Modern Xiaomi smartphones have long ceased to be just devices for calls, turning into powerful tools for work and entertainment, and often they act as a life-saving source of communication when a stationary provider fails.
Use of the USB-Cables for transmitting Internet connection to a computer are not just an alternative to Wi-Fi, but often the only right solution to ensure stable speed and minimal signal delay, which is critical for gamers and professionals working with large amounts of data.
Unlike wireless technologies, wired connection ensures that the gadget battery will not only be consumed, but also recharged, and the data exchange process itself will be as safe and protected from external interference, creating a reliable bridge between the mobile network and the desktop operating system.
Advantages of wired connection over wireless analogues
Choosing between USB-cable and Wi-Fi access point mode, many users do not think about the technical nuances, but the difference in performance can be enormous, especially in dense urban areas, where the air is clogged with dozens of signals.
Wired connection through USB-The port avoids packet loss and provides more stable ping, making this method ideal for video conferencing or online gaming where every millisecond matters.
In addition, when transmitting data via cable, the Xiaomi smartphone works in the mode USB-modem, which reduces the power consumption of the radio module compared to the constant emission of the Wi-Fi signal, thereby prolonging the battery life of the device.
- 🔒 High degree of protection of transmitted data, as physical access to the cable is more difficult than intercepting the radio signal.
- ⚡ No delays and “slowdowns” of speed, characteristic of congested wireless networks in apartment buildings.
- 🔋 Simultaneous charging of the smartphone battery, which eliminates the risk of a sudden disconnection of the device at an important moment.
It is also worth noting that drivers for wired connection in Windows are usually installed automatically, whereas some wireless protocols may require manual network settings to work properly.
The use of cable is especially important for owners of old laptops or desktops, network cards which do not support modern Wi-Fi standards or work unstable.
⚠️ Note: Using the mobile Internet through USB-The modem can quickly exhaust your plan if you start downloading large files or updating the system, so keep an eye on traffic.
Thus, the transition to wired mode of distribution of the Internet is a step towards greater reliability and efficiency, which requires minimal effort to set up, but gives tangible results as a connection.
Requirements and equipment preparation
Before you start setting up USB-modem, you need to make sure that your equipment fully meets the technical requirements and is ready for synchronization, as the use of low-quality components can reduce all efforts to zero.
First of all, you will need a Xiaomi smartphone with a serviceable one. USB-port and operating mobile communication module that supports technology 4G or 5G to ensure high data transfer speed.
A critical element is the cable: it must be an original or certified accessory capable of transmitting not only energy but also data, since the cables "charging only" will not be able to activate modem modem.
☑️ Checking connection readiness
On the computer side, basic drivers for Android devices should be installed, which in modern versions of Windows 10 and 11 load automatically when you first connect the gadget.
It is also recommended to check that the smartphone activated debugging mode over USB, although for simple distribution of the Internet is not always necessary, but can come in handy for diagnosing connection problems.
Make sure your plan does not block the ability to distribute the Internet, as some carriers require additional options to use your smartphone as a modem.
| Component | Requirement | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Cable | USB Type-C or Micro-USB | The original Xiaomi cable |
| PC OS | Windows 7/10/11, macOS, Linux | Windows 10 and newer |
| Network | 3G/4G/5G coverage | Stable LTE signal |
| Battery | Charge > 15% | Connecting to charging |
Proper preparation of all system components is the foundation on which a stable Internet connection is built, and neglecting this stage often leads to connection errors.
Activation of the regime USB-modem on Xiaomi smartphone
The process of enabling the distribution of the Internet on Xiaomi devices is simplified by developers and hidden in a logically understandable section of system settings, access to which takes only a few seconds.
To begin with, you need to unlock the smartphone screen and go to the main settings menu, where you should find the Wi-Fi Access Point section, which in some versions of the MIUI shell can be called “Portable hotspot”.
Inside the menu, you need to select a paragraph. USB-modem and switch the switch to the active position, after which the system will automatically start configuring the network interface.
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If the paragraph "USB-modem is inactive (gray), check if the cable is connected to the computer and if data transmission is enabled on the mobile network.
It is important to note that activating this mode will automatically turn off Wi-Fi on the smartphone itself, since the device cannot simultaneously receive and distribute the Internet through the same radio module in standard mode.
After turning on the phone screen will appear icon USB-Connection in the status bar, and a notification that the Internet connection is active and available for other devices.
