How to give away the Internet with Xiaomi Redmi 6: 3 working methods + error solving

The Xiaomi Redmi 6, released in 2018, is still a popular budget smartphone because of its reliability and functionality. One of the most popular features of the device is the sharing of the Internet to other gadgets. This can come in handy when traveling, in the country or when there is no router at hand. However, many users face difficulties: access point is not turned on, devices are not connected, or speed leaves much to be desired.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to distribute the Internet with Redmi 6 (including hidden MIUI features), explain how to fix common errors, and give recommendations for optimizing the connection. The instructions are tested on the latest versions of MIUI 12-14 firmware and are relevant for Redmi 6 (cereus) and Redmi 6A (cactus). If your smartphone is running on an older version of MIUI, update it before setting up - this will eliminate most software bugs.

1. Internet distribution methods with Redmi 6: which one to choose?

Xiaomi Redmi 6 supports three main methods of distributing the Internet, each of which has its pros and cons.

• 📶 Wi-Fi hotspot is the most versatile way, suitable for connecting laptops, tablets, other smartphones, maximum speed depends on the version of the Wi-Fi module in your Redmi 6 (cereus model - Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Theoretical maximum - 150 Mbit / s).
• 🔗 USB-Modem is a stable cable connection, but it only works with computers. USB-port (at Redmi 6 — USB 2.0, up to 480 Mbps, but the real speed rarely exceeds 50-70 Mbps).
• 📱 Bluetooth modem - saves battery power, but the speed is minimal (up to 3 Mbps.

For most tasks, the first option is the Wi-Fi hotspot, which combines reasonable speed and convenience. USB-The modem should be used if you need a long stable connection (for example, for work), and Bluetooth is only used in extreme cases when other methods are not available.

⚠️ Note: When you distribute the Internet through mobile data, the operator may charge additional traffic fees or limit speed. Check the tariff with your provider. For example, MTS and Beeline, in some tariffs, the distribution of Internet is blocked after 10 GB.

2. Step-by-step Wi-Fi hotspot setup on Redmi 6

To enable Wi-Fi Internet, do the following: Make sure your smartphone is on mobile data or connected to another network (e.g., via an Ethernet adapter).

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to Network and Internet (or Connections in older versions of MIUI).
3. Select the access point and modem (in some firmware - modem modem).
4. Slip on the Wi-Fi hotspot.
5. Activate the slider at the top of the screen.
6. Set up network settings: 🔑 Name of the network (SSID) — Think of a unique name (for example, Redmi6_Hotspot). 🔒 Password minimum 8 symbols, preferably with numbers and letters. 📡 Security - Choose WPA2-PSK (safest). 🔄 Frequency band – if devices don’t connect, try changing 2.4 GHz 5 GHz (if supported).

Save the settings and wait for the access point to be activated.

After turning on the notification panel will appear icon 📶 Access Point is active. Other devices can now connect to your network. If the connection does not occur, check if the antivirus or firewall is blocking the connection (relevant for Windows).

Name of the network (SSID) You can see it on the Wi-Fi list.|Password entered correctly|Mobile data included|On the connected device, it's off. VPN-->

3.Tune in. USB-modem: PC connection

If you need to give the Internet to a computer or laptop, USB-A modem is a more stable option than Wi-Fi, it uses less battery power and breaks off less often:

1. Connect Redmi 6 to your computer via the original USB-cable (a faulty cable may cause errors).
2. On your smartphone, open Settings → Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
3. Activate the option. USB-modem.
4. On the computer, wait for the driver to install (usually they are installed automatically).
5. Check the connection: A new network connection called Remote NDIS or the like should appear on the PC.

If the internet is not working:

• 🔄 Reconnect the cable.
• 🔧 Update modem drivers via Device Manager (Windows).
• 📱 Reboot your smartphone and PC.
• 🔒 Turn off the firewall or antivirus on your computer (they can block the connection).

⚠️ Attention: When in use USB-Redmi 6 modem can get very hot. That's okay, but if the temperature is above 50.°C, turn off the distribution and let the device cool. Prolonged overheating shortens battery life.

💡

If the computer can't see USB-modem, try to turn on the smartphone Developer Mode and activate the option Debugging by USB. Sometimes this solves the driver problem.

