Distributing the Internet from Xiaomi Redmi to a computer through USB: complete + mistake-making

Modern smartphones Xiaomi Redmi allow you to use mobile Internet on a computer without a router – enough USB-This is a method called cable. USB-Tetering is more stable than Wi-Fi: no signal loss, lower battery consumption, and speed is limited only by the possibilities of your tariff. Windows does not see the connection, drivers are not installed, or the speed is lower than expected.

In this article, we will discuss all the stages of configuration, from turning on modem modem on Redmi to solving typical errors. MIUI, blockable USB-Tetering, and alternative ways of connecting if the standard method doesn't work, you'll also learn how to check the real data rate and why some mobile operators limit this feature.

If you are using Xiaomi Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 Or newer models, the instructions will be the same. 4X or Redmi 5) Additional steps may be needed, we will consider them too.

What is it? USB-Tethering and why it is better than Wi-Fi

USB-Tetering is a mode in which the smartphone turns into a USB-A modem that transmits mobile internet to a computer via cable, and unlike Wi-Fi, this method has several key advantages:

• 🔋 Saving battery power: when connected by USB The phone is charged from the computer, not wasting energy on maintaining a Wi-Fi network.
• 📶 Stable signal: no interference from other devices, as in the case of Wi-Fi, where the speed may drop due to congestion of the channel.
• 🛡️ Security: Cable connection is harder to intercept than wireless network.
• 🚀 Less delays: ping at USB-Connectivity is usually lower, which is important for online gaming or video calls.

But there are downsides, too. For example, some mobile operators are blocking. USB-Tetering (especially on unlimited rates) or speed limits. You may also have problems with drivers on older versions of Windows or macOS.

Comparison of Internet distribution methods:

* Maximum speed depends on support USB 3.0 on a smartphone and PC, as well as from the capabilities of the mobile network (4G/5G).

Preparation of the smartphone Xiaomi Redmi to USB-tetering

Before connecting, you need to follow several mandatory steps on the phone itself, and skipping any of them can cause the computer to not see the Internet connection.

1. Check the availability of mobile Internet

Make sure on your smartphone:

• 📶 Mobile Internet enabled (Icon) 4G/5G/LTE status-line).
• 📱 No traffic restrictions (check in Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Traffic).
• 🔄 Absent active VPN-Connections (they can block tethering).

2. Unlock the developer (if required)

On some firmware MIUI USB-The tethering is turned off by default to activate it:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click on MIUI Version 7 times until the notification “You are a developer!” appears.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the option. USB-debug and turn it on.

3. Update firmware MIUI

On the old versions. MIUI (a) below 12) errors may occur with USB-Tethering, to renew:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates and install the latest version.

Mobile Internet enabled|Developer mode unlocked|On. USB-debugging|Updated firmware MIUI|Disabled. VPN energy-saving-->

Step-by-step adjustment USB-Tetering on Xiaomi Redmi

Now, let's get to the main process. The instructions are suitable for all Redmi models. MIUI 12/13/14.

Step 1 Connect the phone to the computer

Use the original. USB-cable (or certified with data support) connect it to USB-port on PC (preferably) USB 3.0 for maximum speed).

Step 2: Select the data transfer mode

When you connect on the phone screen, a notification will appear “Charging through” USB". Slip it and pick it:

File Transfer (MTP)

Note: on some models (Redmi Note 8 Pro, Redmi) 9T) You may need to select No Data Transfer first and then enable tetering.

Step 3. Activate. USB-tetering

Go to:

Settings → Access Point and modem → USB- modem

Turn on the switch. The notification will appear on the screen "USB-tethering on".

Step 4: Check the connection on your computer

On Windows:

1. Open the Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network Management Center.
2. Check for a new connection "Network connection through" USB".

On macOS/Linux:

1. Open the terminal and enter: ifconfig | grep "usb"
2. The usbx interface (where x is the number) should be displayed.

💡

If the computer can't see the connection, try restarting the phone with the cable connected. Sometimes it drops the bugs. USB-port.

