How to distribute the Internet from the phone Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: all the ways and hidden settings

Why give away the Internet with Redmi 5 Plus and what nuances it is important to know

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (also known as Redmi Note 5 in some regions) is still popular due to its balanced performance and reliable performance, one of the most popular features is the ability to distribute mobile Internet to other gadgets: a laptop, tablet or second phone, this is true when traveling, in a country where there is no fixed Wi-Fi, or when the provider temporarily disconnected home Internet.

However, not all users know that Redmi 5 Plus has three ways to distribute Internet: via Wi-Fi (access point), USB-And there's a lot of pros and cons to each of these, like Wi-Fi, which is fast, but it puts the battery down quickly. USB-Connection is more economical, but requires wire. In this article, we will go through all the methods in detail, including hidden settings. MIUI, which allow to circumvent the restrictions of operators on the distribution of the Internet.

It's important to consider that some mobile operators block the hotspot function or charge an additional fee to use it, we'll tell you how to check these restrictions and what to do if the Internet is not distributed, and you'll learn how to save battery power during long-term distribution and avoid overheating of the smartphone.

Preparation of the phone: compatibility check and settings

Before you turn on the internet, make sure your Redmi 5 Plus is ready for the task.

• 📶 Mobile network: the phone must catch a stable signal 3G/4G. If the indicator shows E (Edge) or H+ at a low speed, the distribution will be slow.
• 🔋 Battery charge: when distributed via Wi-Fi, the phone discharges 2-3 times faster. It is optimal to have at least 50% charge or connect the charger.
• 📱 Version. MIUI: on old firmware (below) MIUI 10) some options may not be available. Update the system in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🚫 Operator restrictions: some tariffs block the distribution (tethering).

If you have never shared the internet with this phone, do a quick check:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Make sure that mobile data is enabled and the correct one is selected. SIM-card (if two of them).
3. Try opening any web page in your browser – if the internet works, you can proceed to setting up the access point.

Method 1: Distributing the Internet via Wi-Fi (access point)

This is the most popular method, as it requires no wires and allows you to connect multiple devices at once. On the Redmi 5 Plus, the setup takes menos de 1 minute, but there are a few nuances that few people are aware of.

Instructions for inclusion:

1. Go to Settings → Access Point and Modem (or Settings → Connections → Access Point and Modem in newer versions of MIUI).
2. Select the Wi-Fi Access Point.
3. Turn on the Wi-Fi Access Point slider.
4. Click Access Point Setting to change network name (SSID), password and security type. WPA2-PSK is the optimal balance between security and compatibility.

Hidden opportunities:

• 🔒 Changing Wi-Fi range: By default, the phone distributes a network in the 2.4 GHz band, which can be congested. In some firmware, you can force 5 GHz (if supported) on for less interference.
• ⏱ Auto-Switch Off: To save charge, set a timer to Auto-Switch Off the Access Point (for example, after 10 minutes without activity).
• 📡 Maximum number of devices: the default limit is 8 connections, but it can be increased to 10 through the engineering menu (more about this in the section about errors).

If after switching on the access point, other devices do not connect, check:

• Correctness of the password entered (registrar is important!).
• No Cyrillic characters or special symbols in the network name (SSID).
• Availability of MIUI updates - in the old versions there were handout bugs.

💡

If the phone gets too hot when you're giving Wi-Fi, keep the screen bright to a minimum and turn off the background apps, which will reduce the load on the processor.

Method 2: Distributing the Internet through USB (USB-tetering)

This method is suitable if you need to connect to the Internet only one laptop or PC. the main advantages are: minimal battery consumption (the phone can even charge a little) and a more stable connection than over Wi-Fi. USB-cable.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect Redmi 5 Plus to your computer USB-cable (preferably original).
2. On the phone, in the notification that appears, select File Transfer (or USB Charge if the notification does not appear).
3. Go to Settings. → Access Point and modem.
4. Turn on the slider. USB-modem.

On the computer:

• 🖥 Windows: Drivers are usually installed automatically and a new network connection appears. If the Internet is not working, check Device Manager for unknown devices (you may need to install Xiaomi drivers manually).
• 🐧 Linux: Sometimes you need to manually activate a connection via nmcli or NetworkManager.
• 🍎 MacOS: Usually works without additional settings, but may need to allow a new network connection in System Settings → Network.

If USB-tetering doesn't work:

• Try another one. USB-cable (some cheap cables are only for charging purposes).
• Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
• Check if the antivirus or firewall on your computer is blocking the new connection.

