In today’s world, a smartphone has long since ceased to be just a means of communication, becoming a universal tool for work and entertainment, which often requires constant connection to the network. When you are out of range of your usual home Wi-Fi, but you urgently need to send a file from a laptop or tablet, the mobile hotspot feature comes to the rescue. Owners of the popular Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro device often look for ways to quickly activate this option to provide Internet to other gadgets.
The process of configuring the distribution of traffic in the shell of MIUI has its own nuances that can confuse an inexperienced user, especially if it is a question of hidden settings or restrictions on the part of the operator. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to distribute the Internet with the Xiaomi Redmi 8 pro, what parameters should be changed for stable operation and how to avoid typical errors when connecting third-party devices. You will learn not only to include the function, but also to optimize its operation for your needs.
We will look at various methods of networking, including standard Wi-Fi, Bluetooth modem and USB-Tethering, which is often ignored, although it is the most stable option for stationary work. DHCP-server and frequency ranges will help you avoid network visibility problems on older laptops or tablets.
Preparation of the smartphone to work in modem modem
Before you start activating the access point directly, you need to make sure your device is ready to transmit data. SIM-without this, all further manipulation will be useless, since the Redmi 8 Pro will not be able to broadcast the signal without having its source.
Also worth paying attention to the battery level. The access point mode significantly increases the power consumption of the processor and radio module, which can lead to a rapid discharge of the device. The optimal solution is to connect the smartphone to the power source during long Internet distribution to avoid sudden shutdown. Make sure that the mobile network settings are enabled data transfer, often users forget about this after saving traffic.
It is important to check whether the Flight mode is activated, which blocks all wireless interfaces. If you plan to distribute the Internet via USB, prepare a high-quality cable that can transmit data, not just charge the battery. Cheap “charging only” cables can cause the connection to fail.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
Setting up a classic Wi-Fi access point
The most common way to share the Internet is to create a wireless Wi-Fi network. For this, on your Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro, you need to go to the settings menu. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of the MIUI shell, but most often it is located at Settings → Wi-Fi Access Point or through Connect and Sharing. Here you will see the switch that you need to activate.
However, simply enabling the function is not enough – it is critical to configure security settings and network name. By default, the system can offer a weak password or a standard device name that is easy for attackers to identify. Click on your access point name or the Settings button to change the SSID (network name) and set a complex password using a combination of letters and numbers. This will protect your traffic from unauthorized access.
The Redmi 8 Pro hotspot settings often offer a choice between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 5 GHz range provides a higher data rate, but has a shorter range and penetrates walls less. If you are in a room with many neighborhood networks, switching to 5 GHz can significantly improve connection stability.
⚠️ Note: When choosing a 5GHz band, older devices (such as 10-year-old laptops or budget tablets) may simply not see your network.If gadgets do not find an access point, force the switch to 2.4GHz settings.
Remember to control the number of devices connected. The access point menu displays a list of everyone who is currently using your Internet. If you notice an unfamiliar device, immediately change your password and block access. The connection limit can also be adjusted manually so as not to overload the communication channel and the processor of the smartphone.
Use of the USB-stable-connection modem
When maximum stability and minimal delays are required, such as online gaming or PC video conferencing, wireless connectivity may not be enough. USB-Tethering: This method allows you to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi Redmi 8 pro to a computer using a physical connection, which eliminates interference from other radio waves and provides a higher speed.
To activate this mode, connect the smartphone to the computer through USB-Once you connect to the Wi-Fi hotspot (or Connect and Share) menu, the hotspot will become an active item «USB-If it remains gray and inactive, check the cable or try another one. USB-Android drivers are usually installed automatically on modern Windows and macOS operating systems.
Main advantage USB-The connection is that the smartphone is simultaneously being charged by the computer, which solves the problem of fast battery discharge, which is characteristic of Wi-Fi distribution. In addition, the connection via the cable is protected from interception of data “over the air”, which increases the level of security when working with confidential information in public places.
It is worth noting that when using USB-The modem computer perceives the smartphone as a wired network connection (Ethernet), which means that you do not have to enter a password every time or search the network in the list of available ones.
What to do if the computer can’t see USB-modem?
Bluetooth modem: an alternative for older devices
Although the Bluetooth modem is significantly inferior in speed Wi-Fi and USB-When connected, it remains relevant for small amounts of data or specific hardware. Bluetooth transmission speed is limited by the specifications of the protocol, so watching videos or downloading large files will be uncomfortable. However, for messengers, mail or navigation, this is quite enough.
