How to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro on a laptop: a detailed guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a popular smartphone with powerful hardware and flexible network settings, but not all users know how to effectively use it as an access point for a laptop. Unlike the new Redmi models, where the modem mode function works out of the box, the Note 8 Pro can have nuances with drivers, operator restrictions or unstable connection. This article will help you understand all ways of distributing the Internet - from the classic Wi-Fi hotspot to hidden features. USB-modem and Bluetooth connections, and solve typical problems such as no network on a PC or slow speed.

We tested all methods on current versions. MIUI 12.5/14 Windows 10/11, So the instructions are adapted to the real-world environment, and the focus was on the hidden USB-ethernet mode" (RNDIS), It's often ignored in standard guides, but it gives you a more stable connection than Wi-Fi when you're in a space with interference. If you're faced with a bug called "failed to set up a mobile hotspot" or a laptop that doesn't see a network, there's a separate section in the article with solutions.

1.Preparation of the phone: checking the settings before distributing the Internet

Before you turn on modem modem modem, make sure your Redmi Note 8 Pro is ready to give away the internet.Missing these steps often leads to crashes, especially if the smartphone has previously been used with a mobile phone. SIM-maps of other operators or after resetting settings.

One is, check your mobile data. Go to Settings. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and make sure that:

• 📶 Mobile Internet is enabled for the right reasons SIM-cards (if two of them).
• 🌐 The network type is set to 4G (LTE) or 5G (if supported by the operator). 3G low-speed.
• 📵 No active mode "Saving traffic" in the settings SIM-map.

Two, update the firmware. The Redmi Note 8 Pro has older versions. MIUI (below 12.0.3) can block the distribution of the Internet due to bugs. → The phone. → Update. If you have an update, install it, even if it weighs a few gigabytes.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using SIM-A card with unlimited rates, the operator can limit the speed when distributing the Internet (so-called tetring).Clarify the conditions with the provider - some (for example, Tele2) block the hotspot after 10 GB of traffic.

2. Method 1: Distribution of the Internet via Wi-Fi (mobile hotspot)

The most versatile method that works on any device, from laptops to tablets. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the feature is called Modem Modem, and it's hidden in the back of the menu. Here's how to activate it:

1. Open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Modem Modem.
2. Tap on Wi-Fi hotspot.
3. Turn on the Wi-Fi Access Point slider (at the top of the screen).
4. Click on “Access Point Settings” to change: 🔑 Name of the network (SSID) — Think of something unique (for example, RedmiNote8Pro_5G). 🔒 Password minimum 8 symbols, with numbers and letters. 📶 Range - select. 5 GHz for less interference (but not all laptops support it).

Save the changes and connect to the network from your laptop.

If the laptop does not see the network or connects, but the Internet does not work:

• 🔄 Restart your router (if connected to your home Wi-Fi) – sometimes channels conflict.
• 📱 On the phone, turn off "Battery Savings" in the power settings.
• 🖥️ On your laptop, temporarily disable the firewall or antivirus (they can block the connection).

Is it off on the phone? VPN|Is the mobile internet enabled?|The laptop is in the Wi-Fi coverage area|Password entered without errors-->

3. Method 2: USB-modem (most stable connection)

If you need a long connection without interruptions (for example, for online games or video conferencing), USB-The modem is the best choice. It consumes less battery power on the phone and provides faster speeds than Wi-Fi:

• ⚡ Cable USB Type-C (preferably original or certified).
• 💻 Laptop with port USB 3.0 (blue connector) for maximum speed.
• 🔧 Driver. RNDIS (It is usually installed automatically when you first connect).

Instructions for setting:

1. Connect your phone to your laptop through USB-cable.
2. On the phone, select the connection mode "File Transfer" (if a request appears).
3. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Modem Modem.
4. Activate the slider "USB-modem".
5. On your laptop, check the connection: 🪟 Windows: Open the Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network connections. A new Ethernet connection should be available, or "USB RNDIS". 🐧 Linux: run the ip a command – the interface should appear usb0.

If the driver is not automatically installed:

1. Download Mi PC Suite from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Install the program – it will add the necessary drivers.
3. Restart the laptop and reconnect.

⚠️ Note: Some laptops with Windows 11 USB-The modem may not work due to the "Disable Unsigned Drivers" security policy. To fix this, go to Settings → Update and security → Recovery → Special boot options, reboot to Safe Network-enabled Mode and reconnect.

Method 3: Distributing the Internet via Bluetooth (charge savings)

This method is suitable if you do not have a cable or need minimal power consumption (for example, when working from a powerbank). USB, But the connection is more stable in the face of interference:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and laptop.
2. On your phone, go to Settings. → Connected devices → Bluetooth settings.
3. Click "Pair" and select your laptop from the list.
4. Confirm the pairing code on both devices.
5. Back to Settings → Connection and sharing → Modem mode.
6. Activate the Bluetooth Modem slider.

