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

In today's world, access to the global network has become a basic need, and often there is a situation when it is urgent to provide Internet with a laptop or tablet, and a fixed router is not at hand. Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices are in a favorable position, since the shell is in a very good position. MIUI And the new HyperOS offers flexible and advanced tools to turn a smartphone into a full-fledged mobile router, and it can also be distributed through standard Wi-Fi. USB-cable or Bluetooth connection, which allows you to choose the best option depending on the conditions and available equipment.

The modem functionality of the brand’s smartphones allows you to fine-tune connection security, limit the number of users you connect to, and even manage handout times to save battery life. Many users do not suspect that hidden engineering menus or third-party utilities can significantly expand the standard features of the system. In this article, we will discuss all available methods in detail, help avoid common errors and set up a stable connection that will not constantly break down.

Setting up a classic Wi-Fi access point

The most common and convenient way is to create a wireless network that other gadgets can connect to. To activate this feature on Xiaomi devices, you need to lower the notification curtain and find the “Access Point” icon, or go to the settings menu through Settings → Connection and Sharing → Wi-Fi Access Point. Once you turn on the smartphone, you will see the list of available networks, however, by default the network name and password may be standard, which is not always secure.

It is recommended to immediately change the security settings by setting a strong password and selecting a modern encryption protocol. In the Access Point configuration menu, you can specify the network name (SSID), select the frequency range and set the traffic limit. The encryption protocol is better to choose WPA2-Personal or WPA3 if the connected devices support this standard, as this will protect your data from being intercepted by unauthorized persons in public places.

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Use the 5GHz band to distribute the internet if the receiving device is nearby – this will provide maximum data transfer speed, unlike the congested 2.4GHz band.

It is important to consider that active Wi-Fi distribution significantly increases the power consumption of the processor and radio module. If you plan to use the phone as a router for a long time, it is advisable to connect it to a power source or external battery. It is also worth remembering that with a large number of connected customers, the smartphone can heat up, which will lead to trolling and lower Internet speeds.

• 📶 Choose 5 GHz for high speeds over short distances.
• 🔒 Set a complex password of letters and numbers to protect the network.
• 📉 Limit the number of connections to 3-4 stability-stability.
• 🔋 Keep an eye on the temperature of the body during long work.

Distribution of the Internet through USB-cable

When you need maximum connection stability or need to charge the device while working, the optimal solution is to be more efficient. USB-This method is especially relevant for desktop computers that do not have a Wi-Fi module, or in conditions of severe interference in the air. To connect, simply connect a Redmi smartphone to a PC with a quality cable and activate the switch in the access point menu «USB-The system will automatically install the required drivers if they have not been downloaded before.

The main advantage of a wired connection is that the phone is simultaneously charged from the computer, and the data transfer speed is limited only by the capabilities of the device. USB-Unlike Wi-Fi, there is little latency (ping), which is critical for online gaming or video conferencing. Cable connection is also more secure, as it eliminates the possibility of remote network hacking by air.

⚠️ Note: At the first connection USB-The system can install drivers for a few minutes, but do not disconnect the cable until the process is complete, otherwise the device may be defined as a drive.

If the computer does not see the Internet USB, Check if the debugging is included USB It's in the developer menu, but in most cases it's not necessary. USB-port on the motherboard or using another cable, as some budget cords only support charging and do not transmit data. USB-the connection is selected by the file transfer mode or «USB-modem, not just "charging».

Using Bluetooth modem to save energy

Although this method is considered obsolete due to the low data rate, it remains relevant in situations where it is necessary to maximize the battery life of the smartphone. Bluetooth modem consumes significantly less power than the Wi-Fi module, and allows you to organize a connection with a laptop or tablet where other methods are not available.

Bluetooth connection speeds rarely exceed 2-3 Mbps, which is enough to load pages, messengers or navigation, but completely unsuitable for watching high-resolution video. Set up this type of connection can take longer than creating a Wi-Fi network, since manual pairing of devices is required. However, in emergency cases, when the battery is critically low, this option can be a lifesaver.

