How to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi phone to another phone: a step-by-step guide

The modern smartphone has long ceased to be just a means of communication, becoming a universal control center for digital life, where access to the global network is a critical resource. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices often face the need to provide Internet access to a second gadget, whether it is a friend’s tablet, a colleague’s laptop or a spare phone when a fixed router is unavailable or out of order. The function of the mobile access point in the shell of MIUI and the new HyperOS is implemented quite flexibly, allowing not only to broadcast the signal, but also fine-tuning security and power consumption parameters.

The process of activating the Internet on the Chinese manufacturer’s devices can seem confusing due to the peculiarities of menu localization and the presence of many additional options that are hidden from the surface. Unlike “pure” Android, where settings are often minimized, the Xiaomi interface offers the user a wide range of options, from selecting a frequency range to setting traffic limits to creating a “white list” of connected devices. Understanding these nuances will allow you not only to quickly share the Internet, but also to protect your data from unauthorized access, and prevent battery drain at the most inopportune moment.

In this article, we will take a closer look at all aspects of creating a mobile hotspot on Xiaomi smartphones, look at hidden settings that are often overlooked, and analyze typical errors that interfere with stable connection. You will learn how to properly adjust the signal frequency for maximum speed or range, how to limit the number of connected devices, and what system restrictions can affect the modem in the background. Deep immersion in these settings will turn your smartphone into a powerful and reliable tool for working anywhere in the world.

Basic setting of the Wi-Fi access point through the curtain and menu

The fastest way to activate modem modem on any Xiaomi device is to use a control panel known as a “curtain.” This requires swiping your finger from the top edge of the screen down to open the control center and finding an icon that says “Access Point” or “Hotspot.” However, this method only includes a feature with the last saved parameters, preventing you from changing the network name or password if you’re doing it for the first time or want to improve connection security.

For a full configuration, you need to go to a deep settings menu. Open the Settings app, then select the Wi-Fi Access Point section, which is often in the Connections and Sharing category or in a separate item on the main list. This is where the key parameters determine how your phone will broadcast the signal and who can connect to it. In this interface, you can change the SSID (network name) to a more understandable or secretive one, and set a complex password using the recommended encryption standard.

Note the device visibility switch. If activated, your phone will show up on the list of available networks on other gadgets without having to enter a name manually, which is convenient for fast connection, but less safe in public places. Disabling this option will hide the network, and you will need to manually enter the exact SSID name to connect, which is an additional measure of protection from accidental connections of unauthorized persons.

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For quick activation of the access point without logging into the menu, you can add the Access Point widget to the desktop or use the voice assistant by saying the command “Enable the access point”.

It is important to understand that standard settings may not be suitable for all use cases. For example, the default network name often contains a phone model, which gives information about your device to potential attackers. It is recommended to change the name to neutral, not associated with the brand or owner, to increase the level of anonymity when working in crowded places.

Frequency range choice: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz

One of the most important settings affecting connection speed and stability is the choice of frequency range. In the menu of the Xiaomi access point, there is often the option “Configure Wi-Fi hotspot”, where you can choose (range): 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. By default, the system can choose automatic mode or 2.4 GHz priority, since this standard has better penetration and compatibility with older devices.

The 5GHz band provides significantly higher data rates and is less susceptible to interference from neighboring networks and household appliances such as microwave ovens or Bluetooth headsets. However, it has a significant drawback: the signal range is noticeably smaller, and the ability to bend obstacles (walls, furniture) is lower. If the receiving device is in close proximity to the distribution phone, choosing 5GHz will be the optimal solution for streaming video or online games.

On the other hand, if you need to give the internet to a device that is in another room or through a wall, it is better to switch to 2.4 GHz.This range guarantees a more stable ping at a distance, although the maximum speed will be limited. Also, many budget smartphones and older tablets may simply not support the 5 GHz standard, so if you have problems with network detection, it is worth checking the specifications of the plug-in.

Power consumption should be considered. Wi-Fi 5GHz can consume slightly more power, which, combined with active data transfer, will lead to faster battery drain on the donor smartphone. If you are running on an external battery or limited in charge, using 2.4GHz may be a more rational choice for saving resources.

