Distribution of the Internet from Xiaomi to a laptop via USB: full instructions with nuances

Modern smartphones Xiaomi on the basis MIUI function USB-A modem that allows mobile internet to be used on a laptop without Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which is especially relevant in situations where you need to save battery power (compared to a Wi-Fi hotspot) or where you need a stable connection without interference. However, many users face problems when setting up – from the lack of an option in the menu to connection errors on PC.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways of activation. USB-Xiaomi modem, including hidden settings for older versions MIUI, Resolving typical errors (e.g, NDIS-Error 10 in Windows) and alternative methods for devices with locked functions. MIUI 14+, where the switching algorithm has changed.

If you’ve previously tried to share the internet via USB and received a message like “Connection is restricted” or “No Internet access” – there’s a separate section in the article to diagnose such problems, and we’ve also tested the method on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Lite with the latest firmware updates (at the time of 2026).

1. Preparation of Xiaomi smartphone for the distribution of the Internet

Before activation USB-The modem must follow several mandatory steps, and skipping any of them can cause connection failures or complete absence of the option in the settings.

✅ Check the plan: many mobile operators block Internet distribution at cheap rates. Check with the operator whether your tariff supports modem connection function. For example, MTS has an Internet for devices option, Beeline has a Modem access option».

✅ Update the firmware: on versions MIUI over 12.5 option USB-The modem may be missing or not running smoothly. Update the system through Settings → The phone. → Update MIUI. If there are no updates, check the firmware region (should match yours). SIM-card).

Turn on mobile internet (3G/4G/5G)

Check the balance and tariff for modem access

Update MIUI to the latest version

Connect the original USB-cable (do not damage the connector!)

Shut down. VPN and a proxy on the phone-->

⚠️ Note: if you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the feature USB-The modem may be missing due to lack of drivers RNDIS. In this case, you will need to manually install the core modules.

2. Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on USB-modem

The standard activation algorithm is the same for most Xiaomi models, but there are nuances for different versions of MIUI.

For MIUI 12-14 (relevant to 90% of devices):

1. Connect your smartphone to the original laptop USB-cable (preferably from the set).
2. Unlock the screen and in the notification panel select the connection mode – File Transfer (MTP).
3. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
4. Activate the switch. USB-modem (on some models, the option is called the modem «USB-web-based»).
5. On the laptop, wait for the driver installation (in Windows, a notification may appear about the configuration of a new network device).

For MIUI 11 and older (outdated models):

On firmware older MIUI 12 option USB-The modem can be hidden to unlock it:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and select the notification panel USB-modem (if the option is available).

⚠️ Note: if after connecting on the laptop there is an error NDIS 10 (in Device Manager), which means driver RNDIS Download it from the official Xiaomi website or use the universal Google package USB Driver.

3. Set up a laptop to work with the USB-modem Xiaomi

Even if your smartphone is properly distributing the Internet, there may be connectivity issues on the laptop side, and consider typical scenarios for Windows 10/11 and macOS.

For Windows:

• 🔌 Check the network adapter: Open Device Manager (Win)+X) and find the Remote device in the “Network adapters” section NDIS. If there is an exclamation mark nearby - update the driver manually.
• 🌐 Set up network settings: go to Settings → Network and Internet → Ethernet and make sure the connection is active. If necessary, click "Troubleshooting».
• 🔒 Disable Firewall: Temporarily deactivate the built-in Windows Firewall and antivirus – they can block a new connection.

For macOS:

• 🍎 Install HoRNDIS driver: macOS does not support by default RNDIS. Download the driver from the official website and follow the installation instructions.
• 🔄 Reboot the system: after installing the driver, restart the Mac and reconnect the smartphone.
• 📡 Check your network settings: Open System settings → Network and make sure that a new connection is made USB Ethernet.

Critical information: on Linux laptops (Ubuntu, Mint, etc.) USB-Xiaomi modem works out of the box without additional drivers, but you may need to manually configure the network interface via the terminal (sudo dhclient command). usb0).

