Xiaomi USB- modem connection: from drivers to stable Internet

Xiaomi USB- modems are compact devices that convert the 3G/4G mobile signal into a full-fledged Internet connection for computers, laptops and even some smartphones. Unlike traditional routers, they do not require an outlet, run on a battery (in the case of portable models such as MiFi), and support SIM- cards of most operators. However, many users face problems when connecting first: the system does not recognize the modem, drivers are not installed automatically, or the connection speed leaves much to be desired.

In this article, we will discuss all the stages of connecting the USB- Xiaomi modem – from choosing the right cable to fine-tuning the network. Particular attention will be paid to the Mi Router 4G models, MiFi 2/3 models and universal 4G- modems (for example, Xiaomi Mi 4G LTE Modem) models. You will learn how to bypass typical errors (for example, Code 10 in the Device Manager), where to download official drivers, and how to make the modem work at maximum speed, and if you plan to use the Internet section for Android for the device.

1 What USB- modems Xiaomi supports connection over USB

Not all Xiaomi devices with mobile internet support can be connected to a computer via USB, here is a full list of models that officially support this mode:

• 📶 Xiaomi Mi Router 4G (R4A) is a router with a USB Type-C port for connecting to a PC as a modem.
• 🔋 Xiaomi MiFi 2/3 — portable access points with USB-modem function (requires activation in settings).
• 📱 Xiaomi Mi 4G LTE Modem (USB-dongle) was a customized modem for PCs sold in China.
• 🌐 Xiaomi AIoT Router AX3600 4G is a hybrid router with support for USB- modem (a rare model).

Important: Mi Router series devices (e.g. Mi Router 4C or Mi Router AC2100) do not support USB-modem mode – they are only for Wi-Fi distribution. Also note that some models (e.g. MiFi 1) may require firmware from third-party developers to activate USB-mode.

If your model is not included in the list, check the specifications on the official Xiaomi website or in the documentation. For example, for the Mi Router 4G, the USB- mode is turned on only when connected to the Type-C port (not to be confused with the power port!).

2.What will be needed for connection: equipment and preparation

Before you start setting up, make sure you have everything you need:

• 🔌 Cable USB — The Mi Router 4G needs a Type-C cable → USB-A, the MiFi requires a standard Micro-USB (depending on the model), and the original cable from the kit is preferred.
• 📱 SIM- active tariff card 4G/LTE. Make sure the operator does not block the modem connection (for example, some MTS or Beeline rates require additional activation).
• 💻 A computer running Windows 7/10/11, macOS or Linux. Additional drivers may be required for a Mac.
• 🔄 Drivers – you can download them from the official Xiaomi website or from our table below.

Warning about SIM- cards: Some operators (e.g. Tele2) by default block the use of SIM in modems. To unlock, send USSD- request *111*ZXXZ**181# (for Tele2) or contact support. For MTS and Beeline, it is usually enough to activatell option for devices.

Critical detail: For MiFi 2/3 models, the USB- mode is disabled by default! It must be activated in the router web interface at 192.168.1.1 (Section "Mode" → "USB-modem").

3. Step-by-step instruction: Connecting to Windows

Consider the process using the example of Mi Router 4G (similar to other models with driver adjustment).

1. Connect the modem to your computer via cable. Use the USB 3.0 port for stable operation.
2. Wait for the drivers to be installed. If the system doesn't recognize the device, download the drivers from the link in the table above and install them manually through Device Manager.
3. Go to Network Connections (Win + R → type ncpa.cpl) and there should be a new connection called Xiaomi or Mobile Broadband.
4. Set up an APN (if the internet didn't work automatically). To do this: Open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile hotspot. Select your connection and click "Additional Settings." In the APN field, enter your carrier's details (see table below).

If the modem is not defined:

• 🔄 Try a different USB- port (preferably on the back of your PC).
• 🔌 Disable other USB- devices (they may conflict).
• 🔄 Reboot the modem (press the power button for 10 seconds).

4 Connection of USB- Xiaomi Modem to Mac and Linux

On macOS and Linux, the connection process is different, as these systems often don’t have built-in drivers for Xiaomi modems.

