How to Use Xiaomi as a Computer Modem: A Complete Guide

Connecting a Xiaomi smartphone to a computer as a modem is a universal solution for Internet access when there is no router or wired connection at hand, a feature that is especially relevant when traveling, in the country or in case of temporary problems of the main ISP. Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi models, POCO Black Shark and Internet distribution support USB-cable, Wi-Fi hotspot and Bluetooth, but each method has its own nuances.

In this article, we'll break down all three ways of connecting, compare them in terms of speed, stability, and battery consumption, and give you recommendations for correcting common errors. We'll focus on MIUI settings that can block Internet transmission on some versions of firmware. If you're faced with a problem where your computer doesn't see your smartphone as a modem, or the Internet is intermittent, here you'll find solutions.

1. Preparation of Xiaomi smartphone for the distribution of the Internet

Before using Xiaomi as a modem, there are several mandatory steps that you need to follow, which will help avoid connection problems and ensure stable operation.

First, check if you have mobile internet on your smartphone. SIM-card is active, the balance is positive (if the tariff with payment of traffic is used), and the icon is displayed in the status bar 4G/5G or LTE. If the indicator shows H+ or 3G, Internet speed will be much lower.

Second, update your MIUI firmware to the latest version. Older versions may have bugs that interfere with modem mode. You can check for updates from Settings → Phone → System Update. It is also recommended to restart your smartphone before setting up, this will reset temporary errors in the communication module.

• 📱 Check the balance and the tariff: some operators block the distribution of the Internet at certain rates.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone: This eliminates most software glitches associated with the communication module.
• 🔒 Turn it off. VPN: if the smartphone is active VPN, This can interfere with the distribution of the Internet. → VPN and deactivate it.
• 📶 Check coverage: in places with weak signal, the speed will be low, and the connection will be unstable.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) Internet distribution through USB It can be blocked by default, and you'll need to enable debugging by default. USB developer-setting.

2. Method 1: Connect Xiaomi as a modem via USB

Internet distribution USB-Cable is the most reliable and cost-effective method, providing stable connection, minimal battery consumption (as charging is underway), and high data transfer speeds. However, this method requires original or high-quality cable with support for data transmission (not all cheap cables are suitable).

To connect Xiaomi to your computer as a modem via USB, follow the following steps:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC with USB-On the smartphone screen, select File Transfer Mode (MTP) Charging only (this is not critical, as modem modem is activated separately).
2. Open Settings → Access Point and modem (on some versions of MIUI this item may be called Modem Modem).
3. Activate the switch. USB-In a few seconds, the computer must determine a new network connection.
4. On PC, check the connection: in Windows, open Control Panel → Network Connections, there should be a new connection called Remote NDIS or the like.

If your computer doesn’t see your smartphone as a modem, try the following:

• 🔌 Change it. USB-cable: often the problem lies in damaged or poor quality cable.
• 🖥️ Update drivers: your PC may not have any Xiaomi drivers. Download them from the official website or use the Mi program PC Suite.
• 🔧 Put the debugging on. USB: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to activate Developer Mode, then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers, turn on debugging by USB.

Original cable connected|Regime on. USB-modem|On the PC installed drivers for Xiaomi|Debugging by USB activated (if necessary)-->

⚠️ Note: On some versions of Windows 10/11 You might have a "Device not recognized" error, in which case you might try to connect your smartphone to another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0) or temporarily disable the antivirus – it can block the installation of drivers.

Method 2: Distribution of the Internet via Wi-Fi (access point)

Creating a Wi-Fi hotspot is the most versatile way, as it allows you to connect not only a computer, but also other devices (tablets, laptops, gaming consoles), but this method has two significant drawbacks: fast battery discharge (especially on older Xiaomi models) and limited range (up to 10 meters indoors).

To set up an access point on Xiaomi:

1. Open Settings → Access Point and modem → Mobile Access Point.
2. Click Access Point Settings to set a network name (SSID) and password. It is recommended to use a password at least 8 characters long with numbers and letters.
3. Turn on the mobile hotspot switch. The active handout notification will appear on the screen.
4. On your computer, find a new Wi-Fi network in the list of available and connect to it by entering a given password.

To save battery power, you can turn on the option to turn off the access point when there are no connected devices (available in the access point settings), it is also recommended to reduce the maximum number of connected devices to 1-2, if you do not need to distribute the Internet to several gadgets at the same time.

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If the Wi-Fi hotspot speed is too low, try changing the frequency range in the hotspot settings. On 5GHz-enabled models (like the Xiaomi 12 Pro), choose this range - it's less crowded and provides more speed, but has a shorter range.

