You find yourself in a situation where you urgently need to share the Internet from another phone, and only Xiaomi Redmi 7 is on hand? This model, released in 2019, is still popular due to the reliability and flexible network settings. However, not all users know that you can distribute Internet from Android to Android not only through a standard Wi-Fi hotspot, but also through alternative methods β some of them even save battery power.
In this article, we will analyze all working ways of distributing the Internet with Redmi 7 - from the classic Wi-Fi Hotspot to little-known features like USB-Modem and Bluetooth bridge, and we'll focus on common errors (e.g., when the second phone "sees" the network but doesn't connect) and speed optimization. All instructions are tested on current versions. MIUI 12-14 and adapted to the features of the firmware Xiaomi.
1. Preparation of the telephone before distribution of the Internet
Before you turn on the hotspot, check a few key settings on Redmi 7. This will save you 80% of the connection issues:
- πΆ Mobile Internet: Make sure the distribution phone is active. Check the indicator 4G/3G/E If you don't have a status bar, go to Settings. β SIM-maps and mobile networks β Transfer data and enable the option.
- π Battery charge: Internet distribution actively consumes energy. At a charge level below 20%, Redmi 7 can automatically turn off the access point. Connect the phone to charge or activate energy saving mode (Settings) β Battery β Energy saving regime).
- π Operator restrictions: Some tariffs block the distribution of the Internet (especially unlimited ones). USB-modem/Wi-Fi Hotspot in the personal office.
Also worth updating the firmware: in older versions of MIUI (below 11.0.3), there were bugs with the access point. Check the relevance of the software in Settings β About phone β System update. If the update is available, install it before setting up the distribution.
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Redmi 7 with MIUI 12+ has a hidden Smart Access Point feature that automatically disables Hotspot when no connected devices are available. To activate it, go to Settings β Access Point β Additional β Smart Access Point and turn on the switch.
2. Method 1: Distribution via Wi-Fi Hotspot (fastest method)
The standard Wi-Fi Hotspot is the best option for most users, it provides high speeds (up to 10 Mbps on the Redmi 7) and supports connecting up to 8 devices at a time.
- Open Settings and go to Access Point (or Network & Internet β Access Point and Modem in newer versions of MIUI).
- Select the Wi-Fi Access Point setting.
- Set the parameters: Network name (SSID): Any convenient name (e.g, Redmi7_Hotspot). Protection: Choose WPA2-PSK (Password: Minimum length β 8 Use a combination of letters and numbers (e.g., symbols, Xiaomi2026!). Frequency Range: Choose for better compatibility 2.4 GHz (5 GHz on Redmi 7 unsupported).
Wi-Fi hotspot
Now, on the second phone, find the network you created in the Wi-Fi list and connect by entering your password. If you don't connect, check:
- π Is flight mode or traffic saving enabled on the receiving phone.
- π΅ Does the firewall (such as Avast or Kaspersky) block the connection to new networks.
- π§ Is there a Redmi 7 restriction on the MAC-Addresses (check in Access Point Settings) β Permitted devices).
Network name can be seen in the list Wi-Fi | Password entered without errors | Mobile Internet is active on Redmi 7| VPN is disabled on the receiving phone
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3. Method 2: Distribution via Bluetooth (saves charge)
If you need to give away the Internet for a short time and save battery power, a Bluetooth modem is ideal. This method consumes 2-3 times less energy than Wi-Fi, but the speed is limited to 1-2 Mbps (enough for messengers and mail).
- On Redmi 7, turn on Bluetooth (Settings β Connected Devices β Bluetooth) and make it visible.
- On the second phone, also activate Bluetooth and find Redmi 7 in the list of available devices. Confirm pairing.
- Return to Redmi 7, open Settings β Access Point β Bluetooth modem and turn on the feature.
- On the receiving phone, select the connected device (Redmi 7) in Bluetooth settings and activate the Use option to access the Internet (the name may vary depending on the firmware).
Advantages of the method:
- β‘ Minimum battery consumption (about 5β7% per hour vs 15β20% for Wi-Fi).
- π More secure connection (no risk of interception of traffic, as in open Wi-Fi networks).
- π± It works even if the receiving phone has a broken Wi-Fi module.
Limitations:
- π’ Low speed β not suitable for downloading files or streaming videos.
- π The distance between the phones should not exceed 10 meters (otherwise, the connection will be cut off).
Why is a Bluetooth modem slower than Wi-Fi?
Method 3: Distribution via USB (maximum stability)
If you have USB-cable (preferably original from Xiaomi), this method will provide the most stable connection without loss of speed. Suitable for long-term Internet distribution (for example, when setting up another phone or updating the firmware). USB-The modem only works when connected to devices with support OTG (Most modern Android smartphones support this feature).
