Owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem often face the need to quickly transfer data or use the Internet connection of a smartphone on a tablet. The modern shell of MIUI and HyperOS offers many built-in tools that allow you to connect devices without using cables. This is especially true when you urgently need to send a heavy file or go online from a tablet with only Wi-Fi module. Understanding the principles of the local network will allow you to greatly simplify the daily use of gadgets.
There are several basic connectivity scenarios, each solving a specific user's problem: You can turn a smartphone into a router for mobile Internet distribution, organize a local network for file sharing, or even control the phone remotely. It is important not to confuse these methods with each other, as they require different settings in the Settings menu. → Connection and Sharing. In this article, we will take a detailed look at each method so that you can choose the most suitable for your situation.
Before you start setting up, make sure that both devices are at least 20-30% charged. Active use of wireless interfaces such as Wi-Fi Direct or access point, significantly accelerates battery discharge. Also check that both devices have current versions of system software, which ensures the stability of the connection and the security of the data transmitted.
Using a Smartphone as a Wi-Fi Access Point
The most common way to connect is modem mode, when the smartphone distributes mobile Internet. To activate this feature on the Xiaomi device, you need to go to the settings menu and find the Wi-Fi Access Point. Here you can set a network name (SSID) and set a strong password to prevent unauthorized access to your traffic.
Once the access point on the tablet is turned on, you should start searching for available networks and select the one you created. The frequency range plays an important role: choosing 5 GHz will provide a higher data rate, but the range will be less than that of the 2.4 GHz standard. If the tablet is far from the phone, it is better to use the 2.4 GHz frequency for a stable signal.
⚠️ Attention: When using the tablet through the access point, the smartphone can become very hot. Do not cover the devices with a blanket and avoid direct sunlight during the communication session.
To save battery power, you can set up an automatic shutdown of the access point if you have not connected to it for a long time, this option is in the additional settings of the Internet distribution menu, and you should also limit the number of devices you connect by setting a limit of one or two gadgets to maintain the maximum speed for the tablet.
Setting up a local area network for file transfer (Mi Share)
Xiaomi’s Mi Share (formerly known as Mi Drop) technology is ideal for fast transfer of photos, videos and documents between devices, which does not require a connection to the global Internet, since devices create a direct connection via Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth, and can transfer speeds up to tens of megabytes per second, which is much faster than Bluetooth connections.
To get started, both devices need to activate the function in the notification curtain or via the Settings menu → Mi Share. Make sure the screens of both gadgets are unlocked and Bluetooth is enabled for initial detection. Once you select a file in the gallery or file manager, the system will suggest a list of available devices nearby.
☑️ Checklist for successful file transfer
An important advantage is that you can transfer files of any size without compressing quality. Unlike instant messengers, the original resolution of photos and videos is saved completely. If you don't see the device in the list of available, try updating the list or bringing the gadgets closer to each other, since the technology's range is limited to a few meters.
What do I do if the transmission is suspended?
Connection via remote access via FTP
More advanced users can benefit from the remote file management function via the FTP protocol. Xiaomi’s standard Explorer (“Files”) has a built-in feature that allows you to turn your smartphone into a network storage, which allows you to access your phone files from a tablet or computer while on the same Wi-Fi network, without installing additional software.
To activate, open the Files app, go to Files (or Analyzer) and select Remote Control. By clicking the Launch button, the system will give you an address in format. ftp://192.168.x.x:This address must be entered in the address bar of any file manager on the tablet that supports network connections.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol | FTP / FTPS | Use FTPS for encryption |
| Port port | Random or predetermined | Remember the port for quick access |
| Access. | No password or code. | You must set a password in public networks |
| Speed. | Depends on the router. | Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi |
This is convenient because it allows you to control the phone's file system directly from the tablet interface, so you can copy, delete and rename files as if they were in the tablet's internal memory, but keep in mind the safety of not turning this feature on in public places without setting an access password.
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For permanent access, create an FTP connection shortcut in the tablet file manager, saving the login and password so as not to enter the address each time.
Screen and multimedia broadcasting (Cast and DLNA)
If your goal is not to transfer files, but to display an image or video on a large tablet screen, use the broadcast function. In the Xiaomi ecosystem, this is implemented through Cast and DLNA standards. For example, when watching a video in the Gallery or YouTube app, you can click the broadcast button and select a tablet (if it runs a compatible player or supports signal reception).
Both devices must be on the same Wi-Fi network. Xiaomi Pad tablets often have built-in support for signal reception, or you can use the Mi Remote app or third-party ones. DLNA-This allows you to watch content from your phone on a tablet, saving the battery of your mobile device, because the tablet is decoding.
Image quality depends on wireless bandwidth. If there is interference, artifacts or audio delay may appear. To view movies in high resolution 4K, it is recommended to use a router that supports the Wi-Fi 6 standard or connect devices via cable if the wireless quality is poor.
Troubleshooting and troubleshooting
Despite the fact that software solutions are fine, users may encounter problems when connecting. Often the reason lies in the power saving settings, which aggressively turn off background Wi-Fi processes. If the connection is constantly breaking, go to the battery settings and select the "No Limits" mode for the system services responsible for the network.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting the network settings will return the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile data settings to factory values. All saved passwords from Wi-Fi networks will be deleted and will have to be re-entered.
If the devices can’t see each other, try the following:
- 🔄 Reboot both devices to clean network caches.
- 📡 Make sure both gadgets have geolocation enabled (required for Bluetooth scanning to work in Android).
- 🔒 Check if the antivirus or firewall is blocking the local connection.
- 📶 Make sure the router does not use customer isolation (AP Isolation, which prevents devices from seeing each other.
In some cases, forgetting the network on the tablet and reconnecting helps, and it is also worth checking whether the router is not limited by the Internet. MAC-Addresses if you've ever set up a whitelist of devices. Wi-Fi driver updates often happen along with a system update, so keep an eye out for the update version. MIUI.
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90% of connection problems are solved by simply restarting the router and devices, and checking that both gadgets are in the same frequency band (2.4 or 5 GHz).
Connection security and data protection
When using wireless connections, data security comes first. When creating an access point, always use WPA3-Personal encryption type, or at least WPA2. Outdated encryption protocols can be vulnerable to hacking, allowing attackers to intercept your traffic.
When transferring sensitive files over a local network, make sure you are in a trusted environment.In public places (cafes, airports), it is better to refrain from using shared features or use additional protections such as a VPN, even for local traffic, if possible in your network configuration.
Check the list of connected devices in the access point menu regularly. If you notice an unfamiliar device, immediately change the password and block access. Xiaomi system allows you to see MAC-Addresses of connected customers that help identify your gadgets.