How to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi phone to your computer via USB: the complete guide

Modern smartphones Xiaomi and Redmi have powerful functionality, which often allows you to replace a full-fledged mobile router. USB-A modem is not just a way to access the network when Wi-Fi is not available, but also a solution for situations requiring maximum connection stability. USB Ensures less ping and no radio interference, which is critical for online gaming or video conferencing.

Unlike wireless transfer, which quickly lands the battery and heats the case, cable connection provides simultaneous charging of the device, which is especially true for owners of models with a smaller battery or long-term operation in access point mode. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate modem modem on MIUI and HyperOS smartphones, and also solve typical driver problems in the Windows environment.

Advantages of Wireless Connection over Wi-Fi Access Point

The switch to wired mode is justified primarily by the requirements for channel stability. Wi-Fi radio is affected by a variety of factors, from microwave ovens to neighboring routers operating at the same frequency. Cable connection eliminates the loss of data packets due to interference, providing predictable speeds.

In addition, USB-themed (as the modem mode is technically called) saves battery power. When working through Wi-Fi, the smartphone functions as a full-fledged transmitter, which causes the processor and communication module to heat up. When wired, the phone receives power from the computer, and the Wi-Fi module can be turned off programmatically if it is not used to receive the signal.

⚠️ Warning: With prolonged use of modem modem, the smartphone may get hot.Do not cover the device with a cloth and ensure air flow to the back, especially if you are simultaneously charging it from a powerful power supply.

Data security is also important: cable transmission makes it impossible to intercept signals from the air, which is important when dealing with sensitive corporate information in public places. USB provides a direct connection between two devices without the involvement of intermediate nodes.

Preparation of equipment and software

Before you start setting up, you need to make sure that the physical connection is working. Successfully activating the modem modem on Xiaomi will require a high-quality cable that can transmit data, not just charge the device. Cheap β€œcharging only” cables will not allow the computer to see the phone as a network device.

Basic drivers must be installed on the Windows side of the computer. Usually, the system automatically finds the software it needs when it first connects, but in rare cases, it may be necessary to manually install ADB drivers or Android SDK components. Check for operating system updates, as they often contain patches for network protocols.

β˜‘οΈ Checking before connection

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It’s also worth checking your mobile carrier’s plan in advance, some providers block or limit the speed of Internet distribution, while others may charge an additional fee to use your phone as a router, and make sure you have a tethering-enabled package.

Step-by-step: activation USB-Xiaomi modem

The process of turning on the Internet on Xiaomi smartphones is unified and takes less than a minute. First connect the device to the computer through the device. USB-After the connection on the smartphone screen will appear a notification about the charging mode β€” click on it and select the mode "Transfer files" or "MIUI", Although this is not always critical for a modem, the main thing is to establish a connection.

Next, you need to go to the system settings. Open the Settings menu, find the Connection and Sharing section (in some versions). MIUI It can be called "Access Point and Modem." In this menu, you'll see an item "USB-If the phone is connected correctly, this item will be active (not gray).

Path to the menu: Settings β†’ Connection and Sharing β†’ USB- Modem

Activate the switch opposite the inscription USB-The system can alert you that your current Wi-Fi connection will be severed if you use it for the Internet on your phone. On the computer in the tray (notification area) should appear icon of the new network connection, and in a few seconds the Internet will be available.

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If the switch USB-Modem is inactive (gray), try to replace USB-It's a cable that's original or quality, and often the problem is that there's no data link in the wire.

Network settings and settings in Windows

After successfully turning on the mode on the phone, Windows will recognize the new device as a network card. IP-address DNS-servers via protocol DHCP, It's built into Android. In most cases, you don't need to have any extra PC-side setup.

However, if the automatic setup didn't work, you can check the adapter settings. press Win + R, type in ncpa.cpl and press Enter. In the window that opens, find a connection that is usually called "Ethernet" with a number or smartphone icon. IPv4 It costs automatic receipt IP-address.

ParameterDefault valueRecommended value
Obtaining IPAutomatically.Automatically.
Obtaining DNSAutomatically.Automatically (or 8.8.8.8)
Interface metricAutomobile10 (for priority)

In some cases, especially on corporate computers with tight security policies, administrators may block the installation of new network drivers. If you see a device with an exclamation mark in Device Manager, you may need administrator rights to install the driver. RNDIS (Remote Network Driver Interface Specification).

πŸ“Š What problem do you have when connecting?
Can't see the phone.
No Internet on PCs
Low speed.
The phone's not charging.

Problem Solving: Drivers and Connection Errors

The most common problem when trying to distribute the Internet is that the computer does not see the phone or sees it only as a drive, in which case you need to go to Device Manager (right-click on Start and select the appropriate option), find the section "Network adapters" or "Other devices." If there is an unknown device with a yellow triangle, you need to update the drivers.

Try right-clicking on the device and select "Update driver" β†’ "Automatic Search. If that doesn't work, download Google's universal driver. USB Driver or drivers specifically for Xiaomi from the official website of the developers. Also helps to switch debugging mode on the site. USB.

⚠️ Attention: Including debugging by USB It opens up access to system commands. Don't keep it active all the time if you're connecting your phone to unfamiliar computers or public charging stations.

To enable debugging go to Settings β†’ About the phone and press 7 times on the build number MIUI, Then, in the Developer menu, activate Debugging by USB. After reconnecting, select the mode "USB-modem in the connection settings.

What to do if "No Internet access" burns?
If your computer sees the network but you don't have the Internet, try switching your phone from 5G to 4G/LTE in your mobile network settings. Sometimes carriers are better at routing traffic in the old standard.

Optimization of connection speed and stability

To get the most out of your connection, you should pay attention to the choice of USB-Put your smartphone in port. USB 3.0 (usually blue) or higher, although the modem's data rate is limited by mobile Internet speed, power stability and controller bandwidth USB 3.0 can reduce packet processing delays.

Close background apps that are heavily consuming traffic, such as cloud photo syncs or streaming services, to free up a channel for the main device, and make sure that the phone does not have a traffic saving mode that can artificially lower the connection speed for the PC.

To extend the battery life and ports, it is recommended to use a cable of sufficient length so that the phone is not in a strained state.The constant vibration from notifications or calls can shatter the USB connector on the phone or computer when used actively.

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Using a short quality cable and USB 3.0 port on your computer is the easiest way to minimize speed losses and ensure a stable connection.

Why the computer can't see USB-Xiaomi modem?
Most often, the reason is because of a cable that only supports charging: replace the wire with an original or certified MFi/USB-IF. The second reason is the lack of RNDIS drivers on Windows. The third reason is that the USB mode on the phone is set in Charging Only, you need to switch it when you connect.
Does it affect? USB-modem for mobile Internet speed?
The modem modem itself does not cut speed, but adds minimal overhead to encryption and transfer data through the USB interface. However, if the phone overheats, the processor can reset frequencies, which will lead to a drop in packet processing speed and, as a result, lower Internet speed.
Can I transfer Wi-Fi via USB to my computer?
Technically, you distribute the Internet received over Wi-Fi, through USB-The phone acts as a bridge, but if you want to send a Wi-Fi signal from your phone to your computer, it's through a bridge. USB-Adapter, this is not possible with standard Android tools, because USB-Phone ports can not work in the mode of client Wi-Fi adapter for PC.
Does the operator charge an additional fee for USB-modem?
It depends on the tariff. The operator sees the type of device (TTL-Many modern tariffs "no limit" have a limit on the distribution of traffic (tethering), after which the speed is cut to 64 or 128 kbit / s.