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

Selling the Internet from Xiaomi to a laptop, tablet or other smartphone is a challenge that almost every user faces. Whether it is the lack of Wi-Fi in a cafe, the need to connect a laptop on a trip or the urgent need for a network for a second phone, the access point on Xiaomi saves 90% of the time. However, not everyone knows that in addition to the standard Wi-Fi hotspot, Redmi, POCO and other Mi models, there are 4 other ways to distribute traffic: via USB, Bluetooth, and hidden modes to save charge.

In this article, you will find not only basic instructions, but also solutions to typical problems: why devices do not connect to the access point, how to circumvent operator restrictions on modem modem, and what MIUI settings affect the speed of distribution. We tested all methods on the latest firmware versions (including HyperOS) and collected current data on mobile carrier restrictions in 2026.

1. Ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi: a comparison of methods

Before you get to the settings, it is important to choose the best way to distribute, each of them has pros and cons depending on the situation:

  • πŸ“Ά Wi-Fi Hotspot is the most versatile method (up to 10 connected devices), but quickly puts the battery down.
  • πŸ”Œ USB-modem – stable connection for laptop with simultaneous charging of the phone, but requires cable.
  • πŸ”΅ Bluetooth modem – saves charge, but limited in speed (up to) 3 Mbit/s) and number of devices (usually 1-2).
  • πŸ”„ Bridge mode (Wi-Fi Repeater) - allows you to distribute the Internet by connecting to another network (available on not all models).
  • πŸ“± Direct transmission through NFC β€” Experimental method for new models (e.g. Xiaomi 14), but only works with supported devices.

For most tasks, the first three options are sufficient. USB-The modem is ideal for working behind a laptop, and Bluetooth is suitable if you need to save charge and speed is not critical (for example, for instant messengers). Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi with HyperOS supports the Wi-Fi 6 standard, which increases speed by 30% compared to the speed of the mobile phone. MIUI 13.

MethodSpeed.Battery consumptionMax. Devices.Required.
Wi-Fi hotspotUp to 1 GbpsHigh-pitched10β€”
USB-modemUp to 500 MbpsLow (charges)1USB-C cable
Bluetooth modemUp to 3 MbpsMedium.2Device pairing
Wi-Fi RepeaterDepends on the source.High-pitched5Support function

⚠️ Attention: mobile operators (MTS, Beeline, Television)2, Megaphones can block the distribution of the Internet USB/Bluetooth, if the tariff does not provide modem mode. Check the terms of your tariff in your personal account.

2. Set up Wi-Fi Hotspot on Xiaomi: step-by-step instruction

This is the most popular method, and it works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Mi 11.

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Access Point and modem.
  2. Select a Portable Wi-Fi hotspot.
  3. Activate the slider at the top of the screen.
  4. Set up the parameters: πŸ” Name of the network (SSID) β€” Think of something unique (for example, Xiaomi_14_5G). πŸ”‘ Password minimum 8 Symbols (use letters and numbers). πŸ“‘ Range - select. 5 GHz for higher speed or 2.4 GHz for better compatibility. ⏱️ Auto-Switch Off – Never if you plan to use it for a long time.

After activation, other devices will see your network in the list of available Wi-Fi. Connect to it by entering the password set.

The name of the network does not contain Cyrillic.|Password saved in a safe place|The phone has enough charge (minimum 30%)|Mobile Internet is on-->

If the devices are not connected, check:

  • πŸ”„ Restart your phone and try again.
  • πŸ“΅ Make sure that mobile data is enabled (Settings) β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks).
  • πŸ”§ Reset network settings: Settings β†’ Memory. β†’ Reset β†’ Resetting network settings.
πŸ“Š What way to distribute the Internet you use more often?
Wi-Fi hotspot
USB-modem
Bluetooth
Other

3. USB-Modem: How to distribute the Internet through cable

This method is suitable for connecting a laptop or PC when Wi-Fi is not available or you need to save your phone's power, the advantage is that the phone will charge during the handout.

Instructions for Windows/macOS:

  1. Connect your phone to your computer through the original USB-cable (important!).
  2. On your phone, select the data mode: Charge via USB β†’ File Transfer (MTP).
  3. Go to Settings. β†’ Access Point and modem β†’ Regime. USB-modem and turn it on.
  4. On the computer, wait for the driver to install (usually takes 10-30 seconds).

If the Internet didn't come up:

  • πŸ”Œ Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0).
  • πŸ–₯️ On Windows, check Network Adapters in Device Manager – a new connection should appear.
  • πŸ”„ Reboot both devices.

⚠️ Note: some operators (e.g. Tele2) block USB-modem on the tariffs without the option "Modem". In this case, use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

πŸ’‘

If your computer doesn’t see your phone in modem modem, try enabling USB Debugging in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI version (click 7 times on version, then go back to Additional Settings β†’ For Developers).

4. Internet distribution via Bluetooth: saving charge

This is a great way to connect one device (like a tablet) and save your phone power, which is slower than Wi-Fi, but it's good enough for instant messengers and easy surfing.

How to set up:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
  2. Pair them: on the phone Settings β†’ Bluetooth, select the target device and confirm the code.
  3. On your phone, go to Settings β†’ Access Point and Modem β†’ Bluetooth modem and activate the function.
  4. On the second device in Bluetooth settings, select an internet connection through your Xiaomi.

Limitations of the method:

  • 🐒 Maximum speed: up to 3 Mbps (enough for WhatsApp, but not YouTube) HD).
  • πŸ”‹ Battery consumption is minimal, but the range is up to 10 meters.
  • πŸ“± You can only connect at the same time. 1-2 device.
How to increase the speed of a Bluetooth modem?
Speed is limited by the Bluetooth protocol, but stability can be improved a little: 1. Make sure there are no obstacles between devices. 2. Use Bluetooth 5.0 (available on Xiaomi 11T and later). 3. Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, fitness bracelets) to reduce interference.

5. Wi-Fi Repeater mode: handing out someone else's Wi-Fi

This feature allows your Xiaomi to connect to one Wi-Fi network and distribute it further like a repeater. Useful in hotels where only one connection per room is allowed. It does not work on all models (supported on Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F4, Xiaomi 12 and later).

How to turn on:

  1. Connect to the original Wi-Fi network.
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Access Point and Modem β†’ Bridge Mode (Wi-Fi Repeater).
  3. Turn on the function and configure the parameters of the distributed network (name, password).

Limitations:

  • πŸ”„ The speed will be lower than the initial 20-40% due to double data transmission.
  • πŸ“΅ Some networks block this mode (for example, public Wi-Fi with authorization).
  • πŸ”‹ Battery consumption is high – the phone works as a router.

πŸ’‘

Wi-Fi Repeater mode does not replace a full-fledged router; it is only suitable for temporary use, as it heavily loads the phone's processor.

6 Problems and Solutions: Why Internet Distribution Doesn't Work

Even after you set it up properly, you can have problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Devices do not connect to the access pointWrong password or network nameCheck the register of letters in the password. Reboot the phone.
The Internet is there, but the sites are not open.The operator blocks the modem modem modeCall support or change the rate.
USB-The modem doesn't work on PCThere are no drivers.Install Mi PC Suite or drivers manually.
Bluetooth modem shuts down itselfBattery savings shuts down connectionAdd the device to the optimization exceptions.

If nothing helps, try:

  • πŸ”§ Reset network settings: Settings β†’ Memory. β†’ Reset β†’ Resetting network settings.
  • πŸ“± Update firmware: Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system.
  • πŸ“‘ Check if the mode is enabled Traffic Saving in the settings SIM-map.

7. How to save battery power when giving the Internet

Internet distribution is one of the most energy-intensive functions of a smartphone, and to extend the time of operation:

  • πŸ”‹ Connect your phone to charge (even) USB-modem discharges battery on 5-10% hourly).
  • πŸ“‰ Reduce screen brightness and turn off auto-update apps.
  • πŸ”„ Use a Bluetooth modem instead of Wi-Fi if the speed is not critical.
  • ❄️ Turn on Battery Savings mode, but add Internet distribution to exceptions.

Xiaomi has introduced Super Battery Savings with HyperOS, which automatically optimizes the power consumption of the Internet, to enable:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Battery.
  2. Select Battery Modes β†’ Super economy.
  3. Add the Access Point to the list of permitted features.

πŸ’‘

When distributing the Internet through Wi-Fi, the phone spends up to 20% charge-hour. USB-The modem reduces this to 5-7%, but requires a connection to the outlet.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I share the Internet with Xiaomi without a password?
Technically, yes, but it's not secure. To remove the password, select Security Type β†’ No in the AP settings. However, in this case, third-party devices will be able to connect to your network, which increases the risk of hacking or traffic theft.
Why is the operator blocking the distribution of the Internet?
Many mobile carriers do not include the default mode option, which is designed to prevent abuse (e.g., giving the Internet to multiple devices at once), to unlock the feature, contact the operator’s support or connect a special option (cost from 50 to 200 rubles per month).
How to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi on iPhone?
iPhone can connect to Xiaomi hotspot like a normal device: Turn on hotspot on Xiaomi. On iPhone, open Settings β†’ Wi-Fi. Select your Xiaomi network and enter a password. If the connection does not happen, check that the iPhone has disabled VPN and LAN mode.
How many devices can be connected to Xiaomi’s hotspot?
The maximum number depends on the model: Budget models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3) - up to 5 devices; Medium segment (Redmi Note 11, POCO X4) - up to 8 devices; Flagships (Xiaomi 13, Xiaomi 14) - up to 10 devices; However, connecting more than 3-4 devices at the same time can lead to speed drawdowns.
Can I share the Internet with Xiaomi on Smart TV?
Yeah, but there's nuance: πŸ“Ί Modern Xiaomi TV, Samsung or LG Wi-Fi will connect to the access point as a normal device. πŸ”Œ For older TVs without Wi-Fi can be used USB-modem, but you will need a special adapter (for example, USB-Ethernet). πŸ“Ά If the TV doesn’t see the network, check that the access point is operating in the 2.4 GHz band (not all of them). TV Support 5 GHz).