Using a smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot is commonplace, but in situations where maximum connection stability or minimal latency is required, wireless technology is often lost to wired technology. This is especially true for Xiaomi owners whose devices support the function. USB-modem that allows you to broadcast mobile Internet 4G/5G And this is not only a way to get faster data rates, but it also charges the gadget, which is critical for long-term work.
Wired connection eliminates the typical problems with radio interference that can occur in apartment buildings with many Wi-Fi networks. In addition, Android in conjunction with the shell MIUI or HyperOS allows you to configure the Internet distribution in just a few clicks. However, users often face a lack of visibility of the device in the Windows system or can not find the right switch in the settings menu. Below we will discuss in detail all the stages of connection, the nuances of installing drivers and methods for solving common errors.
Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that your mobile operator plan allows for the distribution of traffic to other devices. TTL Or you could charge extra for using your phone as a modem, and you'd need a proper operating system. USB-A cable that can transmit data, not just charge the battery.
Preparation of equipment and checking operator settings
The first step in the process of organizing wired Internet is to physically check the components. Not all cables in your home are the same: many are designed solely for charging and have no internal data lines. If you plug in a wired cable, your computer will sound the charging signal, but it won't detect a new network device. Use the original Xiaomi wire or the quality analogue with the data labeling.
The second important aspect is the state of SIM-Make sure that the phone is on mobile data and has a confident network signal. In some cases, it is useful to switch network mode in the settings on the phone. 4G/LTE, Avoiding automatic switching to slower 3G, signal 4G unstable in your location.
⚠️ Warning: Before activating modem modem, be sure to check the balance and tariff conditions. Uncontrolled traffic distribution on a PC can quickly exhaust a packet of gigabytes, especially if the computer runs background updates or torrents.
You also have to look at the version of the operating system. USB-Xiaomi modem works more stable on current versions MIUI If your device hasn't been updated in a long time, there may be software failures in the network modules. → The phone.
Step-by-step activation instruction USB-Xiaomi modem
The process of enabling the distribution of Internet via cable in Xiaomi smartphones is standardized, but has its own features depending on the version of the shell. Once you connect the device to your computer and make sure that you have mobile Internet, you should go to the settings menu. Find the Connections and Sharing section or Wi-Fi Access Point, which is usually at the top of the list of parameters or inside the tab More.
Inside the access point menu, you need to find a point. USB-If the phone is connected with the correct cable, this switch will become active (no longer be gray). Turning on the tumber will start the installation of network drivers in the computer operating system.
☑️ Pre-insertion check
Importantly, in some versions of MIUI, the path to setup may be slightly different. If you can't find the right one, search by settings by typing in "modem" or "USB." The system will prompt you to go to the desired partition. Once activated in the Windows tray (bottom right), a wired connection icon should appear, and the Internet will be available for all programs.
⚠️ Attention: In active mode USB-It is not recommended to turn off the cable. First, turn off the switch in the phone settings, wait for the connection to break, and only then remove the cord to avoid logical errors in the Windows network settings.
Installation and update of drivers for Windows
Windows 10 and 11 usually automatically recognizes Android devices and installs standard RNDIS or ADB drivers. However, in the case of Xiaomi, sometimes a situation arises when the computer sees the phone only as a drive or charger, ignoring the network adapter.
To start, open Device Manager on your computer. You can do this by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting the appropriate item. Find the Network Adapters or Other Devices section in the list. If you see a device with a yellow exclamation mark or marked as Android, Xiaomi or QDLoader, the driver is incorrectly installed.
Right-click on the problem device and select "Update driver." Then select "Select driver from the list of available drivers." In the list of manufacturers, find Microsoft, and in the list of models, select USB RNDIS or Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing Device. This will force the system to use the standard protocol for distribution of the Internet.
| Type of device | Status in dispatch. | Action required | The result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi (standard) | It's working fine. | No. | The Internet is working. |
| Unknown device | Code 43/Error | Update the RNDIS driver | The emergence of a network adapter |
| Android ADB Interface | It's working fine. | Change the driver to RNDIS | Activation of the modem |
| Charging is just | Not showing. | Replace the cable | Definition of device |
If the automatic search didn’t help, you can use the Xiaomi USB Drivers utility from the official website or specialized driver builds for Android. Once installed successfully, you may need to restart your computer to apply the changes.
What if the RNDIS driver is not on the list?
Solving Device Detection Problems
A common problem for Xiaomi users is when the item is"USB-The modem stays gray and inactive despite the cable being connected. This is often because the phone is in Charging Only mode. To fix this, plug your smartphone in, unlock the screen, and pull the notification curtain from top to bottom. USB-connection.
Click on this notification and select File Transfer (MTP) or File Transfer (Android) mode. In some cases, the choice of Security Mode (MIDI) helps, after which the system can correctly recreate the virtual ports. After changing the mode, return to the access point settings - the switch should become active.
Another reason could be USB debugging enabled. Although it is not necessary for the modem to work, sometimes its presence or absence affects connection priorities. Try going to Settings → Advanced Settings → For developers and switching the Debugging state over USB. If the developer menu is hidden, activate it by quickly clicking seven times on the build number in the About Phone section.
⚠️ Warning: Do not turn on debugging by USB This mode gives deep access to the file system and settings of the phone, which can be used by attackers to steal data.
It's also worth checking if the antivirus or Windows firewall has blocked a new network connection. When you first connect, the system may ask whether the network is private or public.
Using Developer Mode for Stability
For advanced users facing persistent connection breaks, there is the possibility of fine-tuning USB-This method allows you to force the port mode to run without the standard selection dialogs. In the Developer menu, find the Select Configuration option. USB.
In the list that opens, select RNDIS (USB Ethernet) which will immediately attempt to put your phone in network adapter mode, and if the drivers on your computer are installed correctly, the connection will be established instantly, even without using the standard switch in the access point menu.
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For maximum energy saving with long work, turn off the phone screen or set a minimum time before turning off the display. USB-The modem screen is not needed, and the backlight consumes a significant part of the battery energy.
It is worth remembering that changing the settings in the developer menu can affect the work of others. USB-functions, such as file transfer or application debugging. After using the modem, it is recommended to return the settings to the original state or select the "No Data Transfer" mode to avoid confusion when connecting to the next charger.
Comparison USB-modem and Wi-Fi access point
Why choose a wired connection if the Wi-Fi hotspot is turned on faster? The main advantage of USB is the stability of ping and no packet loss. For online games, video conferencing or downloading large files via a USB connection, the radio channel is always exposed, while the cable provides direct signal transmission.
The second important factor is energy efficiency, because when you use Wi-Fi, your smartphone uses a radio module, which causes a lot of heat and a lot of battery discharge, even when you're charging. USB-The modem phone warms much less, since the main load falls on the power controller, not on the radio part.
- 📉 Ping: Through USB Lag is minimal and stable, jumps are possible through Wi-Fi.
- 🔋 Battery: USB-mode less energy-consuming for a smartphone.
- 🔒 Security: Wired connection eliminates the possibility of interception of data by air.
- 🚀 Speed: Real speeds through cable are often above the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi limit.
But USB-The modem is also a limitation: you're tied to a computer with a cable length, and if you need to move away from the workplace, the connection will be interrupted, and you'll also be able to connect the computer at the same time. USB You can only have one device, whereas a Wi-Fi hotspot allows you to share the Internet between a laptop, tablet and another phone.
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USB-The modem is the choice in favor of stability and security, while the Wi-Fi access point wins in versatility and the ability to connect multiple gadgets at the same time.