How to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi Redmi phone to another phone: all ways + error solving

Separating the Internet from Xiaomi Redmi to another smartphone is a challenge that millions of users face every day. Whether you are on a trip where there is no fixed Wi-Fi, or just want to save on mobile traffic of the second device, knowing all the available methods will help avoid typical errors. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of distributing the Internet (including the little-known features of MIUI), explain why sometimes the connection does not work, and give a checklist to diagnose problems.

Feature of smartphones Redmi - the presence of branded settings MIUI, They can make things easier and harder, like some firmware, which has hidden modes. USB-The modem, and the operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) block the distribution at no additional cost. 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and POCO X3/X4 β€” The instructions are universal for all devices on MIUI 12–14.

Before you get to the settings, check two key points: the presence of mobile Internet on the handout phone (the 4G/5G/E icon in the status bar) and the remainder of traffic on the tariff. Some operators (for example, Tele2) automatically turn off the distribution when the limit is exceeded without notifying the user.

1. Internet distribution via Wi-Fi (access point)

The most popular and versatile way is to convert Redmi into a Wi-Fi router, which is suitable for connecting not only phones, but also laptops, tablets, and data transfer speeds here are higher than Bluetooth or USB, but there is a caveat: on some tariffs, operators limit the speed of distribution to 64-128 Kbps, unless a special package is connected.

To activate the access point:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Connection and Sharing β†’ Modem Modem.
  2. Slip on the Wi-Fi Access Point and move the slider to the right.
  3. Set up network settings: πŸ” Name of the network (SSID): Think of something unique (for example, Redmi_Hotspot_123). πŸ”‘ Password: minimum 8 Symbols, use numbers and letters. πŸ“‘ Range: Choose 2.4 GHz for better compatibility (5 GHz is faster, but not all devices support it).

Save the settings and connect the second phone to the network you have created.

If the access point is not turned on, check:

  • ⚑ Battery Charge: Some Redmi models turn off the distribution at levels below 15%.
  • πŸ“΅ Flight mode: it must be turned off.
  • πŸ”„ APN-settings: operators Iota or MegaFon sometimes get lost Internet access parameters.

β˜‘οΈ Checking before handing out Wi-Fi

Done: 0 / 5

2. Distribution via Bluetooth (charge savings)

It works if you want to give away the Internet for a short time and save battery power. It's faster than Wi-Fi (up to 2-3 Mbps), but it's a low-power solution, and it's often used to connect smartwatches or old phones without Wi-Fi Direct.

Instructions for setting:

  1. Activate Bluetooth on both phones (Settings β†’ Connected Devices β†’ Bluetooth).
  2. On the Redmi Distributor, go to Settings β†’ Connection and Sharing β†’ Modem Modem and turn on the Bluetooth modem.
  3. On the second phone in the list of Bluetooth devices, tap your Redmi name and confirm pairing.
  4. After connecting on the second device, a notification β€œConnected to the Internet via Bluetooth” will appear.

Limitations of the method:

  • 🐒 Low speed – not suitable for streaming videos or downloading large files.
  • πŸ”‹ Connection can be interrupted if the phones are further than 10 meters apart.
  • πŸ“± Not all apps (such as YouTube or TikTok) work correctly via a Bluetooth modem.

πŸ’‘

If the Bluetooth modem doesn't turn on, try turning off and re-enable Bluetooth on both devices first, sometimes rebooting the handout phone helps.

Distribution via USB (maximum stability)

Connection to USB This method is ideal for long-term work (for example, if you need to distribute the Internet to a laptop or tablet). USB-The modem is sometimes hidden in the depth of settings.

How to set up:

  1. Connect your phones with a USB-C/USB-A cable (use the original Xiaomi cable to avoid data problems).
  2. On the Redmi Distributor, go to Settings β†’ About Phone and tap the MIUI version 7 times to activate Developer Mode.
  3. Return to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers and enable USB debugging.
  4. Now in Settings β†’ Connection and Sharing β†’ Modem modem will appear option USB-modem – activate it.
  5. On the second phone in the settings USB-Connection Select Data Transfer Mode (RNDIS).

If USB-modem not displayed:

  • πŸ”Œ Try another cable (cheap cables often only support charging).
  • πŸ“± Reboot both devices.
  • πŸ”„ In Developer Mode, turn on Configuration USB default β†’ RNDIS (USB Ethernet).
Why? USB-The modem doesn't work for some Redmis?
On the Redmi Note models 8/9 firmware MIUI 11 below function USB-The modem can be blocked by the operator. Solution: update the firmware to MIUI 12+ Or use third-party apps like PdaNet.+ (requires root rights).

4. Hidden MIUI functions for Internet distribution

MIUI offers some non-obvious features that make it easier to distribute the Internet, such as the Quick Access Point feature, which allows you to turn on the hotspot with one touch, and Auto Shutdown, which saves battery power.

