Sharing the Internet from Xiaomi’s smartphone to another phone is a challenge that millions of users face every day, whether it’s the lack of Wi-Fi in a cafe, the need to connect a tablet on a trip or urgently transfer files over the mobile Internet, the hotspot feature saves in a variety of situations. However, not everyone knows that setting up this process on Xiaomi devices (especially on models with MIUI 12/13/14) has its own nuances that can turn a simple procedure into a puzzle.
In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to distribute the Internet from a Xiaomi phone – from classic Wi-Fi to little-known methods via Bluetooth and other devices. USB-We'll focus on common errors (e.g., when the access point is not turned on or connected devices are not connected to the network) and how to fix them, POCO X5 or flagship Xiaomi 14 – find the latest settings for your model.
Before you get to the instructions, check two key points: the presence of mobile Internet on the handing out phone (even if there is a signal, sometimes you need to restart the modem) and sufficient battery power - the distribution of the Internet consumes energy 2-3 times faster than usual.
1. Internet distribution via Wi-Fi (Access Point mode)
The most popular and versatile way is to convert your Xiaomi into a Wi-Fi router, which works on all models (from Redmi 9A to Xiaomi 13 Ultra) and allows you to connect up to 10 devices at a time (the limit depends on the version of MIUI), while the data transfer speed will be as close as possible to the speed of your mobile Internet (4G/5G).
To activate the access point:
- Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Modem Modem.
- Slip on Wi-Fi Access Point (or Mobile Access Point on older versions of MIUI).
- Turn on the Wi-Fi Access Point slider.
- Set up network settings (optional): 🔄 Name of the network (SSID): Think of a unique name (for example, Xiaomi_Hotspot_123), Avoid conflicts with other areas. 🔒 Password: Use a combination of 8+ symbols with numbers and letters (example: MiHot567!Spot). 📡 Frequency range: select 2.4 GHz for better compatibility or 5 GHz for higher speed (available on flagships).
Once activated, the screen will display a notification of the number of connected devices, and to save battery power, turn off the access point when it is not needed, just swipe down the notification bar and tap the access point icon.
Make sure the mobile internet is on the handing phone | Check the traffic limit (distribution can quickly exhaust it) | Turn off the VPN (it can block access) | Set a password to the access point (without it everyone can connect)
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⚠️ Note: At some mobile operators' rates (e.g. Tele2 or Iota), the distribution of the Internet through the access point may be blocked or charged separately.
2. Internet distribution via Bluetooth
If Wi-Fi is not available for some reason (for example, on an airplane in flight or in a place with heavy radio interference), you can use a Bluetooth modem. This method is less energy-consuming than Wi-Fi, but the data transfer rate is limited to ~3 Mbps (enough for instant messengers, but not for streaming video).
Instructions for setting:
- On the handout phone (Xiaomi): 📱 Go to Settings. → Connections and sharing → Modem mode. 🔵 Activate the Bluetooth modem slider.
On the receiving phone:
- 🔄 Turn on Bluetooth and find your Xiaomi in the list of devices.
- 🔗 Connect to it (may require a password confirmation).
- 🌐 In the connection settings, select the Use option to access the Internet (the name may vary depending on the model).
The main advantage of this method is low power consumption (Bluetooth consumes a battery 5-7 times slower than Wi-Fi).However, note that some applications (for example, YouTube or Netflix) can block the playback of content when connecting via Bluetooth due to DRM limitations.
Wi-Fi (access point)|Bluetooth|USB-cable|Never handed out.|Another way.
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3. Internet distribution through USB-cable (USB-modem)
Method USB-The modem is the most stable and secure, but requires physical cable connection of the phones. USB 3.0) and the battery of the dispenser phone is not consumed (or even recharged), this method is ideal for long-term work, for example, when setting up another smartphone or connecting a laptop.
Step-by-step:
- Connect your Xiaomi phones with a cable (use the original cable or a certified USB-C/USB-A).
- On the handing phone: 📱 Go to Settings. → Connections and sharing → Modem mode. 🔌 Turn on the slider. USB-modem.
On the receiving phone:
- 🔄 Wait for notification of the Internet connection via USB.
- 🛠️ If the connection is not established, check the mode. USB on the handing out phone: swipe down the notification bar and select Data Transfer (not Charging!).
Note: Some Xiaomi models (such as the POCO F4 or Redmi K50) may request driver installation when first connected via USB.
Why? USB-The modem does not work on Windows?
4. Solving common problems in the distribution of the Internet
Even with the right setup, Xiaomi users often encounter errors. Let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Access point not switched on | Operator restriction or MIUI failure | 📵 Check balance and fare (some operators block distributions). 🔄 Reboot the phone. 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → Connections and sharing → Resetting network settings. |
| Devices are connected, but the internet is not working. | Incorrect APN settings or IP conflict | 📶 Check the settings. APN: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN). 🔧 Manually write it. APN your operator (options can be found on its website). 🔄 Switch the network mode from 4G on 3G back and forth. |
| Internet speed is very low | Channel overload or operator restriction | 📉 Turn off background app updates. 🔌 Switch to the switch. USB-modem for stability. 📡 Check the network coverage (you may be in the weak signal zone). |
If none of these methods worked, try updating your firmware to the latest version of MIUI. In some cases, Internet distribution bugs are fixed in updates. To check for updates, go to Settings → About Phone → System Update.
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5. Features of the distribution of the Internet on different models of Xiaomi
Modem functionality may vary depending on the Xiaomi model and MIUI version. Below are the key nuances for popular devices:
- 📱 Redmi Note 11/12 and POCO X4/5:
- 📱 Xiaomi 13/14 Mix Fold 2/3:
- 📱 Redmi 10A/9A budgetary models:
On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the Quick Access Point feature has been introduced, which allows you to turn on the Internet distribution directly from the notification panel (long-term press on the Access Point icon).
6. How to save traffic when giving out the Internet
Mobile Internet can quickly run out of traffic, especially if multiple devices are connected to your access point. Here are some ways to control data consumption:
- 📊 Limit speed for connected devices:
- 🔍 Block background traffic:
- ⏱️ Use a timer:
In the models with MIUI 13+ In the access point menu, the "Traffic Saving" function appears - it automatically compresses data for connected devices (analogue of Google Datally technology). → Saving traffic.
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7. Alternative ways of distributing the Internet
If standard methods do not work or are not available, you can use workarounds:
- 🌐 Internet distribution applications:
- 🔗 Bridge mode (for advanced):
- 📡 Use of the second SIM-slot:
Remember that using third-party Internet applications may violate your carrier’s rules. Check the tariff terms or contact support before installing them.