Windows 10/11

macOS (MacBook/iMac)

Linux (Ubuntu, Mint, etc.)

ChromeOS

Other-->

4. alternative ways of distributing the Internet, if USB-The modem is not working.

If the standard method didn't work, try one of the alternatives, which are less convenient, but often saves you in critical situations.

Method 1: Distribution via ADB (for advanced users)

If you're optional USB-The modem is not in the settings, it can be forced to activate via Android Debug Bridge (ADB):

adb shell


settings put global tether_dun_required 0




settings put global tether_entitlement_check_enabled 0

After completing the commands, restart the phone and check for the option in the menu.

Method 2: Using Apps to Bypass Restrictions

Some apps from Google Play allow you to distribute the Internet bypassing the operator’s blocking:

• 📱 PdaNet+ — supportive USB-modem even on blocked tariffs (requires the driver to be installed on PC).
• 🔗 ClockworkMod Tether is an alternative to older versions of Android.
• 🚀 NetShare – does not require root, but only works on some Xiaomi models.

Method 3: Distribute via Bluetooth (if USB is not available)

If USB-Smartphone port damaged, you can use Bluetooth modem:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and laptop.
2. Connect the devices in Bluetooth settings.
3. On your phone, open Settings → Access Point and modem → Bluetooth modem.
4. On a laptop in the Bluetooth panel, select a network connection via a smartphone.

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If neither method works, try resetting the network settings on your smartphone: Settings → Network & Internet → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth. This often solves the problems with modem connectivity.

5. Typical errors and their solutions

When distributing the Internet via USB, Xiaomi users most often face the following problems:

⚠️ Attention: if after connection USB-The modem on the phone appears notification “Connection” USB "limited" means that the operator has detected modem traffic, in which case only a change in tariff or use will help. VPN on a smartphone (e.g. 1.1.1.1 from Cloudflare).

Comparison USB-modem with other ways of distributing the Internet

USB-A modem isn't the only way to share mobile internet with a laptop. Let's look at the pros and cons of each method:

• 🔌 USB-modem: ✅ Minimum battery consumption (phone charged from laptop). ✅ Stable connection without interference. ❌ Requires cable and drivers.
• 📶 Wi-Fi hotspot: ✅ It works wirelessly. ✅ You can connect several devices. ❌ Fast-planting battery. ❌ Speed can drop with a weak signal.
• 🔵 Bluetooth modem: ✅ Low energy consumption. ✅ It works without cables. ❌ Very low speed up to 3 Mbps). ❌ Unstable connection.

When to choose USB-modem:

• 💻 You need maximum speed for downloading files or streaming.
• 🔋 It is important to keep the battery of the phone.
• 🏠 You are in a zone with a weak Wi-Fi signal.

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USB-The modem is the best choice for long-term work, when stability and charge saving are important.

7. Optimization of speed and safety in the USB-modem

To get the best speed and protect your data when you distribute your internet via USB, follow these tips:

How to increase speed:

• 📶 Switch to the switch. 5G or 4G+: Open the settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network type and select the most accessible standard.
• 📍 Change location: even a small movement can improve signal.Use Network Cell Info Lite app to analyze coverage.
• 🔧 Turn off background apps: Close all programs that consume traffic on your phone (e.g., automatically updating apps).

How to ensure safety:

• 🔐 Use it. VPN On a laptop: This will protect your data from being intercepted, especially on public networks.
• 🛡️ Disable file sharing: in settings USB-Select “Charge Only” mode after activating the modem.
• 🔄 Change passwords regularly: If you have previously connected your phone to someone else’s PC, reset your network settings (Settings) → The Internet and the Internet → Reset).

⚠️ Note: if you connect to a corporate network or network with strict security rules (for example, at a bank or government agency), use of the USB-Modems can be banned by politics IT-In this case, use only official channels of access.

FAQ: Frequent questions on USB-modem on Xiaomi