Xiaomi smartphones have long since ceased to be just a device for calling, becoming full-fledged multimedia centers capable of providing Internet to a laptop, tablet or phone of a friend. Wi-Fi hotspot is perhaps one of the most popular features in MIUI and HyperOS, allowing you to stay online in any situation. However, owners often face nuances of settings or sudden problems when the distribution of traffic stops working correctly.
In this article, we will take a look at all the ways you can share your internet with Xiaomi, including standard methods and hidden system features. You will learn about the intricacies of frequency band configuration, traffic savings and ways to solve typical connection errors. The right configuration will help you avoid fast battery drain and ensure a stable data rate for your devices.
Preparation of the smartphone to work in modem modem
Before you activate the modem modem, you need to make sure that your smartphone is properly configured for data transfer. Mobile Internet should be turned on and work steadily, as it will be broadcast to other gadgets. Check the balance and availability of available traffic in your carrier’s tariff plan to avoid unexpected blocking.
An important step is to check the settings APN (access points, especially if you are using SIM-a card of a new operator or are roaming. Often it is the wrong access point parameters that prevent the normal operation of the Internet on connected devices, even if the websites are opened on the smartphone itself.
Also, you should pay attention to the network signal level. 4G/LTE requires a confident reception, otherwise the speed on the connected devices will be critically low. If the indicator shows 3G or E, it is better to move to the zone with better coverage or switch to Wi-Fi if possible.
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If you plan to actively use your smartphone as a router, turn off automatic updates of heavy apps and sync photos to the cloud in advance to save traffic for other devices.
Activation of Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi
The most common and convenient way is to create a wireless Wi-Fi Hotspot network, so to start this process, go to your device's settings. Depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS, the path may vary slightly, but the logic remains the same.
Open the settings menu and find the connection section, usually called Connection and Sharing or Access Point and Modem, and that's where all the switches you need to manage your gadget's networking functions are.
Click on Wi-Fi Access Point and activate the power slider.The system will automatically create a network whose default name matches your phone's model, such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro. However, it is strongly recommended to change this name and set a strong password so that outsiders can't use your traffic.
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Connection and sharing → Wi-Fi hotspot.
- 🔐 Click on “Setting up the access point” to change the network name (SSID) and password.
- 📡 Select the frequency range: 2.4 GHz for compatibility or 5 GHz for speed.
- ✅ Activate the switch at the top of the screen to start the handout.
The 2.4 GHz standard provides better range and compatibility with older devices, but can be overloaded by neighboring routers. The 5 GHz range offers higher speed and stability, but the signal range will be smaller, and some older laptops may not see it.
Distribution of the Internet through USB-cable
If the wireless connection is unstable or requires maximum speed without loss, the optimal solution will be the most effective. USB-This method not only provides a more reliable communication channel, but also allows you to simultaneously charge the smartphone, which is critical for long-term operation.
To connect, you'll need a quality cable that can transmit data, not just the current to charge. Cheap "charging only" cables will prevent your computer from seeing your phone as a network device. Connect your smartphone to your PC or laptop via a computer. USB-port.
After the physical connection, return to the Access Point and Modem menu in the phone settings «USB-The modem that was previously inactive (grey) should now be available to switch. Activate it and the computer will automatically install the required drivers.
Path to activate: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Access Point and Modem → USB- ModemIt is important to note that when using USB-If the Internet does not work immediately, check the Device Manager on your PC for unknown devices with a yellow icon. In rare cases, you may need to install drivers. ADB Xiaomi, although modern versions of Windows 10/11 They usually do it on their own.
☑️ Verification USB-connection
Use of Bluetooth modem
Although this method is considered obsolete due to low data transfer speeds, in certain situations it can be the only salvation. Bluetooth modem consumes significantly less power than Wi-Fi, and is suitable for transferring small amounts of text information or working with instant messengers.
To start, you need to pair the smartphone with the receiving device (laptop or tablet) via Bluetooth. Make sure that both devices see each other and (pair) was successful with the code confirmation.
Once paired in the Access Point and Modem menu, the “Bluetooth modem” option on Xiaomi’s phone will be active. Turn it on. On the receiving device, in the Bluetooth list of devices, you need to find your phone, right-click (or select from the menu) and specify “Connect through” → “Access Point”.
Bluetooth connection speeds rarely exceed 1-2 Mbps, so you can't watch videos or download files, but for emergency mail checks or sending messages at a critical time when other methods are not available, this feature is indispensable.
Set up network restrictions and security
The security of your personal access point is directly dependent on the complexity of your password and your visibility settings. The standard WPA2-PSK encryption protocol is the best choice for most use cases. Don't leave the network open, as it will allow anyone nearby to connect to your traffic.
Xiaomi's hotspot settings have a useful feature called "Device Management" or "Connected Devices," and you can see here a list of all the gadgets that are currently using your Internet, and if you notice an unfamiliar device, you can immediately lock it.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use simple passwords like “12345678” or date of birth. Attackers can quickly pick up this combination and use your connection to illegal activities.
You should also pay attention to setting the shutdown timer, which allows you to set the access point to automatically turn off if no one connects to it for a certain time (1, 5, 10 minutes), which helps prevent the battery from running out in vain if you forgot to turn off the modem mode.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency range | 5 GHz (for speed) | Higher speed, smaller radius. |
| Encryption | WPA2-Personal | Protection of data from interception |
| Connection limit | 1-3 devices | Reducing the load on the processor |
| Sleep timer | 1 minute | Savings of battery when downtime |
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Limiting the number of connected devices to 2-3 pieces will help to maintain a stable speed and prevent overheating of the smartphone during prolonged operation.
Solving the Problem: Why the Internet is Not Spreading
Users often experience a situation where the access point is turned on, but other devices cannot connect or see the network. One of the most common reasons is the incompatibility of frequency bands. If your laptop supports only 2.4 GHz and the phone is forced to display 5 GHz, the connection will not take place.
Another common problem is the operator’s settings: Some plans prohibit the use of a smartphone as a modem (Tethering), the operator can block the connection or charge a fee for this service, in which case changing the TTL setting helps, although this requires root rights or the use of specialized applications.
It's also worth checking if you've turned on Traffic Savings or Traffic Limit in your access point settings, and if you set a limit of, say, 100MB, then once you calculate it, your Internet distribution will automatically stop before you reset your statistics or change your settings.
⚠️ Note: When updating the firmware MIUI If the Internet stopped working after the update, recheck the network name and password, and also re-select the frequency range.
If nothing works, try resetting your network settings. This action will delete stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but often resolves software conflicts that interfere with the modem. Path to reset: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.