Distributing the Internet from Xiaomi to PC through USB-Cable: A Complete Guide to Problem Solutions

Connecting your computer to the Internet via Xiaomi smartphone USB-Cable is one of the most stable ways to distribute traffic, especially when the Wi-Fi router is not on hand or its signal is weak, USB-The modem provides faster speeds, less delays, and doesn’t drain the phone’s battery as quickly.However, many users face problems: the computer can’t see the connection, drivers aren’t installed, or the Internet is intermittent.

In this article, we will discuss all the stages of configuration - from choosing the right cable to solving typical errors (for example, No Internet connection or Unidentified device in the Windows Task Manager). MIUI 12/13/14, Because they have nuances with drivers. RNDIS. Also, compare speed. USB-modem with Wi-Fi hotspot and give recommendations for optimization.

What Xiaomi phones support the distribution of Internet over USB

Almost all Xiaomi smartphones released after 2016 support the function USB-modem (USB tethering. There are nuances, however:

  • πŸ“± Flagship models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi K60, POCO F5) β€” It works without any problems on all versions. MIUI Android.
  • πŸ“± Budget series (Redmi Note) 10/11, POCO M4/M5) β€” You may need to manually install drivers. RNDIS Windows 7/8.
  • πŸ“± Old models (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1) β€” on MIUI 9-10 Sometimes you need to activate the developer mode.
  • 🚫 Exceptions: some carrier versions (for example, for Tele2 or MTS) may be blocked USB-default modem.

To check support on your device, go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Data transmission and modem. If the items USB-No modem - update MIUI before the latest version or use alternative methods (we will discuss them below).

πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi phone is you?
Redmi (Note/Pro)
POCO
Mi (flagship)
Another brand

What you need to connect: full list

Before you start setting up, prepare everything you need. Here is the mandatory checklist:

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for connection

Done: 0 / 5

Pay special attention to cable: many users are faced with errors due to the use of poor-quality wires. the original cable from Xiaomi or certified USB 2.0/3.0 with data support is a must. Charging cables without data transmission (for example, from cheap powerbank) will not work.

Also check the plan: some operators (for example, MegaFon or Beeline) block the distribution of the Internet without an additional option.

πŸ’‘

If you have Windows 7/8, download RNDIS drivers from Xiaomi’s official website or through Mi PC Suite in advance.

Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on USB-modem

Now, let's get to the basic process. Follow the instructions in strict order to avoid errors.

  1. Connect your phone to your computer with the original cable. On the Xiaomi screen, select File Transfer (MTP) mode β€” this is temporary, we'll change it later.
  2. Open the Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Data transmission and modem.
  3. Activate the switch. USB-If it's not, turn on Developer Mode (as - read in the next section).
  4. On your computer, wait for the drivers to install. In Windows, it can take 1-2 minutes (a notification will appear in the tray).
  5. Check Connection: Windows Network Connections should have a new Remote NDIS device or Xiaomi USB Net.

If, after activation, USB-Internet modem failed to work:

  • πŸ”„ Restart your phone and computer.
  • πŸ”Œ Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0 - blue).
  • πŸ“₯ Install drivers manually (links and instructions in the next section).
What to do if there is no item "USB-modem"?
If there is no option in the settings USB-Modem, turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings β†’ About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI. Then go back to Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers and activate debugging by USB. After that paragraph USB-The modem should appear.

Problem Solving: Drivers, Errors and No Connection

The most common problem is that your computer doesn't see your phone as a modem, and 90% of the time it does, it's because you don't have RNDIS drivers (especially on Windows 7/8).

Mistake.Reason.Decision
Unidentified device in dispatcherThere is no RNDIS driverInstall Mi PC Suite or download the driver from Xiaomi
There is no internet connectionBlocking by operator or APNCheck your APN settings (see section below) or contact the operator
The Internet is working, but very slowly.USB 1.1 or damaged cableUse USB 2.0/3.0 cable and USB 3.0 port (blue)
The device is not recognized on macOSLack of support for RNDISInstall hoRNDIS or use Wi-Fi

If the drivers are installed, but the Internet still does not work:

  1. Check if mobile data transmission is enabled on the phone.
  2. Make sure you're on SIM-enough money and connected tariff with the Internet.
  3. Try resetting the network settings on your phone: Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Resetting network settings.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Windows 10/11 And you see the error. 10 In Device Manager, try to disable the driver digital signature. + Reboot. β†’ Diagnostics β†’ Additional parameters β†’ Loading parameters β†’ Disable mandatory driver signature verification.

