How to give away the Internet from a Xiaomi phone: the full guide 2026

Are you in a situation where you only have a Xiaomi smartphone at hand and a laptop or tablet urgently needs Internet? Or want to save on mobile traffic by connecting another device to your phone? Internet distribution (tetering) is one of the most popular features of modern smartphones, but not all users know how to use it correctly. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to share the Internet with Xiaomi, including hidden settings and solutions for older models.

The procedure seems simple: you turn on the hotspot, and you're done, but in practice, you're facing problems: the devices don't connect, the speed drops, the operator blocks the distribution, or the battery goes down in an hour. Not only will we show you step-by-step instructions for each method, but we'll also explain how to avoid the typical mistakes "USB-terminal that works even on the phone blocked by the operator.

This is the standard method that all Xiaomi models support, from the budget Redmi 9A to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Access Point turns your phone into a mini router that can connect up to 10 devices at a time. The main advantages are high speed (up to 866 Mbps on new models) and easy setup.

To activate the access point:

  • πŸ“± Open the Settings. β†’ Access point and modem (on MIUI 14 Ways may be different: Settings β†’ Connections and sharing β†’ Access point).
  • πŸ”„ Click on the switch Wi-Fi Access Point.
  • βš™οΈ Set up the network name (Access Point Name) and password (minimum 8 characters, it is better to use numbers). + letter).
  • πŸ”’ In the Security section, select WPA2-PSK (most reliable protocol).

The network name does not contain Cyrillic or special symbols

Password complex (not "12345678")

Always on mode (if you need a permanent connection)

Power saving modes for Wi-Fi are turned off-->

Newer versions of MIUI (13+) have Automated Shutdown, which turns off the hotspot if devices aren't connected to it. To avoid this, turn off the option in the settings. Also note the operator's limitation: some tariffs block Internet distribution or charge an additional fee, for example, MTS has Smart rates, and Beeline has It's Easy.

⚠️ Note: If the Internet does not work after connecting the device, check the settings APN. Sometimes operators (especially Tele2) require manual settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Access points (APN) β†’ Select your operator profile.

2. USB-modem: distribution of the Internet by cable (for PCs and laptops)

This is a good way to connect a laptop or a desktop PC to the Internet without a Wi-Fi adapter, the advantages of a stable connection, minimal battery consumption (because it charges simultaneously), and high speed. However, there is a caveat: Windows may require installing drivers, and MacOS sometimes requires you to confirm trust the device.

Instructions for setting:

  1. Connect your phone to your computer through the original USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).
  2. On the phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode (a notification will appear when you connect).
  3. Go to Settings. β†’ Access Point and modem β†’ USB-modem and activate the switch.
  4. On PC, check the connection: on Windows, open Network Connections, on MacOS - System Settings β†’ Network.
What to do if the computer can’t see USB-modem?
If the Internet does not appear after the connection, try: 1. Reboot your phone and PC. 2. Enable Debugging by USB In Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (Click 7 times on the line with the version, then return to Additional Settings β†’ For developers. 3. Install the Mi driver PC Suite from the official Xiaomi website. 4. Try another one USB-port USB 3.0, usually blue).

Speed. USB-The modem depends on the protocol version: USB 2.0 gives up to 480 Mbit / s, and USB 3.0 – up to 5 Gbps, but the real speed will be limited by your own capabilities SIM-map (4G or 5G). For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with 5G and USB 3.0 can be obtained up to 1 Gbps and on the Redmi Note 10 with 4G β€” maximum 150 Mbps.

Xiaomi modelMax, speed. USB-modemIs a driver required for WindowsSupport for 5G support
Xiaomi 14 / 14 Pro1 Gbit/s (USB 3.2)No (automatic installation)Yes.
POCO F5 / F5 Pro900 Mbps (USB 3.1)Yeah (download site)Yes.
Redmi Note 12 Pro+500 Mbps (USB 2.0)No.Yes.
Redmi 10A150 Mbps (USB 2.0)Yeah (obsolete drivers)No.

3. Internet distribution over Bluetooth (for saving charge)

This method is suitable if you need to connect one device to the Internet (for example, a tablet or another phone) and at the same time save battery power. Bluetooth consumes much less power than Wi-Fi, but the connection speed is limited: a maximum of 2-3 Mbps (enough for messengers, but not for video in 4K).

How to set up:

  • πŸ”΅ Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
  • πŸ“± On Xiaomi go to Settings β†’ Devices and connections β†’ Bluetooth.
  • πŸ” Find the target device in the list and connect to it (code confirmation may be required).
  • 🌐 Back to Settings β†’ Access Point and modem β†’ Bluetooth modem and activate the function.

MIUI 14 has an Autoconnect option that automatically turns on a Bluetooth modem when connected to a trusted device, which is handy if you regularly connect the same gadget (for example, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro smartwatch).

⚠️ Attention: Some carriers (e.g. Yota) block the distribution of Internet over Bluetooth. If the connection is established but traffic is not coming, try restarting the phone or using another method (Wi-Fi or other methods). USB).

Wi-Fi access point

USB-modem

Bluetooth

I don't use the handout.-->

4. Hidden mode "USB-terminal” (if the operator blocks distribution)

Some mobile operators (such as Tinkoff Mobile or SberMobile) block standard ways of distributing the Internet so that users buy individual tethering packages "USB-"Terms" that bypasses these restrictions. It operates through ADB (Android Debug Bridge and does not require root rights.

Instructions for activation:

  1. Enable USB Debugging (as described in the spoiler above).
  2. Connect the phone to your PC and open the command line (Win + R β†’ enter cmd).
  3. Enter the command: adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0
  4. Reboot the phone.
  5. Now turn it on. USB-Modem – it will work even with a blocked operator.

This method works on all Xiaomi models with MIUI 10 and later, including POCO and Black Shark. However, be careful: the operator may notice atypical traffic and apply sanctions (for example, slow down speed).

πŸ’‘

If the command doesn’t work, try first to turn off all kinds of Internet distribution in the settings, then execute the command and restart the phone.

5. setting up the Internet distribution on old models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1, etc.)

If you have a Xiaomi phone older than 2018 (such as the Redmi 4X, Mi A1 or Mi Max 2), you may run into problems: there is no access point and modem menu, or the distribution is unstable, this is due to an outdated version of MIUI (8-9) or hardware limitations.

Solutions for old models:

  • πŸ”„ Update your firmware to the latest available version (path: Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system).
  • πŸ“¦ Install alternative software, such as LineageOS (requires unlocking the bootloader).
  • πŸ”§ Use third-party applications to distribute the Internet (for example, PdaNet)+ or ClockworkMod Tether).
  • πŸ”Œ If Wi-Fi is not working, try it. USB-Mi driver modem PC Suite 3.0 (you can download it on the official website).

On Redmi Note 3 Pro and similar models, resetting network settings can help: go to Settings β†’ Additional Settings β†’ Resetting β†’ Reset network settings. After that, the access point should earn.

6. Optimizing Internet Distribution: How to Increase Speed and Reduce Battery Consumption

The Internet is a huge burden on your phone, especially if you have multiple devices connected to it.

  • πŸ”‹ Turn on Power Saving Mode (but not Ultra Mode, otherwise the speed will drop).
  • πŸ“Ά Switch to the network. 4G (LTE) instead 5G, If the speed is not critical, it will save the charge.
  • πŸ”„ Turn off application background synchronization in Settings β†’ Accounts and synchronization.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Use it. VPN (For example, Cloudflare WARP), if the operator is artificially limiting the speed.

For maximum speed on Qualcomm Snapdragon models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) turn on the Improved option LTE In Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Network type: MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 12) may not have this item.

πŸ’‘

The more devices connected to the hotspot, the more warm the phone gets and the battery goes down faster, the optimal number is 2-3 devices.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even when set up correctly, the Internet distribution can malfunction, and let’s look at common mistakes and ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Devices are connected, but the internet is not working.Operator blocking tetheringUse it. USB-terminal APN
The access point is permanently off.Energy-saving regimeAdd β€œAccess Point” to optimization exceptions
Low speed (less than 1 Mbps)Weak 4G/5G signalSwitch to another frequency in Settings β†’ Mobile Network β†’ Network type
The phone is warming up a lot.Lots of connected devicesLimit the amount to 2-3 or use a cooling stand

If after all the manipulations, the distribution of the Internet has not worked, check whether it is activated on your computer. SIM-Voice only. This happens if you inserted the card into an old phone without support. 4G. To correct, call the operator or visit the communication salon.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I give away the Internet with Xiaomi if I have unlimited rates?
Yes, but operators often impose restrictions on tethering even in unlimited tariffs. For example, MegaFon in the All-Inclusive tariff allows you to distribute only 30 GB per month, after which the speed drops to 64 Kbps.
Why is it important to distribute the Internet through USB-The modem laptop does not see the network?
The reasons may be: Drivers are not installed (download Mi PC Suite or RNDIS driver for Windows); the cable does not support data transfer (try another); the USB settings on the phone select Charge mode instead of File Transfer.
How to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi on Smart TV?
Most of them are smart. TV (For example, Xiaomi Mi TV or Samsung) supports Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity. If the TV can't see the network: Check that the hotspot name contains only Latin characters. Restart the TV and phone. Update the firmware. TV (support menu β†’ Software updates. For Android TV (For example, the Mi Box S can be used for the USB-modem, but you'll need OTG-cable.
How many devices can be connected to Xiaomi’s hotspot?
Technical limit - up to 10 devices, but in practice: On flagships (Xiaomi 13T, POCO F5 Pro) 5-7 devices are stable. On budget models (Redmi 10C, POCO M5) - no more than 3. Each new device increases the load on the processor and reduces battery life.
Can I share the Internet with Xiaomi on iPhone?
Yes, the iPhone can connect to the Xiaomi hotspot like a regular Wi-Fi. However, there are nuances: on iOS, sometimes there is an error "Incorrect password", even if it is entered correctly. Solution: reboot the iPhone and reconnect. If the Internet does not work, check the APN settings on Xiaomi (should match the operator's requirements).