Why? USB-Connection is better than Wi-Fi for Internet distribution
When it comes to giving mobile internet to a computer, most people think of a Wi-Fi hotspot. USB-Xiaomi's smartphone modem is often a more stable and efficient solution. First, cable data transmission is independent of interference and distance from the device, a problem that laptop owners regularly face when using a Wi-Fi hotspot, USB-connect 20-30% less battery charge of the smartphone compared to wireless distribution, which is critical for long-term operation without an outlet.
Another key advantage is speed and latency, even under ideal Wi-Fi conditions. 5 (802.11ac) lose USB 2.0 In connection stability: the cable provides constant bandwidth without ping jumps, which is important for online games, video conferencing or downloading large files. USB 3.0 (For example, the Redmi Note model 11 Pro+ or POCO F4), speed 400-500 Mbit/s โ comparable to wired Ethernet.
Finally, USB-The modem does not require password settings or create vulnerabilities for connecting third-party devices, as is the case with open Wi-Fi networks, which is especially true for corporate laptops or working with sensitive data. The only downside is the need for a physical cable connection, but for stationary PCs or hybrid jobs, this is rarely a problem.
What Xiaomi models support USB-modem
The vast majority of Xiaomi smartphones released after 2018 support the function USB-Tethering, or tethering, but there are nuances associated with the version. MIUI, Firmware region and hardware constraints. Below is the compatibility table for key series:
| Series/Model | Support USB-modem | Features | Minimum version of MIUI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11/12 | โ Yes. | Requires the inclusion of debugging by USB for stable operation on Windows 7 | MIUI 12.5 |
| POCO F3/F4/F5 | โ Yes. | Automatic installation of drivers on Windows 10/11 | MIUI 13 |
| Xiaomi 12/13/14 | โ Yes. | Support USB 3.2 (speed up to 1 Gbps) | MIUI 14 |
| Redmi 9A/9C | โ ๏ธ Partially. | It only works with the original Xiaomi cable. | MIUI 12 |
| Black Shark 4/5 | โ Yes. | Optimized for PC gaming (low ping) | MIUI 12.5 Enhanced |
If your model is not listed in the table, check the support function as follows:
- Open the settings โ About the phone โ version of MIUI.
- Tap 7 times on the line version of MIUI to activate the developer mode.
- Back to Settings โ Additionally. โ For developers.
- Find a point. USB-Configuration โ if there is an option to transfer the Internet (RNDIS), function maintained.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some models for the Chinese market (with China firmware) ROM) USB-The modem can be blocked, in which case it requires unlocking the bootloader and installing Global. ROM.
Step-by-step adjustment USB-Xiaomi modem
Activation process USB-The snare of Xiaomi is no more 2-3 It takes minutes, but it requires you to do the steps exactly. USB-Smartphone cable or certified cable with data support (not all charging cables are suitable!).
Use the original Xiaomi cable
Enable mobile internet on your phone
Update MIUI to the latest version
Shut down. VPN PC-phone-->
Instructions for MIUI 14 (relevant to most models 2022-2026 garland.):
- Connect your phone to your PC through USB-On the smartphone screen, select File Transfer Mode (MTP) โ It's a temporary step.
- Open the Settings. โ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Put yours on. SIM-card (if there are two, select the one on which the mobile Internet is activated).
- Go to Access Point and Modem โ USB-modem.
- Activate the slider USB-A modem, through. 5-10 A new network connection will appear on the PC.
On a Windows computer. 10/11 Drivers are installed automatically. If the connection does not appear:
- ๐ Reboot your phone and repeat the steps.
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Check Device Manager on PC: in the section Network adapters should appear Remote device NDIS based Internet Sharing Device.
- ๐ฅ If the driver is not installed, download it manually from the site. MIUI Download (Drivers section).
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If the Internet is slow after you connect, turn off all other network adapters (Ethernet, Wi-Fi) on your PC in Network Settings, which will eliminate routing conflicts.
Solving problems with USB-modem on Xiaomi
Even when you set it up properly, users often encounter common errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
1.The computer cannot see. USB-modem
If after activating the function on the phone, the PC does not detect a new connection:
- ๐ Check the cable, try another (preferably original) cable, and cheap cables often don't support data transmission.
- ๐ Switch the mode. USB on the phone: Settings โ Connected devices โ USB โ Internet transmission (RNDIS).
- ๐ฅ๏ธ On PC, open the Control Panel โ Devices and printers and remove all devices with Xiaomi name, then reconnect the phone.
2. the Internet is connected but not working
Symptom: The network icon on the PC shows the connection, but the pages are not loaded.
- ๐ถ Make sure your phone is on mobile internet (indicator) 4G/5G status-line).
- ๐ Check the balance. SIM-cards โ some operators block tethering with a negative balance.
- ๐ ๏ธ On PC, execute commands in Command Prompt (Administrator): netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset ipconfig /flushdns Then restart the PC.
