In situations where the Wi-Fi router is unavailable or is unstable, and the mobile Internet on a smartphone catches confidently, there is a need to distribute traffic to a laptop or desktop PC. USB-A modem is the most reliable way to provide a wired connection that is not only more stable than a wireless one, but also saves battery life on the phone, as it charges from the computer at the same time.
Unlike a Bluetooth modem, which has a low speed, or a Wi-Fi access point, which can lose signal through walls, a cable connection provides maximum bandwidth. USB-This is especially true for users of tariffs with unlimited Internet or in areas of poor reception, where each connection is worth its weight in gold.
The process of activating this feature in the MIUI or HyperOS shell takes literally a few seconds, but requires certain preparatory actions on the side of the Windows or macOS operating system. Let's break down all the nuances of the configuration so that you can instantly log on anywhere in the world.
Preparatory stage and equipment requirements
Before you start setting up the software, you need to make sure the physical health of the components used. To create a stable communication channel, you will need the Xiaomi smartphone itself, a computer or a laptop with a working one. USB-The port and, most importantly, the quality of the cable.
Many users make the mistake of using cheap charging-only cables that don’t have any internal data lines, so the phone will only charge and the computer won’t see any new network devices.
It is also worth checking the condition. USB-If there is a buildup of dust or oxidation in the port, the contact may be unstable, leading to permanent breaks in the connection during operation.
- 📱 Xiaomi Smartphone with serviceable USB-Port (Type-C or Micro-USB).
- 💻 Computer running Windows, macOS or Linux.
- 🔌 Cable USB, Data Transfer Support (Data Transfer).
- 📡 Active. SIM-map with configured mobile Internet (3G/4G/5G).
⚠️ Note: Use of damaged or too long cables (more 1.5-2 (m) may cause data transfer rates to fall below 1 Mbps due to conductor resistance.
Setup of Xiaomi smartphone to work in modem
The first step is activating the function on the mobile side, which is standardized in modern versions of MIUI, but the name of the items may vary slightly depending on the firmware version.
Open the Settings menu and go to Wi-Fi Access Point, which is the main switch that turns your phone into a router, but we're interested in the wired version.
Connect your phone to your computer with a cable, and once the system identifies the device, the access point menu will have an active item. USB-If it's gray, it means the computer didn't recognize the connection or the cable doesn't support data transmission.
☑️ Pre-insertion check
After the slider is turned on USB-modem in the status bar of the smartphone should appear icon USB From that point on, the phone starts broadcasting its Internet connection to the connected PC.
- 🔘 Go to Settings. → Wi-Fi hotspot.
- 🔘 Connect the device with a cable to the PC.
- 🔘 Activate the switch. USB-modem.
- 🔘 Wait for the network icon to appear in the computer tray.
⚠️ Attention: When activated USB-Wi-Fi modem on the smartphone itself can automatically turn off, as the antenna switches to the mode of distributing or receiving data through the SIM card.
Installation of drivers and setting up Windows
Windows 10 and 11 typically automatically recognize Android devices as network adapters, but in some cases, especially on older OS versions or enterprise builds, it may be necessary to manually install drivers.
If after activating the function on the phone, the computer makes a device connection sound, but the Internet does not appear, you need to check the Device Manager. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
In the hardware list, look for Network Adapters or Other Devices, and if you see a device with a yellow exclamation mark or the name "Android" or "RNDIS," the driver is not installed correctly.
| Status of device | Action. | The result |
|---|---|---|
| Network adapter (Ethernet) | No action. | The Internet is working. |
| Unknown device | Update the driver | Installation required |
| Android USB RNDIS | Select the driver manually | The Internet is coming up |
How to install the driver manually?
Use on macOS and Linux systems
Apple PC owners can also use their MacBook or iMac to work with the Internet through Xiaomi, but the process requires the installation of additional software, as native support for Android modems in macOS is limited.
To work in macOS, you will need to download and install the HoRNDIS utility (or its modern counterparts, since the original project has not been updated for a long time) or use the built-in tools of newer versions of macOS, which sometimes see the phone as an Ethernet adapter.
After installing the driver and restarting the system, the algorithm of actions is similar to Windows: connect the cable, turn on the USB-modem in phone settings, and a new connection appears in macOS network settings.
In Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint), support is built into the kernel. It's usually enough to simply plug in the cable and activate the mode on the phone. If the system can't see the network, you may need to install usb-modeswitch packages through the terminal.
- 🍎 Download the HoRNDIS driver for macOS (if required).
- 🍎 Install the package and restart the computer.
- 🍎 Connect Xiaomi and activate it. USB-modem.
- 🍎 Check the network settings in system settings.
⚠️ Note: On macOS with System Integrity Protection, installing third-party network drivers may require temporary shutdown of security or special permissions in the terminal.
Solving Connection and Speed Problems
Even with the right setup, there can be situations where the internet is slow or periodically disappears, often due to energy saving settings. USB-port-on.
Windows may try to save power by turning off the port power, causing the connection to the modem to break. To fix this, go to Control Panel → Power → Setup Power Scheme → Change additional power settings.
In the window that opens, find the Parameters section. USB and turn off the temporary shutdown. USB-This ensures a stable supply of power to the smartphone during the communication session.
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If the Internet speed is through USB-Low modem, try to switch the cable to another USB-port, preferably USB 3.0 (blue), and disable background downloads on the phone.
It’s also worth checking if the phone is running a traffic saving mode that can limit background data transfers. In your mobile network settings, make sure there are no restrictions on system processes.
Advantages USB-modem before Wi-Fi access point
Why use cable when you have Wi-Fi? The main advantage is stability and no delays (ping). When playing online games or conducting video conferencing, a wired connection through Xiaomi gives a tangible benefit as a connection.
In addition, the Wi-Fi module of the phone when operating in access point mode is very hot and quickly discharges the battery. USB-The modem phone is simultaneously charged from the computer, which allows you to work for hours without recharging.
Security is another important aspect: a cable connection cannot be intercepted by neighbors or intruders in range, unlike a Wi-Fi radio channel, which is theoretically vulnerable to hacking.
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USB-Connectivity provides minimal ping, stable speed and simultaneous charging of the device, making it an ideal choice for work and gaming.
Thus, for stationary work behind a laptop in a cafe, hotel or at home where there is no wired Internet, a bundle of Smartphone + USB-Cable is a professional solution.