How to connect a laptop to the Internet through a Xiaomi phone: all ways with settings

Why Xiaomi smartphone can replace the router for laptop

Modern smartphones Xiaomi on the basis MIUI They can provide mobile Internet as well as specialized 4G/5G-This solution helps when you don't have Wi-Fi and you need to work on your laptop urgently, and the main advantages of this approach are mobility (the Internet will be where the operator has coverage), no additional devices and the ability to flexibly control traffic through the phone settings.

Technologically, the distribution of the Internet with Xiaomi is implemented in three ways: through a Wi-Fi access point (the most popular option), by cable. USB-modem (to save battery power) and Bluetooth (if other methods are not available), each of them has its own nuances, such as, USB-Connectivity makes the connection more stable, but requires wires, and Wi-Fi hotspot is more convenient for multiple devices at once. MIUI 14/15 Android 13/14.

It is important to consider that the speed and stability of the connection depends not only on the Xiaomi model (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO F5 support 5G), but also on the tariff of the mobile operator. Some tariffs limit the speed when you distribute the Internet or block this feature altogether โ€“ check the conditions with your provider before setting up.

Preparing Xiaomi phone for the distribution of the Internet

Before you set up your internet distribution, make sure your Xiaomi is ready for the task.

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Mobile network: the phone must be active data transfer (icon) 4G/5G or LTE Check the balance and connection status in the operator's application.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery charge: the Internet is actively used up. If the charge is below 30%, connect the phone to the charger or use it. USB-modem (it burns the battery less).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Software updates: outdated version MIUI It can cause crashes. Update the system to Settings. โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Updating the system.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Security: if the phone is installed VPN or firewall, temporarily disable them - they can block data transmission.

Pay special attention to mobile network settings, and in some regions, operators default to limit the speed at the handset (called tethering) to remove the restriction:

  1. Open the Settings. โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Choose yours. SIM-map and go to the Access Point (APN).
  3. Click on the active APN profile and check the APN type parameter.Put the dun value through the comma (for example, if there was default,supl, make default,supl,dun).
  4. Save the changes and restart the phone.

โš ๏ธ Attention: Change APN If the Internet is lost after editing, return the original settings or contact the operator for support.

๐Ÿ“Š What Internet Distribution Method Do You Use More Often?
Wi-Fi access point
USB-modem
Bluetooth
I didn't use it.

Method 1: Distributing the Internet through Wi-Fi hotspot

This is the most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi models โ€“ from the budget Redmi A2 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Advantages: you can connect several devices at the same time (laptop, tablet, other phone), a range of up to 10 meters, high speed (up to 866 Mbps on Wi-Fi 6).

Instructions for setting:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Access Point and modem (on some firmware, the path may differ: Settings โ†’ Connections โ†’ Access Point).
  2. Activate the portable access point switch.
  3. Click Access Point Settings to Ask: ๐Ÿ” Name of the network (SSID): Think of a unique name (for example, Xiaomi_Hotspot_123). ๐Ÿ”‘ Password: minimum 8 Use letters and numbers (for example, characters, MiHot5pot2026!). ๐Ÿ“ก Range: Choose 5 GHz for higher speed (if the laptop supports) or 2.4 GHz for better compatibility.

Save the settings and turn on the access point.

Now on the laptop:

  1. Open the list of available Wi-Fi networks (network icon in tree or Start โ†’ Settings โ†’ Network and Internet โ†’ Wi-Fi).
  2. Select a network with your access point name, enter a password and connect.
ParameterRecommended valueExplanation
SecurityWPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSKWPA3 is more reliable, but not all devices support it. WPA2 is a universal option.
Frequency band5 GHz (priority) or 2.4 GHz5 GHz is faster but less range. 2.4 GHz is more stable over distance.
Auto-disconnectionNever in 10 minutes.If you set "Never," the battery will run down faster.
Max. Connected devices5โ€“10The more devices, the lower the speed for each.

