How to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi 8 Pro: all the ways and hidden settings

Xiaomi 8 Pro

dual-band Wi-Fi

modem-driven

MIUI

In this article, you will find 3 working ways to distribute the Internet (including a little-known method through the Internet). USB-And then there's the unique trick of changing the regional parameters of the modem, which increases the stability of the connection by 30 percent. MIUI 12–14 and relevant for models with Snapdragon 845 chipset.

Before you move on to settings, check out two key points:

1. Data transfer is allowed on your mobile operator tariff (some operators block the distribution without additional option).
2. Make sure that the smartphone is enabled mobile Internet – without it, the access point will not work.

1. Distribution of the Internet through a Wi-Fi hotspot

It's the most popular and versatile method, but it's also the most voracious in terms of battery power. On the Xiaomi 8 Pro, the hotspot operates in two bands - 2.4 GHz (range up to 20 meters) and 5 GHz (speed up to 866 Mbps, but the radius is smaller). The choice of range is critical: if your laptop or tablet doesn't support 5 GHz, the network simply won't show up in the list.

To enable the access point:

1. Open the Settings. → Access Point and modem.
2. Slip on the mobile hotspot.
3. Activate the slider at the top of the screen.
4. When you first turn on, the system will prompt you to specify a network name (SSID) and a password (minimum 8 characters).

By default. MIUI It sets a random digit password that's easy to forget, and we recommend replacing it with a meaningful combination, like, for example: Xiaomi8Pro_2026!. The main thing is to use symbols of different registers and at least one special symbol (!@#$%), Otherwise, the network will be vulnerable to hacking.

Network name (SSID) without spaces and Cyrillic |

Password length of 10+ characters with numbers and letters |

5 GHz range for speed or 2.4 GHz for compatibility |

Turn off auto-disconnect (in additional settings)|

Enable "Show password" for easy connection-->

Hidden settings for stability

Go to the Additional Access Point Settings (three dots in the upper right corner) and pay attention to:

• 🔄 Auto-disconnect: Install Never, otherwise the smartphone will break the connection inactivity.
• 📶 Frequency Range: If you connect older devices (like iPad 2018), choose 2.4 GHz.
• 🔒 Type of safety: leave WPA2-PSK — It is the best balance between protection and compatibility.
• 📡 Wi-Fi Channel: Manually select a 6 or 11 channel for 2.4 GHz (they least intersect with neighboring networks).

⚠️ If after activation of the access point the Internet on the smartphone disappears – check the settings APN Sometimes you need to manually write the settings in the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).

2. Internet distribution via Bluetooth

This method consumes 3 times less power than Wi-Fi, but the speed is limited to 3-5 Mbps (enough for messengers and mail, but not for video in 4K).

Instructions:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. On Xiaomi 8 Pro, go to Settings → Access Point and Modem → Bluetooth Modem.
3. Connect the second device to the smartphone via Bluetooth (if not already paired).
4. On the second device, in Bluetooth settings, select Connect to the Network (on Windows, this may be called a Personal Network Connection).

Features of the method:

• 🔋 Battery savings: when distributed via Bluetooth, the smartphone discharges by 10-15% per hour (vs. 25-30% with Wi-Fi).
• 📱 Device Restriction: Only one device can be connected at a time.
• 🛑 Windows problems: Some versions of the OS may require manual network adapter setup (install). IPv4 manually: address 192.168.44.2, mask 255.255.255.0).

💡

If the Bluetooth access point is permanently terminated, try to disable the “Adaptive Bluetooth” function on your smartphone in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then return to Additional → For developers).

3. Internet distribution through USB-cable (modem mode)

The most stable and little-known way is to connect via USB-Type C. Speeds reach 150-200 Mbps (depending on the cable), and the smartphone battery does not drain, as it is powered by a connected device, ideal for laptops or PCs without a Wi-Fi adapter.

How to set up:

1. Connect the Xiaomi 8 Pro to your computer with the original cable (cheap cables may not support data transfer).
2. On the smartphone in the notification that appears, select Data Transfer (or USB-modem).
3. On your computer: Windows: Go to Control Panel → Network & Internet → Network Connections. A new Remote NDIS connection should appear. MacOS: Open System Settings → Network and add a new USB connection.

