Distributing the Internet from Xiaomi to PC via USB: full instruction with error solutions

When there is no router at hand or Wi-Fi suddenly turned off, Xiaomi smartphone can become a lifeline for accessing the network from a computer. USB-modem is the most stable way to distribute the Internet among all available MIUI, Because it's not interference-dependent, like Wi-Fi, and it doesn't drain the battery as fast as a Bluetooth hotspot, but many users are facing problems: the PC can't see the connection, the drivers don't install, or the speed is unacceptably slow.

In this article, we will not only discuss the basic settings. USB-modem on Redmi smartphones, POCO and Mi, but also solve common errors that occur on different versions MIUI 12–14 You will learn how to get around carrier restrictions, why Windows 10/11 Sometimes you can't see your smartphone in modem mode, and you can speed up the connection to the maximum. And if you have a Xiaomi model with a blocked bootloader (for example, for the European market), we will explain how this affects the distribution of the Internet.

What you need to distribute the Internet over USB on Xiaomi

Before you connect your smartphone to your PC, check out four key conditions:

• 📱 Xiaomi Smartphone with Support USB-modem (available on all models with MIUI 8+, including the Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F3/F4/F5, Mi 11/12/13 newer).
• 🖥️ Computer running Windows 7/10/11, macOS or Linux (Windows is most likely to have driver problems).
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C or Micro-USB (depending on model) with data support (charge cables often don't fit!).
• 🌐 Active mobile Internet on a smartphone (3G/4G/5G) There's enough traffic. Operators like MTS, Beeline, or Television.2 They can block the distribution – more about this below.

Pay special attention to cable: cheap uncertified wires often don't transmit data, but only charge the device. If an unknown device with a yellow exclamation mark appears in Windows Device Manager after connecting, this is a sure sign of a cable or driver problem.

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

The process of activating modem modem takes less than a minute, but requires precise follow-up steps. Consider the universal algorithm for all modern Xiaomi smartphones:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC using a cable. On your phone screen, select File Transfer (MTP) or Charging Only (this is temporary, we'll change it later).
2. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
3. Activate the switch. USB-If the option is inactive (grey), go to the "Problem Solving" section below.
4. On your PC, check your connection: on Windows, open Network Settings → Ethernet. A new connection called Remote NDIS or USB Ethernet/RNDIS should appear.

Make sure that the mobile Internet works on a smartphone |

Use the original Xiaomi cable or certified analogue |

Turn off VPN on your phone and PC|

Check balance and tariff plan (some operators block distribution)-->

After inclusion USB-PC modem doesn't show up, don't panic, 70% of the time, it's solved by installing drivers or changing mode. USB-Connectivity. That's in the next section.

Solving the problem: PC doesn't see USB-Xiaomi modem

The most common mistake is that the computer doesn't recognize the smartphone as a modem, and the reasons can range from no drivers to operator locking, and let's take the solutions in order.

Installation of drivers for USB-modem

Windows 10/11 will usually install the Remote NDIS driver automatically, but sometimes you need to manually install:

• 🔧 Download official drivers from the Xiaomi website (Drivers section for your model).
• 📁 Unpack the archive and run the MiPhoneManager.exe file (for older models) or Qualcomm_Drivers.exe (new).
• 🔄 Reconnect your smartphone and wait for the installation to be completed.

Change of regime USB-connection

By default, MIUI can choose the wrong protocol.

1. Connect the phone to the PC.
2. Swipe down the notification panel and tap on the Charge message via USB.
3. Select File Transfer (MTP), then turn it on again USB-modem.

3. Blocking by the operator

Operators like MTS or Beeline sometimes limit Internet distribution at certain rates.

• 📵 Try turning on the Wi-Fi hotspot on your phone, and if it doesn't work, it's the operator's problem.
• 💬 Dial it. USSD-team to check services: MTS: *111*08# Beeline: *110*180# Megaphone: *105*00#
• 📞 Call support and ask to activate the “Share the Internet” option (sometimes it is paid).

How to speed up the Internet when distributing USB

Speed. USB-The modem depends on three factors: the quality of the mobile network, the limitations of the operator and the settings of the PC:

If the speed is still low, check the network coverage: sometimes the problem lies in the congested tower of the operator. To do this, install the NetMonster or CellMapper app on your smartphone, they will show the real network load in your area.

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If you have Xiaomi with support 5G (For example, Redmi Note 11T pro POCO F4 GT), but not faster than 100 Mbps, check if it's on. 5G customized SIM-Go to the settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network type and select 5G/4G/3G/2G.

Distribution of the Internet on macOS and Linux

Owners of a MacBook or PC with Linux face other nuances when setting up USB-modem. Let's look at the specifics of each system.

On macOS (Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma)

Apple does not support RNDIS by default, so you will need additional software:

1. Install HoRNDIS from the official website.
2. Connect Xiaomi to your Mac and allow the extension to be installed in System Settings → Security.
3. Turn it on. USB-Modem on your phone and wait for the new network interface.

Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora)

Most distributions support RNDIS out of the box, but superuser rights may be required:

sudo modprobe cdc_ether


sudo dhclient usb0

If the Internet does not appear, check the interface name with the command ip a and replace usb0 with the current one (for example, eth1).

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On macOS and Linux, speed USB-The modem may be lower than Windows due to the specifics of the protocol implementation. RNDIS. If stability is critical, consider alternatives like a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Security: risks when giving out the Internet with Xiaomi

USB-The modem is convenient, but it has hidden threats that few people think about:

1. USB Data Leakage: When connected to someone else's PC (such as an Internet cafe), malicious software can copy files from your smartphone. Always use the Only Charge mode in public places.
2. Traffic interception: If the operator does not encrypt the connection (for example, on outdated ones). 2G/3G You can get the traffic. VPN PC- or smartphone.
3. Battery discharge: USB-The modem consumes a lot of power. Connect your smartphone to charging if you plan to use it for a long time.

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To protect traffic when giving the Internet, install on a PC or smartphone VPN-This is especially important if you're working with banking or enterprise systems.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro) POCO X3 NFC) with long-term distribution of the Internet through USB If the phone gets hot, take a 10-15-minute break.

Alternative ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi

If USB-The modem doesn't work or doesn't work well, so consider alternatives:

• 📶 Wi-Fi hotspot: Multi-device-friendly, but quicker battery drains and dependent on interference.
• 🔵 Bluetooth modem: Saves charge, but speeds rarely exceed 1-2 Mbps.
• 🔄 Reverse Tethering: Sharing the Internet from PC to phone is useful if the computer has a wired connection.

To enable Wi-Fi access point, go to Settings → Access Point and modem → Mobile access point. Here you can configure the network name, password and even limit the number of connected devices.

If you only need to connect one device to the Internet (for example, a laptop), USB-The modem is the best choice in terms of speed, stability and power consumption.

FAQ: Frequent questions about giving away the Internet with Xiaomi