How to connect the Internet to your computer via Xiaomi phone USB-cable: complete guide

Why Use Xiaomi as a Resource USB-modem

Modern smartphones Xiaomi based on Android can act as a full-fledged USB-This is especially relevant in situations where there is no fixed connection and Wi-Fi is not available or is not stable, such as when traveling, in the country or in the office with Internet interruptions.

Connection through USB-cable has several advantages over Wi-Fi hotspot: first, it saves battery life on the phone, as the data transfer over the cable consumes less power. USB It's usually more stable and faster, because it's not jammed like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and finally, it's safer, because it's transmitted over a secure wire, not over the air".

In this article, we’ll discuss how to set up Xiaomi (including Redmi models) correctly, POCO, Black Shark for Internet distribution USB, What settings are required on a Windows computer 10/11 We will also look at common errors and ways to fix them, and we will pay special attention to the nuances that are specific to Xiaomi devices, for example, working with a proprietary shell. MIUI and specificity of drivers.

What you need to connect

Before you start setting up, make sure you have everything you need:

  • πŸ“± Xiaomi smartphone (any model) with support for data transmission USB. Almost all devices on Android 8.0 and newer support this feature.
  • πŸ–₯️ Computer or laptop with port USB 2.0/3.0 and the Windows operating system 7/10/11, macOS or Linux.
  • πŸ”Œ Quality USB-cable (preferably original or certified) cheap cables may not support data transfer, only charging.
  • πŸ“Ά Active. SIM-card with a tariff that supports data transfer (3G/4G/5G). Make sure you have enough money in your account and no traffic restrictions.
  • πŸ”§ Xiaomi drivers (usually installed automatically, but sometimes manual installation is required).

If you are using Windows, we recommend you to download the official drivers from the Xiaomi website or through the Mi program in advance. PC Suite. for Linux, standard kernel drivers are usually enough, but you may need to set up a customization usb_modeswitch.

πŸ“Š What operating system do you use?
Windows 10/11
macOS
Linux
other

Step-by-step adjustment USB-Xiaomi modem

The connection process is two steps: set up the phone and set up the computer, starting with the phone.

1. Enable modem modem on Xiaomi

Open Settings on your Xiaomi and follow the following steps:

  1. Go to the Network and Internet section (or Connections depending on the version of MIUI).
  2. Select Access Point and modem (in some firmwares – Modem Modem).
  3. Activate the switch. USB-If this item is missing, connect the phone to the computer USB and update the settings page.
  4. When you first connect, you will receive a request for permission to transfer data – confirm it.

In some models (for example, POCO F3 Redmi Note 10 Pro may require additional confirmation in the form of USB-If you have a window like this, click Allow.

Include mobile data|Connect USB-plug-in|Allow access to data on the phone|Activate USB-modem|Check the connection in the notification panel-->

2. computer setup (Windows)

Once the modem modem on the phone is activated, the operating system must automatically recognize the new network connection, but sometimes manual configuration is required:

  1. Open the Control Panel β†’ Network and Internet β†’ Network Management Center.
  2. In the Change Adapter Settings section, find a new connection (usually called Ethernet or USB Network Connection).
  3. Click on it with the right button and select Properties.
  4. Check boxes are set against IP version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and IP version 6 (TCP/IPv6).
  5. Press OK and reset the connection by disconnecting/connecting the cable.

If the connection does not appear, check Device Manager for unknown devices (usually in the section Network adapters or Other devices). If necessary, update the drivers manually, indicating the path to the folder with the Xiaomi drivers.

πŸ’‘

If Windows doesn’t recognize your phone as a modem, try connecting it to another. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0, it's usually blue).

Solving common problems

Even if you set it up properly, you can have errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The computer does not see the phone as a modemThere are no drivers or USB-cable does not support transmission of dataInstall Mi PC Suite drivers or use the original cable
The Internet is connected but not working.Incorrect APN settings or operator lockCheck the settings. APN In Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Access points (APN)
Low Internet speedOperator restriction or weak network signalSwitch to the network. 4G/5G customized SIM-maps or change location
Permanent connection breaksBattery savings or MIUI background optimizationDisable Optimization for Settings in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Permissions β†’ Auto Run

It is important for owners of Xiaomi with MIUI 12 and later: in some firmware functions USB-The modem is disabled by default to save power. To activate it, go to Settings. β†’ Battery and productivity β†’ Managing battery consumption with apps and add Settings to the exclusion list.