โš ๏ธ Attention: Some tariffs block the distribution of Internet via hotspot (especially on unlimited rates).If after connecting the laptop shows "No Internet access", check the Internet. SMS from the operator or call in support. Alternatively, use USB-modem (modem).

Name of the network (SSID) It does not contain spaces and special symbols|Password complex (at least 8 characters)|The laptop's off. VPN|The phone is not in energy saving mode|Mobile data included-->

Method 2: Connecting through USB-modem (most stable modem)

If you want maximum connection stability (for example, for video conferencing or online games), a USB modem is the best choice. This method also saves battery power from the phone, since the power comes from the laptop. Minus - requires a USB-Type C cable (or Micro-USB for older models).

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect your phone to your laptop with a cable. Use the original cable or a certified cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).
  2. On the phone in the notification menu, select the connection mode Data Transfer (or USB-The modem, if such an option appears automatically).
  3. If no automatic connection has occurred, go to Settings. โ†’ Access Point and modem โ†’ USB-modem and activate the switch.
  4. On your laptop, wait for the drivers to install (usually 10 to 30 seconds), and then a new connection (e.g., Ethernet or Ethernet) will appear in the list of network connections. USB-networker).

On Xiaomi models with Qualcomm processor (for example, POCO X5 Pro) USB-The modem can run faster than on phones with MediaTek chips (e.g. Redmi). 12C), If the speed is lower than expected, try to turn off. USB-debugging โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI (Click on version 7 times, then return to Additional โ†’ For developers).

๐Ÿ’ก

If the laptop does not see the phone USB-modem, try another port USB Or reboot both devices. Sometimes it helps to disable the charge optimization function in the Xiaomi battery settings.

Method 3: Internet distribution over Bluetooth (alternative)

It's less popular, but it's useful if you don't have cable and your phone's Wi-Fi isn't working, it's slower (up to 3 Mbps), but it's resistant to interference and saves battery life, and it's good for texting or mail, but not for streaming video.

How to set up:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and laptop.
  2. On your phone, go to Settings โ†’ Access Point and modem โ†’ Bluetooth modem and activate the function.
  3. On your laptop, find the phone in the list of available Bluetooth devices and pair (a confirmation code may be required).
  4. After pairing in the Bluetooth laptop settings, select your Xiaomi and click Connect via โ†’ Access Point.

Features of Bluetooth modem:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Delays: Ping can reach 300โ€“500 ms (unsuitable for online gaming).
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Speed: maximum bandwidth โ€“ about 3 Mbps (enough for messengers and mail).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Energy consumption: battery consumption is lower than Wi-Fi, but higher than that of the USB.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Some Windows 11 laptops may lose the speaker sound after being connected via Bluetooth. To fix, go to Settings โ†’ System system โ†’ Sound and manually select the main audio device.

How to speed up Bluetooth connection?
1. Reduce the distance between your phone and your laptop (ideally, up to 1 meter). 2. Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, keyboard) that may interfere. 3. In your Bluetooth phone settings, select a NAP (Network Access Point) profile instead of a PANU (if available). 4. Reboot both devices - sometimes this resets speed limits.

Solving common problems

Even with the right setup, you can have failures, and here are the typical situations and ways to fix them:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The laptop connects to Wi-Fi, but the Internet does not workOperator blocks distribution or incorrect APN settingsCheck the APN (sign dun), reboot the phone or call the operator
USB-modem is not definedLack of drivers or faulty cableInstall Mi Phone Manager, try another cable or USB port
Bluetooth connection is constantly brokenInterference from other devices or an outdated version of BluetoothDisable other Bluetooth gadgets, update drivers on your laptop
Low Internet speedWeak network signal or operator restrictionMove closer to the window, check the fare, try it. USB-modem

If none of these methods work, reset the network settings on your phone:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ About the phone โ†’ Reset settings.
  2. Select Network Reset (donโ€™t reset all settings!).
  3. After restarting, repeat the handout setting.

