How to distribute the Internet from the phone Xiaomi Redmi 8 to a laptop: all ways + mistake-making

Turning the Xiaomi Redmi 8 into a full-fledged laptop modem is easier than it seems, and this budget smartphone, launched in 2019, is still the hottest solution for mobile internet — whether it’s traveling, turning off home Wi-Fi or working in places without wired access. The main advantage of Redmi 8 over newer models is the support of dual models. SIM-maps including nanoSIM format + microSD), which allows you to use one SIM for the Internet and the second for calls.

However, many users face typical problems: the access point does not turn on, the laptop does not see the network or the connection is constantly broken, USB, Bluetooth, optimal settings for stability, and unique life hacks for Redmi 8 – for example, how to bypass the operator’s restriction on modem mode or save battery power during a long distribution.

Important: The instructions are relevant to MIUI 12.5–14 (including global and Chinese firmware versions).If your Redmi 8 runs on an older version, some menu items may differ – update the software via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Preparation of the phone: checking the key parameters

Before you set up your internet handout, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi 8 is ready for this task.Missing at least one of these steps can cause connection failures or slow speeds.

First, check the balance and the tariff plan, and many operators (e.g. MTS, Beeline, Tele2) block modem modem at cheap rates or limit speeds after exceeding the traffic limit, to avoid unpleasant surprises:

• 📱 Open your carrier’s app (such as My MTS or Tele2.My) and check the rest of your internet traffic.
• 📊 Clarify tariff conditions: often the limit for modem modem (tethering) is lower than for normal use.
• 🔄 If there is little traffic, activate the option "Unlimited Internet" or a temporary package (for example, MegaFon has a "Turbo button").

Second, turn off the traffic and battery savings, which can artificially limit speeds or interrupt the distribution.

• 🔋 Go to Settings. → Battery and productivity → Battery mode and select Performance.
• 🌐 B Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Data transfer disable Traffic saving.

⚠️ Attention, Redmi 8 with firmware MIUI 11 and below may not be available to disable traffic savings, in which case use an alternative method via the engineering menu.

Finally, make sure your phone has enough charge (minimum 30%) or connect it to a charger, and the Internet is used up 2 to 3 times faster than usual, especially when using a Wi-Fi hotspot.

2. Method 1: Distribution via Wi-Fi (most versatile)

Wireless access point is the most popular method, as it allows you to connect not only a laptop, but also other devices (tablets, second phone).

To turn on the hotspot:

1. Open the Settings. → Access Point and modem.
2. Slip on the Portable Wi-Fi hotspot.
3. Activate the slider in the top corner.
4. When you first turn on, the system will suggest setting up the network name (SSID) and the password:

After setting up, connect to the network you created from your laptop. 10/11 It gives you the error "I failed to connect", try it:

• 🔄 Reset the access point on the phone (turn off / turn on the slider).
• 🖥️ On the laptop to run Network Diagnostics (right click on the Wi-Fi icon) → Diagnostics of trouble).
• 📱 Change the Wi-Fi channel in the access point settings (by default Auto, try Channel 6 or 11).

SIM card supports data transfer (no operator lock)

Mobile Internet is enabled on the phone (icon) 4G/LTE status-line)

The laptop is within a radius of 5 meters from the phone (Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz has a limited radius)

Disabled. VPN and proxy on both devices-->

3. Method 2: Distribution through USB (maximum stability)

Connection to USB-Cable is the best option if you want maximum speed and minimum battery consumption, and this method also bypasses operators' restrictions on modem modem (since traffic is through the network). RNDIS, Not Wi-Fi).

Instructions for Redmi 8:

1. Connect your phone to your laptop with the original cable (cheap cables may not support data transfer).
2. On the phone, in the notification that appears, select Data Transfer (not Charging).
3. Go to Settings. → Access Point and modem → Modem mode USB and activate the slider.

On a Windows laptop:

• 🖥️ Wait for the driver to automatically install (you may need to connect to the Internet via another connection).
• 🔌 If the network connection does not appear, check the Device Manager for exclamation points in the section Network adapters.
• 🔄 If you have problems, reconnect the cable or try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).

⚠️ Attention! Some Linux laptops (such as Ubuntu) may require manual network setup via nmcli or NetworkManager. If the Internet does not work automatically, do at the terminal: sudo dhclient usb0 (where usb0 — The name of the network interface, check through ip a).

The unique feature of Redmi 8: USB-The phone can be charged from the laptop at the same time, even if the port USB 2.0 This allows you to use your smartphone as a modem without the risk of discharge.

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If the speed is USB lower than Wi-Fi, try to turn off the energy-saving mode on the laptop for USB-In Windows, this is done through the Control Panel. → Power supply → Power supply circuit setup → Additional parameters → Parameters USB (set "Disconnected").