3. Low speed or breakage of connection
If the speed is lower than expected (for example, 4G It shows 50 Mbps, and it's USB It's only 10 Mbps):
- ๐ Turn off the phone Traffic Savings in Settings โ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ Saving traffic.
- ๐ Check if the PC uses a proxy server (configure in Network Settings) โ proxy).
- ๐ฑ Install the NetMonster app on your phone (from Google Play) and check if the operator limits the tetering speed.
โ ๏ธ Attention: On phones with firmware China ROM speed USB-modem is artificially limited to 30 Mbit / s. Solution - firmware Global ROM or EU ROM.
What if the operator blocks tethering?
Optimization of connection speed and stability
To maximize productivity USB-modem, follow these recommendations:
1. Choosing the right one USB-port
On fixed PCs and some laptops USB 3.0/3.1 (usually blue, and faster than the speed of USB 2.0. However:
- ๐ต If it's a port USB 3.0 is not stable, try it. USB 2.0 โ less sensitive to interference.
- ๐ Avoid. USB-Hubs โ connect your phone directly to the PC port.
2. Network Priority Setup on PC
Windows can be used by default USB-modem as a backup connection to get the system to prioritize it:
- Open Network Options โ Change of adapter parameters.
- Find an Ethernet connection (thatโs what it is) USB-modem) and open its properties.
- Uncheck the Protocol. IPv6 โ This eliminates delays in some cases.
- To the control panel. โ Network control centre โ Change the use of networks move USB-modem.
3.Phone-side optimization
On the Xiaomi smartphone, you can make several changes to improve the modem:
- ๐ต Turn on Flight Mode, then manually activate only mobile data โ this turns off background processes that consume traffic.
- ๐ Disable Battery Optimization for the Settings app (in Settings) โ Annexes โ Application management โ Settings โ Battery โ No restrictions).
- ๐ก If the network signal is weak, install the Network Signal Guru app and manually select the frequency. 4G (Band 3 or Band 7 for better coverage).
USB-modem
Wi-Fi hotspot
Bluetooth tetering
I don't use the handout.-->
Alternative ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi
If USB-The modem doesn't fit for some reason, so consider alternatives. Everyone has their pros and cons:
1. Wi-Fi hotspot
Simple way, but with limitations:
- โ No cable required.
- โ High battery consumption (up to) 15-20% hourly).
- โ Speed depends on the Wi-Fi standard (on Xiaomi with Wi-Fi). 5 maximum 866 Mbps, but real โ 50-100 Mbit/s).
How to turn on: Settings โ Access Point and modem โ Wi-Fi hotspot.
2. Bluetooth tetering
Suitable for saving charge, but slow:
- โ Low energy consumption (2-3% hourly).
- โ Speed is limited. 1-3 Mbit / s (suitable only for messengers).
- โ Delays up to 500 ms โ unsuitable for video or gaming.
How to turn on: Settings โ Bluetooth โ Modem mode.
3. Reverse Tethering (reverse tethering)
A rarely used method when a PC distributes the Internet to a phone through a USB. Useful if not on the phone SIM-I've got a card, but I have a wired connection on my PC:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ PC: ClockworkMod Tether or ReverseTether NoRoot.
- ๐ฑ On the phone: on USB-debugging.
Speed is limited by capacity USB-port.
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USB-The modem remains the most reliable way to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi to a PC, if speed, stability and security are critical. Alternatives (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) are inferior in most respects, but can help in the absence of a cable.
Safety in use USB-modem
Distribution of the Internet through USB It creates a direct bridge between your phone and your computer, potentially opening up vectors for attacks:
1. Protection against unauthorized access
- ๐ Always lock your phone screen when connecting to someone else's PC (such as an internet cafe). PIN graphical.
- ๐ซ Turn it off. USB-Debugging after use, if it was included.
- ๐ก๏ธ On a PC, install a firewall (like Windows Defender or Kaspersky Internet Security) and check the rules for a new network connection.
2. Prevention of data leakage
Primary USB-The phone is becoming vulnerable to:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Unauthorized file copying (if File Transfer mode is enabled).
- ๐ฑ Installation of malware through ADB (if debugging is on).
How to defend yourself:
- ๐ After activating the modem, switch USB-Only charging or Internet transmission (RNDIS).
- ๐ Use the app. USB Firewall (from Google Play) for access control.
3. Traffic monitoring
Some malware on your PC can use your phone as a proxy for attacks or mining.
- ๐ Install GlassWire or NetGuard on your phone to monitor suspicious connections.
- ๐ต Turn off the modem when it is not needed โ this will prevent background traffic consumption.
โ ๏ธ Note: If, after connecting to USB-Unknown apps or ads appear on the phone, immediately scan the device with an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes) and reset the network settings in Settings. โ System system โ Resetting settings โ Resetting network settings.