How to give away the Internet with Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: exact instructions with photos and tips

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is still one of the most popular smartphones among users who value the balance of price and functionality. One of the most popular features of this device is the distribution of the Internet to other devices, whether it is a laptop, tablet or second phone. However, many people face problems: access point does not turn on, devices do not connect, speed cuts or battery goes down in an hour. In this article, 3 proven ways to distribute Wi-Fi with the Redmi Note 8, including hidden MIUI settings, as well as solutions to typical errors.

We tested all the methods on MIUI 12.5-14 firmware (including the global and Chinese versions) and took into account the nuances for different operators (MTS, Beeline, Tele2, MegaFon), special attention was paid to the restrictions of mobile tariffs, which often block Internet distribution - you will learn how to get around it legally. If your Redmi Note 8 does not distribute Wi-Fi after an update or reset, here too you will find a solution.

1. Method: Access point via MIUI settings (most reliable)

This is a standard method that works on all versions of firmware, and the main advantage is stability and minimal battery consumption compared to alternative methods.

  1. Open Settings β†’ Network and Internet β†’ Access Point and modem.
  2. Slip on the Wi-Fi Access Point (or Mobile Access Point in older versions of MIUI).
  3. Activate the slider at the top of the screen. If it's gray and doesn't press, read the error section below.
  4. Click Access Point Settings and ask: πŸ” Name of the network (SSID): Think of something unique (for example, RedmiNote8_Your name). πŸ”‘ Password: minimum 8 Symbols, preferably with numbers and letters. πŸ“Ά Range: Choose 2.4 GHz for better compatibility (5 GHz may not be supported by older devices). ⚑ Power saving mode: turn off if you need maximum speed.

Once you save your settings, connect other devices to the network you've created, and if the access point indicator flashes blue, but the Internet doesn't work, check if your mobile operator is blocking it (more on that later).

Make sure that the mobile internet is turned on|Check the fare balance (some operators block the distribution at zero)|Turn it off. VPN (he can conflict)|Restart your smartphone if the access point is not activated-->

2. Method: Distribution via USB (for laptops and PCs)

If you need to connect a laptop or computer to the Internet, and the Wi-Fi adapter on it is broken, use it. USB-This method saves the battery power of the Redmi Note 8 and gives a more stable connection:

  1. Connect your phone to your PC through the original USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data!).
  2. In the phone settings go to the Network and the Internet β†’ Access Point and modem β†’ USB-modem.
  3. Activate the slider. The PC should automatically install a network called Android USB Ethernet/RNDIS.

⚠️ Note: On Windows 7 and older, you may need to manually install drivers. download them from the official Xiaomi website at the link (Drivers section).

ParameterWi-Fi pointUSB-modemBluetooth
Speed.Up to 150 MbpsUp to 300 MbpsUp to 3 Mbps
Battery consumptionHigh-pitchedLow (charged from PC)Medium.
CompatibilityAny device.PC/laptop onlyBluetooth devices
Delay (ping)10-50 ms.5-20 ms.100-300 ms.

USB-The modem is ideal for gamers or those working with cloud services: latency (ping) is 2-3 times lower than when dealing with Wi-Fi. But remember that some operators (for example, Tele2) may limit speed when you are not using the Internet. USB-Connection – check the terms of your tariff.

Wi-Fi access point|USB-modem|Bluetooth|Not using.-->

3. Method: Distribution via Bluetooth (economical but slow)

If you need to distribute the Internet to one device (for example, a tablet) and save battery power, use Bluetooth. This method consumes 2-3 times less power than Wi-Fi, but the speed is limited to ~3 Mbps (enough for instant messengers and mail, but not for video).

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
  2. On Redmi Note 8, go to Settings β†’ Connection Devices β†’ Bluetooth.
  3. Slip on the name of the device you want to give the Internet, and confirm the pairing.
  4. Return to Access Point and modem and activate Bluetooth modem.

If the problem is in the APN (operator access point), change the settings:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ [Yours. SIM] β†’ Access points (APN).
  2. Create a new APN with your carrier’s settings (see the table below).
  3. Save and restart the phone.
Operator.APN nameAPNType APN
MTSmtsinternet.mts.rudefault,supl,dun
Beelinebeelineinternet.beeline.rudefault,supl,dun
Megaphonemegafoninternetdefault,supl,dun
Tele2.tele2internet.tele2.rudefault,supl,dun

⚠️ Note: If after the change APN The Internet is gone, return the standard settings or contact the operator. Some rates (for example, "for laptop" from MTS) require special special services. APN.