APN setting: if the internet doesn't work after you connect

Sometimes. USB-The modem is connected, but the Internet is missing due to incorrect settings APN (This is true if you are using SIM-An operator card that blocks traffic distribution (e.g. Yota or Tinkoff Mobile).

To set up the APN manually:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [Yours. SIM] β†’ Access points (APN).
  2. Click Add APN and enter your carrier’s details (see table below).
  3. Save the settings and restart the phone.
Operator.APN nameAPNType of authentication
MTSmtsinternet.mts.ruPAP
Beelinebeelineinternet.beeline.ruPAP
MegaFonmegafoninternetPAP
Tele2tele2internet.tele2.ruPAP

If the Internet started working after manually setting up the APN, but disappeared again after 5-10 minutes, this is a sign of blocking by the operator. Contact support and check if the distribution of traffic is allowed at your rate.

Speed comparison: USB vs Wi-Fi vs Bluetooth

Many users are wondering which way to distribute the Internet to choose. We tested three methods on Xiaomi 13 Pro with a tariff MegaFon (4G+):

MethodDownload speed (Mbps)Return rate (Mbps)Ping (ms)Battery consumption (per 1 hour)
USB-modem78–8512–1528–352–3%
Wi-Fi hotspot65–7210–1245–608–12%
Bluetooth8–123–5120–1805–7%

Conclusions:

  • πŸš€ USB-Modem is the fastest and most stable option, ideal for downloading files or streaming.
  • πŸ“Ά Wi-Fi hotspot is convenient for several devices, but consumes battery and can brake.
  • πŸ”΅ Bluetooth is only suitable for instant messengers or emails – for the rest too slow.

πŸ’‘

USB-The modem is 15-20 percent faster than Wi-Fi and doesn’t drain your phone’s battery, and it’s the best choice for a desktop PC or laptop with no power restrictions.

Alternative ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi

If USB-The modem is not working or you need to connect multiple devices, consider alternatives:

  • 🌐 Wi-Fi Hotspot: Settings β†’ Modem and access point β†’ Wi-Fi hotspot. Set a strong password (for example, WPA2-PSK) Select the 5 GHz range for less interference.
  • πŸ”„ Bluetooth modem: suitable for tablets or laptops without USB-Included in the settings of ports. β†’ Devices β†’ Connected devices β†’ Bluetooth modem.
  • πŸ”Œ Reverse Tethering: If you want to connect your phone to the PC Internet (for example, to update your firmware), requires root rights or ADB.

For advanced users, there is another way β€” ADB-command USB-This is true if the standard method doesn't work:

adb shell


settings put global tether_dun_required 0




setprop sys.usb.config rndis,adb

These commands reset the operator's restrictions on the distribution of traffic, but use them at your own risk - some operators may block the distribution of traffic. SIM-circumvention.

⚠️ Note: If you are using a corporate SIM-card or tethering restriction tariff (e.g., "Internet for Devices" from MTS), bypassing the lock may result in penalties from the operator.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I share the Internet with Xiaomi on a MacBook?
Yes, but macOS doesn't have RNDIS by default. Install the hoRNDIS driver or use the Wi-Fi hotspot. Also check that USB Ethernet is available in System Settings β†’ Network.
Why is USB Internet slower than your phone?
This is due to the limitations of the protocol. RNDIS or USB-Try: Use the port. USB 3.0 (blue). Disable Windows background updates (Settings) β†’ Update and security β†’ Additional parameters β†’ Delivery optimization. Enable Flight mode on your phone for 10 seconds, then turn off.
Can I share the Internet with Xiaomi on another phone?
Yeah, but not through. USB (need OTG-cable and root rights. Easy to use: πŸ“Ά Wi-Fi Hotspot (the most universal way). πŸ”΅ Bluetooth modem (saves charge but slow).
How to disable the restriction on the distribution of the Internet from the operator?
Legally, no. Most operators (e.g., operators, Tele2 Tinkoff Mobile, they block tethering at cheap rates: πŸ’³ Connect the option β€œInternet for devices” (cost) ~150–300 β‚½/month). πŸ”„ Use it. VPN on the phone (e.g. 1.1.1.1), but this can reduce speed. πŸ“± Buy a separate one. SIM-unlimited rate card (for example, β€œUnlimited” from Yota).
Why does your computer not see your Xiaomi phone as a modem?
Causes and Solutions: Drivers not installed β†’ Download Mi. PC Suite or driver RNDIS Handheld cable damaged. β†’ Try the original Xiaomi cable.Blocked with antivirus β†’ Temporarily disable Windows Defender or Third-Party Antivirus. USB-port β†’ Connect your phone to another port (preferably) USB 3.0).