A modern smartphone, especially Xiaomi’s flagship, often becomes the only source of Internet for a laptop or tablet, and it can be a situation of disconnecting the provider at home, urgent work in the park or a trip to the country where there is no wired connection, in which case the traffic distribution function turns your gadget into a full-fledged mobile router.
The interface of the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS can be different from standard Android, which sometimes causes difficulties for users. Settings can be hidden in non-obvious menus, and the names of functions can vary depending on the region of the firmware.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the available data transfer methods in detail, learn how to set up a Wi-Fi hotspot with maximum range, how to use a cable for a stable connection without losing speed, and even how to distribute the Internet over Bluetooth in emergency cases, and also touch on important nuances of security and battery saving.
Preparation of the smartphone and checking the settings of the mobile network
Before you activate the modem modem, you need to make sure that the smartphone itself correctly receives the Internet from the operator. 4G/LTE The handout will not work properly or will not start at all. Check the indicators at the top of the screen, where the H icons should be displayed.+, 4G or 5G.
Go to the mobile network settings and make sure that data transfer is activated. Sometimes operators require manual settings of APN access points if the Internet does not work automatically. For most large providers in Russia and the CIS, the settings are set by themselves, but roaming or using virtual operators may require intervention.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure your plan doesn't run out of traffic. Internet to laptops consume data very quickly, and you may suddenly be out of touch at a critical moment.
It's also worth checking your account balance. Some operators block access points on unlimited Internet or charge a separate subscription fee. On unlimited-traffic tariffs, operators often limit speed or block distribution to other devices at the network level, a technical limitation that cannot be circumvented by phone settings.
Creating a Wi-Fi hotspot for Xiaomi
The most popular and convenient way is to create a wireless network. Your Xiaomi phone will broadcast a signal that laptops, tablets and other smartphones can connect to. To begin, go to the settings menu and find the Wi-Fi Access Point section. In some versions of the firmware, it is located on the Settings path → Connection and Sharing → Wi-Fi Access Point.
In the menu that opens, you first click on the network name to give it a clear name. By default, it may indicate the model name, for example, Xiaomi 13 or Redmi Note 12. Better rename the network to easily find it in the list of available connections on other devices.
Next, you need to set a strong password. Use a combination of letters and numbers at least 8 characters long. The type of encryption is recommended to keep WPA2 PSK, as it provides the best compatibility with older devices and a sufficient level of protection. The newer WPA3 standard may not be supported by some laptops.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
Once you have set the settings, move the switch at the top of the screen to the active position, a notification will appear on the smartphone screen about how many devices are connected to your network, you can at any time look at the list of connected customers and, if necessary, lock unknown devices.
Frequency range setting and speed maximization
The access point menu on Xiaomi smartphones has an important setting hidden – “Access Point Frequency Range.” The default is often the 2.4 GHz band, which provides wide coverage but has limited speed and is subject to interference from neighboring routers and microwave ovens.
For modern devices that support the 5 GHz standard, it is recommended to switch to this range, which will allow you to achieve a maximum data rate close to that shown by the smartphone itself in speed tests, but it is worth remembering that the 5 GHz signal range is smaller and the walls it overcomes worse.
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If the laptop doesn't see the network the phone created, try changing the frequency range from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz in the AP settings. Old network adapters may not support the new standard.
You can also set up a shutdown timer in this section, and the "Switch off hotspot" feature allows you to automatically stop your Internet distribution if no one is connected to it for 1, 5 or 10 minutes, a useful option to save battery power, since a running Wi-Fi module in broadcast mode consumes a lot of power.
There's another hidden possibility, which is to set the maximum number of connected devices, so you can limit the number of gadgets so you don't overload the phone's processor and the communication channel, and you'd normally default to a 10 device limit, but for personal use, you'd better set it to 1-3.
Distribution of the Internet through USB-cable
Wired connection is often underestimated, but it provides the most stable connection with minimal delays (ping), it is ideal for stationary work behind a laptop, when not only speed but also reliability of connection, for example, when video calls or online games are important.
To activate this mode, connect your smartphone to your computer or laptop using high-quality USB-It's important to use an original cable or a certified analogue that can transmit data, not just charge the device. Cheap "charging only" cables won't work.
After connecting the cable in the menu of the access point will be an active point «USB-If it's gray, check the cable or try another one. USB-When you press the switch, the system can request confirmation or automatically install the required drivers.
| Parameter | Wi-Fi handout | USB-modem | Bluetooth modem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | High (depending on range) | Maximum (stable) | Low. |
| Battery consumption | High-pitched | Low (charging in) | Medium. |
| Number of devices | 10. | 1 (computer) | 1 (device) |
| Stability | Medium | Tall. | Low. |
In the case of USB-The modem phone is charged simultaneously by the computer, which solves the problem of quick discharge. The computer recognizes the connection as a new wired network (Ethernet), and the Internet will appear automatically, without the need to enter a password.
Using Bluetooth to Transfer Data
Although this method is considered obsolete due to low speed, it can save in an emergency situation when the Wi-Fi module is damaged and the speed is not very good. USB-There's no cable on hand, and the speed of the Bluetooth transmission is rarely higher. 1-2 Mbit / s, which is enough only to send messages in messengers or load light pages.
To set up, you must first pair your Xiaomi phone with the receiving device (laptop or other phone) via the standard Bluetooth menu. Make sure the devices see each other and the confirmation code matches on both screens.
After successfully pairing on a Xiaomi smartphone, activate the “Bluetooth modem” option in the Access Point and Modem menu. On the receiving device in the Bluetooth list, select your phone and click “Connect through” → “Access Point.” The connection installation process can take up to 30 seconds.
Why is Bluetooth Modem Slow?
Solving and eliminating connection errors
Users often experience a situation where the access point is created, but the Internet on connected devices does not work, and one of the most common causes is a malfunction of the operating system's network services, in which case a simple restart of communication modules helps.
Try to turn on the flight mode (Avia mode) 10-15 It'll force the phone to re-register in the operator's network and update it. IP-If that doesn't work, check if the traffic restriction in the access point settings is worth it.
⚠️ Warning: If connected devices write "No Internet access", check the date and time on your smartphone. Incorrect system time can cause security certificate errors and block the connection.
Another problem is that the phone can't see the connected devices or they can't find the network, so in the AP settings, look for "Hide the device" and make sure it's turned off, and change the Wi-Fi channel manually if there's too many neighboring networks on the air.
Safety and battery saving
Turning your phone into a router opens up potential input for external connections. Never leave the hotspot open (without a password). An attacker, once connected to your network, can intercept the data being transmitted or use your connection for illegal activities.
Make sure to use WPA2 encryption and a complex password. Check the list of connected users in the access point menu regularly. If you see an unfamiliar device, immediately change the password and block access.
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The access point mode significantly increases the load on the battery. Use the original charger for long-term operation and do not cover the phone with a cloth to avoid overheating.
To minimize your energy consumption, reduce the brightness of the screen or turn it off when the handout is active, and turn off background updates for applications that are not needed at the moment. Remember that when you are actively using 4G/5G and the Wi-Fi module is running on the transmission, the phone can get noticeably warmer — this is a normal physical process, but temperature control is necessary.