Mobile Internet has long ceased to be just a means for correspondence in messengers, becoming a full-fledged communication channel for work and entertainment. Owners of budget but reliable devices in the Redmi series often wonder how to effectively use their gadget as a modem. The Redmi 7 model, despite its age, perfectly copes with the role of a router, providing a stable connection for a laptop or desktop PC.
There are several proven ways to organize such a connection, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. USB-port, radio quality and data rate requirements. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of setting up an access point on the Android shell. MIUI.
Before you start setting up, make sure that your smartphone has mobile data activated and there is a supply of traffic. Operators can block the Internet distribution or charge an additional fee, so checking the tariff plan is a priority. It is also worth remembering that active distribution of traffic consumes battery power much faster.
Preparation of the device for operation in modem modem
Before activating the access point function, you need to make sure that the basic network settings are performed correctly. In the MIUI operating system, which is installed on Redmi 7, network connection management is placed in a separate menu, which can be accessed through the notification curtain or basic system settings.
First, check if the mobile data is enabled. 4G or LTE It doesn't show up in the status bar, the Internet won't work even if the access point is activated. SIM-The card you plan to use and make sure the mobile internet switch is in the active position.
⚠️ Note: When connecting a computer through USB-The cable system may request a choice of mode of operation USB. To distribute the Internet, you need to select the “Charge Only” or “File Transfer” mode, but not «USB-modem in the mode selection menu, as the function is activated separately in the access point settings.
An important step is to verify the network name and password. By default, the system generates a random network name that can be difficult to read. It is recommended to immediately specify an understandable name and a complex password to avoid unauthorized connection of unauthorized devices to your traffic.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
Distribution of the Internet through a Wi-Fi access point
The most popular and versatile way to turn a smartphone into a router is to use a Wi-Fi hotspot, which requires no wires and allows you to connect multiple devices, including laptops, tablets and other phones. On Redmi 7, this process is as automated as possible.
To activate, go to the settings menu, look for the Wi-Fi Access Point or Portable Access Point section. In some firmware versions, this item may be hidden in the "More" sub-menu in the wireless network section, and after logging into the menu, simply move the slider to the "On" position.
The menu also offers advanced settings to manage network visibility and traffic limits, and you can set a data transfer or access point time limit so you don't accidentally run out of all gigabytes in one session.
- 📡 Frequency Range: Redmi 7 supports 2.4 GHz, which provides good signal penetration, but lower speed compared to 5 GHz.
- 🔒 Security: It is recommended to use a type of encryption WPA2 PSK, It is the most reliable standard for protecting your home network.
- 👥 Connection Limit: In settings, you can limit the number of devices you can connect at the same time, usually up to 10 clients.
It should be borne in mind that the module Wi-Fi smartphone when actively distributed works in a strengthened mode, which leads to heating of the case. If you plan a long session, it is better to remove the protective case to improve heat transfer.
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Use the 2.4GHz band for maximum compatibility with older laptops, but if speeds are important and devices support 5GHz (although Redmi 7 only gives away 2.4GHz, the client may be different), make sure there is no interference from neighboring networks.
Setting up USB-stable-connection modem
If you want maximum connection stability or want to charge your phone at the same time, the best solution is to use the device. USB-This method eliminates speed loss due to radio interference and ensures that the device does not discharge at the most inopportune time.
First, connect your smartphone to your computer with high-quality USB-The system unit or laptop must identify the new device, and after the physical connection, activate the software mode.
Go to the access point settings and find the item «USB-If the cable is connected correctly and the drivers are installed, this item will become active (previously it could be gray and inaccessible.
Settings → Wi-Fi Access Point → USB- Modem (Enable)The computer recognizes the phone as a new network connection. Windows Device Manager may undergo a short driver installation procedure, after which a wired Internet connection will appear in the network list.
| Parameter | Wi-Fi access point | USB-modem |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission speed | Depends on the signal. | Maximum stable |
| Battery consumption | High-pitched | Charging from a PC |
| Number of devices | 10. | 1 (computer) |
| Delay (Ping) | Higher. | Minimum |
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USB-The modem is the best choice for stationary work, as it provides the least ping in games and a stable video call without interruptions.
Problems with drivers and their solution on Windows
Sometimes when trying to set up USB-Modem users are faced with a situation where the computer sees the phone only as a drive or a charging device, this indicates the lack of necessary drivers or a malfunction in their work.
In most modern versions of Windows 10 and 11, drivers for Android devices are installed automatically through the Update Center. However, Redmi 7 may require manually running a driver update through Device Manager.
Open Device Manager, find an unknown device or device with an exclamation point. Right click, select "Update driver" and specify automatic search. The system will find and install the RNDIS component required for the network adapter to work.
⚠️ Warning: If the automatic installation doesn't work, try using the original cable from the kit. Cheap "charging only" cables have no data lines, and the computer won't physically be able to see the phone.
It is also worth checking whether the debugging is included. USB, It's not usually required for modem mode, but sometimes it helps to switch mode. USB From “File Transfer” to “Facing Only” and back at the time of activation of the function USB-modem.
Optimizing traffic and battery consumption
Internet distribution is a resource-intensive process that quickly depletes batteries and consumes traffic. Redmi 7 has built-in tools to control these parameters that should not be neglected.
You can set a traffic limit in the hotspot settings, for example, if you have 2 GB left, you can set a 1.5 GB limit so that the system automatically turns off the distribution when you reach the threshold, which will save you from unexpected expenses.
To save charge when using Wi-Fi access point, reduce the brightness of the screen of the smartphone or turn off the display altogether. The screen is the main consumer of energy, and its operation during the distribution does not bring any benefit.
- 🔋 Power saving: Turn off background apps on your phone so the processor doesn’t get loaded with unnecessary tasks.
- 📉 Data compression: In the browser on the connected computer, you can turn on the traffic saving mode, which will reduce the amount of data transmitted.
- ⏱ Timer: Use the access point shutdown timer if you need to hand out a file and forget about your phone.
Using Bluetooth to distribute the Internet
A lesser known but sometimes useful way is to distribute the Internet via a Bluetooth channel, which is much slower than Wi-Fi or USB, but the power consumption is minimal, which can be critical in emergency situations.
To activate this mode, you first need to pair your computer and smartphone over Bluetooth. After successfully pairing in the access point settings on Redmi 7, turn on the "Bluetooth modem".
On a computer in the Bluetooth control panel, find your device and select Connect via → Access Point. The connection takes longer to establish, but works stably for texting or easy web surfing.