5. How to increase the speed of distribution of the Internet

By default, the Redmi Note 8 limits the speed of the hand to save charge.If you want maximum performance, follow these steps:

  • ⚑ Turn off the speed limit: Go to Settings β†’ Special facilities β†’ Developer Mode (if not, activate: About the phone) β†’ Version. MIUI β†’ Tap 7 times. Find the option to limit background traffic and turn it off.
  • πŸ“‘ Change Wi-Fi Channel Width: In the Access Point settings, select Channel Width: 40 MHz (default is 20 MHz).
  • πŸ”„ Reset network settings: If the speed suddenly drops, reset settings: Settings β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

Also check if your operator is cutting speed, for example, Beeline on the All for 300 tariff limits the output to 64 Kbps (!). To find out the real speed, test the Speedtest directly from your phone and from the connected device - the difference should not exceed 10-15%.

How to get around the speed limit of the operator?
Some operators (e.g. Tele2) artificially slow down the speed of the hand. To get around this, you can: 1. VPN (For example, Warp from Cloudflare. 2. Connect via USB-modem - some tariffs do not limit it. 3. TTL (Packet lifetime) via the application TTL Editor (requires root). ⚠️ The latter method may violate the operator's rules - use at your own risk.

Alternative methods: distribution applications

If the standard methods don't work, try third-party apps. They're useful if:

  • πŸ”’ Your operator is blocking the built-in access point.
  • πŸ“± You need to distribute the Internet with Redmi Note 8 to devices with non-standard protocols (for example, some IoT gadgets).
  • πŸ”„ You want to flexibly adjust traffic or time limits.

The best verified applications:

AnnexPlusesConsReference
PdaNet+Bypasses carrier locks, supports USB/BluetoothPaid version for full functionalityGoogle Play
ClockworkMod TetherIt does not require root, it works on all firmwareInterface in EnglishGoogle Play
Portable Wi-Fi HotspotSimple interface, shows connected devicesAdvertising in the free versionGoogle Play

⚠️ Note: Distribution apps may conflict with built-in settings MIUI. Before using, disable the standard access point in your phone settings.

πŸ’‘

The side of the application helps bypass carrier locks, but it can reduce connection stability, and for permanent use, it is better to configure the built-in access point.

7.Safety Tips for Wi-Fi Distribution

By sharing the Internet with your Redmi Note 8, you are opening up your network, and to avoid hacking or stealing traffic, follow these rules:

  • πŸ” Use a complex password: at least 12 symbols with numbers and special symbols (for example, Redmi8_2026!WiFi).
  • πŸ”„ Change your password regularly, especially if you are connecting unfamiliar devices.
  • πŸ“΅ Disable the access point when it is not needed – this will save the battery and protect against unauthorized connection.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Set up firewall: NetGuard app will allow you to block suspicious connections.

If you notice that unknown devices have connected to your network:

  1. Turn off the access point immediately.
  2. Change the password in the settings.
  3. Check your phone for viruses (for example, through Malwarebytes).

Also pay attention to MAC-In the settings of the access point (connected devices), you will see a list. If there are unfamiliar addresses, this is cause for concern.

FAQ: Frequent questions

Can I share Wi-Fi with Redmi Note 8 without a password?
Technically yes, in the AP settings, select Security Type: No. But it's extremely unsafe, because everyone around you can connect to your network: πŸ“‰ Stealing your traffic (especially if the fare is limited). πŸ•΅οΈ Intercept data (passwords, messages). 🦠 If you want open access (for example, for guests), it is better to create a guest network through a router or use a separate network. SIM-map.
Why does the battery run out quickly when giving out the internet?
The Redmi Note 8 has a 4,000mAh battery, but with an active access point, it discharges 2-3 times faster: πŸ“‘ Wi-Fi uses a lot of power, especially at high signal power. πŸ”‹ MIUI By default, it does not optimize background processes when distributed. πŸ“Ά Weak cellular signal causes the phone to increase the transmission power. Solutions: Connect the phone to charge. Reduce the Wi-Fi signal power in the access point settings. Use USB-modem instead of Wi-Fi - it is less voracious.
How to distribute the Internet with Redmi Note 8 on Smart TV?
Most modern TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony) support a connection to a smartphone hotspot. Instruction: On your phone, activate the hotspot (as in method 1). On the TV remote, press Menu β†’ Network β†’ Wi-Fi. Select your Redmi Note 8 network and enter a password. If the TV doesn't see the network: Change the Wi-Fi range on your phone from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz (most TVs don't support 5 GHz). Reboot both devices. Upd your TV firmware.
Can I share the Internet with Redmi Note 8 on another Xiaomi?
Yes, but there's a caveat: if both phones are on the same Mi Account, MIUI may suggest using Mi Share, which sometimes conflicts with the access point. To avoid problems: Turn off Mi Share in the notification panel on both phones. Use the standard access point (1st method). If the speed is low, turn off Wi-Fi Direct in the network settings.
How to reset your network settings if the access point is not working?
If none of the methods worked, do a full network reset: Go to Settings β†’ System system β†’ Settings reset. Select Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth Settings Reset. Confirm action and restart your phone. ⚠️ This will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks and passwords, but it will not affect personal data. APN-settings (section 4) Update your phone firmware to the latest version.