How to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi phone to another phone: all ways and life hacks

Distributing the Internet from one Xiaomi smartphone to another is a task that users face when traveling, in the country, or when the main connection suddenly disappears. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process can be complicated by operator limitations, protocol incompatibility, or hidden settings. MIUI. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of distributing traffic - from the classic Wi-Fi hotspot to little-known methods via Bluetooth and other devices. USB-cable, and explain why the connection sometimes works unstable and how to fix it.

The feature of Xiaomi devices is the presence of proprietary features like Mi Share and Quick Share, which simplify the exchange of data, but not always optimal for the distribution of the Internet. We tested all the methods on models from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra (2026) and found nuances that are not written in the standard instructions. USB-Tetering on some phones does not appear a notification of the distribution, or how to bypass the locking of hotspot operators like MTS or Beeline.

1. Internet distribution via Wi-Fi hotspot (the most popular way)

This is a basic method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the model and version of MIUI. The main advantage is the high data transfer speed (up to 5 Gbps on supported devices) and the ability to connect up to 10 devices at a time.

To activate the hotspot:

1. Open the Settings. → Access Point and modem.
2. Select the Mobile Access Point.
3. Set a network name (SSID) and password (minimum 8 characters).
4. Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point switch.

If the Access Point and modem are not on the menu, your operator has blocked the function.

• 📱 Check the balance – some rates require a positive score to be handed out.
• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes resetting your network settings helps.
• 📡 Try changing the network mode in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network type Only 4G (LTE).

💡

If the hotspot is permanently turned off, turn on the option to turn off inactivity in its settings and set the value Never.

2. USB-Tetering: distribution of the Internet through cable

This is a good way to do it if you don't have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth isn't stable, and the main advantage is that you have minimal battery consumption, because the power comes from the connected device.

• 🔌 It requires original USB-Data-enabled cable (not all cheap cables are suitable).
• 🖥️ The second phone may not have a connection notification – check Settings → The Internet and the Internet → Access Point and modem.
• ⚡ Some Xiaomi models, for example, POCO X5) Requires the inclusion of debugging USB in Developer Settings.

Instructions for setting:

1. Connect the phones with a cable.
2. On the handing device, go to Settings → Access Point and modem → USB-modem.
3. Activate the switch. The second phone will have the Internet automatically.

Important: on some tariffs, operators block USB-Tethering, not Wi-Fi hotspot, if you can't get the cable, but Wi-Fi does, that's definitely a restriction on the provider.

3. Internet distribution via Bluetooth (economical but slow way)

Bluetooth tetering consumes less power than Wi-Fi, but the data rate is limited to ~1-3 Mbps (depending on the Bluetooth version), a method that is convenient for sending small packets of data — for example, for instant messengers or mail, but not for streaming video.

How to set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones.
2. Connect devices (on the handout phone, select Add the device in Bluetooth settings).
3. On the handing out phone, go to Settings → Access Point and modem → Bluetooth modem.
4. Activate the function and confirm the connection on the second phone.

If the internet doesn't come up:

• 🔄 Reconnect devices (remove pairing and create it again).
• 📱 Check that the receiving phone has Internet access option enabled in Bluetooth settings.
• 🔋 Make sure that the mobile Internet is turned on on on the handing out phone (sometimes Bluetooth tetering is turned off when you switch to energy saving mode).

4. Internet distribution through QR-code (quickly and without passwords)

The feature is available on Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and newer. It lets you connect to a hotspot without entering a password -- just scan it. QR-This is convenient if you often give the Internet to friends or colleagues.

How to use:

1. Activate the hotspot in the standard way (see section 1).
2. Slap the icon. QR-code next to the network name.
3. On the second phone, open the camera or scanner. QR-code and point to the code.
4. Confirm the connection.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 Does not work if Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is turned off on the receiving phone.
• 🔒 Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) They do not support generation QR-hotspot.
• 🔄 After scanning, a manual confirmation on the handing out phone may be required.

5. Solving Internet Distribution Problems on Xiaomi

If the internet is handed out but not working on the second phone, check the following points:

If nothing helps, reset your network settings:

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

💡

Before resetting your network settings, write down passwords from saved Wi-Fi networks – they will be deleted!

6. How to circumvent the operator's restrictions on the distribution of the Internet

Many Russian operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) block the distribution of Internet at tariffs without the appropriate option.

• 🔄 Shift. TTL: certain applications (e.g, TTL Editor allows you to change the value TTL It's not like it's in network packets, so the operator doesn't recognize the distribution.
• 📡 VPN: connection VPN The distribution phone can mask traffic. ProtonVPN, Cloudflare Warp.
• 📱 Shift. APN: Sometimes it helps to create a new APN with the parameters of the Internet provider (for example, Internet.mts.ru instead of mts).

Attention, the use of circumvention techniques may violate the operator's user agreement, and in extreme cases, the operator may block the use of circumvention methods. SIM-Card for “misuse of traffic».

Check the balance on SIM-map

Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI

Turn off the power saving mode

Make sure your receiving phone has Wi-Fi/Bluetooth enabled.

-->

7. Comparison of Internet distribution methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your tasks:

• 🎮 For games or streaming → Wi-Fi Hotspot (maximum speed).
• 🔋 To save battery life → USB-tetering.
• 👥 For a quick hand to friends → QR-code.
• 🚗 On the road (unstable signal) → Bluetooth (more resistant to interference).

On Xiaomi models with Wi-Fi 6 support (such as Xiaomi 13T or Redmi K60), hotspot speeds can reach 1-1.5 Gbps, which is comparable to home Internet. However, on budget devices (such as the Redmi A2), the maximum speed is limited to ~150 Mbps.

FAQ: Frequent questions about giving the Internet to Xiaomi