Situations where a desktop computer or laptop is left without access to the global network are quite common, and this can be due to an accident at the provider, damage to the cable or scheduled work, at such moments, modern smartphones come to the rescue, which can instantly turn into a full-fledged modem.
Xiaomi devices that work on the shell MIUI Or HyperOS, which has advanced functionality for organizing an access point, users can choose the most convenient way to broadcast the signal: via a wireless Wi-Fi connection or via a wired one. USB-cable.
Each method has its own technical features and use cases: the wireless option provides mobility, allowing you to work anywhere in the room, while wired connection guarantees maximum stability and no delays, which is critical for online games or video conferencing.
Advantages USB-modem before Wi-Fi access point
Many users habitually activate a wireless hotspot without thinking about the quality of the connection, but transmission of data through a cable is often more efficient, especially if it is a desktop computer without a built-in Wi-Fi module or with a weak receiver.
In the case of USB-Not only does the smartphone transmit the Internet, but it also charges from the computer port, which solves the problem of fast battery discharge, which is inevitable when running a Wi-Fi hotspot.
In terms of security, cable also benefits, with data being transmitted over a physical channel that cannot be intercepted remotely, unlike radio waves, making it ideal for handling sensitive information in public places or offices.
It is important to note that to activate the modem function on the computer, standard RNDIS drivers must be installed, which are present by default on Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems. Older versions of the OS may require manual installation of drivers.
Preparing a smartphone and computer for synchronization
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that the smartphone itself is already configured mobile Internet, the signal 4G or 5G should be stable, and the balance of the personal account is positive, without an active connection to the operator’s network, the phone will not be able to broadcast traffic.
Wired connectivity requires a high-quality cable; it is desirable to use the original wire that came with the device, or a certified analog with data support; Cheap charging cables often do not have the necessary contacts to exchange information.
⚠️ Attention: When the first connection of the phone to the computer on the screen of the smartphone may appear a request for debugging permission USB You must confirm the action by selecting the "File Transfer" mode, or"USB-modem".
It is also worth checking the energy saving settings. Aggressive MIUI algorithms may try to turn off data transmission to save charge, it is recommended to temporarily turn off the energy saving mode or add the distribution process to the exceptions.
☑️ Checking before connection
Instructions for activating USB-modem on Xiaomi
The process of setting up the wired distribution of the Internet is as simple as possible by the developers of the system. After the physical connection of the devices, you need to go to the settings of the smartphone. → Connection and sharing → USB-modem.
If the menu item is inactive (grey), it means that the computer does not see the phone or the necessary drivers are not installed. USB-port, preferably located on the back of the system unit.
After activating the switch in the status bar of the phone will appear icon USB-The computer will display a new network connection indicator at the same time, which the system will automatically identify as an Internet-enabled network.
What to do if the computer can’t see the modem?
It is worth noting that the data transfer speed in this mode is limited by bandwidth. USB-port (usually) USB 2.0 is up to 480 Mbps theoretically, but the real speed depends on the operator’s network.
Setting up a Wi-Fi wireless access point
The wireless method is the most popular because it is versatile, and it allows you to connect not only computers, but also tablets, game consoles and smart equipment to the Internet. To activate, go to Settings → Wi-Fi hotspot.
You can set the network name (SSID) and password here. The default security system uses WPA2-Personal, which provides secure encryption of traffic. It is not recommended to change these settings unnecessarily, as this can reduce the level of protection.
In the advanced hotspot settings on Xiaomi phones, the Single Connection feature is often available, which saves traffic and battery by allowing only one device to connect, and if you only distribute the Internet to your laptop, this option is better activated.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency range | 5 GHz (if supported) | Higher speed, less interference, but less range |
| Security protocol | WPA2-PSK | The optimal balance of compatibility and protection |
| Connection limit | 1-3 devices | Reduces the load on the phone’s processor |
| time-out | 10 minutes. | Automatic shutdown in the absence of customers |
Once the access point on the computer is turned on, you need to find the network you created in the list of available Wi-Fi connections and enter the password set. The connection speed will depend on the quality of the cellular signal and the distance between the phone and the PC.
Features of work in the 5 GHz mode
Xiaomi’s current flagship models support Internet distribution in the 5 GHz band, which allows for significantly higher data rates compared to the 2.4 GHz standard. However, to use this feature, the receiving device also needs to support this range.
The advantage of 5 GHz is less ether load. In apartment buildings, where each neighbor has a router, the 2.4 GHz band is often "clogged," which leads to a drop in speed and a rise in ping, switching to 5 GHz solves this problem.
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For maximum speeds in 5 GHz, have your phone and computer in line of sight from each other, and walls and metal structures significantly weaken the high-frequency signal.
And remember, high-speed is more energy-consuming, the phone's battery can get hot and it can be used faster, and if the mobile Internet speed is limited by the operator's tariff, you may not notice the speed gain.
Solving Connection and Driver Problems
Sometimes the Windows operating system may not correctly detect a new device, in which case it is worth trying to switch the mode of operation. USB. For this purpose, in the developer menu or in the settings USB (When the cable is connected, select the mode MTP (Transfer files, and then return to enable USB-modem.
If the problem persists, it is possible that an antivirus or firewall will block the connection. Check the network profile settings in Windows. The network should be classified as "Private" rather than "Public" to allow device detection.
⚠️ Note: Do not use at the same time USB-modem and Wi-Fi connection on the phone for distribution, which can cause a conflict of network interfaces and lead to loss of connection on both devices.
In rare cases, resetting the network settings on the phone itself helps, and this action will return all network settings to factory values, so the saved passwords from Wi-Fi networks will have to be re-entered. The way to reset: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.
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If USB-The modem is not working, the first thing to replace the cable and try another one USB-In 80% of cases, the problem lies in the physical connection or lack of drivers. RNDIS.
The impact of Internet distribution on the battery and system
The modem modem is one of the most resource-intensive for a smartphone, with the processor and radio module operating in a high-speed mode, which leads to heating of the case, and prolonged operation in this mode can accelerate the degradation of the lithium-ion battery.
The cooling systems in Xiaomi smartphones are usually passive. With prolonged Internet distribution through Wi-Fi, the phone can get very hot, which will lead to trotting (decreased performance) and automatically reduce the brightness of the screen or turn off the modem.
To minimize the risks, it is recommended:
- 📱 Remove the protective cover during a long distribution to improve heat transfer.
- 🔌 Use the original charger if the phone is connected to the network while the modem is running.
- 📉 Reduce the brightness of the smartphone screen to a minimum or turn off the display completely.
- ❄️ Do not cover the phone with a cloth and do not put it on soft surfaces (sofa, bed).