How to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 on a laptop: all ways + problem solving

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (codenamed whyred) is still popular due to its price-performance balance. But many users have difficulty using it as a source of Internet for a laptop or PC. In this article, 5 proven ways to distribute the Internet, including bypassing mobile carrier locks and optimizing speed.

To be clear, Redmi Note 5 supports all standard tetering protocols (Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth), but some features may be limited to firmware or operator settings. For example, MTS and Beeline often block Internet distribution at tariffs without the option "Modem".

If you're giving away the Internet for the first time, start with a mobile hotspot (the easiest method). ADB-commands and tuning USB-Also, we will examine the unique feature of Redmi Note 5: when you distribute Wi-Fi over 5 GHz, the device automatically switches to 2.4 GHz if the client does not support high-frequency range.

1. Internet distribution via mobile hotspot (Wi-Fi)

This is a basic method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones without any additional settings, suitable for connecting laptops, tablets and other gadgets over the air, speed depends on the generation of mobile network (4G/3G) and Wi-Fi support on the client device.

How to turn on:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Access Point and modem.
  2. Slip on the Wi-Fi hotspot.
  3. Set up a network name (SSID) and password (minimum 8 characters).
  4. Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point slider.

By default, Redmi Note 5 creates a network at 2.4 GHz. To force 5 GHz on (if your laptop supports it), do:

Settings β†’ Access Point and modem β†’ Access Point settings β†’ Frequency Range β†’ 5 GHz

⚠️ Note: Some operators (e.g. Tele2) block Wi-Fi distribution on tariffs without the option "Internet for devices". USB-tetering.

Network name (SSID) does not contain spaces or special characters |

Password is not shorter than 8 characters |

VPN| is off on the laptop.

Mobile network in the phone is stable (there is a sign) 4G/LTE)-->

2. USB-Tetering: How to distribute the Internet through cable

This method is suitable if the Wi-Fi on the laptop is broken or you want to save battery power Redmi Note 5. USB-The connection is usually higher than Wi-Fi, because there is no loss of wireless transmission.

Instructions:

  1. Connect your smartphone to the original laptop USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).
  2. On your phone, select Settings. β†’ Access Point and modem β†’ USB-modem.
  3. On the laptop, wait for the driver installation (usually takes 10–30 seconds).
  4. Check Connection: In the Windows tray, a network sign labeled β€œEthernet” should appear.

If USB-tetering doesn't work:

  • πŸ”Œ Check if the phone is enabled Developer Mode and debugging USB (Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β€” tap 7 times).
  • πŸ”„ Reboot both devices.
  • πŸ–₯️ On your laptop, update drivers through Device Manager (section "Network adapters").

Wi-Fi hotspot |

USB-tetering|

Bluetooth|

Not using.-->

Bypassing tethering locking from the operator (without root)

Mobile operators often restrict Internet distribution to sell expensive options. On the Redmi Note 5, you can bypass the lock without obtaining root rights using the Internet. ADB-alteration APN.

Method 1: Change the APN

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Access point (APN).
  2. Select the current APN (commonly referred to as an operator, such as "internet.beeline.com").
  3. In the APN type field, add a comma,dun (e.g., was default,supl - became default,supl,dun).
  4. Save and restart the phone.

Method 2: ADB-teams (for USB-tetering)

If the operator is blocking USB, do:

adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0

Then restart the phone and try to turn it on. USB-tetering again.

⚠️ Attention: Change APN This can cause a temporary loss of mobile internet. Write down the initial settings or take a screenshot before editing.

Why do operators block tethering?
Tethering blocking is a marketing ploy: operators want to sell individual traffic packets for β€œmodem mode” at inflated prices. Technically, the distribution of the Internet does not burden the network more than the usual use of a smartphone, but the tariffs are built so that users pay for β€œadditional services”.

4. Internet distribution via Bluetooth

This method is slower than Wi-Fi and USB, but useful if other methods are not available (for example, a broken USB connector).Speed is limited by the Bluetooth version: the Redmi Note 5 has a Bluetooth 4.2 module, which gives up to 2 Mbit / s – enough for instant messengers, but not for video in 4K.

How to connect:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
  2. In the phone: Settings β†’ Access Point and modem β†’ Bluetooth modem.
  3. On a laptop: in the Bluetooth panel, select Redmi Note 5 and connect as a network.

Features:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery consumption is lower than with Wi-Fi.
  • πŸ“Ά Radio of action - up to 10 meters (without obstacles).
  • πŸ”’ Only one connected device is supported.

