How to give away the Internet from Xiaomi on iPhone: a complete guide to solving errors

Sharing the Internet from Xiaomi’s smartphone to iPhone is a challenge that millions of users face. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process is often accompanied by errors, from inability to connect to sudden communication interruptions. In this article, we will examine not only the basic steps of setting up an access point, but also nuances that manufacturers rarely mention in official instructions.

The connection between Android devices (in this case Xiaomi) and iOS (iPhone) is different in security protocols and power management. For example, the iPhone can automatically disconnect from the access point if the signal is weaker than -70 dBm, and Xiaomi by default limits the number of connected devices to 5. These and other pitfalls we will discuss below.

This article is relevant for all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models based on MIUI 12-14 (including HyperOS), as well as for iPhones with iOS 15-17. If your device runs on an older version of the software, some menu items may differ - we will warn you about this separately.

1. Preparation of devices before setting up

Before you turn on a hotspot on Xiaomi, make sure both devices are ready to connect, and neglecting this step often leads to errors like “failed to join the network” or “No Internet access”.

On Xiaomi, check:

• 📶 Mobile network signal: the level should be at least 2–3 divisions (ideally 4G/5G with LTE or 5G). If the signal is weak, move closer to the window or use a repeater.
• 🔋 Battery charge: At below 20% MIUI automatically turns off the access point to save energy. Connect the charger if the level is critical.
• 📱 Software Updates: Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and install the latest patches. MIUI 14 fixes bugs with the Internet distribution to Apple devices.

On the iPhone, do this:

• ✈️ Turn off In-plane mode: even if it's turned off, sometimes restarting this setting to Settings → In-plane mode helps.
• 🔄 Reset network settings (if you have previously had connection issues): Settings → Basic → Reset or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset network settings.
• 🛡️ Temporarily disable VPN: Some applications (e.g., ProtonVPN or NordVPN) block connection to external access points.

⚠️ Warning: If the Low Data setting is enabled on the iPhone (in Settings → Cellular → Data settings), it may limit the connection speed to the access point. Disable it before setting it up.

2. Enabling the access point on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

The process of activating a mobile hotspot on Xiaomi depends on the version of MIUI. Below is a universal guide suitable for most models (including Redmi, POCO and flagship series).

Open Settings and follow the following steps:

1. Go to Network and Internet (or Connections and Sharing in MIUI 13+).
2. Select Access Point and modem (in some firmwares – Modem Modem).
3. Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point slider.
4. Click on Access Point Settings (or the ⚙️ icon next to the slider).

In the settings menu, specify:

• 🔐 Network name (SSID): Think of a unique name (e.g., Xiaomi_Hotspot_5G). Avoid Cyrillic and space.
• 🔑 Password: minimum 8 characters, using numbers and letters (e.g. MiHot1234). iPhones do not connect to networks with passwords shorter than 8 characters.
• 📡 Frequency Range: Choose 5GHz for top speed (if the iPhone supports this range) or 2.4GHz for better compatibility.
• 🔄 Auto-Disable: Turn off this option to keep the access point running continuously.

The name of the network in Latin without spaces

Password not shorter than 8 characters

Selected 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz range

Auto-disconnection of the access point is disabled

Mobile Internet is enabled on Xiaomi-->

Once you save the settings, the access point will be active. On your iPhone, go to Settings → Wi-Fi, find the network with the specified name (SSID) and enter the password.

3. Solving common connection errors

Even if you set up your iPhone properly, it may not connect to Xiaomi’s hotspot or lose the connection, and here’s a list of the most common problems and solutions.

⚠️ Warning: If your iPhone shows an "Valid Certificate" message after you connect, it means that Xiaomi has enabled the MAC- Address Filtering feature, turn it off in the AP settings, or add the MAC- iPhone address to the list of allowed devices.

A critical feature for iPhone owners with iOS 17+: Apple has added a feature called “Private Wi-Fi Address” (Private Wi-Fi Address), which randomly changes the MAC- address of the device when connecting to networks. This can lead to a connection lock if Xiaomi has enabled filtering on MAC. To turn off this feature, go to iPhone Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) next to the network name → turn off “Private Address”.

4. Optimization of connection speed and stability

The speed of the Internet when you distribute from Xiaomi to iPhone depends on several factors: the quality of the signal of the mobile network, the congestion of the channel and the settings of energy saving.

On Xiaomi:

• 📶 Network Priority: in Settings → Network & Internet → SIM- Maps & Mobile Networks, select Network Priority: 4G (preferably) or 5G (if supported).
• 🔧 MTU- Value: In the access point settings set MTU = 1472 (optimum for most operators).
• 🔄 Modem reboot: If the speed drops, switch flight mode for 10 seconds and back again, this will reset the connection to the base station.

