How to connect your laptop to the Internet through your Xiaomi phone

Situations when fixed Internet is turned off or absent on a business trip are familiar to many users. At such moments, mobile Internet becomes the only way to get online, and here Xiaomi smartphones with their sophisticated MIUI system come to the rescue. Modern devices of this brand allow you to turn your phone into a full-fledged router in seconds, providing a stable connection for work or entertainment.

But despite the seeming simplicity, the setup process can have its own nuances, depending on the laptop operating system and the firmware version of the smartphone. USB-Each method has its own advantages, which we will discuss in detail so that you can choose the best option for a particular situation.

In this article, we will not only list the steps, but also look at hidden settings that will help improve signal stability and save battery life. Properly configuring the hotspot on Xiaomi Redmi or POCO ensures that your laptop gets the maximum possible speed in the current network conditions.

Preparation of the smartphone and check the tariff

Before you activate modem modem, you need to make sure that your smartphone is ready for data transfer. First of all, check the balance and traffic, as the laptop over the mobile network consumes gigabytes much faster than using the applications on the phone itself.

Make sure the device is enabled and the right type of network is installed. 13 or Redmi Note 12, preferably choose the mode of 5G/LTE customized SIM-Maps for maximum speed.It is also worth turning off traffic savings in the background if you plan to download large files.

⚠️ Warning: Before connecting a laptop, be sure to check whether the “Data Saving” mode is on the smartphone, as it can block the operation of some network services on a connected PC.

It is also important to check the battery power, especially if you plan to use a wireless hotspot. Internet distribution mode significantly increases the load on the battery and the processor, causing the device to heat up. If the charge is below 20%, it is better to connect the phone to an external power source or choose a wired method of connection.

Setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi

The most popular and convenient way to distribute the Internet is to create a wireless hotspot, which requires no additional cables and allows you to connect multiple devices at once. To set it up, go to the Settings menu, then select the Wi-Fi hotspot, where you can specify the network name and password that will be used to log into the laptop.

In the access point settings section, look for the "Range" setting. The default is often 2.4 GHz, which provides good compatibility with older laptops, but less speed. If your laptop supports the 5 GHz standard, switch the slider to the appropriate position for a more stable connection and high data rate.

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Use the 5GHz band if the laptop is in the same room as the phone – this will give you maximum speed, but the signal will be worse to pass through the walls.

Be sure to set a strong password using a combination of letters and numbers so that neighbors or passers-by can't connect to your network and steal traffic. MIUI It also allows you to configure a white list of devices, allowing access only to specific laptops on their MAC-address.

• 📶 Open "Settings" and go to "Wi-Fi Access Point".
• 🔒 Create a password of 8 or more characters to protect the channel.
• 📡 Choose the 5 GHz frequency range for modern laptops.
• 👥 If necessary, set a limit on the number of connected devices.

Wired connection through USB-cable

If you need maximum connection stability or the wireless module of the laptop is faulty, use USB-This is a method called a cable. USB-It allows you to not only transmit the Internet, but also to charge your smartphone at the same time, which is critical for long-term operation.

After the physical connection, you need to activate the modem modem in the phone settings. Go to the Wi-Fi Access Point menu and find the switch. USB-If it's inactive (gray), check the cable or try another one. USB-Windows system usually automatically installs the necessary drivers, but it can take a few minutes.

The advantage of wired connectivity is that it creates a more secure communication channel that cannot be intercepted from a distance, unlike Wi-Fi radio waves. USB-cable is usually lower, making this method preferred for gamers and those holding important video conferencing.

⚠️ Note: When connecting through USB Make sure that the smartphone screen allows access to data, if there is a corresponding system notification of trust in the computer.

Using Bluetooth to distribute the Internet

Although this method is considered obsolete due to low speed, it can be a rescue in emergency situations when the Wi-Fi module is damaged and the device is not equipped with a high speed. USB-The Bluetooth modem consumes minimal energy, which allows you to extend the battery life of the smartphone. Speed is limited by the protocol, so you can only count on correspondence in messengers or sending mail.

To get started, you need to pair your laptop and phone. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices, find your Xiaomi on the list of available devices on your computer, and enter the confirmation code. After successfully pairing in the Bluetooth settings on your phone, you need to activate the Bluetooth modem.

On the laptop side, in the device and printer control panel, or in the Bluetooth settings, you select the connected phone and click Connect via, selecting Access Point. The connection installation process can take up to 30 seconds, after which the network icon will appear in the Windows tray.

• 🔵 Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and laptop.
• 🔗 Perform device pairing by confirming the code.
• ⚙️ Activate the “Bluetooth modem” in the settings of the Xiaomi phone.
• 💻 On PC, select your phone and click "Connect through" →"Access point".

Comparison of connection methods

The choice of connection depends on your current needs and conditions. If speed is important and you are on the move, Wi-Fi is the best choice. For stationary work at the desk, where stability and no delays are important, USB is ideal. Bluetooth is reserved for extreme cases when other options are not available.

The table below gives a detailed comparison of the characteristics of each method so you can quickly navigate. Pay attention to energy consumption and maximum theoretical speed, as these parameters often become decisive.

Solution: Laptop cannot see the network

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the access point is created, but the laptop can not see it or can not connect. Often the problem lies in the frequency range: if the phone distributes a network in the 5 GHz band, and the laptop network card is old and supports only 2.4 GHz, the connection is impossible, in which case you need to switch the range in the settings of the Xiaomi access point.

Another common reason is the network card drivers on your computer. Make sure the Wi-Fi adapter drivers are updated. It's also worth trying to reset the network settings on your smartphone by going to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This action will delete saved passwords, but often resolves software conflicts.

Remember, an antivirus or firewall on your laptop can block a new connection. Try temporarily disabling protection or adding the network to the list of allowed ones. Also check if the limit on the number of connected devices in your phone settings is worth it.

Optimization and security of connection

To improve security when using public networks or simply to protect personal data, it is recommended to use additional protections. The antivirus and security scanner built into MIUI can check connected devices for threats. Regularly change the password from the access point if unauthorized people have access to your network.

To extend the time of your smartphone in modem modem mode, reduce the brightness of the screen or completely turn off the display after you set up the connection, and you can also turn off the search for other Bluetooth and GPS devices if they are not used, as they create additional interference and consume charge.

⚠️ Warning: Do not leave the access point turned on unattended in public areas, as attackers may try to intercept unencrypted data if you use an old security protocol.

Use WPA3 encryption if your devices support it, as it provides the highest level of protection to date. In the Xiaomi hotspot settings, you can select this under Security. This is especially important when working with banking applications or confidential documentation.

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The best setting for the job is USB-Connection for stability or Wi-Fi 5 GHz for speed, always with encryption enabled WPA2/WPA3.