How to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi phone to your computer: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi’s current smartphones (including the Redmi and POCO lines) are capable of not only consuming mobile internet, but also sharing it with other devices — whether it’s a laptop, a desktop PC, or even a gaming console — a feature called Internet sharing (or tethering), and it’s indispensable when there’s no router at hand and access to the network is urgent, but not all users know how to set up this connection correctly, especially if it’s a computer connection.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to distribute the Internet from a Xiaomi smartphone to a PC: from a classic Wi-Fi hotspot to less obvious methods like the one that is used in the Internet. USB-We will pay special attention to typical errors (for example, when the computer does not see the network or connects without access to the Internet) and nuances for different versions. MIUI. And at the end, you're waiting. FAQ Frequently answered questions and a speed and stability comparison table.

Before you start, make sure that on your phone:

• 📶 There's an active one. SIM-card with a tariff that supports data transfer (not all operators allow tethering!).
• 🔋 Adequate battery level (internet distribution quickly puts the battery down!).
• 📱 Updated version MIUI (Older silk may not have some functions).

1. Internet distribution via Wi-Fi (access point)

The most popular and convenient way is to turn your smartphone into a full-fledged Wi-Fi router, which is suitable for most situations, as it requires no cables and is supported by all modern computers, and the connection speed is limited only by the capabilities of your tariff and the operator’s network (for example, 4G or 5G).

To enable the access point to Xiaomi:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
3. Slip on the Wi-Fi Access Point.
4. Activate the switch at the top of the screen.
5. Change the Network Name (SSID) and Password if necessary (a combination of numbers is usually used by default).

Now on the computer:

• 🖥️ On Windows: Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the tray, select your phone’s network name and enter your password.
• 🍎 On MacOS: Open System Settings → Network → Wi-Fi, select a network and connect.
• 🐧 On Linux: Use the nmcli utility or NetworkManager GUI.

⚠️ Note: If your computer shows "No Internet access" after you connect, check if your operator is blocking tetering. Some tariffs (for example, "Unlimited Internet" from Tele2) require additional activation of the distribution option.

2. Connection through USB (USB-modem)

This method is ideal if you want maximum connection stability or if your computer has a broken Wi-Fi adapter. USB-When connected, the phone charges in parallel, which is especially important for long-term work. The speed is usually higher than Bluetooth, but may be limited to the port version (for example, the port version, USB 2.0 vs USB 3.0).

Instructions for Xiaomi:

1. Connect your phone to your computer with the original cable (cheap cables may not be transmitting data!).
2. On the phone in the notification curtain, select File Transfer Mode (MTP) or USB-modem (depending on version) MIUI).
3. If the regime USB-The modem does not appear automatically, go to Settings → The Internet and the Internet → Access Point and modem and activate USB-modem.
4. On your computer, wait for the driver to install (usually Windows does this automatically).

If the drivers are not installed:

• 🔧 Download the official Mi package PC Suite from Xiaomi website.
• 🔄 Restart your computer and phone.
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0, marked in blue).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) may request unlocking when first connected in modem mode OEM. It's OK - confirm the action.

3. Internet distribution over Bluetooth

The method via Bluetooth is inferior in speed to Wi-Fi and USB, but helps when other methods are not available (for example, if the Wi-Fi module on the phone is broken or there is no cable), the main advantage is low power consumption, which is important for long-term battery transfer.

How to set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and computer.
2. Connect devices: on your phone, go to Settings → Bluetooth, find your PC in the list and confirm the connection.
3. On your phone, go to Settings → Network and Internet → Access Point and modem and activate a Bluetooth modem.
4. On your computer in the Bluetooth panel, select your phone and click Connect via → Access point.

Features of the method:

• 🐢 Speed is limited by the Bluetooth version (for example, Bluetooth 5.0 will give up to 2 Mbps, and Bluetooth 4.0 – only 1 Mbps).
• 🔋 Battery consumption is minimal compared to Wi-Fi.
• 🔒 Connection is more secure from external attacks than an open Wi-Fi network.

💡

If your computer doesn’t see your phone in the Bluetooth device list, try turning off and re-enable Bluetooth on both devices, and update your adapter drivers on your PC.

4. Alternative methods: Reverse Tethering and applications

If standard methods don't work (e.g., the operator blocks tethering), you can use workarounds, one of which is Reverse Tethering, where the computer shares the Internet with the phone and the phone relays it back, which sounds absurd, but sometimes it's the only way out.

This will require:

• 📱 Root access on the phone (necessary to change network settings).
• 🖥️ ClockworkMod Tether or gnirehtet (for the purpose of Linux/MacOS/Windows).
• 🔌 USB-linkage.

The simpler option is to use third-party applications like NetShare or PdaNet+, which bypass carrier restrictions but require a client to be installed on a PC, and many of these programs are paid or have traffic limits.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the right setup, users often face problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Critical error: If the phone stopped charging from the same cable after distributing the Internet via USB, check the port for physical damage or try another cable. In 30% of cases, the problem lies in damaged contacts of the USB-C connector.

6. Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

To determine the optimal way of distribution, we will evaluate each of the key parameters:

For most tasks (watching videos, downloading files) Wi-Fi is optimal. If you need minimal battery consumption, choose the right option. USB-Bluetooth is only suitable for small amounts of data (e.g. checking email).

💡

If you need to distribute the Internet to multiple devices at the same time (for example, a laptop + tablet), use a Wi-Fi hotspot. USB and Bluetooth support only one client connection.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions