How to turn a Xiaomi smartphone into a powerful modem for PC

Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones have powerful network modules that often outperform the built-in adapters of older laptops or desktop computers. In situations where wired Internet is turned off or the quality of the Wi-Fi signal leaves much to be desired, mobile Internet becomes the only salvation. Using the gadget as an external modem is not just a temporary solution, but a full-fledged working scheme for remote employees.

However, simply turning on data does not always guarantee a stable connection. Many users are faced with the fact that the computer can not see the phone, the data rate is low, or the connection is constantly interrupted. This is often due to the wrong choice of connection method or lack of necessary drivers. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the available ways to turn your device into an access point.

We will look at the nuances of work through USB-cable, Wi-Fi wireless bridge and even the less popular but energy-efficient Bluetooth. MIUI And HyperOS, which allows you to optimize traffic, and understanding these processes will allow you to avoid common errors and get the maximum download speed.

Preparation of the smartphone and checking network settings

Before you start pairing devices, you need to make sure that the smartphone itself is properly configured mobile network. Often the problem is not the cable or the port, but the basic parameters of the operator. Go to the Settings menu. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and make sure that the mobile Internet slider is activated.

To ensure high speed, make sure that the preferred network type is 4G or 5G. If the device is forced to switch to 3G, the speed will be extremely low, making it impossible to use modern web services.

⚠️ Warning: Before activating modem be sure to turn off VPN-Services and proxy servers on a smartphone that can block outbound connections for other devices, creating the illusion of no Internet.

It's also worth checking the balance and availability of packet traffic. Some carrier plans require separate activation of the Internet distribution service or block it at certain rates. If the Internet does not work on a PC after connecting, try to open any site directly on your phone through a browser.

Method USB-Modem: maximum speed and stability

The most reliable way to turn Xiaomi into a network adapter for your computer is to use it. USB-This method not only provides data transfer, but also charge the device, which is critical for long-term operation. First, connect your smartphone to your PC with a quality cable, preferably original or certified.

After the physical connection, go to the Settings menu. → Connection and Sharing (in some versions) MIUI The path may be additional → Modem and access point. Find the switch «USB-"modem" and activate it. If the point is gray and not pressed, check the cable or try another one. USB-port.

• 🔌 Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-cable.
• 📱 Open the settings and go to the section "Connection and Sharing».
• 🔄 Activate the switch «USB-modem».
• 💻 Wait for network card drivers to be installed in the PC operating system.

Windows usually automatically recognizes a new network device. Device Manager may have an RNDIS or Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing Device record. If the driver does not stand up automatically, the system may need several minutes to find the required files in the database.

Setting up a Wi-Fi access point on Xiaomi

The wireless method is the most popular because of its versatility. The smartphone creates a coverage area around it that laptops, tablets and other phones can connect to. To set up, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Wi-Fi Access Point.

You can set a network name (SSID) and password here, and you can use WPA2-PSK or WPA3 encryption to protect your channel from unauthorized access by neighbors, and you can set up a frequency range in the same menu.

The choice of frequency range plays a key role in speed. The 2.4 GHz range provides better signal penetration, but has a lower speed and is subject to interference from microwave ovens and other routers. The 5 GHz range gives high speed, but worse passes through walls.

Also available in the access point settings is the "Planned Enablement" feature, which allows you to set up automatic handout activation at certain times of the day, which is convenient for background downloads on a PC without having to pull out your phone every time.

Using Bluetooth modem to save energy

Although this method is considered obsolete due to its low speed, it can be useful in emergency situations when you need to send a text message or a light email, and the charge of the phone is critically low.

First, you need to pair your computer and your smartphone. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices, search and confirm the pairing code. After a successful connection on your computer, go to Devices and Printers (in Windows 10/11), find your phone, right-click, and select Connect via → Access Point.

On the smartphone side, you also need to allow access. In the Connection and Sharing menu, activate the "Bluetooth modem" option. The connection speed in this mode rarely exceeds 1-2 Mbps, so you can not watch videos or download files.

⚠️ Attention: When using a Bluetooth modem, don't move far from your computer. Bluetooth is limited to a few meters, and when a connection is broken, automatic reconnection takes a long time and is not always successful.

Solving problems with drivers and recognition

A common problem with Xiaomi and Redmi users is that the computer sees the phone as a drive or only charges it, but does not identify it as a modem. In this case, you need to manually check the USB mode. When connecting the cable, swipe down the notification curtain and click on “Charge via USB”.

In the menu that opens, select the "File Transfer" mode» (MTP) or “Photo transmission» (PTP). Sometimes switching between these modes “shakes” the system and causes Windows to re-interview the device, and then USB-The modem is becoming active.

If the problem persists, there may be no RNDIS drivers in the system, and you can try updating them through Device Manager:

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Find a device with an exclamation mark or an “Unknown Device.”
3. Right-click → “Update driver” → “Follow driver search on this computer.”
4. Select “Select a driver from the list of available drivers”.
5. In the list of manufacturers, find Microsoft, and in the list of models - USB RNDIS.

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If standard Windows drivers don’t work, try installing Mi PC Suite or universal ADB drivers, which often contain the necessary network components for older models.

Comparison of connection methods and characteristics table

Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on your current tasks: whether you need the maximum speed for games and downloading files, or whether the priority is the autonomy of the smartphone.

USB-Connectivity wins in all aspects of stability, but it ties you to the cable. Wi-Fi gives you freedom of movement, but quickly puts the battery down. Bluetooth is the "last hope" option for text communication.

For gamers and streamers, cable is the only choice, and if you're working with documents and a browser in a cafe, you're more comfortable using Wi-Fi.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions