How to connect the Internet to your computer via Xiaomi Redmi phone over USB: the complete guide

Why? USB-Connection better than Wi-Fi hotspot?

Connecting your computer to the Internet via Xiaomi Redmi smartphone USB-Cable is one of the most stable and energy-efficient ways to distribute mobile traffic, unlike a Wi-Fi hotspot, which quickly lands a battery and depends on interference, USB-The modem provides direct data transfer without loss of speed, which is especially true for owners of Redmi Note. 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 or POCO, function USB-The Internet works out of the box without additional settings.

Another advantage is security. USB-In connection, traffic is not broadcast "over the air", which eliminates the risk of data interception. And for users with a limited tariff, this is a way to save money: many operators (for example, MegaFon or Beeline) do not consider it a problem. USB-Traffic is like a hotspot, which avoids extra charges, but there's a nuance: not all versions are available. MIUI They work equally well with this function, and on Windows. 7/8 Sometimes you need to manually install drivers.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔌 How to turn it on USB-Xiaomi Redmi modem (including hidden settings)
• 🖥️ Setting up a computer under Windows 10/11 Linux
• ⚡ Optimizing speed and solving common errors (e.g., “Network without Internet access")
• 🔄 Alternative ways of connecting if USB doesn't work

Preparation of the phone: turn on USB-modem on Xiaomi Redmi

Before connecting to your PC, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi supports the feature. USB-On most models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or Redmi) 9T) It's available by default, but it can be hidden in deep settings. Here's how to activate it:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet (or Connections in newer versions of MIUI).
2. Go to the Access Point and modem (on some firmware - Modem Mode).
3. Activate the switch. USB-If you don't have one, see the instructions below.

If the paragraph USB-The modem is not on the menu, which could mean:

• 📱 You have an old firmware (update) MIUI through settings → The phone).
• 🔧 The function is disabled by the operator (check the settings). APN).
• 🛠️ We need to get the debugging on. USB (see next section).

Use the original Xiaomi cable or a certified USB Type-C. Cheap cables often don’t support data transfer, only charging.

Computer configuration: drivers and network parameters

After activation USB-You can connect it to your PC, most of the time, Windows. 10/11 It will automatically install the drivers, but sometimes you need to manually configure them. If you see an exclamation mark ("Network without Internet access") in the tray, follow the following steps:

For Windows:

1. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
2. Find a network adapter called Remote NDIS or Xiaomi.
3. If there is a yellow triangle nearby, right-click → Update the driver → Automatic search.
4. If the driver is not found, download it from the official Xiaomi website (Drivers section).

For Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):

On most Linux distributions, drivers are installed automatically via usb-modeswitch. If the connection is not working, run at the terminal:

sudo apt update


sudo apt install usb-modeswitch usb-modeswitch-data

Then reconnect the phone.

💡

If after connecting the Internet works, but the speed is low, turn off the phone Traffic Saving in the settings SIM-map.

Error Solving: "Network Without Access" and Other Problems

Even after you set it up correctly, you can still get errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

A critical feature for Xiaomi Redmi: on some models (for example, Redmi) 9A or Redmi 8 function USB-The modem is locked by the operator. To unlock it, go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Access point (APN) Create a new profile with parameters:

• Name: Internet
• APN: Internet.mts.ru (for MTS), Internet.beeline.ru (for Beeline), etc.
• Type APN: default, dun

⚠️ Warning: If the phone starts to warm up after you connect, turn it off. USB-modem and check it for viruses. USB-cryptocurrency mining connection.

Speed Optimization: How to Speed Up USB-web-based

Speed. USB-The modem depends on several factors: signal quality, operator network load, and phone settings. Here's how to increase it:

• 📶 Select the network. 4G/5G: Go to Settings. → SIM-map → Preferred network type and install 4G (LTE) or 5G (if maintained).
• 🔄 Turn off background applications: In Settings → Annexes → Auto-Run Ban Auto-Run Unnecessary Programs.
• 🛡️ Use it. DNS Google or Cloudflare: In your PC connection settings, specify DNS 1.1.1.1. or 8.8.8.8.
• 🔋 Connect your phone to charge: At low battery level (<20%) Xiaomi may limit data transfer speeds.

To check the real speed, use the Speedtest service. USB-modem:

• 4G: 20–100 Mbps (depending on operator)
• 5G: 100-300 Mbps (on Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G and later).

💡

USB-The modem consumes 30-40% less power than a Wi-Fi hotspot, which is especially important for phones with a battery up to 4000 mAh (for example, Redmi). 9C).

Alternative methods: if the USB does not work

If USB-The modem refuses to work despite all efforts, try alternative methods of connection:

1. Wi-Fi hotspot: 📶 Enable Wi-Fi Access Point in your phone settings. 🔑 Set a strong password (at least 8 characters). 🖥️ Connect to this network from a PC.

Cons: fast battery discharge and possible interference.

Bluetooth modem:

• 🔵 Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and PC.
• 🤝 Conjugate the devices.
• 🌐 In the phone settings, activate the Bluetooth modem.
• Reverse tethering: If you have Internet on your PC and your phone doesn’t, you can share the Internet from your computer to Xiaomi via USB or Wi-Fi. Use programs like ClockworkMod Tether (root rights required).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 7A) switch-on USB-The modem automatically turns off charging on USB. To avoid this, use it. OTG-splitter.

Security: How to protect data when USB-connection

USB-Connection is considered more secure than Wi-Fi, but there are risks here too:

• 🔒 Turn off the debugging. USB: If you are not a developer, deactivate Developer Mode after setting up (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Press 7 times to activate, then disable).
• 🛡️ Use antivirus: On your phone, install Avast or Kaspersky to scan your connected devices.
• 🔑 Lock the screen: Always install it. PIN or fingerprint so that the porridge cannot change the modem settings.
• 🌐 VPN Privacy: If you are connected to public networks, turn on VPN on your phone (e.g. ProtonVPN).

Especially careful should be the owners of phones with unlocked bootloader, in this case, attackers can access system files via USB. If you are not sure about the security of the PC to which you connect Xiaomi, use Charge only (in the notification curtain when connecting USB).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions