB 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gbps) Cheap cables are often limited USB 2.0 (480 Mbps).
- πΆ Select the optimal network: On your phone, manually prioritize LTE or 5G (depending on the coverage) in Settings β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Type of network.
- π§ Disable background processes: Close all apps that consume traffic (e.g. YouTube, TickTock) through Settings β Annexes β Launched.
- π οΈ Set up. MTU: On Windows, open Command Prompt on behalf of the administrator and execute: netsh interface ipv4 set subinterface "Ethernet 2" mtu=1472 store=Replace Ethernet 2 with your name USB-connection).
A critical nuance for Xiaomi owners on Qualcomm Snapdragon (such as POCO F5 or Redmi K60): these processors support QAM256 technology, which increases LTE speed by 20-30%. To activate it, go to the engineering menu by code ##4636## and select "Set preferred network type" β "LTE only (QAM256)".
| Parameter | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0/3.1 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed | 480 Mbps | 5 Gbps |
| Delay (ping) | 30-50 ms. | 10-20 ms. |
| Battery consumption | ~1% per hour | ~2% per hour |
| Support for 5G support | Yes (limited) | Yes (full) |
Safety: Risks in use USB-modem
USB Internet transmission seems safer than a hotspot's Wi-Fi, but it has its own vulnerabilities.
- π Unauthorized access: If an attacker connects to your PC, he can use it to USB access files on your phone (if File Transfer is enabled).
- π‘ Traffic interception: On public PCs (such as in an internet cafe), the network operator can track your traffic if it is not encrypted (use). VPN!).
- π¦ Viruses through drivers: Fake drivers for Xiaomi (downloaded from unverified sources) may contain malware.
How to minimize the risks:
- Always use the "Only Charge" mode after you have finished working with the modem.
- Install the latest version of MIUI on your phone β they fix the CVE-2022-20465 vulnerability (data leakage via USB).
- On PC, turn off auto-start for USB-Devices via gpedit.msc (for Windows Pro).
β οΈ Note: On phones with unlocked bootloader (unlocked bootloader) USB-The modem can be the entry point for attacks through ADB. If you donβt use custom firmware, lock the bootloader back through the Mi Unlock Tool.
Alternative ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi
If USB-The modem is not suitable (for example, due to operator lock or lack of cable), consider alternatives:
- πΆ Wi-Fi hotspot: Simple, but consumes battery. MIUI 14 you can limit the speed for connected devices (Settings) β Modem mode β Hotspot settings).
- π Bluetooth modem: Slower (up to 3 Mbps), but saves charge. Suitable for mail or instant messengers.
- π USB + Wi-Fi (bridge mode): On the phone, turn on the hotspot, and on the PC connect to it through USB-ETH Adapter (root on the phone required).
- π Cloud proxy: Services like Ngrok allow you to distribute the Internet over the Internet USB Modem-free (root and technical skills required).
Comparison of methods:
| Method | Speed. | Battery consumption | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB-modem | βββββ | β | ββ |
| Wi-Fi hotspot | ββββ | ββββ | β |
| Bluetooth | β | ββ | β |
| USB + Wi-Fi (bridge) | βββ | ββ | ββββ |
π‘
A USB modem remains the best choice for stable operation, but if the operator blocks it, the combination of a Wi-Fi hotspot with a USB-ETH adapter can be a worthy alternative (if root rights are available).