How to distribute mobile Internet with Xiaomi Redmi 9 to your computer through USB: full guide 2026

Connecting the Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphone as a USB-A modem is a reliable way to distribute mobile Internet to a computer without using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This method is especially relevant when you need to save battery power, avoid problems with wireless network interference or provide a stable connection for online games, video calls or downloading large files, USB-The connection consumes less power and often provides a higher data rate.

However, many users face difficulties: Windows does not recognize the device, drivers are not installed automatically, or the connection is constantly broken. In this article, we will discuss not only the basic settings, but also the solutions to typical problems that are relevant to Redmi. 9 base MIUI 12/13/14 modern versions Windows/Linux. We will pay special attention to optimizing the speed and security of the connection.

If you have previously tried to set up the distribution of the Internet through USB And we've had some errors -- don't be quick to blame the smartphone. 80 percent of the time, the problem is with the settings of the computer's operating system or the driver conflict. V12.5.3.0.RJCMIXM and newer, so the instruction is guaranteed to work for current versions of the software.

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1.Phone Preparation: Turn on modem modem

Before connecting to the computer, the function must be activated. USB-The modem in the Xiaomi Redmi 9 settings.This process takes less than a minute, but there are a few nuances that you should know about in advance.

Open the Settings menu → SIM-Maps and mobile networks. Choose active networks here. SIM-map (if there are two) and make sure that mobile data is enabled. then go to Access Point and modem (in some versions) MIUI It can be called modem modem. Activate the switch in front of the point. USB-modem.

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Note: If optional USB-The modem is inactive (grey), check if the phone is connected to the computer through the original modem. USB-Cheap, uncertified cables often don't support data transmission, only working to charge.

After activation of the mode on the phone screen will appear notification USB-The modem is on. You can now connect the cable to the computer. MIUI Additional permission confirmation may be required – allow access if a request appears.

Connected mobile data on the phone

Used by the original USB-cable (or certified cable)

Regime on. USB-modem

The phone is allowed access to USB-Debugging (optional, to troubleshoot problems)-->

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2. Computer configuration: drivers and network parameters

When a phone is connected to a PC, the operating system must automatically recognize it as a network device, but in practice, this doesn't always work. 10/11 and Linux distributions.

For Windows:

1. Connect Redmi 9 to your computer via USB.

2. Open Device Manager (click Win) + X → select the appropriate item).

3.A new device should appear in the Network Adapters section – usually called Remote. NDIS Internet based Sharing Device or contains the word Xiaomi.

4. If a yellow exclamation point is displayed next to the device, right-click on it and select Update driver → Automatic search.

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Warning: Windows 7 and older Windows 10 builds may require manual driver installation RNDIS. Download it from Microsoft’s official website or use the Mi utility PC Suite (but note that this software often conflicts with modern versions) MIUI).

For Linux (Ubuntu/Debian derivative):

In most distributions, drivers for USB-The modems are already built into the core, but sometimes you need to adjust it:

sudo modprobe usbnet


sudo ifconfig usb0 up




sudo dhclient usb0

If the connection is not established, check the output of the dmesg command. | grep usb – there must be displayed the connection logs of the Xiaomi device.

Windows 10/11

Linux (Ubuntu, Mint, etc.)

macOS

other-->

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3. Connection problems: diagnostics and solutions

Even with the right setup of the phone and the computer, the connection may not work. TOP-5 The reasons and ways to eliminate them, relevant for Redmi 9 in 2026.

1 The computer does not see the phone as a modem.

• 🔌 Check the cable: try another one USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0) or cable from another device.
• 📱 On your phone, go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB (If the option is hidden, tap 7 times on the Assembly Number in the About Phone section).
• 🖥️ In Windows, temporarily disable the firewall and antivirus – they can block a new network device.

2. the connection is established, but the Internet is not working

• 🌐 Make sure that your phone has mobile data enabled for the correct SIM-cards (if two of them).
• 📶 Check the balance and tariff: some operators block the distribution of Internet (tethering) on cheap rates.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone and computer – it resets network settings.

3. Low connection speed

If the speed is USB lower than when directly connected to 4G, Follow the following steps:

1. Disable all background apps on your phone that consume traffic (such as updates or cloud services).
2. In Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks select network mode 4G (LTE) — This will turn off the automatic switch to 3G/2G.
3. On your computer, disable other network connections (Wi-Fi, Ethernet) to avoid routing conflicts.