For macOS:

1. Install drivers via Homebrew:

brew install usb-modeswitch

2. Connect the modem and check its presence in the system:

ls /dev/cu.*

3. Set up the connection through System Settings → Network by selecting a new interface.

For Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):

1. Install the necessary packages:

sudo apt install usb-modeswitch modemmanager

2.Reboot the ModemManager service:

sudo systemctl restart ModemManager

3. Set up a connection via NetworkManager or nmcli.

⚠️ Attention: On Linux, Xiaomi modems can be defined as drives (flash drives). To switch them to modem modem modem, use the command: sudo usb_modeswitch -v 2717 -p 1066 -M"55534243123456780000000000000011062000000100000000000000000000" (replace 2717:1066 with ID of your device, which can be recognized through lsusb).

5 How to connect USB- modem Xiaomi to a smartphone (Android/iOS)

You can use the USB- modem Xiaomi to distribute Internet to your phone, but with reservations:

• 📱 Android: Supports only on USB OTG devices (most smartphones today). You'll need an adapter USB-C/Micro-USB → USB-A (depending on the phone's connector).
• 🍎 iOS: iPhones and iPads don't support USB- modems directly. The alternative is to distribute Wi-Fi from the modem.

Instructions for Android:

1. Connect the modem to the phone via OTG- adapter.
2. In the phone settings go to the Network and the Internet → Access Point and modem.
3. Enable the USB- modem option (if it appears).
4. If the internet doesn’t work, install the PPP Widget app from Google Play for manual setup.

⚠️ Warning: Some firmware (e.g., MIUI for Redmi) may need to turn off power saving for USB- devices. To do this, go to Settings → Battery → Energy Saving and add a modem to exceptions.

6. Solving common problems

Even after setting it up correctly, users encounter common errors, and here's how to fix them:

Additional advice:

• 🔄 If the modem overheats, use the USB- externally powered hub.
• 📡 To improve the signal, connect an external antenna to the modem (if there is a TS-9 connector).
• 🔒 If the operator blocks the modem, try using a SIM- card from another provider (e.g. Yota or Tinkoff Mobile do not normally block modems).

💡

If the Mi Router 4G modem doesn't turn on after connecting to USB, press the Reset button for 30 seconds. This will reset to factory settings, but will save the firmware.

7 How to speed up the Internet through USB- modem Xiaomi

The speed of the connection depends on many factors: signal quality, operator network load, and even modem firmware. Here are some ways to increase the speed:

• 📶 Modem positioning: Place it or up high. Avoid metal surfaces.
• 🔄 Frequency shifts 4G: In the modem web interface (192.168.1.1) Go to Settings. → Network → Network mode and select Only LTE (turn off 3G/2G).
• 🛠️ Firmware update: Check the modem software. For the Mi Router 4G, the firmware is laid out on 4PDA.
• 🔒 Disable VPN/Proxy: These services can slow down significantly. Check your network settings on Windows.

Speed test: Before optimizing, check the current speed on Speedtest. If the performance is below 10 Mbps with a good signal, the problem may be on the operator's side.

8. Alternative ways to use USB-modem Xiaomi

In addition to direct connection to the PC, the USB- modem Xiaomi can be used in a different way:

• 🔄 Repetitor Mode: Some models (e.g., Mi Router 4G) are able to connect to another Wi-Fi and distribute it over USB. This is useful in device-restricted hotels.
• 📡 External antenna: If your local area is weak, buy an antenna with a connector TS-9 and connect it to a modem, which can increase speed by 2-3 times.
• 🔋 Portable battery: The MiFi modem can be connected to a powerbank and used as a standalone access point on trips.

Example of repeater settings:

1. Connect to the modem web interface (192.168.1.1).
2. Go to Settings → Mode of work → Repiter.
3. Select the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to and enter your password.
4. Connect the modem to your PC via USB – it will now distribute the Internet from another network.

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Repeter mode doesn’t work on all models, so check the support for this feature in the device specifications before buying.

FAQ: Frequent questions about USB- modems