4. Method 3: Connect via Bluetooth

Using Bluetooth to distribute the Internet is the slowest, but most cost-effective way to use battery, and it's good if you need to check your email or messengers occasionally, but not download large files. It rarely exceeds 3 Mbps, which is enough for text pages, but not enough for high-quality video.

Instructions for setting:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and computer. On Xiaomi, it's done through Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
2. Connect devices: on a PC, find a smartphone in the list of available devices and confirm the connection (on the smartphone there will be a request for code confirmation).
3. On your smartphone, open Settings → Access Point and modem and activate the Bluetooth modem.
4. On your computer, in Bluetooth settings, select your smartphone and enable Network Connection (DUN) option.

If the connection is not established, check:

• 🔵 Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 4.0 or later is recommended for stable operation. On older PCs (with Bluetooth 2.0), the connection can be permanently broken.
• 📱 Distance between devices: do not exceed 5-7 meters, otherwise the signal will be lost.
• 🔄 Reboot the module: Turn off and turn on Bluetooth again on both devices.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the right setup, Xiaomi users may encounter problems when sharing the Internet, and let’s look at the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The computer connects to the access point, but the Internet is not working.

• 🌐 Check the settings. APN: Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) and make sure that the parameters are in line with your operator's requirements. APN It should be internet.mts.ru.
• 🔄 Reboot the modem: turn off and re-enable the access point or USB-modem.
• 📵 Check the operator's restrictions: some tariffs block the distribution of the Internet. Call support or check the terms on the provider's website.

Problem 2: USB-The modem is connected, but the speed is very low.

• 🔌 Change it. USB-port USB 2.0 limits speed to 480 Mbps, while USB 3.0 provides up to 5 Gbps.
• 📱 Disable background apps: Your smartphone may run traffic-consuming programs (such as updates or cloud services).
• 📡 Check the network signal: if the smartphone shows a weak signal level (1-2 division), the speed will be low regardless of the method of connection.

Problem 3: The access point is permanently shut down.

• ⚡ Save the battery: if the charge level is below 15%, MIUI It can automatically turn off the access point. Connect your smartphone to charge.
• 🔧 Turn off energy saving: in battery settings (Settings) → Battery and performance) add the Access Point app to exceptions.
• 📵 Check overheating: if the smartphone overheats, MIUI It can limit the performance of the Wi-Fi module.

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If none of these methods work, try resetting your network settings on your smartphone: Settings → System → Settings Reset → Network Reset. This will delete all stored Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, but often solves problems with the distribution of the Internet.

6. Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

The choice of the optimal connection method depends on your tasks:

• 🖥️ For working on a PC (browsing, video calls, file downloads): the best option — USB-It provides maximum speed and stability, and also charges the smartphone.
• 📱 To connect multiple devices (laptop) + tablet: Wi-Fi hotspot is fine. Keep in mind that the battery will go down faster.
• 🔵 For rare use (mail checks, instant messengers): You can use a Bluetooth modem. It's slow, but saves power.

If you travel frequently, we recommend you to carry them with you. USB-This is a cable and a power bank. USB-modem even on the road without worrying about battery life. For home use, it is better to set up a Wi-Fi hotspot if you need to connect multiple devices at the same time.

On Xiaomi models with Wi-Fi 6 support (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi K60 Pro), hotspot speeds can reach 300-500 Mbps, which is comparable to a wired connection.

7.Security when using a smartphone as a modem

Smartphone Internet sharing poses potential security risks, and if you use a Wi-Fi hotspot in a public place, attackers may try to connect to your network and intercept data, and to minimize the risks, follow these guidelines:

• 🔐 Use a complex password: don't use simple combinations like 12345678 or qwerty.+ symbols with letters, numbers and special symbols.
• 📵 Turn off the hotspot when it is not needed: this will prevent unauthorized connection.
• 🛡️ Turn on the firewall: on your computer, activate the built-in firewall or use antivirus with network protection function.
• 🔄 Change your password regularly: If you use hotspots frequently in cafes, hotels or airports, update your password every 1-2 weeks.

For additional protection, you can include SSID concealment (network name will not appear in the list of available Wi-Fi), but this is not a panacea: experienced users can find the hidden network using special utilities, the main thing is a strong password and control of connected devices.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F3 or Redmi Note 11) in the access point settings, there's an option to Allow only known devices to connect. Turn it on to restrict access to your network.

FAQ: Frequent questions about giving away the Internet with Xiaomi