In some cases, especially on older versions of Android, additional confirmation of the use request may be required. USB-connection that appears in the pop-up window.
⚠️ Attention: In active mode USB-Mobile Internet speed can decrease if heavy background processes on a smartphone are started simultaneously, such as updating applications.
MIUI 12, 13 and 14 users may notice that the settings interface is slightly different, but the logic remains the same: search for the access point partition and activate the desired switch.
If the computer does not respond after the mode is turned on, try reconnecting the cable or choosing another one. USB-port, preferably located on the back of the system unit.
Configuring network parameters in the Windows operating system
After the smartphone has moved to modem modem, the Windows operating system must recognize the new network device and try to install the necessary drivers for it automatically.
In most cases, this process is seamless: a connected network icon will appear in the tray, and the Internet will be available immediately, without the need for manual configuration. IP-address DNS-server.
However, if the automatic installation did not occur, you may need to manually select a driver from a list of standard devices such as the Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing Device.
What to do if the driver is not installed?
To check the connection status, open the settings → Network and Internet → A state where you see an active Ethernet connection that is actually emulated through a USB-port.
In rare cases, you may need to prescribe a static IP-address, but for standard use through USB-Xiaomi modem is enough to leave settings for receiving addresses automatically.
The system will label the connection as “Public Network” or “Private Network” and it depends on this choice whether other devices on your LAN will see your computer.
- 💻 Open Device Manager and make sure that a new device with your phone’s name appears in the “Network Adapters” section.
- 🔄 Right-click on the adapter and select “Update driver” if the yellow exclamation mark is on.
- 🛠 Use Windows’ built-in troubleshooter to automatically diagnose network problems.
Properly configuring the Windows network stack ensures that all traffic is routed correctly through the network. USB-Smartphone interface, providing stable access to the global network.
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Automatic installation of Windows 10/11 drivers solves the connection problem in 95% of cases, requiring only the presence of active Internet on the phone itself for the initial download of components.
Solving typical driver and connection problems
Despite the high degree of automation, users may encounter a situation where a computer sees the phone only as a device for charging or storing files, ignoring the modem feature.
Often the reason lies in the mode of work. USB-port: by default, the smartphone can switch to "Charge Only" or "File Transfer" mode (MTP)", And you need to explicitly switch it to mode. RNDIS ethernet.
To do this, after connecting the cable, lower the notification curtain on the phone, click on the notification “Charge via USB” and select the option “USB modem” or “USB-ethernet” if it is available in the list.
If the problem persists, try disabling the antivirus or firewall for the duration of the diagnosis, as they can block the creation of a new network interface.
It is also worth checking whether the flight mode is turned on on the computer or whether the network adapter in the Device Manager is disabled by software.
In some cases, resetting network settings on the Xiaomi smartphone itself helps through the Settings menu → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.
⚠️ Note: Resetting network settings will remove saved passwords from Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth device settings, so make sure you remember the necessary data to reconnect.
If you are using a corporate computer, access to installing new drivers may be blocked by the administrator, which will require contacting the administrator. IT-department.
Remember that older versions of Windows (like Windows 7) may not have built-in drivers for new Android protocols, and you’ll have to search for them separately on the manufacturer’s website.
Speed optimization and connection security
To achieve maximum data transfer speed, it is recommended to switch the smartphone to network only mode. 4G/LTE, shut off 2G and 3G in the engineering menu or through the settings SIM-map.
This can be done by going to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred network type and selecting "Preferred" LTE".
Safety in use USB-The modem is higher than open Wi-Fi, but still it is worth using strong passwords on the phone and do not connect the device to other computers without antivirus.
How to increase the speed of the Internet?
Watch the temperature of the smartphone: prolonged operation in modem modem mode with simultaneous charging can cause heating of the case, which will lead to trotting of the processor and a decrease in the processing speed of network packets.
Close background apps on your phone that may consume traffic, such as cloud photo syncs or auto-updates of app stores.
Use quality cables no longer than 1.5-2 meters long, as long cables can cause additional voltage losses and distort the data signal.
- 🚀 Turn off automatic Windows updates while you’re running over the mobile internet to save traffic.
- 📶 Place your smartphone at the window or in the best signal reception area if you are using your laptop in the bad zone.
- 🔋 Use a fast charging cable to compensate for high power consumption in modem modem mode.
Competent optimization allows you to squeeze the maximum from the capabilities of your tariff plan and hardware component of the Xiaomi smartphone.