4. Internet distribution via Bluetooth: when it is relevant

Bluetooth modem is the slowest, but also the most economical way to distribute, and it is suitable if:

• 🔋 You need to save battery power (consumption is lower than Wi-Fi, 2-3 times).
• 📵 No way to use Wi-Fi or USB (For example, on an airplane in flight mode with Bluetooth permission).
• 📱 You only need to connect one device (for example, a tablet without Wi-Fi).

To set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. On Redmi 6, go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
3. Find the target device in the list and perform pairing.
4. Go back to Settings → Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
5. Activate the Bluetooth modem option.

On a connected device (like another smartphone), you may need to manually enable Bluetooth to transfer data. On Android, this is done in the Bluetooth settings next to your Redmi 6 name — tap the gear icon and select Use to transfer data.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the right setup, Redmi 6 users often run into problems.

🚫 Access point not switched on

If the error "Can not turn on the access point" appears when activating the distribution, the reasons may be as follows:

• 📵 No mobile internet – check your balance and settings APN.
• 🔄 Conflict with VPN — turn off VPN-applications (e.g. Turbo) VPN Psiphon).
• 📱 Operator restriction – some tariffs block distribution (e.g. Tele2 in My Talk fare").
• 🔧 Failure MIUI — Restart your smartphone or reset your network settings (Settings) → System system → Reset → Resetting network settings).

🔌 Devices are connected, but the internet is not working.

If gadgets see the network, but the pages are not loaded:

• 🌐 Check if the mobile data is enabled on Redmi 6.
• 🔗 Make sure that the connected device does not activate traffic saving mode (on Android) or limit connection (on Windows).
• 📡 Try changing the network mode on your smartphone with 4G on 3G (Sometimes it helps with an unstable signal).
• 🔒 Disable ad blockers (such as AdGuard) that can filter traffic.

🐢 Slow speed of distribution

If the internet is slowing down, try:

• 📶 Switch to a different Wi-Fi frequency (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
• 📵 Disable background apps on Redmi 6 that consume traffic (such as updates or cloud services).
• 🔄 Reset network settings (Settings) → System system → Reset → Resetting network settings).
• 📱 Update firmware MIUI Up to the latest version (new updates often fix distribution bugs).

6. Optimizing Internet Distribution: How to Increase Speed and Stability

To make the distribution work as efficiently as possible, follow these tips:

• 📶 Smartphone location - keep Redmi 6 closer to connected devices.Walls and metal objects reduce signal.
• 🔋 Battery charge – if the charge level is below 20%, the smartphone can automatically reduce the Wi-Fi transmission power.
• 📵 Flight mode -- if the mobile network signal is weak, turn on flight mode, then manually activate only the mobile data.
• 🔄 Wi-Fi Channel – If you have many devices on your network, change the channel in the access point settings (optimum – 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz).

Important: Redmi 6 with MIUI 12+ firmware has a hidden High Performance Mode feature for the access point. To activate it, type ##4636## in the Phone app, go to Phone Information and select Wi-Fi information. You can manually set transmission options here, but be careful that incorrect settings can cause the Wi-Fi module to crash.

💡

For maximum speed, turn off automatic app updates and background syncs on connected devices (such as Google Photos or Dropbox).

7. Alternative ways of distributing the Internet

If standard methods do not work, you can use workarounds:

🔄 Distribution through third-party developers' applications

Some applications, like PdaNet+ or ClockworkMod Tether, allow you to bypass carrier restrictions, but they require root rights, which voids the warranty and can lead to unstable smartphone performance. Use them only if other methods are exhausted.

📡 Using Redmi 6 as a Wi-Fi repeater

If you have access to another Wi-Fi network (such as a cafe) but the signal is weak, you can connect Redmi 6 to that network and distribute it further from your device.

1. Connect to the original Wi-Fi network.
2. Enable the access point on Redmi 6.
3. On the connected device, connect to the network of your smartphone.

The disadvantage of this method is double encryption of traffic, which can reduce speed by 10-30%.

📵 Distribution via Ethernet (for advanced applications)

If you have a USB-Ethernet adapter (such as the AX88179), you can connect Redmi 6 to wired internet and distribute it over Wi-Fi.

1. Connect the adapter to the smartphone through OTG-cable.
2. Turn on the access point.
3. Set up traffic routing (manual IP assignment may be required).

This method is suitable for stationary use, for example, if you want to make a mini router out of Redmi 6.

FAQ: Frequent questions about giving away the internet with Redmi 6