Why? USB-distribution is better than Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
When there is no router at hand, and the mobile Internet on the Xiaomi phone is over, USB-Unlike a Wi-Fi hotspot, which drains the battery and is limited in speed, a wired connection provides a stable signal without delay) USB offers full access to the network at speeds up to 100 Mbps – enough for streaming in the Internet 1080p uploading large files.
Another advantage — USB-The distribution works even on phones with damaged Wi-Fi module or stripped down features (for example, on some models). POCO In addition, this method does not require root rights and is compatible with any version. MIUI (including MIUI 14/15). The main thing is to properly configure your computer and phone to avoid typical mistakes like “Network without Internet access».
What will you need to set up?
Before you start, check for everything you need. USB-The handout just won't work:
- 🔌 USB-Data-enabled cable (not all charging cables are suitable!) It is optimal to use the original Xiaomi cable or certified cable. USB 2.0/3.0.
- 💻 Computer running Windows 7/10/11 Linux (macOS will require additional drivers). XP The method will not work.
- 📱 Xiaomi phone with unlocked screen and enabled Debugging mode USB (Not necessarily, but it is recommended for stability).
- 🌐 Active Internet connection on a PC (via Ethernet, Wi-Fi or mobile modem) If the Internet is connected via the same Internet connection USB-port, 4G-modem, the distribution may not work.
Pay special attention to cable: cheap uncertified wires often only support charging, not data transmission. To check this is simple, connect the phone to a PC and see if it is defined as Media Device (MTP) or Charging. In the second case, the cable will have to be replaced.
Step-by-step instructions for Windows
Configuring the Internet over USB on Windows takes no more than 5 minutes, if you follow a clear algorithm, it is important not to miss steps, for example, enabling shared access without first setting up the network adapter will lead to an error.
Step 1: Connecting your phone and installing drivers
1. Connect Xiaomi to your computer via USB-cable.
2. On the phone in the notification panel, select File Transfer Mode (MTP) or USB-modem (if such a point exists).
3. Wait for the drivers to install. If Windows requests a driver for Remote NDIS, download it from the official Android website.
☑️ Preparation for Internet distribution
Step 2: Set up Sharing Access
1. Press Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter (a list of network connections will open).
2. Find an active internet connection (e.g. Ethernet or Wi-Fi), right-click and select Properties.
3. Go to the Access tab and tick the box opposite Allow other network users to use the Internet connection of this computer.
4. In the drop-down list Home Network Connection, select a new connection called Ethernet 2, Local Area Connection* X or the like (this is a virtual phone adapter).
If there is no suitable connection in the list, update the drivers or reconnect the phone.
Step 3: Starting the handset on the phone
1. On Xiaomi, go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Access Point and modem.
2. Activate the option USB-modem (on some firmware it may be called USB-Internet).
3. Wait for the notification to appear USB-modem active.
If you're optional USB-Modem is missing, update. MIUI Up to the latest version or install a patch through Magisk (root required).
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If, after activation, USB-Internet modem does not appear on your phone, try to disable the Windows firewall or antivirus – they can block the general connection.
Addressing common mistakes
Even with the right setup, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| A network without Internet access | Incorrectly selected adapter in the settings of the public access or locking firewall | Recheck the connection selection in ncpa.cpl and disable the firewall |
| Device not recognized (in Device Manager) | Remote NDIS drivers missing or cable faulty | Install the driver manually or replace the cable |
| The Internet is available, but some sites are not working. | DNS-servers are not registered or blocked at the provider level | Manually specify DNS 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 in the phone network settings |
| USB-modem is inactive (grey switch) | Disabled debugging by USB or lock operator | Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (7 times tap) |
If none of these methods worked, try resetting the network settings on your phone (Settings). → System system → Reset → Reset network settings. This will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks and VPN, But often solves problems with USB-distribution.
What if the phone is not defined as a modem?
Features for Linux and macOS
On Linux settings USB-It's easier to distribute than Windows, but it requires terminal processing:
- Put the phone on and turn it on. USB-modem.
- Open the terminal and execute a command to check the new network interface: ip a It is usually called usb0 or enp0s20uX.
- Turn on the Internet distribution (replace) eth0 Your main interface: sudo sysctl -w net.ipv4.ip_forward=1 sudo iptables -t nat -A POSTROUTING -o eth0 -j MASQUERADE sudo iptables -A FORWARD -i usb0 -o eth0 -j ACCEPT
MacOS will require additional software installation, such as HoRNDIS or Android File Transfer, as standard drivers do not support the same. USB-Modem. After installing the drivers, the setting is similar to Windows: enable sharing in System Settings → Public access → Common Internet.
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On Linux, USB distribution works without additional drivers, but requires superuser rights (sudo) to configure iptables.
How to speed up the Internet via USB?
Default speed USB-The distribution is limited at the protocol level, but it can be increased by 20-30% with a few tricks:
- ⚡ Turn off the power saving. USB: In Windows, go to Device Manager. → Controllers USB → Root USB-hub → Properties → Power management and uncheck the tick from Allow disconnection of this device to save energy.
- 🔧 Use it. USB 3.0: Connect your phone to the blue port (if you have one on your PC) and speeds up from 480 Mbps (USB 2.0) up to 5 Gbps (USB 3.0).
- 📶 Change. MTU: In Windows, run the command line: netsh interface ipv4 set subinterface "Ethernet 2" mtu=1472 store=Replace Ethernet 2 with your name USB-adapter).
You should also disable Windows background updates and MIUI At handout time, they can consume up to 50 percent of the channel. → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙) → Auto-update.
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If the speed is still low, check if your ISP is restricting it. Some operators (such as Beeline or Tele2) artificially slow down the speed when handing out from a PC.
Security: Risks and How to Avoid Them
Distributing the Internet via USB seems secure, but has hidden threats:
⚠️ Attention: At USB-Xiaomi phone is becoming vulnerable to attacks through the distribution of ADB (Android Debug Bridge.If malware is installed on PCs, they can access phone files or even install spyware.Always use trusted computers!
To minimize the risks:
- 🔒 Turn off the debugging. USB after setting up the distribution (if it was included).
- 🛡️ Use antivirus with protection USB-Devices (e.g. Kaspersky Internet Security).
- 🚫 Do not connect your phone to public PCs (in internet cafes, libraries, etc.).
If you regularly have to distribute the Internet from other computers, consider a virtual machine (for example, VirtualBox) – this will create an additional layer of isolation between the phone and a potentially dangerous PC.