How to connect the Internet from Xiaomi phone to your computer: all ways + error solving

When the fixed Internet suddenly turns off, and you need to work or play right now, Xiaomi smartphone can be a real salvation. USB-Modems to advanced protocols like Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, but how to set up the connection so you don't run into connection errors or low speeds?

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to connect the Internet from Xiaomi phone (including the Redmi models, POCO and flagship series) to a computer on Windows 10/11 or macOS. Particular attention will be paid to the typical problems: when the PC does not see the phone as a modem, the speed is limited to 100 Kb / s, or the connection is constantly broken.

1. USB connection (the most stable way)

Use of the USB-A modem is the best option if you want maximum speed and minimum battery consumption, which works even on older Xiaomi models (like the Redmi). 4X or Mi A1) It does not require additional settings on the PC.

To activate the distribution via USB:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to your computer with the original cable (cheap Chinese cords often don’t support data transfer).
• 📱 On the phone go to Settings → Access Point and modem → USB-modem MIUI 14 Ways may be different: Settings → Connections and sharing → Modem mode).
• 🖥️ On your PC, wait for the drivers to install (on Windows, it takes 10 to 30 seconds). If the driver doesn't install automatically, download it from Xiaomi's website.
• 🌐 Check the connection: the phone should appear icon USB-modem in the status bar, and on the PC – a new network connection.

Cable supports data transfer (not just charging)|

Developer mode is enabled on the phone (if required)|

Antivirus is disabled on PC (it can block a new connection)|

USB-The port is good (try another port)

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The speed with this connection is usually 80-90% of the maximum speed of your tariff, for example, if you have 4G+ with support for CA (carrier aggregation), then the real speed can reach 150-200 Mbps (provided you have good network coverage).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) at the first connection to USB You may have a request for debugging permission. Don't ignore it, because without confirmation, the modem won't work.

2. Wi-Fi distribution from the phone (universal method)

If USB-There is no cable at hand, or you need to connect several devices to the Internet at once (laptop, tablet, other phone), use a Wi-Fi hotspot. This method works on all Xiaomi models, starting with Redmi. 3S (2016).

Instructions for setting:

1. Open Settings → Access Point and Modem → Wi-Fi Access Point (or Mobile Access Point on newer versions of MIUI).
2. Click on “Set up the access point” and ask: 🔐 Name of the network (SSID) — any convenient (for example, Xiaomi_Hotspot). 🔒 Type of security - choose WPA2-PSK (most reliable). 🔑 Password - at least 8 Symbols (use letters and numbers).

Activate the access point with a slider at the top of the screen.

On your computer, find a new Wi-Fi network in the list of available ones and connect by entering a password.

USB |.

Through Wi-Fi|

Bluetooth |

Through the OTG| cable.

Another option

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By default, Xiaomi limits the number of connected devices to 5-8 (depending on the model). If you need more, use applications like NetShare or PdaNet+ (root rights required).

⚠️ Warning: Windows 11 sometimes has a problem when the PC connects to the hotspot, but the internet doesn't work.Solution: Open Settings → Network and Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks, find your hotspot and press Forget. Then connect again.

3. Bluetooth connection (economical but slow way)

If you need to distribute the Internet with minimal battery consumption (for example, on a trip), use a Bluetooth modem. This method consumes 2-3 times less power than Wi-Fi, but the speed is limited to 10-15 Mbps (even on Bluetooth 5.0).

How to set up:

• 📱 On the phone: Settings → Devices and connections → Bluetooth → Turn on Bluetooth and make the device visible.
• 🖥️ On PC: Open the Options → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices → «Add the device».
• 🔗 After pairing devices, go back to your phone and go to Settings. → Access Point and modem → Bluetooth modem → activate the slider.
• 🌐 On the PC in the notification bar, select the connection via “Bluetooth Network Connection».

This method is convenient for long sessions (for example, for working with documents or messengers), but is not suitable for downloading large files or online games. On Xiaomi models with Bluetooth 5.2 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro), speeds can reach 20-25 Mbps, but only under ideal conditions.

4.Use of OTG-cable (for older PCs without Wi-Fi)

If your computer does not support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (for example, a stationary PC without an adapter) USB-The modem is not working due to driver problems, you can use it. OTG-cable + Ethernet adapter: This method is relevant for Xiaomi models with support USB OTG (Almost all devices after 2017).

You'll need:

• 🔗 OTG-cable USB-C → USB-A, If you have a Type-C phone).
• 🌐 USB-Ethernet adapter (e.g. TP-Link) UE300 or Baseus).
• 📱 Phone with MIUI 10 or newer (older versions may not work).

Instructions:

1. Connect. OTG-cable to the phone and to it - Ethernet adapter.
2. Connect the adapter to the router or directly to the PC (if there is an Ethernet port on the PC).
3. On the phone go to Settings → Connections and sharing → USB-network (Ethernet).
4. Enable the option "General Internet access".

This method is rarely used because of the need for additional equipment, but it is indispensable if other methods are not available. Speed depends on the adapter: cheap models are limited to 100 Mbps, and quality (for example, with an AX88179) support up to 1 Gbps.

5. Solving typical connection 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.

If none of these methods worked, check:

• 📶 Network signal level – with weak coverage (1-2 divisions), the speed will be minimal.
• 🔋 Power saving mode – on some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi Note 10) it turns off the distribution of Wi-Fi.
• 🛡️ Firewall or antivirus – they can block a new network connection.

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If the Wi-Fi distribution is unstable, try changing the broadcast channel. To do this, select channel 6 or 11 in the access point settings, they are less susceptible to interference from other devices.

6. Comparison of connection methods: which one to choose?

Each method has its pros and cons, and below is a comparison table that will help you choose the best option depending on your task.

For most users USB-The modem is the best choice: it combines high speed, low power consumption and minimal latency. If you need to connect several gadgets at the same time, use Wi-Fi. Bluetooth is only suitable for background tasks where speed is not critical.

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On Xiaomi models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) speed USB-The modem can reach 300-400 Mbps thanks to support USB 3.2.

FAQ: Frequent questions