How to give away the Internet with Xiaomi Redmi 5: the complete guide

Today’s users often find themselves in situations where the only access to the global network is in their pocket. The Xiaomi Redmi 5, despite its age, remains a reliable device capable of performing many tasks, including the function of a router. The need to distribute the Internet from phone to phone or laptop occurs everywhere: when traveling, in the country or in the temporary absence of a home provider.

The process of organizing a local network through a mobile device is based on the built-in capabilities of the Android operating system and the proprietary shell MIUI. Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 5 do not need to install third-party applications, since the functionality is fully implemented out of the box.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available signal translation techniques, learn about the intricacies of security settings, battery saving and how to solve typical connection problems, and the right network configuration approach will ensure high data rates and protect your personal data from outside access.

Preparation of the device for operation in modem modem

Before you activate the distribution mode, you need to make sure that the basic communication settings are correct. Mobile Internet must be turned on and stable, otherwise there will be nothing to broadcast. Check the SIM card balance and the availability of available traffic in your tariff plan, as connected devices will spend it in the background.

If the network is weak in the current location, the speed on the connected customers will be minimal, and the Redmi battery will be minimal. 5 It's very fast. It's advisable to be in a safe zone. 4G/LTE to ensure a comfortable surfing speed.

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Before turning on the access point, close the heavy apps on the phone itself to reduce the load on the processor and radio module.

Incorrect timestamps can lead to errors when installing a secure connection, especially if you plan to use complex encryption protocols or corporate networks.

• 📱 Make sure that the SIM card is active and recognized by the system.
• 📶 Check the network speed indicator (H)+, 4G, LTE) status-bar.
• 🔋 Charge the battery to minimum. 40-50% before-session.
• ⚙️ Update the access point settings (APN) Your operator if the internet is not working.

Setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot on Redmi 5

The main and most convenient way to distribute the Internet is to create a wireless hotspot. To move to the settings in the MIUI shell, you need to open the settings menu and find the Wi-Fi hotspot section. The path may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same.

Inside the menu, you'll see the module status switch. Once activated, the system will suggest setting up network settings. It's critical to change the standard network name (SSID) and password, as factory values are often public and known to attackers. Use WPA2 PSK encryption for maximum protection.

⚠️ Note: Do not use simple passwords like "12345678" to allow outsiders to easily connect to your network and steal traffic or intercept data.

In advanced settings, you can limit the number of devices you can connect, which is a useful feature if you want to give the Internet to only one particular gadget and prevent unauthorized access by neighbors, and you can set the limit through the Device Management menu.

Once you save the settings, the phone will start broadcasting the signal, and the receiving device will need to find your network in the list of available Wi-Fi and enter the previously set password, and the connection must be established automatically.

Distribution of the Internet through USB-cable

If you need maximum connection stability or need to charge the phone while working, the best choice will be the best. USB-This method allows you to turn the Xiaomi Redmi 5 into a network card for a computer or laptop, and the data transfer speed in this case is often higher, and the latency (ping) is lower than on Wi-Fi.

To activate the mode, connect your smartphone to your PC using a high-quality micro-USB cable. In the settings menu, in the same section where the access point was configured, an active point will become an active point"USB-If it's gray, check the cable or drivers on your computer.

The computer will automatically determine the new network connection. In Windows operating systems, drivers are usually installed automatically. In rare cases, you may need to manually install ADB drivers or MIUI components for your PC.

Using Bluetooth to transmit the Internet

The least popular, but sometimes necessary, method is Bluetooth distribution, which is relevant if the Wi-Fi module of the receiving device is defective or missing, and if the device is not equipped with the device. USB-The connection speed will be low, making it impossible to watch high-quality video, but sufficient for instant messengers and emails.

The setup process begins with pairing devices. On Xiaomi Redmi 5 and the receiving gadget, you need to turn on Bluetooth and search for devices. After creating a pair and confirming the security code, you need to activate the "Bluetooth modem" option in the Bluetooth settings on the donor phone.

On a receiving device (e.g., a laptop) in the Bluetooth device list, you need to find your phone, right-click (or through the action menu) and select Connect through, then Access Point or Network Access. The connection process can take up to 30 seconds.

• 🔗 Connect the devices in advance, before the modem is turned on.
• 📉 Be prepared for low page loading speeds.
• 🔋 This method is more cost-effective for the battery than Wi-Fi, but slower.
• 🔒 The pairing password is usually displayed on the screen of both devices.

Connected Device Management and Security

Controlling who is using your traffic is a top priority. MIUI It's a very convenient way to monitor the connected customers. MAC-Device addresses and the amount of data they transmit in real time.

If you notice an unknown device on the list of connected, immediately change the password from the access point. This will forcefully break the connection for all customers, and only those who know the new password will be able to connect again. Regularly changing the password is a good practice of digital hygiene.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid transmitting sensitive information (bank passwords, personal photos) over public open networks, even if you share the Internet yourself. WPA2.

There is also a Blacklist feature. MAC-The address of the unwanted device on this list, you'll stop it from connecting forever, even if it knows the right password. It's convenient in crowded places where neighbors may be trying to "grab" your signal.

Battery savings and optimization

Internet distribution, especially over Wi-Fi, is one of the most energy-intensive processes for a smartphone. The radio module runs at its limit, leading to rapid heating of the Redmi 5 case and a rapid discharge of the battery.

To extend the autonomy, you can reduce the brightness of the screen to a minimum or turn off the display altogether, since it is not necessary for the modem to work, and it is also recommended to turn off the background synchronization of heavy applications on the donor phone itself, so as not to create a double load on the communication channel.

If you use USB-modem, the discharge problem solves itself, since the phone will charge from the computer port, but in this case, you should monitor the temperature of the device, since simultaneous charging and modem operation can cause overheating.

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The fastest battery discharge occurs when the bright screen, GPS and Wi-Fi access points are running simultaneously. For long periods of time, leave only the necessary modules.

Xiaomi hotspot settings often include the "Switch off the hotspot automatically" feature, setting a timer for, say, 10 or 30 minutes of inactivity, which will save the battery if you forget to turn off the modem mode after use.

Solving Connection Problems and Errors

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the access point is turned on, but the Internet on connected devices does not work. A frequent cause is a failure in the settings of the APN (access point) of the mobile operator. Go to the settings of mobile networks, select your SIM card and check if the tick is against the correct APN profile.

Another reason could be a cache overflow of network services, in which case a simple restart of the phone or switching to air mode helps. 10-15 This action will force the smartphone to reconnect to the cell tower and update it. IP-address.

If devices don’t see the access point, check the frequency range. In Xiaomi hotspot settings, you can choose 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. Older devices may not see the 5 GHz network, so for maximum compatibility, it’s better to choose 2.4 GHz.