The situation when urgently need access to the global network, and the Wi-Fi router refused or it is simply not at hand, is familiar to every smartphone owner. Owners of Xiaomi devices often face the need to quickly organize the work area using only their Redmi or Mi. Fortunately, the Android operating system in the shell of MIUI or HyperOS provides powerful tools for turning a gadget into a full-fledged modem.
There are several ways to transfer traffic: via Wi-Fi access point, USB-Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type of device you connect to and the quality of the signal received by the cell tower. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of the configuration so that you can choose the best option for your tasks.
Before you start setting up, make sure that your plan includes the traffic distribution option. Many mobile operators automatically detect a change in device type and can block the connection or charge an additional fee. Checking the tariff conditions with the carrier is a critical first step that users often ignore when faced with a lack of Internet after setting up.
Setting up a Wi-Fi router on Xiaomi Redmi
The most popular and convenient way to do this is to create a wireless hotspot, which allows you to connect multiple devices to the network at once: laptops, tablets, and even other phones, and to activate the function, you need to open the settings of the smartphone and find the partition responsible for connecting and sharing data.
In the settings menu, go to Connect and Share (or Access Point in older versions of MIUI). Here you will need to select the option Wi-Fi Access Point. Once the slider is turned on, the phone will start broadcasting the signal, which can be found in the list of available networks on the computer.
Pay special attention to security. By default, the system may offer a standard network name, but it is better to set the password complex so that neighbors can not take advantage of your traffic (SSID) and to establish a reliable protection WPA2-Personal.
- 📱 Open Settings and select Connection and Sharing».
- 📡 Click “Wi-Fi Access Point” and turn on the switch.
- 🔐 Set a complex password in the section "Setting up the access point».
- 💾 Save the changes and check network visibility on PC.
It's important to keep in mind the frequency range. In the access point settings, you can choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 5 GHz range provides a higher data rate, but has a shorter range and less penetration through walls. If the laptop is far from the phone, you'd better choose 2.4 GHz for stability.
⚠️ Attention: When using the Wi-Fi hotspot actively, the smartphone can get significantly warmer, as the radio module is in high-load mode. Remove the protective case if it is dense, and do not cover the device with a cloth while working.
Connection through USB-cable: maximum stability
If you need maximum speed and minimum latency (ping), as well as simultaneous charging of the smartphone, then a wired connection will be the ideal choice. USB-Modem on Xiaomi Redmi works more stable than wireless analogue, as it eliminates interference from other radio devices.
First, connect your phone to your computer with a high-quality cable. You should use the original wire that came with it, or a certified analog with data support. Cheap charging-only cables won't do, because the computer won't see the device.
After a physical connection on the phone screen may appear a request for mode of operation USB. Select "File Transfer" or «MTP», But it's not always critical for a modem, but then on your computer, go to your phone's settings through the Connect and Sharing menu and activate the item. USB-If the item is inactive (gray), check the cable.
☑️ Connection check USB-modem
Windows system usually automatically installs the necessary drivers for Android USB Ethernet/RNDIS. If this does not happen, and the Device Manager sees "Unknown device", you will need to manually update the driver by selecting the device from the list of Microsoft network adapters.
The main advantage of this method is that there is no loss of battery power. While you are working, the phone charges from a PC port or from its own charging (if the cable is connected to the network via a splitter), This is especially true for older Redmi models, where the battery can not withstand long operation in router mode.
Using Bluetooth modem to save energy
Although this method is considered obsolete due to its low speed, it can be a rescue in emergency situations when you need to transfer a small amount of text information, and the use of a computer. USB-Bluetooth modem consumes significantly less power than a Wi-Fi module.
The setup process starts with pairing devices. Turn on Bluetooth on your computer and on your Xiaomi smartphone. Find the device in the list of available on your PC and enter the confirmation code. Once successfully paired in the Connection and Sharing menu, the Bluetooth modem switch will become active on the phone.
On your computer, you need to go to the Bluetooth device control panel, select your phone, and click Connect via → Access Point. Connection speeds in this mode rarely exceed 1-2 Mbps, which is enough for instant messengers, but not enough for watching videos.
Why is Bluetooth modem so slow?
Use this method only when other options are not available. It is useful for connecting older laptops that don't have Wi-Fi modules but have Bluetooth. It is also a good way to save battery power if you don't have a charger on hand.
Comparison of Internet Distribution Methods
To make it easier for you to choose the right option, we have prepared a scorecard that will help you weigh the pros and cons of each connection method depending on your current needs and conditions.
| Parameter | Wi-Fi Access Point | USB-modem | Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | High (up to 100+ Mbps) | Maximum (stable) | Low (1-2 Mbps) |
| Battery consumption | High-pitched | Charging the device | Medium/Low |
| Number of devices | Up to 10 devices | 1 device (PC) | 1 device (PC) |
| Stability | Depends on the interference. | Tall. | Medium |
As you can see from the table, USB-Connectivity is a win-win for everything except mobility. If you're working on a laptop, always choose cable. Wi-Fi leaves your phone wireless, but it quickly lands the battery and heats the case.
💡
For permanent work on the laptop, choose USB-cable: this will provide better speed and save battery power smartphone.
The solution: the computer does not see modem
Often users are faced with a situation where everything is turned on, but the Internet does not appear on the computer. The most common reason on Xiaomi is the lack of drivers or the wrong USB mode. Try reconnecting the cable several times by changing the USB ports on the computer (it is better to use the ports at the back of the system unit).
In some cases, enabling USB debugging helps. You need a hidden developer menu: go to About Phone and quickly press 7 times on the MIUI build number. Then, in the advanced settings, find the "Developers" item and turn on Debugging over USB.
The problem may also be an antivirus or Windows firewall that blocks a new network connection. Check the network status: it can be defined as "Public", which limits the visibility of the device. Try temporarily disabling third-party antiviruses for diagnosis.
⚠️ Note: If you are connected USB-The modem of the computer emits the device connection sound, but the driver is not installed, try manually updating the driver through Device Manager, selecting the device «RNDIS» Or “Ethernet Adapter” from the list of Microsoft standard drivers.
Optimizing traffic and battery consumption
Internet distribution is energy-intensive, so that your Redmi doesn't run out in an hour, keep the screen brighter or off altogether, and turn off background app updates that can consume traffic and CPU time.
You can set a traffic limit or a shutdown timer in the hotspot settings, which is a useful feature if you have a packet tariff with limited data, and the system will automatically turn off the modem when the limit is exhausted, preventing unnecessary costs.
💡
Set a timer to turn off the access point in the Wi-Fi router settings so that the phone does not discharge to zero if you fall asleep or forget to turn off modem mode.
Use energy-saving mode, but make sure it doesn't turn off the modem itself. On some versions of HyperOS firmware, aggressive optimization can shut down the Internet distribution process. Add the Settings app or system service to the battery exceptions.