5 Problems and Mistakes: What to Do When the Internet Is Not Handed Out

Even after you set it up correctly, you can still get errors, and here is a table of the most common problems and solutions for the Redmi Note 5:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Wi-Fi hotspot is turned on, but the laptop is not connectedWrong password or network nameReset the access point settings (Settings β†’ Access Point and modem β†’ Reset)
USB-Tethering does not work (the icon "!") in Windows tray)There are no RNDIS driversInstall drivers from Google or update through Device Manager
The Internet is there, but the pages are not loadedDNS blocking by the operatorChange the DNS on your laptop to 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)
Distribution speed is very low (less than 1 Mbps)Operator Limitation or weak 3G signalSwitch to the switch. 4G (Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Preferred type of network β†’ 4G)

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • πŸ“Ά Signal level of the mobile network (in the basement or elevator, communication may disappear).
  • πŸ”„ Rebooting your phone and laptop (sometimes helps reset network settings).
  • πŸ› οΈ Update of firmware (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system).

πŸ’‘

If the handout is working, but the speed "jumps", try to turn off the settings in the phone β†’ SIM-map β†’ Enable VoLTE. Sometimes voice calls 4G conflict with tethering.

6. Handoff Optimization: How to Increase Speed and Stability

Even if the Internet is being distributed, it may be slower than expected.

For Wi-Fi hotspot:

  • πŸ“‘ Change your Wi-Fi channel manually: Settings β†’ Access point β†’ Channel (select 6, 11 or 40 for 5 GHz).
  • πŸ”‹ Turn off battery savings: Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Saving charge β†’ Otknock..
  • πŸ“΄ Reduce the number of connected devices (maximum 5 for stable operation).

For USB-tetering:

  • πŸ”Œ Use a support cable USB 3.0 (blue connector).
  • πŸ–₯️ On your laptop, turn off downloading Windows updates during the handout.
  • πŸ”„ On your phone, turn on Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Network optimization β†’ Acceleration of loading.

A unique feature of Redmi Note 5: when you give out Wi-Fi, the smartphone automatically reduces the brightness of the screen to 50% if you do not detect user activity. This saves charge, but can interfere - turns off in Settings β†’ Display β†’ Adaptive brightness.

πŸ’‘

The best speed is achieved when USB-cable-tethering USB 3.0 and battery powered off. Wi-Fi is more convenient, but loses stability with a weak signal. 4G.

FAQ: Frequent questions about giving the Internet

Can I share the Internet with Redmi Note 5 on PS4/Xbox?
Yes, but only via Wi-Fi hotspot or Ethernet adapter (for the purpose of USB-When connecting to the game console: On your phone, turn on the Wi-Fi Access Point. On the console, select the network you created and enter the password. DNS 8.8.8.8 (otherwise online games may not work) Please note that some operators (e.g. MTS) block online games when handed out. VPN phone-on.
Why does your phone get hot when it comes to Wi-Fi?
Redmi Note 5 gets hot because of: Long-term Wi-Fi operation at high power; simultaneous charging and Internet distribution; application background activity (e.g. downloading updates); Solutions: Remove the case (deteriorating heat sink); Turn off charging during the handoff; Reduce the screen brightness to 30%; If the temperature exceeds 50Β°C, the phone will automatically reduce performance β€” that's fine.
How to distribute the Internet from Redmi Note 5 to another Xiaomi on Mi Share?
Mi Share (formerly Mi Drop) is not designed to share the Internet, it is a file transfer service. To share the Internet between two Xiaomi smartphones, use: Wi-Fi hotspot (as described in the first section). Bluetooth tetering (Settings β†’ Access Point β†’ Bluetooth modem). To speed up data transfer between phones, turn on Settings on both devices β†’ Additional β†’ Transfer over Wi-Fi Direct.
How many devices can you connect to the Redmi Note 5 hotspot?
Officially, up to 10 devices, but in practice: When connecting 5+ devices, the speed drops by 2-3 times. With 8+ devices, connection breaks are possible. No more than 3-4 clients are recommended for stable operation. If you need to connect more devices, use an external router in WISP mode.
Does the Internet distribution work on the Redmi Note? 5 with custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience)?summary> Yes, but there are nuances: On Pixel Experience and LineageOS tetering works out of the box, but you may need to manually adjust APN. On firmware type MIUI EU It's easier to lock operators (there are built-in tools). MIUI Sometimes you need to manually turn tetering through ADB (Settings put global tether_entitlement_check_state 1). Check before the firmware on the forum XDA, Are there any bugs with tetering for your version.