On the laptop:

• 🪟 Windows: Open the settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices, find the phone in the list and click "Connect via" → Access point".
• 🍎 macOS: in System settings → Bluetooth Click on the Phone and select Connect to the Network".

Limitations of the method:

• ⚡ Speed rarely exceeds 5-7 Mbit/s (enough for messengers, but not for video in the video) 4K).
• 🔋 Phone battery consumption ~15-20% hourly 25-30% wifi).
• 📶 The range is up to 10 meters (unlike Wi-Fi, where up to 50 meters).

💡

If the Bluetooth modem is unstable, try turning off the “Adaptive Bluetooth” feature on your phone in Settings. → Additionally. → Special capabilities, that will eliminate accidental communication breakdowns.

5. Table of comparison of ways of distribution of the Internet

To choose the best method, compare their key parameters:

For most tasks (work, streaming, downloading files) is optimal. USB-If you need to connect multiple devices (tablet) + laptop) – choose Wi-Fi. Bluetooth is only relevant for text tasks or on trips.

6. Solving typical problems

Even with the right setup, there can be errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Laptop connects to Wi-Fi, but the Internet is not working

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 No mobile internet on your phone – check your balance SIM-cards or reboot your smartphone.
• 🌐 Wrong settings APN — Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) Compare the parameters with those listed on your operator’s website.
• 🔒 Operator-Blocked – some tariffs (e.g., MTS’s For Smartphone) prohibit distribution. Call support and activate the Modem option".

Problem 2: USB-The modem is not detected on the laptop

What to do:

1. Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
2. Update drivers via Windows or Terminal (Linux: sudo apt install rndis-host).
3. On the phone, turn on "Debugging by" USB" In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times according to version, then return to additional → For developers).

Problem 3: Slow Internet speed

How to speed up:

• 📶 Switch from 3G on 4G/LTE mobile network settings.
• 🔄 Change the network mode in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network type on "Only LTE".
• 📵 Disable background apps on your phone (especially YouTube, TikTok, Telegram) that can eat up traffic.
• 🔌 For USB-modem use port USB 3.0 (usually blue).

💡

If the speed is USB-modem below 50 Mbps, check the cable - cheap uncertified wires limit bandwidth to USB 2.0 (max. 480 Mbps for all devices).

7. Optimization of battery consumption and traffic

The Internet is putting a heavy strain on the Redmi Note 8 Pro battery (especially when using Wi-Fi) to extend the battery life:

• 🔋 Connect your phone to charge during the handout. Even if the battery level is 100%, the cable will reduce the load on the battery.
• 🌡️ Turn off "Auto-brightness" and set the brightness of the screen on 30-40%.
• 📴 Enable "Flight Mode", but leave mobile data active and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi (If you use them for distribution, it will turn off the background processes.
• ⚙️ In the settings Modem mode → Wi-Fi access point set "Disable in the absence of devices" 5-10 minute.

To reduce traffic consumption:

• 📊 Enable “Traffic Savings” in the settings SIM-The card (but not the phone itself!).
• 🔍 Use an ad blocker (like AdGuard) on your laptop – banners eat up to 30% of traffic.
• 📥 Turn off automatic app updates on your phone and laptop.

If you’re a frequent Internet user, consider buying a 20,000mAh powerbank with Quick Charge 3.0 support, which will keep your phone charged for up to 12 hours even when you’re actively using the modem.

8. Alternative solutions

If the standard methods don’t work or you need more flexible network management, try these methods:

1. Internet distribution applications

Third-party utilities offer additional features, such as:

• 📲 PdaNet+ — Bypassing the locking operators, supports USB/Bluetooth.
• 🌐 ClockworkMod Tether – does not require root, works on the MIUI.
• 🔒 FoxFi – hides the distribution from the operator (useful for unlimited tariffs).

Download only from Google Play – third-party APK may contain viruses.

2. Mode "USB Ethernet" (RNDIS)

This method provides a more stable compound than the standard one. USB-To activate it:

1. Connect the phone to the laptop.
2. Enter the dialer number number: ##717717## (the menu will open). USB Settings).
3. Choose. RNDIS + DM + Modem.
4. On your laptop, check for a new network connection.

3. Use of an external antenna (for weak signal)

If you have a poor network coverage, but you do have 4G-antenna (for example, from a router), you can connect it to the phone via an adapter TS-9:

• Buy a plug-in pigtail cable. TS-9 (For the Redmi Note 8 Pro).
• Connect the antenna to the phone via the adapter.
• In the mobile network settings, select "Only" LTE" better-signal.

That'll increase the speed by 30-50% low-covered.

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If you travel frequently, bookmark your laptop with the Speedtest Global Index page, which shows the average mobile internet speed by country and by carrier.

FAQ: Frequent questions