How to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi: all ways and settings

Modern smartphones have long ceased to be just devices for calls, becoming universal communication tools. POCO Often faced with the need to provide access to the global network for laptops, tablets or other gadgets away from home. Internet distribution function, or mobile access point, allows you to instantly create a Wi-Fi network using your traffic. SIM-map.

MIUI and its new version of HyperOS offer advanced connectivity management tools, so you can not just turn on the modem, but also fine-tune security settings, signal frequency, and even set traffic limits for connected devices, especially when using limited-gigabyte data plans.

In this guide, we will discuss all available methods of data transmission: via a wireless interface, USB-We will focus on fine-tuning, which is often hidden from the eyes of the average user, but critical for stable operation, you will learn how to avoid typical connection errors and why a laptop may not see your smartphone network.

To get started, make sure that your device is activated mobile data. Without an active connection to the operator's network, Internet distribution is technically impossible, since the smartphone will have nothing to broadcast to other gadgets. Check the balance and availability of coverage in your current location.

Setting up a classic Wi-Fi access point

The most popular and convenient way to share a connection is to use the built-in Wi-Fi module. In Xiaomi smartphones, this process is as simple as possible and takes only a few seconds. You do not need to install third-party applications, since all the functionality is already integrated into the system shell.

To activate the mode, lower the notification curtain and find the Access Point icon. In some versions of the firmware, it may be called Modem Mode. If you don't see the desired icon on the home Quick Access screen, click on a pencil or three dots to edit the list and drag the button to the active zone.

More detailed control is done through the settings menu. Go to the Settings path → Wi-Fi hotspot. This opens the control panel where you can change the name of the network (SSID) And the default is to generate a random name, but for ease of use, you'd better use a clear name, like, for example, My_Xiaomi_Home.

It is important to choose the right security standard. In the list of available options, always choose WPA2-Personal or WPA3 if your devices support the new protocol. Using an outdated standard or an open network without a password puts your data at risk of being intercepted by attackers.

Once you have set the settings, just put the switch at the top of the screen into the active position, and now your device is broadcasting the signal, and other gadgets can find it in the list of available networks, and remember to give the password to those you trust to access.

Use of the USB-stable-connection modem

When you need maximum speed and minimal delays, or the smartphone battery is quickly discharged when working in router mode, a wired connection comes to the rescue. USB-The modem allows not only to transfer data, but also to charge the device at the same time, which is a significant advantage for long-term operation.

You'll need a high-quality cable to start with, not just the charging current, but connect your smartphone to your computer or laptop, and the system will automatically detect the new device, but the Internet won't work until you activate the corresponding function in the phone's menu.

Go to the access point settings and find the item «USB-It's only going to become active (no longer gray) once the cable is successfully connected to the PC. Turn on this switch, and the operating system of the computer, whether it's Windows, macOS or Linux, recognizes the phone as a network card.

⚠️ Note: At the first connection USB-The modem can start the automatic driver installation. Wait until this process is complete before you try to log in. If the drivers are not installed automatically, check for updates in Device Manager.

The advantage of this method is the absence of radio interference and the stability of ping, which is especially important for online games or video conferencing, and the phone in this mode warms significantly less than with active radio transmission over Wi-Fi.

Advanced settings: frequency and network hiding

The MIUI shell hides some advanced default settings so as not to overload the interface. However, for users facing compatibility issues or slow speeds, these settings can be crucial. To access them, go to the access point menu and select "Setting up the access point."

One key option is to choose the frequency range. The default is often "2.4 GHz," which provides good range, but can be very noisy in apartment buildings. Switching to 5.0 GHz gives a significant increase in speed, but the range of the signal is reduced, and older devices may simply not see the network.

It also has a Hide Device feature, which if you activate this option, your smartphone will stop broadcasting its name in the general list of available networks, and other users will have to manually type the exact network name (SSID) into their gadgets' Wi-Fi settings to connect, which adds an additional layer of security.

