How to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi phone to tablet: the complete guide

In today's digital world, the tablet computer is often the primary working tool for viewing content, documenting and video conferencing. However, mobile versions of these devices tend not to have their own cellular module, making them dependent on having a stable Wi-Fi connection. In situations where you are out of the house or in a low-cost area of public networks, the only reliable alternative is using a smartphone as a router. For owners of the MIUI ecosystem, this is especially true, since the shell offers advanced traffic configuration options.

Smartphones Xiaomi and their sub-brands, such as Redmi and POCO, are equipped with powerful modems capable of supporting high-speed 4G and 5G communication standards. This allows you to turn the phone into a full-fledged mobile hotspot, providing the tablet with stable access to the global network. The process of organizing such a connection does not require the installation of third-party software, since all the necessary functionality is already integrated into the system settings of Android and the manufacturer’s proprietary shell.

In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of connection, from the classic wireless method to a more stable wired version through the Internet. USB-You will learn how to set the security settings correctly, choose the optimal signal frequency for maximum speed and avoid common errors that can lead to a fast battery drain or connection break. Competent configuration of the access point is the key to productive work anywhere.

Preparation of a smartphone and checking the tariff plan

Before you start setting up the hotspot directly, make sure your mobile phone’s hardware is ready and in line with your mobile operator’s conditions. Internet distribution, or tetering, consumes a significant amount of traffic, especially if the tablet is used to watch high-resolution videos or download large files. Make sure your plan provides unlimited internet or contains enough gigabyte package to avoid unexpected financial costs.

It's also worth checking the current signal level in your location. To get a good Wi-Fi distribution, your smartphone must receive a 4G/LTE signal with at least two to three divisions. If the indicator shows EDGE or G, the speed on the connected tablet will be extremely low, and the phone's battery will run out instantly due to constant network search. Turn on your mobile data on the device and make sure the Internet is working correctly.

⚠️ Attention: Many carriers automatically detect the Internet distribution and can block it or require additional connectivity. If the access point is created but the Internet on the tablet is not working, try changing the Internet. APN or contact the operator to clarify the terms of the tariff.

Battery charge is an important aspect. Access point mode significantly increases the power consumption of the processor and radio module. If you plan to work long hours, it is recommended to keep the phone connected to an external battery or network, especially if you use the 5 GHz frequency range, which is more energy intensive.

Setting up a Wi-Fi wireless access point

The main and most convenient way to share the Internet is to create a wireless network. In the MIUI shell, this process is simplified and standardized for all models, from the budget Redmi series to the flagship Xiaomi. To start, open the main settings menu and find the section responsible for connections. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of the system, but the logic remains the same.

You need to follow the Settings → Wi-Fi Access Point path. In some firmware versions, this option may be simply called “Access Point” or located inside the Connect and Sharing menu. Once you log in, you will see the Access Point Status Switch. Before activating it, you are strongly advised to click on the “Access Point Setting” button to set your own security settings.

In the configuration menu, you can change the network name (SSID) that the tablet will see when looking for available connections. By default, it contains your phone model, such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro. It is better to set a unique name so as not to get confused in the list of networks if there are many other devices around. It also sets a password that should be complex enough that neighbors or random passers-by can not use your traffic.

Special attention should be paid to the choice of frequency range. Modern smartphones allow you to choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. 2.4 GHz range has greater range and penetrates walls better, but it is often overloaded with signals from other devices. 5 GHz range provides high data speeds, but has a smaller range. 5 GHz will be the best choice for working in the same room with a tablet.

Selecting a security protocol and hiding a network

The security of data is a critical parameter when using public channels. Xiaomi access point settings usually choose the WPA2 PSK encryption protocol by default. This is a modern and reliable standard that supports most devices. Trying to use older versions like WEP does not make sense, since they are easily hacked, and new gadgets may not even support them.

One of the useful features available in MIUI is the ability to hide the network, and if you activate the Hide the Network option, your device will stop broadcasting the SSID name on the air, which means that the tablet will not see your access point in the general list of available Wi-Fi networks.

