The situation when a desktop computer or laptop is left without access to the global network, and only a smartphone with an active tariff plan is at hand, is familiar to many users. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi or Poco devices are in a more advantageous position, since the MIUI and HyperOS shell offer advanced tools for organizing network access. Turning a smartphone into a full-fledged router allows not only to urgently download the necessary file, but also to ensure the stable operation of a remote office in the absence of a wired provider.
There are several proven methods of broadcasting traffic, each of which has its own technical features and use cases, the choice of the specific method depends on the availability of free ports, the requirements for connection speed and the need to save battery life of the mobile device. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to set up USB-modem, activate the Wi-Fi wireless hotspot and arrange a Bluetooth connection so you can choose the best option for your situation.
Before you start setting up, make sure your smartphone has data transmission activated and there is a stable cellular signal.It is also worth checking the current traffic balance in your data plan, as computer programs and the Windows or macOS operating system can consume significantly more data than mobile applications due to background updates and synchronization.
Connection through USB-Cable: Maximum speed and stability
The use of a wired connection is the most preferred option for those who are critically important for the stability of ping and high data transfer speed. USB-The cable not only distributes the Internet, but also charges from the computer at the same time, eliminating the risk of rapid battery discharge during a long session.
To get started, you'll need a serviceable cable that can transmit data, not just charge the device. Cheap "charging-only" cables will prevent the computer from seeing the smartphone as a network device. USB-port your computer and wait for the necessary drivers to be installed, which modern versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11 usually download automatically.
⚠️ Attention: When the first connection on the screen of the smartphone may appear a request for debugging permission USB If you don't plan to use the developer tools, just confirm File Transfer or Charge, but the modem may need to activate a specific item in the menu.
After the physical connection, we move to the software part of the setup. The interface of the MIUI shell may vary slightly depending on the version, but the logic of actions remains the same for all Xiaomi models, you need to find the partition responsible for network connections and activate the corresponding switch.
☑️ Checking before connection USB-modem
To activate the modem modem, perform the following actions:
- 📱 Open the Settings app on your smartphone.
- 📡 Go to Connect and Sharing (or Additional Features in Older Versions).
- 🔌 Find a point. USB-Modem and switch the switch to active position.
If the paragraph USB-The modem is inactive (grey), which means that the computer does not recognize the phone as a network device. USB-port on your computer or use another cable. Once activated successfully, a new network connection icon will appear in the computer tray, and the system will automatically adjust the access settings.
What to do if the computer can’t see USB-modem?
Organization of Wi-Fi Access Points: Wireless Freedom
The wireless method is the most popular because of its versatility and lack of need for additional wires. Xiaomi smartphone creates around itself a Wi-Fi coverage area, which can connect not only computers, but also tablets, laptops and even other phones, which turns your device into a full-fledged mobile router, capable of serving up to 10 simultaneous connections.
The main advantage of this method is mobility: you can move around the room without losing communication while the computer is in range of the signal. However, it is worth considering that the active mode of the access point significantly increases the power consumption and heating of the device. The processor and radio module work in enhanced mode, which can lead to a decrease in the performance of the phone in background tasks.
To set up the access point, follow the following steps:
- Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Wi-Fi Access Point.
- Click on the network name to change it to something recognizable, such as, Xiaomi_Home_WiFi.
- Set a strong password using WPA2-Personal encryption to protect against unauthorized access.
- Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point switch.
An important aspect of security is the setting of the frequency range. In the access point menu, you can choose to work in the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz bands. The 5 GHz range provides higher speed and is less susceptible to interference from neighboring networks, but has a shorter range and penetrates walls worse. If your computer supports the 802.11ac standard or later, it is recommended to use 5 GHz.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t set a password as simple as 8 characters. In public places, attackers can use software to match simple passwords in minutes, gaining access to your traffic and potentially dangerous data.
Bluetooth modem: saving energy in emergency situations
A third, less common, but useful way is to use Bluetooth to transmit an Internet connection, which has the lowest data rate of any of the surveyed, but consumes minimal power. The Bluetooth modem is ideal for text documents, email or instant messengers in situations where you want to maximize the battery life of a smartphone.
The process of pairing your computer and phone requires initial setup. Make sure the Bluetooth module is on both devices and they see each other. On your computer, go to Bluetooth settings, find your Xiaomi device and pair by confirming the code on both screens.
After successful pairing, you need to configure the connection to the network:
- 🔵 On the phone in the menu Access Point and modem enable Bluetooth modem.
- 💻 On your computer in the Devices and Printers section, find your phone, right-click and select Connect via" →"Access point".
- 🌐 Wait for the connection to be installed, which can take up to 30 seconds.
Bluetooth connection speeds typically don’t exceed 2-3 Mbps, which isn’t enough to watch high-resolution video or download heavy files, but for mission-critical tasks like sending a report or accessing a banking application, this channel can be lifesaving when other options are not available.
Comparison of connection methods: Characteristics table
To help you make your final choice, we have created a comparison table that summarizes the key parameters of each method, allowing you to quickly assess the pros and cons in the context of your current needs.
| Parameter | USB-modem | Wi-Fi access point | Bluetooth modem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed | High (up to 100+ Mbps) | Medium/High (up to 50 Mbps) | Low (up to 2-3 Mbps) |
| Signal stability | Excellent (wired) | Depends on the interference. | Good (at short distances) |
| Phone battery consumption | Charging from a PC | High-pitched | Minimum |
| Number of devices | 1 | Up to 10 devices | 1 |
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USB-modem is the best choice for stationary work at the computer, providing maximum speed and keeping the battery of the phone.
Setting up traffic and security limits
MIUI provides advanced tools for controlling traffic flow, which is especially true when using mobile Internet on a computer. PC operating systems are prone to background downloads of updates, cloud storage synchronization and telemetry, which can quickly exhaust your gigabyte packet.
To manage your expenses, go to Wi-Fi Access Point and find your limit settings, set a limit where you can automatically stop your Internet service, and set time limits, such as turning off the hotspot after 30 minutes without activity.
It's important to keep track of the list of connected devices. The hotspot menu displays a list of all the gadgets that are currently using your Internet. If you notice an unknown device, change your password immediately and check your security settings. The blacklist will block access to specific MAC-address.
💡
Set a traffic limit of 1-2 GB less than your monthly package to have a stock for emergencies and avoid being blocked by the operator.
Solving common problems and errors
Despite the ease of setup, users may face a number of common problems: often the computer sees the phone as a charger, but not as a modem, in which case switching USB mode to the developer menu or replacing the cable with a better, supportive data transmission standards will help.
Another common problem is the low connection speed when using Wi-Fi. This can be caused by congestion of the 2.4 GHz band by neighboring routers. Switching to 5 GHz or changing the broadcast channel in the access point settings often solves the problem of interference.
If you have internet on your computer but the pages don't load, check your DNS settings. Try manually prescribing 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) addresses in the network adapter properties on your computer. Also make sure your phone doesn't have browser traffic saving mode on it, which can block some requests.
⚠️ Note: If, after connecting through USB You don't have the Internet on your computer, so try restarting both devices. Sometimes the network adapter drivers on Windows can freeze and require re-initialization.