For advanced users: If the problem is related to MIUI, you can try to turn on the developer mode and activate the debugging option over USB, and then enter in the laptop terminal:

adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0

This command resets the requirement for APN dun, which sometimes helps bypass operator restrictions.

๐Ÿ’ก

If after all the manipulations the Internet on the laptop did not work, the problem may be in the operator's tariff. Call support and check if the distribution of Internet (tethering) on your tariff is allowed.

Comparison of distribution methods: which to choose

Each method has its pros and cons, and here is a comparison table to help you choose:

CriteriaWi-Fi hotspotUSB-modemBluetooth
Speed.โญโญโญโญโญ (up to 866 Mbps)โญโญโญโญ (up to 150 Mbps)โญ (up to 3 Mbps)
Stabilityโญโญโญ (cluttered)โญโญโญโญโญ (most sustainably)โญโญ (cliff-break)
Battery consumptionโญ (high-end)โญโญโญโญ (low, laptop power)โญโญโญ (middle-class)
Number of devices1011โ€“3
Convenienceโญโญโญโญ (no cable)โญโญ (cable)โญโญโญ (No cable, but slowly)

Selection recommendations:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ For games or video calls: use USB-Modem โ€“ Minimum delays and stable connection.
  • ๐Ÿ’ป To work with multiple devices: set up a Wi-Fi hotspot (for example, if you need to connect a laptop and tablet at the same time).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ To save charge: USB-Bluetooth modem (second option if the cable is not available).
  • ๐Ÿš— On the road: Wi-Fi hotspot is more convenient, but watch the battery level.

FAQ: Frequent questions about giving away the Internet with Xiaomi

Can I share the Internet with Xiaomi if the phone is enabled VPN?
Yeah, but there's some nuances. VPN configured at the application level (e.g. NordVPN or ProtonVPN), the distributed Internet will go through the VPN-If it's a tunnel. VPN enabled at system level (Settings) โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ VPN), Some applications on connected devices may not work (e.g. online banking) to distribute clean internet without the need for a single service. VPN, Turn it off before activating the hotspot.
Why does Xiaomi laptop write โ€œNo Internet accessโ€ after connecting to a hotspot?
This error occurs for three reasons: The operator blocks the distribution (check it out). SMS from the operator or call support. Incorrect settings APN (write.dun in the Type field APN). Conflict IP-Addresses (on the laptop manually specify) IP ranged 192.168.43.x, where x is a number from 2 to 254. Also try to disable the firewall on your laptop or antivirus (for example, Avast sometimes blocks such connections).
How to limit traffic when giving out the Internet with Xiaomi?
MIUI does not have a built-in hotspot traffic limiter, but you can use workarounds: Install NetGuard or GlassWire app to monitor flow. In the operator tariff settings, activate the option "Limit speed after X GB" (available from MTS, Beeline, Tele2). On your laptop, set up Limit connection to Settings โ†’ Network and Internet โ†’ Wi-Fi โ†’ Managing known networks (Windows 10/11).
Can I distribute the Internet from Xiaomi to a laptop with Linux?
Yes, but additional settings may be required: For a Wi-Fi hotspot, there is usually no need to configure anything - connect as if to a regular network. USB-The modem may need to install usb-modeswitch and modemmanager: sudo apt install usb-modeswitch modemmanager If the connection is available, but the Internet is not working, check the routes with the ip route command and add the default route if necessary: sudo ip route add default via 192.168.42.129 (replace) IP to the gateway from the output ip a. On Ubuntu 22.04+ Fedora USB-The modem usually works out of the box".
How to increase the range of Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi?
The range depends on the power of the phone transmitter and external interference. To improve coverage: Switch the hotspot to the 2.4 GHz range (in the access point settings). Place the phone on a high ground (for example, on the shelf) - this reduces the obstacles to the signal. Turn off the power saving mode on the phone (Settings โ†’ Battery Mode. Use an external antenna (this requires a special adapter, for example, TP-Link TL-ANT2408CL, but this is only true for stationary solutions). The maximum radius in ideal conditions is less than 15 meters, but in reality โ†’