Xiaomi Redmi 8 has long established itself as a reliable mid-range device capable of performing a variety of tasks, including working as a modem. In situations where fixed Internet is absent or unstable, the ability to distribute traffic from the phone becomes critical to the operation of a tablet, laptop or other gadget. Modern MIUI shells provide a wide range of tools for managing network connections, but users often have questions about fine-tuning.
The Hotspot process on Xiaomi devices has its own features that differ from pure Android. This applies not only to the location of the menu, but also to methods of energy optimization that can block hotspot operation in the background. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of data transfer, as well as eliminate the typical errors encountered by owners of Redmi 8.
It's worth noting that the function works correctly not only on the software settings, but also on the quality of the cellular signal and the operator's tariff plan. Before you start setting up, make sure that your balance sheet is available and the network coverage is stable. Next, we'll move on to step-by-step algorithms for various use cases.
Setting up a classic Wi-Fi access point
The most common and quick way to share the Internet is to activate the Wi-Fi router on the device itself. In the MIUI shell installed on Redmi 8, this process is as simple as possible and accessible through the notification curtain, first you need to lower the top control panel and find the icon "Access Point".
If you click on the icon itself, the mode will turn on instantly with the last parameters used. However, to initially set up or change the password, you need to go to the deep menu. To do this, press your finger on the icon or go through the Settings path → Wi-Fi Access Point. This opens the Control Panel, where you can change the network name (SSID) and set a complex password to protect against unauthorized access.
An important aspect is the choice of frequency range. In the settings of the access point on Redmi 8, there is often the option of switching between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 5 GHz range provides a higher data rate, but has a shorter range and breaks walls worse. The 2.4 GHz range is more versatile and compatible with older devices.
⚠️ Warning: When using a Wi-Fi hotspot, the smartphone battery discharges much faster than usual. It is recommended to keep the device connected to charging or monitor the level of charge so as not to be left without communication at an important moment.
The best option in the security menu is to choose WPA2-Personal, as it provides secure encryption of traffic. Do not leave the access point open (without a password), as this will allow anyone in range to connect to your Internet and potentially intercept the data transmitted.
Distribution of the Internet through USB-cable
When you need maximum connection stability or need to charge your phone during the distribution of traffic, the optimal solution is to charge the phone. USB-This is especially true for desktop computers that don't have a Wi-Fi module, or laptops that have a faulty wireless adapter. USB, data-transmitting, not just current.
The activation process begins with connecting the Xiaomi Redmi 8 smartphone to the computer via the USB-After connecting the access point settings menu, the access point will become an active point «USB-If this item is gray and inactive, check the cable or try another one. USB-computer-port.
Windows system usually automatically installs the necessary drivers for Android device. If this does not happen, you may need to install ADB drivers or standard Google USB Driver drivers. After a successful connection, a wired connection icon will appear in the computer tray, and traffic will go through the mobile network of the smartphone.
☑️ Checking before connection USB-modem
The main advantage of this method is the absence of delays (ping), characteristic of wireless connection, and simultaneous charging of the battery, USB-Connection is more secure in terms of data interception, as it requires physical access to the device and confirmation on the smartphone screen.
Using Bluetooth to Transfer Data
Although Bluetooth Tethering is considered obsolete due to its low data rate, in some situations it may be the only option available. USB-The cable is not available. The speed of the Bluetooth connection is rarely higher. 1-2 Mbps, which is enough only for messengers or downloading simple web pages.
To set up, you must first pair Redmi 8 with a receiving device (for example, a laptop). Go to the Bluetooth settings on both devices, search and confirm the pairing by checking the codes. After successful pairing on the smartphone, the access point menu activate the “Bluetooth modem” switch.
On the receiving device (PC or other phone), you need to find the paired phone in the list of Bluetooth devices and select the option “Connect through” → “Access Point”. The process of establishing the connection can take some time, this will be signaled by the appropriate icon in the status bar.
Why is the speed of Bluetooth so low?
Keep in mind that when using a Bluetooth modem actively, battery consumption is also high, although less than when running a Wi-Fi router, this method should be considered exclusively as a temporary solution for emergencies when other methods are not available.
Advanced settings and optimization of MIUI
The MIUI shell is known for its aggressive power saving system, which can automatically turn off the hotspot if the smartphone screen is out or the app is not being used in the background. To avoid connection breaks, you need to properly configure battery settings. Go to Settings → Battery and find the application activity settings.
In the application list, find the system process that controls the access point (often hidden in system processes or called Settings). Set it in a “No Limits” or “No Limits” mode, which will prevent the Wi-Fi module from being euthanized by the system.
There's also a useful "Switch Off Timer" feature in the access point menu that allows you to automatically turn off the Internet distribution after a given period of time if no one is connected to the access point, which helps save battery power and prevent wasted traffic.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency range | 2.4 GHz (compatibility) / 5 GHz (speed) | Determines the range and speed of the connection |
| Maximum connectivity | 1-3 devices | Limits the load on the processor and battery |
| SSID cover-up | Off (for convenience) | Hiding the network from the list, requires manual name entry |
| Traffic limit | Under the tariff plan | Automatically shuts down the Internet when the limit is exhausted |
Another important setting is the limit of connected devices.Redmi 8 allows you to connect up to 10 devices by default, but for stable operation, it is recommended to limit this number to 3-5.More customers can lead to overheating of the processor and a strong drop in speed for each user.
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If you often give the Internet to the same laptop, set up a static IP-address in the Wi-Fi settings on the laptop, which will speed up the connection process and eliminate addressing conflicts on the local network.
Solving Typical Connection Problems
Users often experience a situation where the access point is turned on but the internet on connected devices is not working.The first reason is usually the lack of mobile data transfer on the smartphone itself. 4G/LTE in the status bar and whether the Internet works in the browser of Redmi 8.
The second common problem is carrier blocking: Many plans prohibit the use of the phone as a router or require an additional option to be connected, in which case the sites may not load even though the connection is established.
Also, pay attention to the date and time. If the smartphone is timed down, this can cause security certificate errors, which will prevent pages on the Internet from opening on connected devices.
⚠️ Note: If the device is connected to the network, but cannot receive IP-address, try to forget the network on the receiving device and re-enter the password. Often helps to reset the network settings on the Redmi 8 itself.
In rare cases, the problem is overflowing the cache of network services, rebooting your smartphone or switching to flight mode for 10-15 seconds will help. If nothing helps, you can try resetting the network settings through the Settings menu → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.
Safety issues in the distribution of traffic
By turning your smartphone into a public router, you take responsibility for the security of the data you transmit. A weak password or no password allows attackers to not only exploit your traffic, but also to infiltrate your local network. Always use complex passwords containing letters of different registers, numbers and special characters.
WPA3 encryption protocol is the most modern, but Redmi 8 and many older devices may not support it.WPA2-PSK remains the optimal choice. Avoid using WEP, as this encryption standard was hacked many years ago and does not provide any protection.
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The security of the access point depends not only on the password, but also on the timely update of the MIUI system, which closes the vulnerabilities of network protocols.
If you're in a public place, it makes sense to hide the network name (SSID), in which case the network will not appear in the general Wi-Fi list, and the connection will require manually entering the exact network name, which reduces the risk of Evil Twin attacks, when attackers create a network with a similar name.