Method 3: Distributing the Internet via Bluetooth

This is the least popular way, but it has its advantages: low battery consumption and the ability to connect devices that do not support Wi-Fi (for example, some smartwatches or old printers), the connection speed will be lower than Wi-Fi or USB, but for instant messengers or mail it is enough.

How to set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. On Redmi 5 Plus, go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
3. Find the target device in the list and pair (code entry may be required).
4. After connecting, go back to Settings → Access Point and modem.
5. Turn on the Bluetooth modem slider.

Features of Bluetooth tetering:

• 📱 Device Limitation: You can usually connect only one device at a time.
• 🔗 Speed: maximum ~3 Mbps (for comparison, Wi-Fi gives up to 50 Mbps on the Redmi 5 Plus).
• 🔋 Energy consumption: lower than Wi-Fi but higher than Wi-Fi USB.

If the Bluetooth modem does not work:

• Make sure that the target device is enabled to receive data via Bluetooth (for example, on Windows this is the setting Allow devices to use my Internet connection in Bluetooth settings).
• Reboot both devices and repeat pairing.
• Check if the phone is power saving mode enabled – it can limit background data transfer.

Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if you set up the Internet, the distribution may not work, and here are the typical problems and ways to fix them:

If the problem is with the APN (Operator Access Point) settings, do the following:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
2. Choose. SIM-map from which you distribute the Internet.
3. Make sure that the correct APN profile is selected (usually called as an operator, for example, Internet.beeline.com or Internet.mts.com).
4. If there is no profile, click Add APN and enter data from your carrier’s website.

💡

If the handset doesn’t work after all the manipulations, try resetting the network settings: Settings → System → Settings Reset → Network settings Reset. This will delete all stored Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, but often solves tetering problems.

⚠️ Note: some operators (e.g. Tele2 or Iota) block the distribution of the Internet at certain rates. If a notification "Connection is prohibited" appears after the access point is turned on, contact the operator's support or change the tariff plan.

How to save battery power when giving the Internet

The Redmi 5 Plus has a 4,000mAh battery, but when you're actively distributing Wi-Fi, it can run out in 2-3 hours.

• 🔌 Connect the charger: Even if the phone is running slower than the battery is running out, it’s better than completely discharging.
• ⚡ Use it. USB-Tetering: this is the most economical way - the phone almost does not discharge, and sometimes even charges.
• 🌙 Turn on the dark topic: AMOLED-It reduces the power consumption of the screens. Go to Settings. → Screen. → Dark subject.
• ❄️ Cool your phone: when overheated, the processor reduces performance, which can cause the connection to break.Do not cover the phone or use it in direct sunlight.

Additional settings for savings:

• Turn off Auto Brightness and set the brightness to 30-40%.
• Enable Power Saving Mode in Settings → Battery (but note that this may limit internet speed).
• Close all background apps, especially instant messengers and social networks that are constantly synced.

If you need to distribute the Internet for a long time (for example, in the country), consider buying a powerbank with a capacity of 10,000 mAh. This will keep the phone on all day without recharging from the outlet.

Hidden MIUI functions for Internet distribution

There are a few hidden features in MIUI firmware that can improve the access point. They are not documented, but work on most Xiaomi devices, including the Redmi 5 Plus.

1. Increase in the number of connected devices

By default, the phone allows you to connect up to 8 devices, but this limitation can be bypassed:

1. Enter the code ##4636## in the phone application.
2. Go to Wi-Fi Information.
3. Find the Wi-Fi AP Client Limit bar and change the value from 8 to 10 (or more).
4. Save the settings and restart the phone.

2. Compulsory 5GHz Incorporation

If your Redmi 5 Plus supports the 5GHz band (check the specs), but only gives 2.4GHz by default, you can force 5GHz on:

1. Install the MiXplorer app (available on Google Play).
2. Open /system/build.prop file (root rights required!)
3. Add a line. persist.vendor.wifi.hal.fw_path=/vendor/firmware/fw_bcmdhd_5g.bin.
4. Save the file and restart the phone.

⚠️ Warning: editing system files without root rights or experience can cause firmware to fail. If you're not sure, don't follow this instruction. Alternative: buy a low-cost 5GHz Wi-Fi router.

3. Disabling operator restrictions (for advanced only)

Some operators block the distribution of Internet at the APN level, and you can get around this by changing the TTL settings:

1. Install Terminal Emulator from Google Play.
2. Enter the command:

su


settings put global tether_dun_required 0




exit

This team requires root rights and may not work on newer versions of MIUI. Use it at your own risk!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions