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 doesnβt drain the phoneβs battery as quickly.However, many users face problems: the computer canβt see the connection, drivers arenβt 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:
- π± Flagship models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi K60, POCO F5) β It works without any problems on all versions. MIUI Android.
- π± Budget series (Redmi Note) 10/11, POCO M4/M5) β You may need to manually install drivers. RNDIS Windows 7/8.
- π± Old models (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1) β on MIUI 9-10 Sometimes you need to activate the developer mode.
- π« 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).
What you need to connect: full list
Before you start setting up, prepare everything you need. Here is the mandatory checklist:
βοΈ Preparation for connection
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.
π‘
If you have Windows 7/8, download RNDIS drivers from Xiaomiβs 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.
- 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.
- Open the Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Data transmission and modem.
- Activate the switch. USB-If it's not, turn on Developer Mode (as - read in the next section).
- On your computer, wait for the drivers to install. In Windows, it can take 1-2 minutes (a notification will appear in the tray).
- 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:
- π Restart your phone and computer.
- π Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0 - blue).
- π₯ Install drivers manually (links and instructions in the next section).
What to do if there is no item "USB-modem"?
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 dispatcher | There is no RNDIS driver | Install Mi PC Suite or download the driver from Xiaomi |
| There is no internet connection | Blocking by operator or APN | Check your APN settings (see section below) or contact the operator |
| The Internet is working, but very slowly. | USB 1.1 or damaged cable | Use USB 2.0/3.0 cable and USB 3.0 port (blue) |
| The device is not recognized on macOS | Lack of support for RNDIS | Install hoRNDIS or use Wi-Fi |
If the drivers are installed, but the Internet still does not work:
- Check if mobile data transmission is enabled on the phone.
- Make sure you're on SIM-enough money and connected tariff with the Internet.
- Try resetting the network settings on your phone: Settings β SIM-map β Resetting network settings.
β οΈ 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:
- Go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β [Yours. SIM] β Access points (APN).
- Click Add APN and enter your carrierβs details (see table below).
- Save the settings and restart the phone.
| Operator. | APN name | APN | Type of authentication |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | mts | internet.mts.ru | PAP |
| Beeline | beeline | internet.beeline.ru | PAP |
| MegaFon | megafon | internet | PAP |
| Tele2 | tele2 | internet.tele2.ru | PAP |
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+):
| Method | Download speed (Mbps) | Return rate (Mbps) | Ping (ms) | Battery consumption (per 1 hour) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB-modem | 78β85 | 12β15 | 28β35 | 2β3% |
| Wi-Fi hotspot | 65β72 | 10β12 | 45β60 | 8β12% |
| Bluetooth | 8β12 | 3β5 | 120β180 | 5β7% |
Conclusions:
- π USB-Modem is the fastest and most stable option, ideal for downloading files or streaming.
- πΆ Wi-Fi hotspot is convenient for several devices, but consumes battery and can brake.
- π΅ Bluetooth is only suitable for instant messengers or emails β for the rest too slow.
π‘
USB-The modem is 15-20 percent faster than Wi-Fi and doesnβt drain your phoneβs battery, and itβs 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:
- π 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.
- π Bluetooth modem: suitable for tablets or laptops without USB-Included in the settings of ports. β Devices β Connected devices β Bluetooth modem.
- π 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,adbThese 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.
β οΈ 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.