Use these settings with caution. If you switch to 5GHz and forget about it, and your laptop only supports 2.4GHz, you won't be able to connect until you change the setting on your phone again through the on-screen menu.

Managing Connected Devices and Limits

Controlling who is using your traffic is a crucial part of the setup. In the Xiaomi hotspot menu, there's a "Connected Devices" section that shows all the gadgets that are online in real time. You see them. MAC-addresses and amount of data transmitted.

The system allows you to set a hard limit on the number of users you connect to, and it's usually 10, but you can reduce it to 1 or 2, and it prevents your neighbors or passers-by from getting on your Internet and consuming all the traffic.

Another useful feature is setting a traffic limit. You can set a limit, for example, 1 GB. Once the total amount of data transmitted through the access point reaches this figure, the distribution will automatically stop, which saves you from unexpected communication bills when using batch tariffs.

Check the list of connected devices regularly, and if you see an unfamiliar gadget, change the password from the access point immediately, and you can simply click on the device name in the list and select the lock option to break the connection instantly.

Network visibility problems and their solution

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the access point is turned on, but other devices do not see it, and most often the problem lies in the incompatibility of encryption standards or frequency bands, for example, if the phone only gives out a network of 5 GHz, and the laptop searches only 2.4 GHz, they will not find each other.

The second common reason is the use of the Chinese firmware version (CN ROM) in the global market, which may have restrictions on the use of certain Wi-Fi channels that are allowed in China but banned in other countries, whether by reflashing to the global version (Global ROM) or changing the region in settings.

Try resetting your network to factory settings. This won't delete your personal files, but it will return all network settings, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, to their original state, often helping to eliminate software failures that interfere with the module's proper operation.

⚠️ Note: Do not use special symbols or spaces in the network name (SSID) Some older devices and operating systems may not handle these characters correctly, resulting in an endless connection cycle.

If nothing works, check to see if Traffic Saving or Ultra Battery Saver mode is enabled, which can limit the background activity of network modules to extend battery life, blocking the ability to distribute the Internet.

Bluetooth modem: an alternative way to transmit

Although this method is less commonly used because of low speed, it can be a lifeline in emergency situations when the Wi-Fi module is damaged or missing from the receiving device. 2-3 Mbit/s.

To activate, go to Bluetooth settings, straighten devices and enable the “Bluetooth modem” function in the access point menu. On your computer, you need to create a new connection and select the access option via Bluetooth PAN (Personal Area Network).

This is a good way to be energy efficient, because a smartphone uses significantly less power than a Wi-Fi transmitter, but the bandwidth of the channel will not be enough to watch videos or download heavy files.

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If you distribute the internet over Bluetooth, make sure the devices are paired up in advance.The pairing process can take time, and if you start it at a time of urgent need, it will cause an extra delay.

It's worth noting that when connected via Bluetooth, the phone may not appear as a classic Wi-Fi network, but it will be listed as a network connection via a Bluetooth adapter, which is important to consider when diagnosing connection problems.

Effect of Dispensing on Battery and Heating

The hotspot mode is one of the most energy-intensive processes for a smartphone, and the Wi-Fi antenna is in constant transmission mode, resulting in rapid battery discharge and heating of the housing, especially in devices with a plastic case or a poor heat sink system.

With long-term operation in router mode, the temperature of the processor and modem can reach critical values. The MIUI system has built-in protection mechanisms: if the heat becomes too strong, the phone can automatically turn off the access point or reduce the brightness of the screen for cooling.

To minimize the negative impact, try not to cover the phone during the handout, it is better to put it on a hard, cool surface. USB-modem, heat will be less, but the battery will still experience load due to simultaneous charging and data transfer.

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The optimal temperature of the smartphone when dealing with the Internet should not exceed 40-45 degrees Celsius. If the device is hot, take a break or remove the case for better cooling.

For long sessions, it is recommended to keep the phone connected to the original charger.Using cheap cables and power supplies can lead to unstable voltage, which, when combined with heating, is dangerous for the power controller.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)