The Xiaomi Mi 8, despite its age, remains a reliable device capable of performing a variety of tasks, including working as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Owners often wonder how to distribute the Internet when a fixed router is unavailable or overloaded. The built-in modem of this flagship supports modern speed standards, which allows for stable connection for laptops, tablets and other gadgets.
The process of activating modem modem in the shell of MIUI can have its own features that differ from pure Android. Users need to consider energy saving settings and frequency ranges for maximum efficiency.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all the nuances of settings, hidden menu options, and methods for solving typical connection problems, and learn how to secure your network from outsiders and optimize battery consumption while operating in the distribution mode.
Basic activation of Wi-Fi access point
To get started, you need to enter the main system settings menu, find a section that, depending on the firmware version, can be called the Wi-Fi Access Point or be inside the Connections and Sharing category, and that's where the main switch that triggers the wireless module in emitter mode is located.
Once the default device is turned on, it starts broadcasting the network with a name that contains the phone model. Connection security is provided by the WPA2 PSK protocol, however, the password is often too simple or standard. It is recommended to immediately change it to a complex combination of characters to prevent unauthorized access by neighbors to your traffic.
Note the connection status at the top of the screen. The access point indicator should be green or blue to signal readiness. If gray is on, the module is active, but data transmission may be blocked by operator settings or lack of coverage.
💡
Use a password generator to create a complex combination of characters – it will take a second, but reliably protect your network from brute force hacking.
Advanced network settings
Deep tuning allows you to adapt the hotspot to the specific needs of the user. In the menu "Setting up the access point" you can change not only the network name (SSID), but also the frequency range. Xiaomi Mi 8 supports work in the bands 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, which is an important advantage over budget models.
Choosing a 5GHz band will provide faster data rates and less interference, but the range of the signal will be somewhat smaller and older devices may not see it. The 2.4GHz range is more versatile and penetrating, but is influenced by microwave ovens and neighbourhood routers.
You can also set a traffic limit here, which is a useful feature for limited-gigabyte data plans, and it will automatically turn off the distribution when a given amount of data is consumed, preventing unexpected costs.
SSID hiding and connection security
One effective protection is to hide the network name. When this feature is activated, your Xiaomi Mi 8 stops broadcasting SSID on the air, and the device becomes invisible to the Wi-Fi scanners of people around you, you can only connect to such a network if you manually enter the name and password on the client device.
⚠️ Attention: Hiding SSID It's not encryption, but it's a smart user with the right software that can still detect network activity, even though the name won't show up, and it's protection against random connections, not hacker attacks.
To connect to a hidden network on a laptop or tablet, select the “Connect to a hidden network” option and enter the exact name of the SSID, taking into account the character register. Any error in one letter will result in denial of access.
It is recommended to periodically check the list of connected devices in the menu of the access point. If you notice an unfamiliar user, immediately change the password and turn off access. MIUI There is a “black list” function that allows you to block specific MAC-address.
Distribution of Internet via USB and Bluetooth
It is not always convenient to use a wireless connection, especially if maximum stability is important or you want to save battery power of the smartphone. USB-The modem provides the highest speed and simultaneously charges the device.
For activation USB-You can connect your phone to your computer with a high-quality cable, and the settings menu will have an active item «USB-The computer recognizes the device as a new network card and automatically installs the necessary drivers. This is ideal for desktop PCs without Wi-Fi module.
Bluetooth modems are slower but consume less power than Wi-Fi, and are suitable for distributing the Internet to devices where other methods are not available, such as some e-books or old navigation devices, and pairing devices requires validation of the code on both gadgets.
☑️ Connection check USB-modem
Managing Connected Customers and Limits
Connected devices are monitored through a special menu in the access point settings. Here is a list of all active customers with their access points. IP-You can break the connection to a particular device at any time with a single click.
The system allows you to set strict limits on the number of connected devices. By default, the Xiaomi Mi 8 can serve up to 10 customers at a time, but for stable operation it is better to limit this number to three or four devices.
The Planner feature allows you to set the access point to automatically turn on and off on a schedule, for example, you can set the switch off at night so that the phone can fully charge and not waste battery life.
| Parameter | Range 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz range | USB-modem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | Up to 150 Mbps | Up to 400+ Mbps | Depends on the port. |
| Radio of action | Up to 15 meters. | Up to 8 meters. | Cable length |
| Energy consumption | High. | Very high. | Charging the phone |
| Compatibility | All devices. | Modern gadgets | USB-PC |
Solving Connection Problems
The second common cause is conflict. IP-addresses or network services failure MIUI. Resetting your network settings to factory values helps. Go to the “More” section and select “Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile and Bluetooth settings».
Hidden APN settings
The problem may also be in the antivirus software or hosts file if the phone has been modified, and in rare cases switching the network mode to Settings helps. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred type of network on only LTE or only 3G.
⚠️ Note: When you reset your network settings, all saved passwords from Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairs will be deleted.
Effect of Dispensing on Battery and Heating
The access point mode is one of the most resource-intensive processes for a smartphone. The Wi-Fi module is worn out, constantly transferring large amounts of data, which leads to significant heating of the case. Xiaomi Mi 8 features a glass back cover that removes heat perfectly, but can get hot to the touch.
When you run in router mode for a long time, the battery can degrade faster due to heating and discharge cycles. It is not recommended to keep the phone in the sun or cover it with cloth while you are on the Internet.
If you plan a long session, it is advisable to connect the smartphone to the charger. However, note that simultaneous charging and active data transfer can cause additional heating. USB-modem is preferred because it is less energy-consuming for a wireless module.
💡
The optimal temperature for the smartphone in modem modem should not exceed 40-42 degrees Celsius – if this threshold is exceeded, the system can artificially reduce the speed or turn off the module.