How to give away the Internet with Xiaomi Redmi: the complete guide

Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones have long since ceased to be just callers, becoming full-fledged pocket routers. The Internet distribution feature, known as a Wi-Fi hotspot, allows you to instantly provide a network of laptops, tablets or other gadgets when a wired provider is not available, this is especially true for travelers, students and employees working remotely in cafes or parks.

Owners of devices based on the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS may encounter non-obvious nuances of configuration, such as choosing a frequency range or limiting traffic. In this article, we will discuss in detail the process of activating modem mode, optimizing settings for maximum speed and solving typical connection problems.

Before we get to the technical details, it is worth noting that the quality of the distribution directly depends on the signal level of the cellular network and battery charge. Using a smartphone as a router significantly increases power consumption, so it is recommended to keep the device connected to the power source during prolonged operation.

Basic activation of Wi-Fi access point

The fastest way to run a modem modem on Xiaomi Redmi is to use the control panel. All you need to do is swipe from top to bottom to open the notification curtain and find the access point icon. Clicking on it instantly activates the function, but this method does not allow you to configure security settings or change the network name without going to the menu.

To get a deeper setup, you need to go to the system menu. Open Settings and find the Wi-Fi Access Point section, which is often located in the Connection and Sharing or Other Settings group, and that's where all the key parameters that affect connection stability and visibility of your device to other users are hidden.

Inside the menu, you'll see the main status switch and the setting button. By clicking on the Access Point Settings, you can change the SSID (network name) and set a strong password. Using the WPA2-Personal encryption standard is a must to protect your data from unauthorized access by unauthorized persons.

It is worth considering that in some versions of the firmware interface may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same. If you can not find the menu item, use the search bar at the top of the settings screen, typing the request "Access Point".

Choice of frequency range: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz

One of the most important parameters affecting data rate is the choice of frequency range. The access point setting menu on Xiaomi often suggests choosing between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Understanding the difference between the two is critical to ensuring that connected devices work comfortably.

The 2.4 GHz range is versatile and compatible with the vast majority of gadgets, including older laptops and budget smartphones. Its signal penetrates walls better and has a longer range, but the speed here is lower, and the air is often clogged with neighboring routers and Bluetooth devices, which creates interference.

⚠️ Attention: The 5GHz range provides significantly higher speeds, but has a shorter range and is worse at passing through obstacles. Also, older devices may simply “not see” your network if this mode is selected.

If you plan to distribute the Internet to a modern laptop for video conferencing or downloading files, it is preferable to choose 5 GHz. In dense urban areas, where many networks create a “porridge” of signals, this range is often cleaner and more stable.

Switching between bands occurs without rebooting the network, but connected devices may require re-entering the password. Experimentally select the option that gives the best result in your particular location.

Security setting and network hiding

Security is the number one priority when using networks. Redmi and Xiaomi access point settings have a network hiding feature. By activating Hide the Network, you will make your smartphone invisible to general search.

To connect to a hidden network, the user will need to manually enter the exact name (SSID) and password in the Wi-Fi menu of his device, which creates an additional barrier to “neighborhood” connections, but it is worth remembering that an experienced user with the appropriate software will still be able to detect the active point.

Also in this section, you often find a timeout setting: If no one is connected to the point within a given time (for example, 10 minutes), the smartphone will automatically turn off modem mode, a useful feature to save battery power, preventing the phone from draining in your pocket.

Remember to change your password regularly, especially if you have previously given access to unauthorized people. A complex password containing letters of different registers and numbers will protect you from simple selection.

Distribution of Internet via USB and Bluetooth

Wi-Fi isn’t the only way to share the internet with Xiaomi.If you need to connect one desktop or laptop and provide maximum stability, use it. USB-This is a method called a cable. USB-modem and has a number of advantages over wireless connection.

First, the speed of data transmission through the cable is limited only by the port and cable, eliminating losses on the radio channel. Second, the smartphone simultaneously charges from the computer, which compensates for the high power consumption. To activate, connect the phone with a cable to the PC, wait for the device definition and turn on the switch in the access point menu. USB-modem.

A Bluetooth modem is an option for a last resort, and the speed is very low, and you don't have to count on comfortable surfing or video, but if you need to transfer a few text files or messages in a messenger, and the Wi-Fi module on the receiving device is faulty, this method can save the situation.

To enable a Bluetooth modem, you must first pair the phone and computer through Bluetooth settings, and then activate the appropriate item in the access point menu on the phone. On the computer in network connections, you will also need to select the use of network access via a Bluetooth device.

Traffic restriction and connection control

Mobile Internet is rarely unlimited, so controlling your traffic flow is critical. Xiaomi and Redmi have a built-in restriction mechanism. In the hotspot settings menu, find Traffic Limit or Traffic Limit.

You can set a data limit (e.g. 1GB or 5GB) where the transfer will automatically stop, which will save you from unexpected write-offs or reduced speed on the part of the operator after the packet is exhausted.

⚠️ Attention: The traffic counter in the access point settings can be reset when you turn off your phone or restart your system.Always leave a small margin up to the real limit of your fare.

Also useful is the management of connected devices. At the top of the access point settings screen, a list of active customers is often displayed. By clicking on the device, you can block its access or view the amount of data consumed by a particular gadget.

Limiting the number of devices you connect is another important setup: If you set a limit of 1 or 2 devices, no third person will be able to “clutch” to your network, even knowing the password until you manually disconnect someone.

Solving Typical Problems and Errors

Despite the ease of setting up, users sometimes run into problems, and one of the most common is "Connected, without Internet access." Which means that there is a connection between the phone and the customer, but the phone itself does not receive Internet from the operator. Check whether the mobile Internet is working on the smartphone itself by opening any website in the browser.

If the sites on the phone load, and when handing out - no, try to change the type APN. Go to Settings -> SIM-maps and mobile networks -> Access points (APN). Select the current operator and make sure the type APN It meets requirements (usually default,supl or internet) and sometimes helps to create a new access point with factory settings.

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Radio reboot: If the internet is suddenly gone, turn on Flight Reim for 10 seconds and then turn it off. This will force the phone to reconnect to the cell tower and often solve the problem without fully restarting the smartphone.

Another problem is that devices can't see the hotspot, so make sure you don't hide the network if you're trying to find it with a standard search, and also check if you're reaching the limit of connected users, and in rare cases, resetting the network settings helps, but that requires re-entering passwords from all the stored Wi-Fi networks.

If the speed is extremely low, check the temperature of the smartphone body. When overheated, Xiaomi and Redmi can artificially underestimate the performance of the modem to protect the components. Remove the case and put the phone on a cool surface.

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The stability of the Internet distribution depends on the quality of the signal. 4G/LTE If you have only one stick on the indicator, high speed is not possible under any settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)