Method 3: Distribution via Bluetooth (charge savings)

Bluetooth modem is a compromise option when battery saving is important, and speed is not critical (for example, to check mail or messengers). On Redmi 8, this method works stably, but has a speed limit of up to 3 Mbit / s (versus 10–50 Mbit / s for Wi-Fi).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. On your phone, go to Settings → Access Point and modem → Bluetooth modem.
3. Connect devices (on a laptop: Options) → Devices → Adding Bluetooth).
4. After pairing, a notification will appear on the phone - tap it and select Connect to the Internet.

On Windows 10/11:

• 🖥️ Open the settings. → Network and Internet → Bluetooth and other devices.
• 🔗 Find your Redmi 8 in the list and click Connect through → Access point.

If the connection is not working:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on both devices (turn off/on the adapter).
• 📱 On the phone, remove the pairing with the laptop and perform it again.
• 🔧 Update Bluetooth drivers on your laptop (via Device Manager).

5. Solving typical Internet distribution problems

Even with the right setup, Redmi 8 users are facing bugs, and let's look at the most common and obscure solutions.

Problem 1: Access point is turned on, but the laptop is not connected

Causes and solutions:

• 🔍 Incorrect password: Make sure the register of letters matches (password) Xiaomi2026! and xiaomi2026! — different!).
• 📡 Channel conflict: In densely populated areas, Wi-Fi networks interfere with each other. Change channel to 1, 6 or 11 in the access point settings.
• 🔄 Failure DHCP: On a laptop, manually ask IP-range 192.168.43.x (for example, 192.168.43.100).

Problem 2: The Internet is there, but the sites are not open

A common situation is when the connection is established, but the traffic is not going.

• 🌐 DNS-Servers: On the laptop, write manually DNS from Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
• 📱 APN-settings: On the phone, check the access point settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Access points (APN)). For MTS it is Internet.mts.ru, for Beeline - Internet.beeline.ru.
• 🔒 Operator lock: Some tariffs require activation of the option "Modem / Tetring". Call the operator or check in your personal account.

Problem 3: Distribution shuts down after 5-10 minutes

This is due to energy saving functions. MIUI. Decisions:

• 🔋 B Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization Find the Settings app (or Access Point) and select Without Limits.
• ⏳ Increase shutdown timeout: in the engineering menu (#4636##) go to Battery Information → Wi-Fi Shutdown Time and Set Never.

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If none of these methods worked, try resetting the network settings on your phone: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings will delete all stored networks, but often solves connection problems.

6.How to save traffic and battery when handing out

Long-term Internet outages can quickly run out of both gigabytes and battery percentages. Here are proven optimizations for Redmi 8:

Saving traffic

• 📊 Limit background traffic: In Settings → Annexes → Permits → Autostart Turn Off Autostart for Unnecessary Applications.
• 🚫 Block Ads: Install AdGuard or Blokada (saves up to 30% of traffic).
• 📱 Use data compression: In Chrome browser, activate Traffic Savings (Settings) → Saving traffic).

Battery savings

• 🔋 Turn off the second. SIM-map (if not used): Settings → SIM-map → Turn off the second. SIM.
• 🌑 Activate the dark theme: Settings → Screen. → Dark subject (AMOLED-Redmi 8 screen consumes less power when displaying dark colors).
• 📵 Reduce the brightness of the screen to 30-40% and turn on Adaptive Brightness.

Hidden function of Redmi 8: if you simultaneously turn on modem modem USB If you plug in a charger, the phone will charge faster than it discharges (even with active Wi-Fi distribution.

7. Alternative distribution methods (for experienced users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, the operator blocks modem modem mode), workarounds can be used.

Method 1: Forced activation of modem modem mode through ADB

Some operators (e.g. Yota or Tinkoff Mobile) block the distribution at the level APN. To get around it:

1. Install the Android SDK Platform-Tools on your laptop.
2. Put the phone on. USB And turn on the debugging. USB (Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).
3. In the command line, do: adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0 That'll turn off the check. DUN (Dial-Up Networking, which some operators require.

Method 2: Distribution through VPN (If the operator blocks traffic)

If the Internet is only on the phone, but not on the laptop, the reason may be a lock. TTL (Packet lifetimes. Solution:

• Put it on the phone. VPN-Application (e.g. 1.1.1.1: Faster Internet).
• Turn it on. VPN and then activate the access point.
• On a laptop, connect to the network you have created – traffic will go through VPN, circumvention.

⚠️ Attention! Use! VPN To circumvent the restrictions, the operator may violate the user agreement.

8. Comparison of distribution methods: which one to choose?

Each method has its pros and cons, and the choice depends on your priorities:

For most users, Redmi 8 is the best option. USB-Modem: It combines high speed, stability and minimal battery consumption. Wi-Fi is convenient for connecting multiple devices, but quickly decommissions the battery. Bluetooth is only suitable for emergencies when other methods are not available.

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Redmi 8 with firmware MIUI 13+ You have the Smart Access Point feature, which automatically turns off the distribution when there are no connected devices. → Access Point and modem → Additionally. → Auto-disconnect and select Never.

FAQ: Frequent questions about giving the Internet with Redmi 8