⚠️ Note: If you are using duality SIM-map on Xiaomi, make sure that mobile data is included for the SIM, Some operators (e.g. Tele2 or Iota) block the distribution of the Internet at separate rates.

Optimization of connection speed and stability

If USB internet is working but the speed is poor, try the following optimization methods:

  • πŸ“Ά Network Selection: Manually set your preferred network type in Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Preferred network type. Select for maximum speed 4G (preferably)/5G.
  • πŸ”„ Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings β†’ The Internet and the Internet β†’ Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings to help resolve setting conflicts.
  • πŸ”Œ USB 3.0: Connect the cable to the port USB 3.0 (usually marked in blue) – this will increase bandwidth.
  • πŸ“‰ Background Limitation: Disable background data transfer for unnecessary applications in Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Transfer of data.

For Windows users, it is also useful to disable automatic parameter determination in connection properties:

  1. Open the settings β†’ Network and Internet β†’ Ethernet.
  2. Click on Active Connection and select Change Adapter Settings.
  3. Right-click on the connection, select Properties β†’ IP version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
  4. Click Additional and on the DNS tab uncheck the box from Automatic parameter determination.
How to check the actual speed of the connection?
Use services like Speedtest or Fast.com. Run the test directly on a computer connected to Xiaomi. USB. Compare results with direct connection SIM-maps in modem - the difference should not exceed 10-15%.

Alternative ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi

If USB connection is not suitable for some reason, consider alternative options:

  • πŸ“‘ Wi-Fi hotspot: More versatile method, but consumes the phone's battery. β†’ Access Point and modem β†’ Wi-Fi hotspot.
  • πŸ”΅ Bluetooth modem: Suitable for devices without USB-Ports (e.g. tablets) are slower, but power consumption is minimal.
  • πŸ”„ Back Theter: Computer-to-phone Internet transfer (if you have a wired connection on your PC) requires root rights or special applications like ClockworkMod Tether.

Each of these methods has its pros and cons. For example, a Wi-Fi hotspot is convenient for connecting multiple devices, but quickly puts the battery down. Bluetooth is more economical, but speeds rarely exceed the speed. 3-5 Mbit/s. USB-The modem remains the middle ground for most scenarios.

⚠️ Note: some mobile operators (such as MTS or Beeline) may block Internet distribution at certain rates or charge an additional fee.

Safety in use USB-modem

Connecting your phone to your computer via USB opens up potential security risks, and follow these guidelines to minimize threats:

  • πŸ”’ Turn it off. USB-Debugging: If you are not using the developer features, deactivate Debugging by USB In Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (Click on version 7 times, then return to Additional β†’ For developers).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Use antivirus: Install reliable antivirus software on your computer to prevent the transmission of malicious files through the connection.
  • πŸ”„ Update your firmware: Check for updates regularly MIUI In Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ System updates: New versions often fix vulnerabilities.
  • πŸ“΅ Restrict access: Do not connect your phone to public computers (such as in an internet cafe) – this can lead to data theft.

It is also worth noting that when active USB-The modem phone becomes more vulnerable to attacks over the network. avoid visiting dubious sites or downloading files from unverified sources while the phone is being used as a modem.

πŸ’‘

Always turn it off. USB-modem after use, especially if you connect your phone to other devices, this will prevent unauthorized access to your data.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can you use Xiaomi as a USB-root-free modem?
Yeah, it doesn't require root rights. USB-modem built into standard firmware MIUI Root can only be used for advanced settings, such as changes. MAC-address or bypass of operator locks.
Why doesn’t your computer see Xiaomi as a networking device?
There may be several reasons: not original. USB-cable (charging only) No drivers (install Mi) PC Suite or download drivers from Xiaomi's website. The phone's settings do not allow access to data on the site. USB (Check the notification when connecting. port USB Your computer is not working (try another port).
How to check how much traffic is being spent USB-modem?
On the phone go to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Data transfer. This shows total traffic consumption, including distribution. For detailed statistics, use applications like My Data Manager or GlassWire.
Can I use it at the same time? USB-modem and charge phone?
Yes, when you connect to USB-The phone will be able to charge and distribute the Internet at the same time (albeit slowly). USB-charging-port.
Why is speeding through? USB lower than with direct connection SIM-modem?
This is normal, when you give it through the phone, some of the speed is lost to the processing of data by the smartphone processor. 10-20%. If the speed drop is significant (more) 50%), Check: Quality USB-Cable (try another one) CPU load (close the background apps) Settings APN (It should be consistent with the operator’s recommendations).