How to distribute the Internet from the phone Xiaomi Redmi 8: 3 ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is still a popular choice due to its balance of price and functionality, but many users have difficulty trying to distribute mobile Internet to other devices. Unlike flagship models where the access point works out of the box, budget Redmis sometimes require additional configuration — especially if the operator limits this feature or network settings are lost.

In this article, you will find three proven ways to distribute the Internet (including hidden MIUI settings), a table of compatibility with devices of different brands, and solutions for the 5 most common errors — from no connection to fast battery discharge. All instructions are relevant for MIUI firmware 12-14 and tested on real devices in 2026.

1. Standard method: access point in MIUI settings

The most obvious method is to use the built-in Modem feature, but even here there are nuances: for example, on some versions of MIUI, the menu item is hidden, and operators like MTS or Beeline can block the distribution without additional option in the tariff.

To enable the access point:

1. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Modem Modem.
2. Slip on the Wi-Fi hotspot.
3. Set a tick in the upper right corner to activate.
4. Set up network settings: 🔑 Name of the network (SSID): Think of something unique (for example, Redmi8_Hotspot_123). 🔒 Password: minimum 8 symbols, with numbers and letters (avoid) 12345678!). 📶 Range: Choose 2.4 GHz for better compatibility with older devices.

Once activated, connect to the network from another device. If the Internet does not appear, check:

• 📱 Mobile data on Redmi 8 included.
• 🌐 APN-Operator settings (sometimes confused after update) MIUI).
• 🔄 Rebooting your phone helps in 30% of cases.

Network name does not contain Cyrillic | Password more difficult than "qwerty123" | Always active mode enabled in the settings of the access point | VPN and proxy on the distributing phone-->

On Redmi 8 with MIUI 14, the access point automatically shuts down after 5 minutes without connected devices — it's not a bug, it's a charge saving feature. To cancel it, go to Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode and add Modem Modem to exceptions.

Alternative method: USB-PC modem

If the Wi-Fi handout is not working or you need a stable connection with a laptop, use it. USB-Tetering: This process reduces battery life and provides faster data transfer speeds.

Instructions:

1. Connect Redmi 8 to your computer via the original cable (important!).
2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode when requested.
3. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Modem Modem.
4. Activate. USB-modem.

On Windows 10/11, drivers are installed automatically.

• 🖥️ Check network connections in Control Panel – a new Remote device should appear NDIS.
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0).
• 🔄 Reinstall drivers via Mi PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi).

Wi-Fi access point|USB-modem|Bluetooth|Not using.-->

⚠️ Attention: At USB-Redmi 8 can get very hot if the temperature is above 45°C, shut down the function for 10-15 minutes. Prolonged overheating reduces battery life.

3. Hidden settings: modem modem through the engineering menu

If standard methods don't work, try activating the access point through an engineering menu, which helps bypass operator restrictions, but requires caution - incorrect changes can disrupt the network.

Steps:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down to the Wi-Fi hotspot block.
4. Press wi-fi. AP and set the parameters: 📡 Channel: 6 (least interference). 🔄 Band: 2.4 GHz. 🔒 Security: WPA2 PSK.

Save the settings and restart the phone.

After that, the standard access point in Settings should work, and if not, check if your operator is blocking the distribution (we will discuss this in the next section).

4 Problems and Solutions: Why Internet Distribution Doesn't Work

Even if you set up the access point on Redmi 8 correctly, here are the 5 most common causes and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods helped, check:

• 📶 Network signal: in the area of weak coverage (1-2 division), the distribution may not work.
• 🔋 Battery charge: at a level below 15% MIUI Automatically disable the access point.
• 🛠️ Updates MIUI: in certain assemblies (for example, MIUI 12.0.3) was a tethering bug - update the firmware.

💡

If you need a handout regularly, buy Power Bank for 20,000 mAh – Redmi 8 with an active access point discharges in 3-4 hours. Connect the phone to the power bank before the modem is activated to avoid power surges.

5 How to save battery power when giving the Internet

Redmi 8 (5000 mAh) battery quickly goes down at an active access point.

• 🔄 Turn off automatic synchronization in Settings → Accounts.
• 📱 Reduce the brightness of the screen to 30-40%.
• 🎵 Turn off the notification sound – vibrations and tunes eat up to 10% of the charge per hour.
• 🌡️ Remove the cover - overheating accelerates the discharge.

Also, it will help to optimize background traffic:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autorun.
2. Turn off auto-run for all applications except instant messengers.
3. In Settings → Battery → Power Saving Mode, select Balanced (not High Performance!).

If you need to give the Internet more than 2 hours, use it. USB-Tethering – it consumes 20-30% less energy than Wi-Fi.

6. Compatibility with other devices

Not all gadgets work equally well with the Redmi 8 hotspot. Below is a table of compatibility with popular brands:

For iPhones and MacBooks, sometimes changing the security type from WPA2 to WPA3 (in the hotspot settings) helps. If the device still doesn't connect, try:

• 🔄 Reboot both gadgets.
• 📱 Remove the saved network on the target device and connect again.
• 🔒 Set up static IP manually (e.g. 192.168.43.100).

💡

If you need a handout for Smart TV or consoles, it is better to use USB-adapter modem OTG → Ethernet. This will reduce latency (ping) and eliminate connection problems.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions