How to connect the Internet to Xiaomi Redmi 4A via USB: 3 proven methods + error solving

Xiaomi Redmi 4A — One of the most popular budget smartphones, but its owners often face the problem of lack of Wi-Fi or mobile Internet. USB-But standard Android settings don't always allow you to do it in one click: you need to set the drivers correctly, you need to enable debugging on the computer. USB Sometimes even manually editing network settings.

In this article you will find 3 working methods of Internet connection on Redmi 4A through USB (This includes bypassing common errors like "Device not recognized" or "Network connection missing"), as well as a compatibility table with different versions of Windows, and we will analyze both the official method through USB-ethernet and alternative options using third-party utilities. Special attention is paid to the features MIUI 8/9, which block the transmission of data by default.

If you've tried USB before and you've had errors, don't despair. 90% of the time, the problem is solved by installing the right RNDIS driver or turning on a hidden option in the engineering menu, illustrated with screenshots and accompanied by a newcomer's explanation.

Why can’t you connect to Redmi 4A via USB?

The main reason for the failure is the lack of support for RNDIS, a protocol that allows Android devices to work as network adapters. On Redmi 4A, this feature is disabled by default due to Xiaomi's policy (especially for MIUI firmware below version 10).

• 🔌 Driver. RNDIS Windows does not recognize a smartphone as a network device.
• 📱 Debugging by USB Disabled – without it it is impossible to activate data transmission.
• 🔒 Lockdown MIUI — In some firmware, the USB-ethernet function is hidden in the engineering menu.
• 🖥️ Antivirus blocking connection – programs like Avast or Kaspersky can perceive RNDIS threat.

Another common mistake is using unoriginal USB-Cheap cables often don't support data transfer (charging only). To check this, connect your smartphone to your PC and see if it's defined as a media device (MTP). If not, the cable should be replaced.

Method 1: Standard USB Ethernet Connection (RNDIS)

This is the official method that works on most Android devices, but on Redmi 4A, you need to pre-configure.

1. Turn on USB debugging: Go to Settings → About Phone and 7 times click on MIUI Version to activate Developer Mode. Then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers and turn on USB Debugging.
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC: Use the original cable. In the notification menu on your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode (this is temporary, we will change it later).
3. Install the RNDIS driver: Download the official ADB drivers from Google or use the Mi PC Suite to install automatically.
4. Activate USB-ethernet: In the notification menu on your phone, select USB-ethernet (RNDIS) mode. If there is no such option, go to Method 2.

After successfully connecting to Control Panel → Network Connections on PC, a new Ethernet connection via USB will appear. You can now allow Internet sharing through this connection (instruction below).

Debugging is on. USB|Drivers installed ADB/RNDIS|The original cable is used.|Antivirus is disabled on PC (temporarily)|Smartphone in mode MTP (not yet activated RNDIS)-->

Method 2: Manually enable RNDIS via engineering menu

If the notification menu does not have a USB ethernet option, it can be activated through hidden settings. This method works on Redmi 4A with MIUI firmware 8-11:

1. Open the Engineering Menu: Enter the Phone app with ##4636##, then select Phone Information.
2. Change the regime. USB: Scroll down to the block. USB-configuration and select RNDIS + ADB (plainly RNDIS, if ADB needless).
3. Reconnect the cable: Unplug and reconnect USB-There's a new networking device coming to the PC.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware after changing configuration USB The smartphone can reboot. That's OK -- just reconnect after you boot.

If the engineering menu is blocked (it gives an error "This menu is disabled"), try the alternative code: # #86583## (test menu). USB). You need to select Manual and manually specify it. RNDIS.

Method 3: Using third-party utilities (without root)

If standard methods don’t work, programs like ClockWorkMod Tether or PdaNet will come to the rescue.+. They emulate. RNDIS-Connecting without having to manually configure. Let's take a look at PdaNet.+:

1. Download and install PdaNet+: Install the PC version and mobile app from Google Play.
2. Connect your smartphone: Activate USB debugging and select Charge Only (important!) Launch PdaNet+ on your phone and press Enable USB Tether.
3. Run the program on your PC: In the PdaNet+ window on your computer, select Connect via USB.

The advantage of this method is that it works even on blocked firmware, where RNDIS Disadvantage: Free version has a limited speed (up to 500 Kbps (~$8).

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If PdaNet+ does not recognize the device, try manually installing the driver from the C:\Program Files\PdaNet for Android\drivers folder. To do this, open Device Manager, find ADB Interface with an exclamation mark, update the driver and specify the path to the folder.

Setting up shared Internet access on PC

After successfully connecting your smartphone as a network device, the final step is to allow it to access the Internet from your computer. Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Open Network Connections: Press Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter.
2. Find the main connection: This is the connection through which the PC itself goes to the Internet (for example, Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
3. Enable Sharing: Right-click on the main connection → Properties → Access. Check-check Allow other network users to use the Internet connection and select from the Ethernet list via USB.

If after that the Internet on the smartphone did not work, check:

• 🔄 Windows Firewall - it can block data transmission. Temporarily turn it off for verification.
• 📡 IP-Addresses – an address from the PC subnet should be automatically assigned on the smartphone (for example, 192.168.137.x).
• 🔌 Power saving mode - turn it off in settings USB phone-on.

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If after setting up the shared access Internet on the smartphone works, but the pages do not load – check DNS. In the settings Wi-Fi/mobile network on the phone manually specify DNS Google: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

Solving Common Errors When Connecting via USB

Even with the right instructions, there can be errors, and we've collected some of the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the network settings on your smartphone: → System system → Reset → Reset the network settings. This will delete all stored Wi-Fi and VPN, But often solves problems with USB-connection.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI After resetting the network, it may be necessary to re-activate debugging USB. Don't forget to turn it on again!

Alternative ways to connect to the Internet on Redmi 4A

If USB-The connection has not worked, consider alternative options:

• 📶 Bluetooth modem: Less stable than USB, But it works without drivers. Turn on the Bluetooth modem in Settings. → Modem mode and connect from PC.
• 🔄 Wi-Fi Direct (access point from another phone): If there is a second smartphone with mobile Internet nearby, distribute Wi-Fi from it and connect to it with Redmi. 4A.
• 🖥️ USB-OTG + Ethernet Adapter: Buy a USB-Ethernet Adapter (~$5) and connect the smartphone directly to the router via cable.

For constant use, the most reliable solution is USB-ethernet, but if you need the Internet occasionally, a Bluetooth modem will suffice. USB It does not consume the battery of the smartphone (unlike the battery). Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-modem).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting the Internet via USB