On the iPhone:

• 📊 Turn off background app updates: Settings → Basic → Content updates → turn off for unnecessary apps.
• 🎮 Limit your traffic consumption to games: in Settings → Cellular, turn off mobile data for heavy gaming (e.g. Genshin Impact or Call of Duty).
• 🔍 Check DNS: If sites open slowly, change DNS to 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) to Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) → Set up DNS.

💡

If you distribute Internet for streaming (YouTube, Twitch) or video calling (Zoom), turn on Xiaomi’s High Performance mode in Settings → Battery → Performance mode. This will prevent speed drawdowns due to background optimization.

5. Alternative ways of distributing the Internet

If the Wi-Fi hotspot is unstable, consider alternative methods of connection.

• 🚫 Wi-Fi networks are blocked in public places (e.g., planes or trains).
• 🔌 You need to save battery power (Bluetooth consumes less power than Wi-Fi).
• 🔒 A more secure connection is required (USB- cable is less vulnerable to interception).

Method 1: Distribution via Bluetooth

1. On Xiaomi: Enable Bluetooth in Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
2. On iPhone: Go to Settings → Bluetooth and find the Xiaomi device.
3. Confirm the pairing on both devices.
4. On Xiaomi, go back to Access Point and modem and activate the Bluetooth modem.

⚠️ Speed will be limited to ~1-3 Mbps (enough for instant messengers, but not high-resolution video).

Method 2: Distribution via USB- Cable

This method will require a USB-C → Lightning cable (or adapter), and then connect the devices with a cable, then:

1. On Xiaomi, turn on the USB- modem in Settings → Access Point and modem.
2. The iPhone will be notified, “Trust this computer?”
3. If the connection is not established, check whether the data transfer mode is enabled on Xiaomi (in the notification curtain).

✅ Advantage: stable speed (up to 10-15 Mbps) and minimal battery consumption.

💡

The USB- modem is the most reliable way to distribute the Internet, but requires an original cable. Cheap, uncertified cables may not support data transmission.

6.Security: How to Protect an Access Point from Hacking

An open or poorly secured hotspot on Xiaomi could be a target for hackers, especially in public places.

Basic settings:

• 🔐 Complicated Password: Use a combination of 12+ characters with capital letters, numbers, and special characters (e.g. Mi@Hotspot_2026!).
• 🔄 Regular password change: Change it every 1-2 months, especially if you connect frequently in cafes or hotels.
• 👥 Device Limitation: In the access point settings, set a maximum of 3-4 connected devices (this will also improve speed).

Additional measures:

• 🛡️ Hiding SSID: Turn off network visibility in Access Point Settings → Hide the network. You have to manually connect to it, but this will reduce the risk of accidental connections.
• ⏱️ Inactivity timeout: Set up an automatic shutdown of the access point after 5-10 minutes without using.
• 📵 Disable WPS: This feature is vulnerable to brute force attacks. In MIUI it is usually disabled by default, but check in the additional router settings (if you use Xiaomi Router).

⚠️ Warning: If you're giving out the Internet in a public place (such as an airport), never use standard network names like Xiaomi_1234 or AndroidAP. Hackers often scan such networks knowing the default default default passwords. Always come up with a unique name.

7.Savings in traffic and battery during long-term distribution

Internet distribution is very expensive for battery and mobile traffic, so to avoid unexpected expenses and discharge of the phone, follow these tips:

Saving traffic:

• 📊 Consumption tracking: in Settings → Network & Internet → Data usage set a traffic limit (e.g., 5GB per month) and enable notifications when it is exceeded.
• 🚫 Background Data Blocking: Turn off automatic application updates and backups to the cloud (e.g., iCloud or Google Photos) when connecting to an access point.
• 🎵 Streaming Restriction: In apps like YouTube or Spotify, set the video/audio quality to a minimum.

Battery savings:

• 🔋 Use a charger: plug Xiaomi into a power bank or outlet. The Internet can drain the battery by 30-50% in 1-2 hours.
• 🌡️ Control the temperature: If the phone overheats, turn off the hotspot for 10-15 minutes. MIUI automatically reduces the speed at temperatures above 45°C.
• 🔄 Optimize background processes: Close all unnecessary apps on Xiaomi (especially games and social media) to reduce the CPU load.

💡

If you’re a frequent Internet user, buy an external 10,000–20,000 mAh battery with fast charging support, allowing Xiaomi to be used as a modem all day without the risk of discharge.

FAQ: Frequent questions about giving the Internet from Xiaomi on iPhone