Why does Xiaomi not see a laptop when trying to distribute the Internet?
You try to connect your laptop to the Internet via a Xiaomi phone, but the devices canβt see each other or the connection is constantly broken? The problem can be in the settings of the access point, operator restrictions or even in the versions of the MIUI firmware. For example, on Redmi Note 12 and later, the default feature is turned on power saving, which automatically turns off the Internet distribution after 5 minutes without activity.
In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi, Redmi and smartphones. POCO on a laptop β from classic Wi-Fi Hotspot to hidden features like USB-ethernet (which works even without drivers on Windows) 11). You'll also learn how to bypass operator restrictions, increase connection speeds, and save battery power. MIUI 14/15 relevant 2026 year-end.
Method 1: Distributing the Internet via Wi-Fi (Hotspot)
The most popular and versatile method is to create a Wi-Fi hotspot on your phone, which works on all Xiaomi models, from the Redmi 4X to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. The main advantages are high speed (up to 150 Mbps on modern smartphones) and the ability to connect several devices at the same time.
How to set up:
- π± Open the Settings. β Connections and sharing β Modem mode.
- π Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point switch.
- βοΈ Click Access Point Setting to Change: Network Name (SSID) β for example, Xiaomi_Hotspot_5G; Password (minimum) 8 Symbols, preferably with numbers; Frequency range - select 5 GHz for maximum speed (if the laptop supports the).
- π On a laptop, connect to the created network as a normal Wi-Fi.
An important nuance: on some tariffs (for example, Smart from Tele2), the distribution of the Internet may be blocked. If after connecting the laptop shows βNo Internet accessβ, check the SMS from the operator or call in support to activate the option βModemβ.
Mobile Internet on the phone is enabled|Power saving mode is off.|The laptop is within a radius of 5 meters|The password of the access point is saved in a secure place-->
Method 2: Distribution via USB (the most stable and economical)
If you want maximum connection stability and minimum battery consumption of your phone, use it. USB-This is especially true for laptop owners without a Wi-Fi module or when working in places with severe interference (such as the subway or at conferences). USB-The connection can reach 300 Mbps, faster than most Wi-Fi access points.
Step-by-step:
- Connect your phone to your laptop via a USB cable (preferably original or certified).
- On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
- Go to Settings β Connections and Sharing β Modem Modem.
- Activate the option. USB-modem.
- On your laptop, wait for the drivers to install (Windows usually does this automatically).
What to do if Windows canβt see USB-modem?
On Xiaomi models with MIUI 15+ at the first connection through USB-The modem system may request confirmation of a trusted device β donβt ignore this notification, otherwise the connection will be blocked.
Method 3: Distribute via Bluetooth (slowly but sparingly)
If you donβt have a cable and your laptopβs Wi-Fi is broken, you can use Bluetooth, a method that is suitable for small amounts of data (e.g. checking email or messengers), as the speed rarely exceeds 3-5 Mbps. But battery consumption is minimal β Xiaomiβs Bluetooth phone loses only ~1% of its charge per hour.
How to connect:
- π΅ Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and laptop.
- π² On the phone: Settings β Connections and sharing β Modem mode β Bluetooth modem.
- π» On a laptop: in the Bluetooth panel, find your Xiaomi and connect (a confirmation code, usually 0000 or 1234, may be required).
- π After connecting in the βNetwork settingsβ of Windows will appear a new connection Network connection Bluetooth.
β οΈ Note: On some Windows laptops 10/11 Bluetooth modem requires you to install a Bluetooth driver PAN. Download it from the manufacturer's laptop website (section "NetworkΒ»).
Method 4: Hidden function β USB Ethernet (for advanced)
Few people know, but Xiaomi smartphones based on Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, the company is not a big deal, POCO F5, Redmi K60) maintain USB Ethernet, unlike Ethernet. USB-modem, here the phone emulates the network card, which gives a more stable connection and less delays (important for online games or video calls).
How to activate:
- Connect your phone to your laptop via USB.
- Enable USB Debugging (see spoiler above).
- Install the Android SDK Platform-Tools on your laptop.
- Open the command line and execute: adb shell su setprop sys.usb.config rndis,adb
- Reboot your phone. After that, Ethernet will appear in Windows Network Connections via USB.
This method requires root or unlocked bootloader rights, so it is not suitable for everyone, but it bypasses carrier restrictions on Internet distribution (since traffic comes from a conventional Ethernet adapter).
π‘
If the connection does not appear after executing the commands, check if your Xiaomi model supports RNDIS mode. To do this, type the ADB command adb shell getprop sys.usb.config - the answer should be rndis.
Comparison of Internet Distribution Methods: Speed, Battery, Complexity
To choose the best method, compare the key parameters in the table below, and note that the actual speed depends on the phone model, the operator and the network load.
| Method | Speed. | Battery consumption | Difficulty setting up | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | ββββ (up to 150 Mbps) | β‘β‘β‘ (3-5% per hour) | βοΈ (simple) | Multitasking, Multiple Devices |
| USB-modem | βββββ (up to 300 Mbps) | β‘ (1-2% per hour) | βοΈ (simple) | Stable operation, saving charge |
| Bluetooth | β (up to 5 Mbps) | β‘ (0.5-1% per hour) | βοΈβοΈ (middle-of-the-road) | Emergency cases, low traffic |
| USB Ethernet (RNDIS) | βββββ (up to 500 Mbps) | β‘ (1% per hour) | βοΈβοΈβοΈ (difficult) | Games, video calls, block-bypassing |
For most users, it is optimal. USB-modem β it combines high speed, minimal battery consumption and ease of setup. Wi-Fi Hotspot is convenient if you need to connect multiple devices (for example, a laptop and a tablet at the same time). Bluetooth should only be used in extreme cases.
π‘
If you want maximum speed and stability, choose the right one. USB-modem USB Ethernet. Bluetooth is good for battery saving (for example, on a trip), but be prepared for low speeds.
Problem Solving: Why is Internet Distribution Not Working?
Even after setting up the connection correctly, it may not work.-5 causes and solutions:
- π« Operator blocking the distribution: Check SMS from the operator or call support to activate the option "Modem/Access Point". On some tariffs (for example, "All over 300" from Yota), the distribution is on by default, but with a speed limit of 64 Kbps.
- π Energy saving turns off Hotspot: In Settings β Battery β Power saving mode, add modem modem to exceptions. POCO F4 And newer this option is hidden - use the search by settings.
- πΆ Weak signal of mobile network: if the phone shows H+ or E instead 4G/5G, Move closer to the window or use a signal repeater.
- π₯οΈ Problems with drivers on the laptop: For USB-Download the Mi driver modem USB Driver from Xiaomi official website (Support sectionΒ»).
- π Antivirus Block: On a laptop, temporarily disable Windows Defender or third-party antivirus (for example, Kaspersky can block new network connections).
β οΈ Note: If after connecting to the access point, the laptop writes βLimitedβ or βNo Internet accessβ, try manually asking DNS. For this purpose, please specify 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) in the connection properties).