To activate this mode, you first need to pair the Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro with the receiving device (laptop, tablet or other phone). The pairing process is standard: turn on Bluetooth on both devices, find each other in the list and confirm the code. Once successfully paired in the access point menu on the smartphone, the “Bluetooth modem” switch will be available.
The receiving device will also need to configure its Bluetooth Internet connection, and in Windows, this is done through the device and printer control panel, where you can select the properties of the connected phone and use the PAN (Personal Area Network) profile, which, although difficult to set up initially, consumes less power than Wi-Fi, which can be critical in an emergency.
The use of a Bluetooth modem is justified when the Wi-Fi module on the receiving device is faulty or is occupied by another connection, and this method is useful if you want to create a network between two smartphones, one of which has limited access to mobile Internet, in which case Bluetooth acts as a reliable, albeit slow, bridge for data transfer.
Table of comparison of methods of distribution of the Internet
To make it easier for you to choose the best way to distribute, we have prepared a summary table that compares the main characteristics of each method, which will help you quickly navigate depending on your current needs and conditions of use.
| Parameter | Wi-Fi Access Point | USB-modem | Bluetooth modem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission speed | High (up to 150 Mbps) | Very tall (stable) | Low (up to 2-3 Mbps) |
| Number of devices | Up to 10 devices | 1 device (PC) | 1-7 devices (depending on the BT version) |
| Battery consumption | High-pitched | Low (charging in) | Medium. |
| Radio of action | Up to 15-20 meters | Cable length (up to 2 m) | Up to 10 meters. |
| Difficulty setting up | Low. | Low. | High (requires pairing) |
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Always choose to work with heavy content and games. USB-modem, and for quick access from several gadgets - Wi-Fi. Bluetooth leave for extreme cases.
Solving Connection and Network Visibility Problems
Despite the ease of setting up, Xiaomi users may find themselves in a situation where other devices simply do not see the network they have created. Often the reason lies in the established security standard or protocol. Try changing the security protocol from WPA3 to WPA2-Personal in the access point settings, as some older network cards do not support the new encryption standards.
Another common problem is resetting the access point settings by the system to save energy. MIUI is known for aggressive battery optimization. To prevent disabling, go to the battery settings, find the Access Point app (or the system process that controls the network) and set No Limits mode, which will prevent the system from "killing" the Internet distribution process in the background.
If you have internet on your connected devices but the pages aren't loading, check your DNS settings. Sometimes ISPs block the distribution of traffic (TTL), but at the smartphone level, it's harder. A simple solution is to turn on and off the Flight mode to reboot the radio module. Also make sure that the smartphone itself has a browser open and any page loading — sometimes this "ping" connection.
⚠️ Note: If you are giving out the internet through USB, a Windows writes “Without Internet access”, try the properties of the network adapter manually prescribe DNS-Google addresses (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) This often solves the problem of routing queries.
In rare cases, network resets help. This action will delete stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but return Redmi 8 Pro network modules to factory status. Path to reset: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. After rebooting, try resetting the access point again.
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Use the Mi Connect app or the built-in Data Transfer feature if you want to quickly transfer files without creating a full-fledged access point to access the Internet.
Traffic safety and control
By giving away the Internet, you become a provider for connected devices, so traffic control comes to the fore. With the built-in MIUI, you can set a traffic limit for the access point. When the allocated amount of data is exhausted, the distribution will automatically stop, which will save your tariff from unexpected costs.
Data security is the second critical aspect: Never leave the access point open (without a password), even for a short time. Attackers can use your connection to commit illegal acts, and formally the owner will be responsible. SIM-Regularly check the list of connected customers in the access point control menu and block suspicious ones. MAC-address.
Remember to heat the device. When you're actively transmitting data, the Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro processor and modem can get significantly hot. Prolonged overheating leads to trottling (decreased performance) and battery degradation. If you plan a long session, remove the protective case and place the phone on a cold surface or near the fan.
⚠️ Attention: Telecom operators can determine the distribution of the Internet by parameter TTL. If you have a rate without the ability to distribute, using this feature may lead to blocking or additional charges.Be careful and clarify the terms of the rate.
Using smart phone features makes the Redmi 8 Pro a powerful tool to work anywhere in the world, and by following simple security and setup rules, you can ensure a stable Internet where others remain offline.