Useful settings:

  • ⚑ Quick access: Add the Access Point tile to the notification bar. To do this, swipe down from the top edge of the screen, tap the icon. βš™οΈ Find the Access Point in the list.
  • ⏱️ Auto-disconnect: in the settings of the access point (Settings) β†’ Connection and sharing β†’ Wi-Fi hotspot β†’ Set a timer (for example, 30 minutes) so you don’t forget to turn off the distribution.
  • πŸ”’ List of allowed devices: in the same settings you can specify MAC-Addresses of devices that are allowed to connect (useful for security).

Another hidden feature is the mode "Only" LTE". If you have a weak signal 4G, Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Network type and select Only LTE. This can increase the speed of distribution by 20-30%.

πŸ“Š What Internet Distribution Method Do You Use More Often?
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
USB
Other

5. Solving Internet Distribution Problems

If the Internet is not being shared, the reasons can be software (MIUI settings) and hardware (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth problems), and we put together a checklist to diagnose:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Access Point is turned on, but the Internet is not workingOperator blocking distributionCall the operator and activate the option "Modem / Access Point"
Devices are connected, but the speed is very low.Overloading of operator networkSwitch to LTE Only in the network settings
Bluetooth modem is not turned onConflict with other connectionsTurn off Wi-Fi and try again.
USB-modem is not definedIncorrect cable or driversUse the original cable and enable debugging over USB

If nothing helps, try resetting your network settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ System and device β†’ Resetting.
  2. Select Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth settings.
  3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

πŸ’‘

On Redmi Note 10 Pro and later, after resetting the network settings, you may need to manually activate VoLTE again (Settings) β†’ SIM-map β†’ Additionally. β†’ VoLTE).

6. Alternative distribution methods (without root)

If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party applications that don't require super-user rights, but they may have speed or uptime limits.

Top.-3 tested applications:

  • πŸ“² PdaNet+: supportive USB/Bluetooth, It bypasses the locks of operators.

How to use PdaNet+:

  1. Install the app on both phones.
  2. On the Redmi handout, turn on. USB-Debugging (see section on USB-modem).
  3. Connect your phones with a cable and run PdaNet+ on both devices.
  4. Select USB Tether mode and follow the instructions on the screen.

πŸ’‘

When using third-party apps, disable the standard access point in MIUI settings to avoid conflicts.

7 How to save traffic when handing out

Internet distribution can quickly exhaust your tariff limit. To avoid this, use built-in and third-party tools to monitor traffic.

Savings:

  • πŸ“Š Traffic limit in MIUI: Go to Settings. β†’ Connection and sharing β†’ Use of data β†’ Access Point and Set Monthly Limit.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Background data lock: on a connected phone, turn off background data transfer for applications (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits β†’ Data data).
  • πŸ“± GlassWire or My Data Manager shows which programs consume the most traffic.

If you often give away the Internet, consider special rates:

  • MTS: package "Modem" (10 GB for 300 β‚½/moss).
  • Beeline: option "Internet for devices" (unlimited for 200) β‚½/day-night).
  • Megaphone: "Modem Internet" (15 GB for 250) β‚½/moss).

πŸ’‘

On unlimited Internet rates, distribution is often limited to 10 to 30 GB per month.

FAQ: Frequent questions

Can I share the Internet with Redmi on iPhone?
Yes, but there are nuances: iPhones may not connect to an access point with a password shorter than 8 characters. USB-modem, iPhone will require a Lightning-to-USB adapter and setup RNDIS manually (not always working). For stable work, it is better to use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Why is the Internet only working on one device?
The default MIUI settings may have a limit on the number of connected devices. To remove it, go to Settings β†’ Connection and Sharing β†’ Wi-Fi Access Point β†’ Additional. Find Max. Number of connected devices and set a value of 10 (maximum). Save settings and restart the access point. If you don't have an option, upgrade your firmware to MIUI 13+.
How to distribute the Internet if the operator blocks the distribution?
There are a few workarounds: πŸ“ž Call the operator and ask to activate the option "Modem" (sometimes it is connected for free). πŸ”„ Use applications like PdaNet+ ClockworkMod Tether (they mask the traffic of the distribution as a regular mobile device). 🌍 Connect to VPN You can use a distribution phone (like ProtonVPN) and then turn on the hotspot. VPN. ⚠️ Attention: use VPN You may be violating your tariff rules.
Can I give the Internet with Redmi on a laptop without USB-cable?
Yes, it will do: Wi-Fi (the easiest way). Bluetooth (if the laptop supports Bluetooth 4.0+). To connect via Wi-Fi: Enable the access point on Redmi (see section 1). On the laptop, find Redmi network in the list of available Wi-Fi and connect by entering a password. If the laptop does not see the access point, update the Wi-Fi adapter drivers or check if the adapter is enabled in Device Manager.
How much battery does the Internet use?
The cost depends on the method of distribution: Wi-Fi: ~10-15% charge per hour (at maximum screen brightness: ~3-5% per hour. USB: ~1-2% per hour (the most economical) to reduce the cost: πŸ”‹ Connect Redmi to charging during handout. πŸ“΄ Reduce screen brightness and turn off background apps. ⏱️ Use the Auto-Switch Off Access Point Timer (see Section 4).