To connect to a hidden network on a tablet, you will need to manually enter your network name and password in your Wi-Fi settings by selecting the option “Add Network” or “Connect to Hidden Network” and this creates an additional layer of protection from prying eyes, although it adds inconvenience to each new connection, as the automatic connection may not work properly.

⚠️ Attention: Hiding SSID A skilled user with the appropriate software will still be able to detect the activity of your access point. Use this feature as an additional measure, but do not rely on it as the only protection.

This same settings section often displays a list of connected devices, a handy tool for monitoring: you can always see who is using your internet, and if necessary, lock an unknown device directly from the smartphone menu without even changing your password.

Wired connection through USB-cable

If the wireless connection is unstable or a maximum speed with minimal latency (ping) is required, it is advisable to use the wired method. USB-Tetering allows not only to transfer data, but also to charge the tablet at the same time if it supports charging through the connection port, or at least not to discharge the phone as quickly as in Wi-Fi mode.

To implement this method, you'll need a quality USB Type-C or Micro-USB cable that can transmit data, not just the current to charge. Connect one end of the cable to your smartphone and the other to your tablet. Android can request permission to debug over USB or use the device as a drive — in this case, you need to ignore these requests or choose Charge Only mode, since control is from the phone.

On your smartphone, go to the access point settings menu, as described earlier «USB-modem «USB-tetering") and activate the switch. If the item is inactive (gray), check the reliability of the cable connection. After switching on the tablet in the status bar, the wired connection icon should appear, and the Internet will automatically work.

The advantage of wired connections is that there is no interference and a higher level of stability, which is especially important for video calls or online games, where data packet loss is unacceptable, and when wired, the phone heats up less, since the Wi-Fi radio module does not work in radiation mode.

Comparison of distribution methods and technical specifications

To help you choose the best way to connect to a particular situation, we have developed a comparison table that shows the key differences between wireless and wired methods, allowing you to weigh the pros and cons according to your current tasks and environmental conditions.

As you can see from the table, Bluetooth tetering makes almost no sense to use for full surfing due to the extremely low speed, but it can be useful in emergency situations when you need to send a text message or receive mail, and the phone battery is running out. Wi-Fi remains a universal solution for most scenarios, allowing you to connect several gadgets at once.

The choice between Wi-Fi and USB It's often mobility-dependent. If you're sitting at a desk, USB-And if you're moving around your apartment or in a vehicle, wireless connectivity gives you the freedom to move around without the risk of getting caught by the wire.

Optimizing work and solving connection problems

Despite the ease of customization, users may face problems: the tablet sees the network but does not connect, or the connection is there, and the pages do not load. IP-addresses or misalignments DNS. In this case, it helps to restart the network interface on both devices or reset the network settings on the smartphone to factory values.

Another common problem is the automatic shutdown of the access point. MIUI has a "Switch off the access point" feature that deactivates the distribution if no one is connected to it for 10 minutes. This saves battery, but it can be inconvenient if the tablet periodically loses communication.

⚠️ Warning: If you work in hotspot mode for a long time, your smartphone can get very hot. High temperatures can negatively affect the life of your lithium polymer battery. Remove the protective case if it is dense, and do not leave your phone in direct sunlight while you distribute the Internet.

Also worth mentioning is the Planner feature, which allows you to set up the automatic switching on and off of the access point on a schedule, which is useful if you use the tablet to sync data or download updates at night, when the tariff may be more profitable or the network is less busy.

💡

For maximum download speed on the tablet manually write DNS-Google servers (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) in the Wi-Fi connection settings on the tablet itself.

If neither method works, check if the phone has Traffic Savings or Ultra-Savings mode, which can block background data transfers for other devices. In some cases, switching network mode in mobile settings from 5G/LTE/3G/2G to forced LTE only helps, which stabilizes the connection in areas of uncertain reception.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

💡

Properly configuring the access point on Xiaomi allows you to turn your smartphone into a powerful mobile router, providing the tablet with high-speed Internet at any point of coverage of the cellular network.