Traffic Limitation and Management of Connected Devices

Mobile Internet is rarely unlimited, so Xiaomi smartphones have an effective traffic control mechanism, you can set a limit in the access point menu, when you reach the Internet distribution will be automatically terminated, this saves from unexpected charges or reduced speed on the part of the operator after the gigabyte packet is exhausted.

To set the limit, go to the traffic management section inside the access point settings, where you can set a limit on megabytes or gigabytes of data, and the system will track the amount of information transferred in real time and notify you when you spend, for example, 80% or 90% of the threshold, which allows you to react in time and stop the data transfer manually if necessary.

Another useful feature is the Whitelist or the management of connected devices, which shows all the gadgets that are currently using your Internet, indicating their use. MAC-You can lock an unknown device at any time by simply clicking on it and selecting the appropriate option, or you can set the system so that the connection is allowed only to pre-approved devices.

Using a whitelist is the maximum level of protection, and when it is activated, no new device will be able to connect to your network, even if it knows the password until you add it. MAC-This is especially true for long-term work in places with a large crowd, where there is a high risk of attempted password hacking.

Network visibility problems and how to solve them

A common situation is when the access point is turned on, but other devices simply do not see the network. First of all, you need to check whether the SSID is hidden. If the Hide Device option is activated in the settings, the network will not appear in the general list, and its name will have to be entered manually to the accuracy of the symbol, taking into account the register of letters.

The second common reason is incompatibility of security standards: some older devices may not support the modern encryption protocols that Xiaomi offers by default.In the access point settings, change the security type from WPA3-Personal or WPA2/WPA3 to the older but compatible WPA2-Personal. This action often solves the problems of connecting budget smartphones or IoT gadgets.

Smartphones designed for the Chinese market (CN Version) may have restrictions on the use of certain Wi-Fi channels that are allowed in China but are banned or rarely used in Europe and the CIS. If your phone is imported from China, try manually changing the channel in the advanced access point settings, selecting one of the most common (for example, 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz).

⚠️ Note: If the connection is enabled and the Internet appears on the connected devices but the pages are not loaded (“No Internet access”), check the settings of the mobile operator. Some tariffs block or charge separately the distribution of traffic (Tethering). In such cases, a change may be required. TTL use of specialized applications, although it violates the terms of the agreement with the operator.

Energy saving and background work

Aggressive energy saving policies in MIUI and HyperOS shells often cause the access point to spontaneously shut down or stop transmitting data when the phone screen goes out.The system perceives the active modem modem modem as background activity and can "kill" the process to save battery power, especially if the charge level drops below 20%.

To avoid connection breaks, add the Access Point app or system dispensing process to the power saving exception list. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Protection (or Application Energy Saving), find the appropriate system component in the list, and select No Limits mode, which will prevent the system from forcibly shutting down the Internet distribution process.

Also, the hotspot settings themselves often include a "Stop Timer" feature that allows you to set the time at which the hotspot will shut down automatically if no device is connected to it, or just after a set interval has expired, and make sure that this timer is not set too short if you plan a long session, or turn it off altogether for permanent access.

Comparison of Distribution Methods: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB

While Wi-Fi is the most popular way to distribute, Xiaomi has other methods in its arsenal, each with its own advantages in situations that depend on which method is more important to you at the moment: speed, energy efficiency or connection stability.

Below is a comparative table of the main methods of Internet distribution available on Xiaomi smartphones:

USB-The modem is the best choice for stationary work behind a laptop, not only provides the most stable communication without packet loss, but also allows you to charge the phone from the computer (or vice versa, depending on the situation), which solves the problem of quick discharge. To activate, connect the phone with a cable to the PC and select a switch in the access point menu «USB-modem».

Bluetooth is rarely used because of its slow speed, but it can be a lifeline in an emergency situation where you need to send a text message or a light mail, and the charge of the phone is critically low. This method consumes minimal energy and allows you to organize the network where the Wi-Fi module for some reason is undesirable.

⚠️ Note: When connecting through USB-A modem on a Windows computer may require drivers to be installed. Usually Xiaomi detects them automatically, but if the computer can't see the network, try using the original cable or switching mode. USB-Connect in the curtain notifications to “File Transfer” before activating the modem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Optimal access point setting on Xiaomi is a balance between security (WPA2, hidden SSID) and convenience (autostart, whitelist), allowing you to save traffic and battery.