How to distribute the Internet from iPhone to Xiaomi: 3 ways + solving typical errors

Sharing the Internet from iPhones to Xiaomi devices is a challenge that millions of users face every day. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process can be complicated by differences in firmware, security settings, or hardware limitations. In this article, we will examine not only the standard modem method, but also alternative methods (Bluetooth, USB), as well as common errors that interfere with stable connection.

The unique thing about connecting iOS and MIUI is that both systems actively optimize power consumption and network connections, which can lead to spontaneous disconnections or speed limits. We tested all methods on current versions of systems (iOS 17.4 and MIUI 14/15) and identified key nuances that are not written in the official instructions.

1. Preparation of devices before the distribution of the Internet

Before you turn on modem modem on your iPhone, make sure both devices are ready to connect. On the Xiaomi side, it is especially important to disable features that can block external networks:

• 🔄 Update both devices. On your iPhone, check Settings. → Mainstream → Update on Xiaomi - in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📶 Activate your mobile data on your iPhone. Without an active Internet connection, the distribution will not work.
• 🔒 Turn it off. VPN And firewalls on Xiaomi, they can block the connection to the access point.
• 🔋 Charge both devices to at least 30%. modem actively consumes the battery.

Critical detail: if your Xiaomi has dual apps enabled for instant messengers, it may conflict with external network connections. Disable it in Settings → Apps → Dual apps.

Check the balance of mobile Internet on iPhone

Turn off Wi-Fi on Xiaomi (so there is no network conflict)

Make sure that SIM-iPhone card supports data transfer

Turn off "In the Airplane" on both devices-->

2. Method 1: Distribution via Wi-Fi (modem mode)

This is the most popular and versatile method, but it has limitations on the number of connected devices (usually up to 5) and can slow down when the signal is weak.

1. Open Settings → Modem mode on the iPhone.
2. Activate the "Allow others to connect" slider.
3. Remember or change the password of the access point (by default it is specified under the network name).
4. On Xiaomi, go to Settings → Wi-Fi, find the network with your iPhone’s name (like “iPhone from Ivan”) and connect by entering your password.

If the network does not appear in the list of available:

• ⚡ Check that the iPhone is enabled mobile data (in the top panel should display the indicator) 4G/5G).
• 🔄 Reboot both devices – it resets network caches.
• 📱 On Xiaomi, try to manually add a network: in the settings of Wi-Fi → Add network enter the name of the access point and password.

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If the internet speed on Xiaomi is too low, try turning off the “Maximize Compatibility” option in the modem settings on your iPhone, which will speed up the connection but may reduce the range of the network.

3. Method 2: Connect via Bluetooth

This method is less stable than Wi-Fi, but saves battery life and works even if Xiaomi has a broken Wi-Fi module, suitable for transferring small amounts of data (messengers, mail).

Step-by-step:

1. On the iPhone, turn on Bluetooth (Settings → Bluetooth) and modem modem.
2. On Xiaomi, also activate Bluetooth and find your iPhone in the list of available devices.
3. Confirm the pairing on both devices (code must match).
4. On Xiaomi in Bluetooth settings, click on the gear icon next to the iPhone name and turn on "Internet Access".

Limitations of the method:

• 🐢 Speed is lower than Wi-Fi (usually up to 1-2 Mbps).
• 🔌 Not all applications on Xiaomi will work over the Bluetooth Internet (for example, YouTube or online games).
• 🔋 Connection can be interrupted if devices are further than 5 meters apart.

Method 3: Distribution via USB (for stable connection)

The most reliable, but least known, way. USB-cable (preferably original or certified) Advantages:

• ⚡ Speed is close to the maximum speed of mobile Internet.
• 🔋 Minimum battery consumption on both devices.
• 🛡️ More secure than Wi-Fi (no risk of connecting third-party devices).

How to set up:

1. Connect iPhone to Xiaomi via USB-cable.
2. On the iPhone, select “Trust this computer” in the window that appears.
3. Enable modem modem on iPhone (Settings → Modem mode).
4. Xiaomi should automatically have a new network with the name "USB-Internet. Connect to it.

⚠️ Note: Not all Xiaomi models support USB-If the network doesn't show up, check if the developer's settings have a plug-in. USB-debugging and data transmission USB.

Table of comparison of distribution methods

Wi-Fi (modem mode)

Bluetooth

USB-cable

I don't use the handout.-->

Typical errors and their solutions

Even if you set it up properly, the connection might not work, and we've collected some of the most common problems and ways to fix them:

• 🚫 "Unable to connect to the network" on Xiaomi: Check if the iPhone is enabled mode Maximize compatibility in the modem settings. Disable it and restart the access point.
• 🔄 Network connects, but the Internet does not work: On iPhone go to Settings → Cellular service → Data parameters → Cellular data network and make sure that APN set up correctly (check the parameters with the operator).
• 🔋 Quickly sits down battery on iPhone: Disable background update apps (Settings) → Mainstream → Update content) and reduce screen brightness.
• 📵 Xiaomi does not see the access point: On Xiaomi in the Wi-Fi settings, turn on additionally → Wi-Fi mode → 5 GHz (if your iPhone supports this frequency).

⚠️ Note: If you are using an iPhone with two SIM-Internet distribution can only work through the main SIM (The one that's activated for data. Check it in Settings. → Cellular service → Cellular data.

7 How to speed up the Internet on Xiaomi when handing out from iPhone

Connection speeds depend not only on the method of distribution, but also on the settings of both devices.

• 📡 On iPhone: Turn off Low Data Consumption (Settings) → Cellular service → Data parameters. Include 4G/LTE (if available 5G — better).
• 🚀 On Xiaomi: In Wi-Fi settings, turn off Smart Switch (may break the connection). Enable Developer Mode → Disable the absolute signal level of Wi-Fi (helps with a weak signal).

If the speed is still low, try:

1. Switch the iPhone to 3G mode (sometimes 4G is slower due to operator network overload).
2. Use speed testing applications (such as Speedtest) on both devices to identify a bottleneck.

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The most common reason for slow Internet distribution is the restrictions on the part of the mobile operator, check whether you have activated the option "Saving traffic" or not exhausted the high-speed limit.

8. Alternative solutions if nothing helps

If standard methods don’t work, consider these options:

• 🔄 Reset network settings: On Xiaomi: Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings. On iPhone: Settings → Mainstream → Transfer or discharge → Reset → Reset the network settings.
• 📲 Use of third-party applications: Applications like PdaNet+ ClockworkMod Tether can bypass carrier restrictions, but require jailbreak on iPhone.
• 🔧 Manual assignment DNS: On Xiaomi in Wi-Fi settings (click on the network name) specify DNS 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1 to speed up page loading.

If the problem persists, check:

• Does your plan block the distribution of the Internet (for some operators, this is a paid option).
• Is it damaged? Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-module on one of the devices (try connecting another gadget).

FAQ: Frequent questions