Xiaomi Redmi 5, despite its age, remains a reliable device capable of performing many tasks, including the function of a mobile router. In situations where wired access to the network is unavailable or the Wi-Fi router is out of order, the ability to distribute mobile Internet becomes critical. Many users face difficulties in the first setup, not understanding exactly where the necessary parameters in the MIUI shell are hiding.
The process of turning your gadget into an access point does not require deep technical knowledge, but has its own nuances that affect data transfer speed and connection stability. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to quickly organize a local network for a laptop, tablet or other phone. The correct configuration will help to avoid overheating of the case and excessive battery consumption.
Before you start settings, make sure your device is activated. SIM-A card with a connected plan that has enough traffic, and uncontrolled Internet distribution can lead to unexpected charges if you don't have a traffic limit. We'll look at not only standard inclusion, but also advanced security settings.
Device preparation and network settings check
The first step before activating the modem modem is to check the status of the mobile network. Make sure that the 4G or 3G indicator is displayed in the status bar, since Internet distribution is impossible if there is no signal. Sometimes you need to restart the device to correctly register with the operator's network, especially if you are in an uncertain reception zone.
Shell MIUI, The Redmi 5 provides flexible traffic management tools, and before turning on the access point, it is recommended to check the balance and balance of packet data through the security application or USSD-This will help to avoid situations where connected devices quickly exhaust your limit.
Also worth paying attention to the battery level. Access point mode is an energy-intensive process that significantly increases the load on the processor and radio module. If the battery charge is below 30%, it is better to connect the smartphone to the power source so that the device does not turn off at the most inopportune time.
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Use the original charger or Power Bank while distributing the internet, as the process may consume more power than comes from weak power supplies.
Activate Wi-Fi hotspot on Redmi 5
To turn on the router mode, you need to go to the main settings menu of the system. Find a section that is usually designated as “Wi-Fi Access Point” or “Personal hotspot.” In some versions of the firmware, this item can be located inside the “Additional Features” menu or be entered into a separate block of basic settings.
Once you log in, you'll see a switch that you need to activate. The system can alert you that using the hotspot may incur additional costs for the carrier. Confirm the action to start the broadcasting process. Now your device is visible for search by other gadgets.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
It is important to note that in standard mode, the access point operates at 2.4 GHz. This provides good compatibility with older devices, but can cause interference if there are many other Wi-Fi networks nearby. Switching to 5 GHz is possible only if the hardware of the smartphone supports this feature, but for the Redmi 5 model, the standard is 2.4 GHz.
⚠️ Note: When the access point is turned on, the smartphone receiver automatically turns off Wi-Fi if it was active. You will not be able to receive Wi-Fi and distribute it simultaneously, since the module operates in half-duplex mode.
Set up a network name and security password
By default, the system generates a network name (SSID) containing a device model and a random set of characters. For ease of search and identification among the many available networks, it is recommended to change this name to a more understandable one. You can use your name or any other combination of letters that is easy to recognize.
Special attention should be paid to security settings. In the access point settings menu, select the type of WPA2 PSK encryption. This is the most reliable security standard that will prevent unauthorized access to your Internet channel. Using an open network without a password is highly discouraged.
The password must be complex, containing at least 8 characters, including numbers and letters of different registers, write it down or save it in a safe place so as not to forget when connecting new devices. Simple combinations like "12345678" are easily selected by automatic malicious programs.
In the same section, you can set the maximum number of users you can connect. For the Redmi 5 model, the optimal value will be 3-4 devices, exceeding this limit can lead to a significant drop in Internet speed and overheating of the smartphone due to increased load on the radio part.
Extended parameters and frequency range
The optional settings menu contains options that affect connection stability, and you can find the Hide Device option, which makes your access point invisible to general search, and you can only connect by manually entering the network name, which adds an additional layer of privacy.
An automatic shutdown timer is also available, which saves battery power by turning off the access point if no one connects to it for a predetermined time (e.g. 10 minutes), a useful option if you forget to manually turn off modem mode.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency range | 2.4 GHz | Maximum compatibility |
| Number of users | 3-4 | Stable speed |
| Sleep timer | 10 minutes. | Battery savings |
| Encryption | WPA2-Personal | Data protection |
Some users try to change the channel manually to avoid interference, but in most cases, automatic channel selection is the best solution, and manual adjustment only makes sense in very dense environments where the air is saturated with signals.
How do you hide the access point?
Distribution of Internet via USB and Bluetooth
An alternative to wireless communication is the distribution of the Internet through USB-This method provides a more stable connection and simultaneously charges the device, which solves the problem of rapid battery discharge. USB.
In the access point settings menu go to the section «USB-Modem" and activate the switch. The computer must automatically determine the new network connection. If the drivers are installed correctly, a new adapter will appear in Windows network connections, through which traffic will go.
Bluetooth modems are less commonly used because of their low data rate, but can be useful for connecting older devices or specific peripherals, which are limited by Bluetooth protocol and rarely exceed 2-3 Mbps, which is enough for texting only.
⚠️ Note: When connecting through USB Make sure your computer has the right Android drivers, and without them, your system can only see your phone as a storage device, not as a network adapter.
Fixing and Connection Errors
A common problem is when devices see the network but cannot connect or write “Get a Device” IP-In this case, try changing the network name in Latin by removing the special characters.
If the Internet on connected devices is slow, check the signal strength of the cellular connection. If the signal is weak (1-2 division), the speed will be low regardless of the settings of the access point. Try to move the smartphone closer to the window or to a height.
In the case of an access point spontaneously shutting down, check the power saving settings. The system can aggressively close the background processes to save energy. Add the access point process to exceptions or select No Limits performance mode.
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If the device can’t see the network, try switching the frequency range or temporarily disabling filtering. MAC-address.
Effect of Dispensing on Battery and Temperature
The access point mode puts a high load on the components of the smartphone, which leads to active heat generation. Xiaomi Redmi 5 has a metal body that effectively removes heat, but can significantly heat up in the hand.
To minimize the risks, avoid covering your smartphone with a cloth or leaving it in direct sunlight. Good ventilation is necessary to keep the radio unit running smoothly. If the device overheats, the system will force the access point to be turned off to protect the components.
Using a quality cable and power supply when running from the mains reduces the load on the built-in battery. Ideally, if you plan a long session of distribution, it is better to remove the battery (if the design allows) or use an external cooler, although for the Redmi 5 this is less relevant due to the non-removable battery.