Solving problems with USB-tetering on Xiaomi Redmi

Even with the right setup, there can be errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

1.The computer cannot see. USB-modem

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 The problem with the cable/port: try another one USB-cable or port (preferably) USB 3.0 blue).
• 🖥️ There are no drivers: download MIUI USB Driver and install manually through Device Manager.
• 📱 Lockdown MIUI: On some firmware you need to include in Developers to enable debugging by USB (security parameters) and allow location simulation.

2. no access to the Internet when actively connected

Possible causes:

• 🌐 Operator blocks tethering: check the tariff conditions or use VPN on the phone (e.g. 1.1.1.1).
• 🔄 Conflict IP: manually IP-range 192.168.42.x (mask 255.255.255.0).
• 🛡️ Firewall Blocks: Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Add an Exception for Network Connection.

3.Slow Internet speed

If the speed is lower than expected:

• 📶 Check the signal level of the mobile network (in Settings) → SIM-map → Network signal).
• 🔌 Connect the cable to the port USB 3.0 (usually blue).
• 📵 Turn off background apps on your phone that consume traffic (such as auto-update apps).

Alternative ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi Redmi

If USB-Tethering does not work or is blocked by the operator, try other methods.

1. Reverse Tethering (reverse tethering)

It allows you to use the Internet of the computer on the phone, but in our case you can adapt the scheme:

• 🔄 Install ClockworkMod Tether on PC (required) ADB).
• 📱 Turn it on on the phone. USB-Debugging and connect to the PC.
• 🖥️ Start the command on the computer: adb reverse tcp:8080 tcp:8080

Cons: complex configuration, requires developer rights.

2. Distribution via Bluetooth

It is less stable, but it works if USB not available:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and PC.
2. Connect devices to Settings → Bluetooth.
3. On your phone, go to Settings → Access Point and modem → Bluetooth modem.

3. Use of third-party applications

Applications like NetShare or PdaNet+ They may be subject to operator restrictions, but require:

• 🔓 Root-rights (on some firmware).
• 💻 Installation of drivers on PC.

💡

If USB-Tethering is blocked by the operator, the most reliable way is to use the VPN It's on the phone before the modem is turned on.

How to check the speed USB-tetering and optimizing connection

To make sure that the connection is running at maximum speed, follow the following steps:

1. Speed test

Use services like Speedtest or Fast.com, run the test directly on a computer connected via a computer. USB.

2. Optimization of settings MIUI

Some firmwares have a default speed limit, to remove the limit:

1. Enable Developer Mode (as described above).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Find the option to limit background traffic and turn it off.
4. In the same menu, enable Network Aggregation (if available).

3.Configure Windows for maximum speed

On Windows 10/11 PC:

1. Open Control Panel → Power supply → Setup of power supply circuit → Change additional parameters.
2. Find the settings. USB → Temporary shutdown parameter USB-port and establish the forbidden.

4.Verification USB-port

Connect the cable to different ports:

• 🔵 USB 3.0 (blue connector) - maximum speed.
• ⚫ USB 2.0 (black connector) - speed limited ~480 Mbps.

💡

If the speed is below 10 Mbps, try turning it off. USB-It's a debugging feature in the developer's settings, and sometimes it conflicts with tethering.

Safety in use USB-tetering

Distribution of the Internet through USB It creates a direct connection between the phone and the computer, which can be a security risk:

1. Protection against unauthorized access

• 🔒 Always lock your phone screen when connecting to someone else’s PC (use it) PIN print).
• 🚫 Turn it off. USB-tethering when it is not needed.

2. Prevention of malware transmission

• 🛡️ On your phone, turn on Google Play Protection (Settings) → Google → Security).
• 🖥️ On PC, use an antivirus with verification USB-Devices (such as Kaspersky or Bitdefender).

3. Traffic control

• 📊 Install a traffic monitoring app on your phone (like GlassWire or NetGuard).
• 📵 Limit the background activity of applications in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Data data.

⚠️ Warning: When connecting to a public PC (such as an internet cafe) turn off USB-Debugging and only Charging mode, which will prevent access to your phone data.

FAQ: Frequent questions on USB-Tethering on Xiaomi Redmi