Table: Frequent errors and their codes

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4. Manual tuning IP and DNS steady-work

If automatic network settings (DHCP) They don't work, you can set the parameters manually, and this is true for corporate networks, or when the provider uses non-standard gateways.

For Windows:

1. Open the Control Panel → Network connections.

2. Find an Ethernet connection or Network Connection via USB, right-click → Properties.

3. Choose. IP version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties.

4. Set the following parameters (if it does not help - check with the operator):

IP- Address: 192.168.42.2


Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0




Main lock: 192.168.42.129




DNS: 8.8.8.8 (or 1.1.1.1)

For Linux:

Edit the file. /etc/network/interfaces (Use nmtui in modern distributions):

auto usb0


iface usb0 inet static




address 192.168.42.2




netmask 255.255.255.0




gateway 192.168.42.129




dns-nameservers 8.8.8.8

A critical nuance for Redmi 9: If you are using a double SIM-map, with manual adjustment IP Please specify the gateway for that purpose. SIM, It's a service that distributes the Internet, and you can find it in the settings. APN (Path: Settings → SIM-map → [choose SIM] → Access points (APN)). ipconfig /release → ipconfig /renew. This will reset the network settings cache.-->

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5. Optimization of connection speed and safety

USB-modem 9 speed-proof 150-200 Mbps with a good signal 4G, But by default, it's often limited. Here's how to make it bigger:

1. Turn off background processes on the phone:

• 📴 Enable Flight Mode, then manually activate only mobile data.
• ⚙️ In Settings → Applications suspend the work of messengers and social networks.
• 🔄 Turn off automatic sync (Google, Mi Cloud).

2. Set the priority of traffic on the computer:

In Windows, open the settings. → Network and Internet → Additional network parameters → Adapter parameters. Right-click on USB-connection → Properties → Set up → Set Speed & Duplex to 100 Mbps Full Duplex (if available).

Safety:

• 🔒 Set the password on SIM-map (PIN-code) to prevent unauthorized use of traffic.
• 🛡️ On your computer, turn on the firewall and check connected devices in a Networked Environment.
• 📡 Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi at the same time USB-The modem creates vulnerabilities.

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Use of the USB-modem instead of Wi-Fi hotspot reduces the battery consumption of the phone 30-40% due to the absence of transmitter radiation.

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6. Alternative methods of Internet distribution

If USB-The modem is not suitable for some reason, consider other options for connecting Redmi 9 to your computer:

1. Wi-Fi hotspot

Quick and convenient, but consumes the battery of the phone. → Access Point and modem → Wi-Fi hotspot. Cons: limit on the number of connected devices (usually) 5-8) and possible interference.

2. Bluetooth modem

Power efficient Wi-Fi, but speeds rarely exceed 10-15 Mbit/s. Suitable for small file transfers or email work. Included in Settings → Devices → Bluetooth (on phone and computer).

3. reverse tethering (Reverse Tethering)

If you want to share the Internet from computer to phone (rather than vice versa), use applications like ClockworkMod Tether or adb reverse, which is true when your PC has a wired connection and your phone doesn't have a mobile network.

Comparison of distribution methods:

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7. Solving specific problems with Xiaomi Redmi 9

Redmi 9 based on the MediaTek Helio processor G80 features of the work with USB-modems that do not occur on smartphones with Snapdragon. Here are the most common pitfalls":

1. Mistake "USB-device not identified"

Reason: MediaTek and Qualcomm drivers conflict (if other phones were previously connected) Solution:

• Remove all devices marked Qualcomm in Device Manager.
• Download the MediaTek Preloader driver USB VCOM from the official website and install manually.

2. the connection is working, but the speed does not exceed 50 Mbit / s

It's a firmware restriction. MIUI for some regions:

• Install Global. ROM China ROM (via Mi Flash Tool).
• Use the NetSpeed Indicator app to monitor real speed.

3.The phone overheats with a long handout

Redmi 9 is prone to overheating due to plastic case.

• Remove the cover while working in modem modem.
• Use a cooling stand or fan.
• Limit your maximum charge to 80% (in battery settings).

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FAQ: Frequent questions on USB-modem 9