How to give away the Internet on Xiaomi: a complete guide to setting up an access point

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones have long since ceased to be just callers, becoming powerful tools for work and entertainment, capable of providing Internet for an entire company. In situations where there is no fixed Wi-Fi router or a provider’s cable break, the mobile hotspot function becomes a real lifeline. Owners of devices based on the MIUI shell or HyperOS often face the need to quickly share mobile traffic with a friend’s laptop, tablet or phone.

However, the standard Android settings on Xiaomi smartphones have their own features that can confuse the inexperienced user: menu differences, hidden frequency range options and energy saving nuances require detailed consideration. In this guide, we will discuss in detail how to correctly configure a Wi-Fi hotspot, use a smartphone as a device. USB-Modem and optimize parameters for maximum speed and safety.

Note that the Internet is a significant factor in battery consumption and temperature of the device. Therefore, before activating the function, it is recommended to read not only the instructions for activation, but also recommendations for extending the autonomy of operation. We will also touch on security issues so that your data is not available to unauthorized persons in public places.

Basic setting of the Wi-Fi access point

The process of activating the Internet on Xiaomi devices begins with the transition to the system settings menu. MIUI offers several ways to achieve the goal, but the most complete control over network settings is provided through the deep menu. First, you need to open the Settings section and find the Wi-Fi Access Point, which is usually located in the connection settings group.

Once you log in, you'll see a switch that activates modem modem. However, it's critical to set security settings before you do that. The default system may suggest a standard network name, but it's better to change it to a unique one to avoid confusion with neighboring routers. Pay special attention to the password field: use a combination of at least 8 characters, including numbers and letters from different registers.

An important aspect is the choice of security protocol. In modern versions of Xiaomi firmware, the default is WPA3-Personal or WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode. This provides a high level of encryption of the transmitted data. If you have very old devices (released more than 10 years ago) that can not connect to the network, you may need to manually switch the protocol to WPA2-Personal in advanced settings.

Working with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands

One of the key features of setting up an access point on Xiaomi is the ability to select a frequency range. By default, the system often sets the 2.4 GHz range, which has better range and penetration of walls, but has lower speed and higher airspace load. For modern tasks such as streaming video or online games, this range may not be productive enough.

Switching to 5GHz can significantly increase data speeds and reduce latency (ping), especially if you have a laptop or TV connected to your access point, but remember that the 5GHz signal range is noticeably smaller and wall obstacles weaken it much more.

To change the range, you need to find the Settings of the Wi-Fi hotspot in the access point menu and select the Wi-Fi hotspot frequency range. Here you can switch the switch from 2.4 GHz to 5.0 GHz. If you do not see this option, perhaps your smartphone does not physically support work as a router at high frequency, which is typical for budget models of past years.

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Use the 5GHz band only in one room with the receiving device for maximum speed. If you want to distribute the Internet to the next room, you better switch to 2.4GHz.

Using a smartphone as a USB-modem

When Wi-Fi speeds are unstable or you need to minimize delays, wired connectivity comes to the rescue. USB-The modem allows you to use the Internet connection of a smartphone on a computer via a cable, while charging the device, which is ideal for stationary workplaces where the stability of the connection is important.

To activate this mode, first connect the smartphone to the computer using high-quality USB-Then go to the Settings menu on your phone. → Connection and Sharing (or Additional Features) Item USB-The modem will only become active after the cable is physically connected, and on the computer, the system will automatically install the necessary drivers if they are not available.

The advantage of this method is the absence of radio interference and saving battery power, since the phone is powered by USB-In addition, wired connections are more difficult to intercept by attackers within Wi-Fi range, but it is worth considering that simultaneously distribute the Internet over Wi-Fi and through the Internet. USB on different devices in some versions MIUI It may not be possible without using third-party utilities.

Setting up a Bluetooth modem

Although this method is less commonly used because of the low data rate, it may be the only working option in emergency situations.Bluetooth modem allows you to connect to the Internet even on devices where there is no Wi-Fi module or it is defective. 2-3 Mbps, which is enough only for text correspondence or loading light pages.

To start, you need to pair Xiaomi smartphone with the receiving device (laptop or tablet) via Bluetooth. After successful pairing on the phone in the access point menu, you need to activate the Bluetooth modem switch. On the receiving device in the Bluetooth settings, select the connected phone and click “Connect through” → “Access point”.

The main advantage of this connection is extremely low power consumption compared to Wi-Fi. The phone can run in modem mode for hours without heating up, but you should consider the high latency (ping), which makes it impossible to use this method for video calls or online games.

⚠️ Note: When using a Bluetooth modem, be sure to turn off the phone’s visibility to other devices after pairing to avoid attempts at unauthorized connection.

Advanced security settings and network hiding

Xiaomi smartphone owners have access to hidden features that improve security or make the network invisible to outsiders. The access point menu often features the option to Hide the device (or “Hide SSID”). When you turn on this feature, your phone will broadcast the signal, but will not appear in the list of available networks on other gadgets.

To connect to a hidden network, the user must manually enter the network name (SSID) and password in the Wi-Fi settings of the receiving device, which protects against “curious neighbors” who scan the air for open or poorly protected networks, but this does not provide a 100% guarantee of protection from professionals with the appropriate equipment.

You can also set a limit on connected devices in advanced settings, if you give the Internet to a friend, there's no point in letting ten devices connect, setting a limit of 1-2 devices will prevent congestion and save traffic, and you can set up an automatic shutdown of the access point if no one is connected to it for 5 or 10 minutes.

Connection problems and their solution

Despite the stability of the work MIUI, Users sometimes face a situation where devices cannot see the access point or cannot access the access point. IP-The problem is often the settings. APN If the Internet on the phone itself works but doesn't work, try resetting the factory access point settings in the mobile menu.

Another common reason is power saving mode. Xiaomi's aggressive optimization can kill the Wi-Fi distribution process to save charge. To avoid this, add access point system service to battery exclusions or turn off energy saving mode while the modem is running. Also check if the Flight mode is on, which sometimes glitches and blocks only the outgoing connection.

If nothing works, an effective method is to reset network settings.This action will remove stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but often resolve deep software conflicts.The path to reset: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: If you connect a laptop through USB-The modem network is defined as "Public", Windows can block device detection. Change the network profile to "Private" in the Windows settings.

Optimizing traffic and controlling costs

Internet distribution can lead to a rapid depletion of the tariff package, especially if connected devices automatically update systems or download heavy files. MIUI has a useful statistical tool that allows you to control the flow of traffic by the access point, which is usually located on the same menu as the settings of the modem itself.

Set a traffic limit or warning, such as setting a notification when 1GB of data is transmitted through the hotspot, allowing users to react and disable heavy users in time, and warning those who connect to your Wi-Fi to turn off autoplay of video on social networks.

To extend the life of the battery during the handout, you can reduce the brightness of the screen to a minimum or turn off the display completely. Some Xiaomi models allow you to block touch buttons so that you do not accidentally interrupt the connection. Remember that when you actively distribute the smartphone can significantly heat up, so it is better to remove the case from it and put it on a hard surface.

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Traffic control and connection limits are mandatory measures to prevent unexpected mobile costs when actively distributing the Internet.