Step-by-step:
- Connect Redmi 7 to the second phone USB-On the Redmi 7 screen, select File Transfer Mode (MTP) β It's a temporary step.
- Open to Redmi 7 Settings β Access point β USB-modem and enable function.
- On the receiving phone, wait for the notification of the new network connection. In some cases, you will have to manually enable the option. USB-Internet in network settings.
Advantages USB-handout:
| Parameter | Wi-Fi Hotspot | USB-modem |
|---|---|---|
| Speed. | Up to 10 Mbps | Up to 40 Mbps (limited to USB 2.0) |
| Stability | Depends on the interference. | Permanent, no breaks. |
| Battery consumption | High (15-20% per hour) | Low (5-10% per hour if Redmi 7 is on charge) |
| Security | Risk of interception of traffic | Protected by a physical connection |
Important nuances:
- π Redmi 7 must be connected to the charger, otherwise USB-The modem will shut down when the battery level is low.
- π± On some phones (such as Samsung with One) UI) You will need to turn on the developer mode and activate the option. USB-debugging.
- π If the internet doesnβt appear, reconnect the cable or try another port.
Wi-Fi Hotspot|Bluetooth|USB|Call the operator for settings
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5. Method 4: Distribution through third-party applications
If standard methods don't work (for example, the operator blocks the distribution), you can use third-party applications. VPN-Tunnel or emulation of other types of connections.The best options for Redmi 7:
- π PdaNet+: Supports USB/Bluetooth/Wi-Fi handout, bypasses carrier locks.link to Google Play.
- π ClockworkMod Tether: Works without root rights, but requires installing drivers on a PC (if you give to a computer).
- π‘οΈ NetShare: Creates a secure connection, but limits speed in the free version.
Instructions for PdaNet+ (the most reliable option):
- Install the app on both phones.
- On Redmi 7, open PdaNet+, select Enable USB Tether (or Bluetooth/Wi-Fi) and follow the hints.
- On the second phone, connect to the network you have created (for Wi-Fi) or activate data reception via USB/Bluetooth.
β οΈ Note: Some applications (e.g. NetShare) may conflict with energy-saving features MIUI. Before using, add them to exceptions: Settings β Battery β Optimizing the battery β All applications β Find the application and select Without Limits.
6. Solving typical Internet distribution problems
Even with the right setup, you can get errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The device is connected, but the Internet is not working. | Operator blocks distribution or incorrect APN settings | Check it out. APN In Settings β SIM-map β Access points (APN). Reset to the factory or check the parameters with the operator. |
| The access point is permanently off. | Power saving mode activated | Turn it off in Settings β Battery or add an access point to exceptions. |
| Low speed (even with a good 4G signal) | Channel overload or operator restriction | Try changing the Wi-Fi range to 2.4 GHz (if 5 GHz was standing) or connect via USB. |
| Unable to enable the access point (button is inactive) | Software failure or firmware restriction | Reset your phone. If it doesn't work, reset your network settings: Settings β System β Reset your settings β Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings. |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- π± IMEI phone: Sometimes it resets after firmware, which blocks network functions. Check with *#06# code - if Null is displayed, recovery is required.
- π§ Root rights: On some custom firmware, the distribution works only with root access.
- π‘ Coverage area: In areas with weak signal, Redmi 7 can automatically turn off the distribution to save energy.
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If the handout problem occurred after the MIUI update, try rolling back to the previous firmware version or wait for a patch from Xiaomi. Often, access point bugs are fixed in the next updates.
7. Optimization of speed and battery consumption
To give the Internet more stable, and the phone does not run out in an hour, follow these tips:
- π Disable background apps: Close all programs except those needed for distribution. Use Settings β Annexes β Launched.
- πΆ Choose the optimal Wi-Fi range: 2.4 GHz β better through walls, but subject to interference. 5 GHz β higher speed, but smaller coverage area (on Redmi 7 is not supported).
- β‘ Use Airplane Mode with Wi-Fi on: This will prevent background mobile network activity and save charge.
- π Limit the number of connected devices: Each new device reduces speed by 20-30%.
For maximum productivity:
- Go to Settings β Special features β Speed optimization (if there is such a point).
- Enable Performance Mode (available on MIUI 12+).
- Turn off Auto-Update apps in Google Play.
β οΈ Note: If you are giving out the internet through USB If you notice a strong heating of Redmi 7, turn off the function for 10-15 minutes. Overheating can lead to trottling (automatic performance decrease) or even turn off the phone.