If the connection is not working:

• 🔌 Check the cable: Try another cable with support USB 2.0/3.0.
• 🖥️ Install drivers: Windows may require a Qualcomm driver HS-USB Diagnostics (download from Xiaomi website).
• 📱 Put the debugging on. USB: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times, then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB.

⚠️ Note: When connecting through USB Some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) can block the distribution if the option "Modem" is not activated on the tariff.

4. Optimal settings for different scenarios

Depending on the task, the access point settings should be adjusted. Below are the verified configurations for typical use cases:

For maximum speed when distributed via Wi-Fi:

1. Install a fixed channel (for example, 36 for 5 GHz) instead of Auto.
2. Turn off traffic savings in settings SIM-map.
3. Activate the performance mode in the battery settings for the Settings app.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the right settings, Xiaomi 8 Pro users are facing problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🚫 "Unable to turn on access point": Check if the mobile Internet is turned on. Reset the smartphone. Reset the network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
• 🔄 "Connected devices do not have access to the Internet: VPN Or a firewall on the connected device. APN (You should try to change the security type from the operator. WPA2-PSK on WPA-PSK (It is less safe, but sometimes it helps).
• 📵 "Access point turns off itself": Turn off power saving mode for the Settings app. Set the Auto-Switching: Never in the access point settings. Check if the smartphone is overheating (at temperatures above 45).°C MIUI Forcedly shut down the Wi-Fi module).

If nothing helps, reset your network settings:

1. Settings → About the phone → Resetting settings.
2. Select Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth settings.
3. After restarting, reset the access point.

💡

Before resetting your network settings, save passwords from saved Wi-Fi networks – they will be deleted!

6. How to save battery power when giving the Internet

Internet distribution is one of the most energy-intensive operations. On the Xiaomi 8 Pro with a 3,000 mAh battery, the Wi-Fi hotspot drains the battery by 20 to 25 percent per hour.

• 🔋 Use Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi if speed is not critical.
• 📴 Turn off background activity of unnecessary apps: Settings → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start.
• 🌡️ Reduce the brightness of the screen to 30-40% and activate the dark theme.
• 📶 Limit the number of connected devices (each additional device increases battery consumption by 5-10%).

For emergency situations (e.g., on a trip):

1. Connect powerbank to 10,000 mAh – this will last for 6-8 hours of Wi-Fi distribution.
2. Activate the aircraft mode, but leave Wi-Fi and mobile data on (this will reduce the load on the modem).
3. Use a wired connection (USB) if there is an outlet nearby.

💡

If you give out the Internet a lot, buy a USB hub with an Ethernet port (like the Baseus USB-C Hub), connect it to the Xiaomi 8 Pro via OTG, and then to the hub - a network cable from the router, so the smartphone will distribute Internet over Wi-Fi, but the traffic will go through the wire, not through the mobile network (saving battery and data).

7.Security: How to Protect Your Access Point

An open or poorly secured access point is a good target for hackers, who can not only steal your traffic, but also intercept data (passwords, messages). The Xiaomi 8 Pro has basic security measures, but they are not enough.

Checklist for security:

• 🔐 Complicated password: minimum 12 symbols with letters, numbers and special symbols: X8Pro_Secure!2026.
• 👥 Device Limitation: In the access point settings, set a maximum of 3-5 devices.
• 🔄 Regular change of password: change it every 1-2 months.
• 📵 Disconnecting when inactive: set up auto-disconnect after 5-10 minutes.
• 🛡️ VPN On connected devices: If you’re sharing the internet in public, use ProtonVPN or Warp.

How to check who is connected to your network:

1. Open Settings → Access Point and modem → Mobile Access Point.
2. Slip on the connected devices.
3. If you see an unfamiliar device, immediately change the password and turn off the access point.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use WEP Open Network – these types of security are hacked in minutes using specialized applications (e.g. Aircrack-ng).

FAQ: Frequent questions