How to distribute the Internet from one Xiaomi to another: all ways with pros and cons

You find yourself in a situation where you have to share the Internet between two Xiaomi smartphones, but you don't know how to do it quickly and without losing the quality of communication? This problem is familiar to many: one phone is connected to the mobile network and the second one is not, or the speed on the second device leaves much to be desired. Fortunately, the Xiaomi ecosystem offers several ways to distribute the Internet, each of which has its own characteristics.

In this article, we'll look at all the current methods, from the classic Wi-Fi hotspot to the little-known features like Mi Share and USB-ethernet, learn which is the fastest, which is the least battery-storage, and how to avoid typical setup errors, and compare traffic consumption and connectivity stability across scenarios ranging from urban environments to outdoor travel.

Important: The instructions in this article are relevant for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese versions of firmware).If you have an older version of the shell, some menu items may differ, we will mention this too.

1. Internet distribution via Wi-Fi hotspot (the most universal way)

Creating a Wi-Fi hotspot is a standard method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of model. It is suitable for distributing Internet not only to another Xiaomi, but also to any device: laptops, tablets, even smart watches. The main advantages are high data transfer speeds (up to 150 Mbps on modern models) and easy setup.

To activate the access point:

1. Open the Settings. → Access Point and modem.
2. Select Wi-Fi Access Point (or Portable Access Point on some firmware).
3. Set a network name (SSID) and password (minimum 8 characters).
4. Click Save and turn on the slider at the top of the screen.

On the second Xiaomi smartphone, connect to the network as if you have a regular Wi-Fi. Note: if you have MIUI 14, the system may offer to automatically connect to the access point with the same Mi Account - this speeds up the process.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T Or the Redmi Note 11 Pro.+) When the access point is activated, the connection to another Wi-Fi network automatically turns off. If you need to receive and distribute the Internet at the same time, use Modem Modem. USB (down).

The speed and stability of the connection depend on:

• 📶 Wi-Fi frequencies: Choose 5GHz for maximum speed (but shorter range) or 2.4GHz for better coverage.
• 🔋 Battery charge: Wi-Fi increases power consumption by 15 to 25 percent. If the battery is below 20 percent, the smartphone can automatically turn off the access point.
• 📱 Smartphone models: flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, POCO F5 Pro) supports Wi-Fi 6 and distributes internet faster than budget models.

2. Internet distribution via Bluetooth (battery savings but low speed)

If you want to share the Internet without heavy battery consumption, but high speed is not critical (for example, for instant messengers or mail), you can do the distribution via Bluetooth. This method consumes 30-40% less power than Wi-Fi, but the speed is limited to 1-3 Mbps.

How to set up:

1. On the handout smartphone: Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → turn on visibility.
2. On the receiving smartphone: find the first device in the list and pair.
3. Return to Settings → Access Point and modem and select Bluetooth modem.
4. Confirm the connection on both devices.

Features of the method:

• 🔄 Automatic reconnect: If Bluetooth connection is interrupted, smartphones will reconnect on their own (unlike Wi-Fi).
• 🛡️ Security: no password required, but no more than 10 meters of range.
• 🚫 Limitations: Not suitable for streaming videos, downloading large files or online gaming.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with MIUI 13+ When you distribute the Internet over Bluetooth, you may notice a "slow connection" notice. → Notifications → System notifications.

Turn on Bluetooth on both devices|Make sure that the devices are connected|Turn off the power saving mode|Check for updates MIUI-->

3. Internet distribution through USB-cable (maximum stability)

If you need stable data transfer without any loss of speed (for example, for online conferencing or firmware updates), the best option is to use the data — USB-This method works even with a weak signal of the mobile network and is not dependent on interference, like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphones USB-cable (preferably original or certified).
2. On the Distributor: Settings → Access Point and modem → USB modem.
3. On the receiving smartphone, select Data Transfer mode (MTP) or USB-modem (depends on the model).

Advantages USB-handout:

Important nuance: in USB-The handing out smartphone starts charging the receiver (if the cable supports power transmission), which is useful if the second device has little charge but can discharge the first smartphone faster. USB-hub with power switch or special "charge" cable without VBUS-contact.

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If USB-The modem does not work, try to turn on the handing out smartphone Developer Mode and activate the Debugging option. USB. Sometimes it solves driver problems.

4. Internet distribution via Mi Share (quick but limited)

Mi Share is Xiaomi's proprietary technology for fast file and Internet sharing between the brand's devices, and it works on Wi-Fi Direct, but with a simplified setup, and the main advantage is that you don't have to enter passwords or configure access points.

How to turn on:

1. On both smartphones, open Settings → Connections → Mi Share.
2. Turn on visibility and select Allow data sharing.
3. On the dispensing device, tap the name of the second smartphone and select Transmit Internet.
4. Confirm the connection on the second phone.

The limitations of Mi Share:

• 🔒 It only works between devices. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO s MIUI 12+.
• 📉 Speed is lower than that of a classic Wi-Fi access point (up to 50 Mbps).
• 🔄 When the connection breaks, reconnection is required (no autorecovery).

Mi Share automatically turns off the Internet if a resource-intensive application (such as a game or video editing) is running on the handout smartphone, which is done to save battery, but can be inconvenient.

5. Hidden settings: how to increase the speed of distribution

If the Internet is too slow to spread, try optimizing your settings. Here are some hidden options that will help:

For Wi-Fi access points:

• 📡 Change your Wi-Fi channel manually: Go to Settings → Wi-Fi hotspot → Additionally. → Channel and select 1, 6 or 11 (they are least affected by interference).
• 🔒 Set up encryption. WPA3 (if supported, instead of WPA2 better defense.
• 🔄 Enable Power Saving Mode of the Access Point (in the same settings) if you need battery savings.

For USB-modem:

• 🔌 Use it. USB 3.0 Cable (blue) for maximum speed.
• 🛠️ In Developer Mode, activate Disable the Restriction USB (if).

If nothing helps, check:

→ SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network type

Make sure you choose 4G (LTE) or 5G, not 3G. Some Xiaomi firmware has Auto by default, which may limit speed.

6. Traffic and battery consumption: a comparison of all methods

One of the key questions in the distribution of the Internet is how much traffic and battery power this eats up. We tested all the ways on the Xiaomi 13 Pro and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ smartphones in real conditions (city, office, suburbs).

Important observations:

• 📊 5GHz Wi-Fi consumes more battery, but almost as much traffic as 2.4GHz. Choose 5GHz only if you need speed.
• 🔋 When distributed through USB Battery consumption can be negative if the second smartphone charges faster than the first one.
• 📵 Mi Share consumes more battery than Bluetooth, but gives you a more stable connection.

If you plan to give away the Internet longer than 2-3 hours, bring Power Bank with you or use it. USB-simultaneous-charging modem.

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For maximum battery savings, turn off background activity of apps on the handing out smartphone: Settings → Apps → Permissions → Autostart and prohibit auto-run of unnecessary programs.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even with the right setup, you can get errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

Problem 1: Access Point is turned on, but the Internet is not working

• 🔄 Reboot both smartphones.
• 📱 Check if Power Saving Mode or Background Limitation for Apps is enabled.
• 🌐 Make sure that mobile internet is running on the dispenser (open your browser and check the site).

Problem 2: Slow speed of distribution

• 📶 Switch from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz (or vice versa).
• 🔌 If you use USB, Try another cable.
• 📵 Turn it off. VPN AdGuard – they can limit the speed.

Problem 3: Bluetooth modem is constantly interrupted

• 🔄 Reduce the distance between devices (maximum 5-7 meters).
• 📱 Turn off Adaptive Brightness – It May Interfere with Connection Stability.
• 🔋 Check if the battery is under 15% (on some models, Bluetooth shuts down when the charge is low).

If nothing helps, reset your network settings:

Settings → SIM-cards and mobile networks → Resetting mobile network settings

This will remove all saved access points and connection settings, but often solves distribution problems.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions