Why? USB-Internet distribution is better than Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
When you urgently need to connect a laptop or PC to the network, and the router is not at hand, the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone becomes a lifeline. USB-Connectivity is often a better choice than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?
First, the speed of data transmission through USB-cable is 2-3 times higher than wireless cables, especially if your Redmi supports the standard. USB 3.0 or USB-C. Secondly, a cable connection doesn't eat up battery power as much as a Wi-Fi hotspot, which is critical if there's no outlet nearby, USB-Connection is more stable: walls, interference from other devices and distance do not affect the signal, unlike wireless technologies.
But there are nuances: Not all Xiaomi Redmi models are immediately recognized by Windows as a modem, and in some cases, you need to manually configure the drivers, and then we will take a Step-by-step to avoid typical errors and make everything work the first time.
What Xiaomi Redmi models support USB-distribution?
Function USB-The modem is available on all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones released after 2018, but there are important differences in implementation:
- 📱 Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/11: support USB Tethering "out of the box", speed up 300 Mbit/s (limited by port capacity).
- 📱 Redmi K40/K50, POCO X3/X4: Extended modem settings, the ability to select mode RNDIS or ECM (linux-worthy).
- ⚠️ Redmi 8A/7A Older models: may require manual installation of drivers on Windows 7/8.
To check support on your device, go to Settings → Connections and sharing → Modem mode, if the points USB-No modem - update the firmware MIUI Up to the latest version (instruction below).
| Model | Support USB-modem | Max. speed (Mbps) | Are drivers required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 12 Pro+ | Yes. | 450 | No (Windows 10/11) |
| Redmi 10C | Yes. | 150 | Yes (for Windows 7) |
| POCO F4 | Yes. | 500 | No. |
| Redmi 9A | Yes (after update) | 100 | Yes. |
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ function USB-The modem can lock when the battery is low (less than 20%). Connect the smartphone to charge before setting up.
Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on USB-modem on Xiaomi Redmi
Before connecting, make sure that:
Mobile Internet on a smartphone is enabled
USB-The cable is good (check on charging)
On the PC installed drivers for Xiaomi
Disabled. VPN/computer proxy-->
Now follow the instructions:
- Connect Xiaomi Redmi to your computer through the original USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).
- On the smartphone will appear notification Charge via USB – tap it.
- Select File Transfer Mode (MTP) or USB-modem (if there is one). If there is no second one, move on to the next step.
- Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Modem Modem.
- Activate the switch. USB-The modem will show a key icon in the status bar.
- On your computer, check the connection: in Windows, open Control Panel → Network Connections. A new Ethernet or Remote NDIS connection should appear.
If the internet doesn’t work immediately:
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and PC.
- 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0 blue).
- 📥 Install the drivers manually (link to official Xiaomi drivers in the next section).
💡
After the connection USB-Modem is missing mobile Internet on the phone, turn on the mode Only 4G/5G customized SIM-Some operators block distribution when active 3G
Solving the Problem: Why It Doesn’t Work USB-distribution?
Even if you do everything according to the instructions, you can make mistakes, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The computer does not see the phone as a modem | There are no RNDIS drivers | Install MIUI Driver or upgrade to Windows |
| There is a connection, but there is no internet. | Locking the operator | Call the operator and activate the option “Distribute the Internet” (MTS, Beeline can be paid) |
| Very low speed (<10 Mbps) | USB 2.0 or a damaged cable | Use the cable from the kit and the USB 3.0 port |
| Phone overheats | Active data transfer + charging | Turn off fast charging in MIUI settings |
If Windows is not detecting an error, the RNDIS device is not identified:
- Download the drivers from the official Xiaomi website (Support → Drivers section).
- Open Device Manager (Win + X keys).
- Find a device with a yellow exclamation point, right-click → Update the driver → Search on this computer.
- Specify the path to the downloaded drivers and wait for the installation.
⚠️ Note: MacOS or Linux laptops may require additional network setup. In Ubuntu, install the usb-modeswitch command: sudo apt install usb-modeswitch
How to speed up the Internet when USB-distribution?
USB connection speed depends on three factors: cable, port, and network settings. Here's how to maximize performance:
- 🚀 Use it. USB-C cable USB 3.1 (SuperSpeed marking)+ packed).
- 📶 In the settings MIUI Select Only. 4G/5G Instead of Auto (path: Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Type of network).
- 🔧 Turn off Windows background updates and antivirus (they may limit speed).
- 📊 Check the speed on speedtest.net – if it is below 50 Mbps, the problem is in the operator or coverage.
For advanced users:
If you are connected to Redmi via USB and see in Remote NDIS Device Manager, try force ECM (more stable protocol) mode.
- Open the Registry Editor (Win + R → regedit).
- Cross the path. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4d36e972-e325-11ce-bfc1-08002be10318}.
- Find the *NdisDeviceType option and change the value to 1.
- Restart the PC.
💡
On Xiaomi Redmi with MIUI 13+ There is a hidden option “Optimization” USB-To enable it, type the Phone code ##4636##, then select Battery Information. → Menu (three dots) → USB-optimization
Alternative ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi Redmi
If USB-Distribution is not working or uncomfortable, consider other options:
- 📶 Wi-Fi Hotspot: Faster setup but battery consumption. → Connections → Access Point. Minus: limit on the number of connected devices (usually 5-8).
- 🔵 Bluetooth: suitable for small data volumes (up to 3 Mbps) → Bluetooth then Connect as an access point.
- 🔌 Reverse Tethering: Transferring the Internet from PC to phone (reverse modem) requires root rights or ADB-team.
Comparison of methods:
| Method | Speed. | Battery consumption | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB-modem | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (up to 500 Mbps) | ⭐ (minimum) | ⭐⭐ (Drivers may be needed) |
| Wi-Fi hotspot | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (up to 200 Mbps) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (squander) | ⭐ (2-click) |
| Bluetooth | ⭐ (up to 3 Mbps) | ⭐⭐ (moderate) | ⭐⭐ (You need a couple of devices) |
For gaming PCs or downloading large files USB-The modem is the best choice. If you want to connect a tablet or a second phone, it's easier to use Wi-Fi.
How to distribute Internet from a PC on Xiaomi Redmi?
Security: How to protect data when USB-distribution?
Connecting your smartphone to your computer via USB opens up potential risks:
- 🔓 Unauthorized File Access: If a PC has malware installed, it can copy data from the phone.
- 📡 Traffic interception: When using public networks (such as in a cafe), traffic from the phone can be tapped.
- 🔋 Overheating and battery wear: long-term distribution of the Internet + charging accelerates battery degradation.
How to minimize the risks:
- Before connecting to someone else’s PC, turn off file transfer in the USB settings (Charge only).
- Use a VPN on your phone (like ProtonVPN or Warp from Cloudflare) to encrypt traffic.
- Set a password on the Wi-Fi hotspot, even if you use USB (in case of accidental turn on the handout).
- Control the temperature of the phone: if the case is heated above 45 ° C, turn off the modem for 10-15 minutes.
⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff) block work when active. USB-If you need to confirm payment, temporarily turn off the modem.