How to give away the Internet from a Xiaomi phone: the full guide 2026

Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi and POCO lines) allow you to distribute mobile Internet to other devices, from laptops to tablets to even gaming consoles. This feature, called Wi-Fi hotspot, runs on 4G/5G technologies and converts your phone into a mini router. But not all users know how to properly configure the distribution, avoid operator restrictions or solve connection problems.

In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to share the Internet with Xiaomi, including hidden MIUI features, as well as a table of compatibility with different devices. We will discuss why sometimes speeds drop, how to get around the limitations of mobile operators and what to do if devices can not see your network. A separate block is devoted to the unique feature of Modem Modem in the firmware of MIUI 14+, which increases the stability of the connection by 30%.

Important: instructions are valid for all Xiaomi models based on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, including Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5/F5, Xiaomi 13/14 and older devices (if you have access point support). If your model is released before 2018, check for a feature in the Settings → Access Point menu.

1. Internet distribution via Wi-Fi (access point)

The most popular and versatile way is to create a Wi-Fi network that can connect up to 10 devices at a time, which works consistently on Xiaomi, but there are nuances with security settings and operator restrictions.

To enable the access point:

1. Open Settings → Access Point and modem (in older versions of MIUI – Settings → Additional → Modem Modem).
2. Select the Wi-Fi Access Point and move the slider to the "On" position.
3. Click Access Point Settings to Change: 🔐 Name of the network (SSID) — Think of a unique name (for example, Xiaomi_Hotspot_5G). 🔑 Password minimum 8 symbols, it is recommended to use numbers and letters (for example, MiHot5678!). 📶 Range - select. 5 GHz for high speed (if supported by devices) or 2.4 GHz for better compatibility.

Save the changes and connect other devices to the network you have created.

⚠️ Note: Some operators (e.g. MTS or Beeline) block Internet distribution at tariffs without the option "Modem". If the Internet does not work after connecting devices, check the terms of your tariff or use workarounds (see section 4).

Distribution via USB (modem)

Connection to USB-The cable provides a more stable connection and saves battery life for the phone, ideal for laptops or PCs that require constant network access without the risk of communication breakdown.

Instructions for Xiaomi:

1. Connect the phone to your computer via the original cable (preferably from the kit).
2. In the phone settings, go to Settings → Access Point and Modem → USB modem.
3. Activate the function. A notification of a new network connection should appear on the computer screen.
4. If the Internet does not work automatically, check the network settings on the PC: 🖥️ On Windows: Open the Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network connections and find a new connection (usually called "Ethernet" or "Ethernet "USB-network"). 🐧 On Linux: run the command sudo dhclient usb0 (The interface name may be different).

⚠️ Note: When connecting through USB It may not charge or charge very slowly. That's normal, priority is given to data. To avoid being discharged, connect the phone to a separate cable (if there's a free PC). USB-port).

3. Distribution via Bluetooth

This method is suitable for devices that do not support Wi-Fi (for example, some smartwatches or old printers), or when you need to save battery power. Bluetooth connection speeds are lower than Wi-Fi or USB, but energy consumption is minimal.

How to set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. On Xiaomi phone, go to Settings → Access Point and Modem → Bluetooth modem.
3. Connect the device to your phone via Bluetooth (if not already paired).
4. Turn on Bluetooth Modem. On the connected device, select Connect to Network (the name may vary).

📌 Limitations:

• 🐢 Maximum speed - up to 3 Mbit / s (versus 50)+ Mbps over Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 Only one device is supported at the same time.
• 📱 Not all apps (like online games) will work consistently.

💡

If the Bluetooth modem doesn’t work, try turning off and re-enable Bluetooth on both devices, and reboot your phone.

4. bypassing the operator’s restrictions (if the Internet is not distributed)

Many Russian operators (MegaFon, Tele2, Yota) block the distribution of the Internet at basic rates. If after switching on the access point, devices connect, but the Internet does not work, try these methods:

Method 1. Change APN-setting

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Name of the access point (APN).
2. Choose yours. SIM-map and press Add Add APN.
3. Enter the settings for your operator (example for MegaFon): Name: Megafon Internet APN: Internet Proxy: not specified Port: not specified Username: gdata Password: gdata Authentication type: PAP or CHAP
4. Save and select a new APN as an active one.

Method 2. Use a VPN

Some operators are blocking distributions TTL-The method (check the type of traffic). VPN changer TTL-packets, masking the distribution as normal traffic:

• 🛡️ 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) – free, without registration.
• 🌍 ProtonVPN – there are servers in Russia with high speed.

⚠️ Attention: Change APN use VPN may violate the terms of your plan. In rare cases, the operator may block the SIM-Check the rules on the operator's website before using the card.

5. modem modem in MIUI 14+ and HyperOS: what has changed

In new firmware versions, Xiaomi has added a feature called “Smart modem modem”, which automatically optimizes the Internet distribution depending on the connected devices.

• 🎮 For game consoles (PlayStation, Nintendo Switch) low ping is prioritized.
• 💻 For laptops – maximum download speed.
• 📱 For smartphones, the balance between speed and battery savings.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Access Point and Modem → Additional settings.
2. Activate the option Smart modem.
3. Select a profile depending on the connected device (options are available: "Game console", "Laptop", "Smartphone", "Other").

📊 Speed comparison in different modes (test on Redmi Note 12 Pro)+):

💡

The modem modem in MIUI 14+ automatically reduces power consumption by 20-30% compared to a standard access point.

6. Solving common problems

If the distribution of the Internet is not working or is unstable, check these points:

Problem 1: Devices can't see the access point

• 🔄 Restart the phone and connected device.
• 📡 Check if the network is hidden in the settings (Hidden network option must be disabled).
• 🔋 Make sure the phone has enough charge (below 15% the access point can shut down automatically).

Problem 2: The Internet is working, but it’s slow.

• 📶 Check the signal level of the mobile network (if 1-2 divisions, the speed will be low).
• 🚫 Disable background apps that consume traffic (such as updates or cloud backups).
• 🔄 Switch Wi-Fi from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz (if supported).

Problem 3: The access point itself is shut down

• ⚡ Enable the option Always enabled in the access point settings (if any).
• 🔋 Connect your phone to charge – on some models, the distribution turns off when the battery level is low.
• 📴 Check if the distribution is blocked by the installed software (for example, antiviruses or optimizers).

7. Alternative ways of distributing the Internet

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

Method 1. Distribution applications (without root)

Some apps from Google Play allow you to bypass carrier restrictions by masking traffic.

• 📲 PdaNet+ — It works without root rights, supports USB Bluetooth.
• 🌐 ClockworkMod Tether – Optimizes the Handout for Linux and Mac.

⚠️ Note: Apps may charge for the full version or display ads, and some antiviruses define them as “potentially dangerous” due to changes in network settings.

Method 2. Distribution through OTG-cable (for older models)

If your Xiaomi is not supported USB-modem, but there's a port USB OTG, You can use an adapter and an external Wi-Fi adapter:

• 🔌 adapter USB OTG (cost ₽).
• 📡 Wi-Fi adapter with SoftAP support (e.g. TP-Link) TL-WN725N).
• 🛠️ Root rights for configuring drivers.

Method 3: Using the second phone as a repeater

If you have a second smartphone (even not Xiaomi), it can be used as a middle ground:

1. On the first phone, turn on the access point.
2. Put a second phone on her.
3. On the second phone, turn on your access point and connect the target device.

This method helps bypass operator restrictions as traffic passes through two devices.

FAQ: Frequent questions