Note that Bluetooth connectivity is limited to a few meters, and devices must be in line of sight for stable operation. Obstacles in the form of walls or metal structures can significantly degrade the signal. The channel is less stable than wired counterparts, so periodic breaks of the connection are possible when you move away from the signal source.

• 🔋 Minimal power consumption compared to Wi-Fi.
• 🐢 Low data transfer speed, suitable only for text.
• 🔗 Necessity of pre-conjugation of devices.
• 📏 Small range requiring proximity of gadgets.

Advanced settings and hidden MIUI features

The MIUI shell is famous for its rich functionality, which is often hidden from the eyes of the average user. In the access point menu, you can find the option “Setting up the access point”, where range options are available (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), setting a time interval for disconnection in the absence of connections and managing the list of allowed devices. Using the 5 GHz band avoids interference from neighboring routers and microwave ovens, providing a cleaner communication channel.

One of the useful features is the ability to set a traffic limit, you can set a maximum amount of data, after which the Internet distribution will automatically stop, this helps to avoid unexpected costs if you use a packet tariff with a limited amount of gigabytes, and the White List feature is available, allowing you to connect only to pre-approved devices, ignoring all other requests.

For advanced users, there is a possibility of change. MAC-access point addresses, which may be required to bypass the provider's restrictions or filter by MAC-However, be careful when changing system parameters, as incorrect settings can lead to unstable operation of the network module.

Solving Connection and Speed Problems

Often, users are faced with a situation where devices see the network, but the Internet is not working, or the connection speed is extremely low. The first thing to do is check the balance of the mobile operator and the presence of a traffic pack. If the balance is positive, try to switch the network mode in the mobile Internet settings from 5G/4G/3G/2G to Only 4G, since in areas of unstable coverage, the phone can constantly jump between standards, breaking the connection.

Another common problem is blocking the distribution of the mobile operator: many plans prohibit the use of a smartphone as a modem, determining this by the value of the TTL (Time To Live) data packet. When passing through a smartphone, the TTL decreases by one, and the provider sees that traffic is not from the phone, but from the computer, blocking access.

⚠️ Note: Bypassing operator restrictions by modifying TTL may violate the terms of the user agreement. Use such methods only within the law and at your own risk.

Changing TTL on Xiaomi devices often requires root rights or the use of special applications that change system settings. Without superuser rights, you can try changing the access point (APN) by adding default,supl,dun instead of the standard default,supl. The word dun (Dial-Up Networking) tells the system that this connection is intended for a modem, which in some cases helps bypass simple ISP checks.

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Changing the APN setting to “dun” is the easiest software method to try to bypass the distribution lock without getting root rights on the device.

Safety and optimization of battery consumption

Turning a smartphone into a router is a burden on all components of the device, especially the battery. To minimize harm, it is recommended to reduce the brightness of the screen to a minimum or turn off the display altogether, since the access point mode does not require a screen, and it is also worth turning off background applications that can consume traffic or CPU time, for example, synchronizing photos or downloading game updates.

Security is especially important when using public networks or giving the Internet to strangers. Be sure to use complex passwords and hide the network name (SSID) if you only connect your devices so that no one sees them on the list of available ones. Regularly check the list of connected customers in the access point menu and disable suspicious devices.

Do not leave your phone for Internet in the sun or on soft surfaces such as a sofa or bed, as this worsens heat sink. Overheating is the main enemy of lithium polymer batteries and can cause the battery to bloat or reduce its capacity in the future.

• ☀️ Do not leave your smartphone under direct sunlight.
• 📱 Turn off the screen to reduce heat and energy consumption.
• 👀 Check the list of connected customers regularly.
• 🌬️ Ensure good ventilation of the device during operation.

Questions and Answers (FAQ)