How to give away the Internet with Xiaomi Redmi 5: 3 working ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi 5

no-access point

3 proven methods

Redmi 5

Many users find that after updating MIUI settings are confused and standard instructions do not work. We tested all methods on current versions of the firmware (including MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 14 for ported builds) and assembled step-by-step algorithms based on the features of Redmi 5. Importantly, some parameters may differ depending on the version of the software, we will warn about this in advance.

πŸ“Š How often do you use your phone as a modem?
Every day.
Several times a week
Standby option
Never.

1. Internet distribution via Wi-Fi (access point)

The most versatile way is to turn the Xiaomi Redmi 5 into a Wi-Fi router, which can be connected to up to 8 devices at a time (in theory), but in practice stable operation is possible with 2-3 gadgets. 4G-modem of your phone and operator tariff.

To enable the access point:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Modem and access point.
  2. Select the Wi-Fi Access Point.
  3. Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point slider.
  4. Click Access Point Settings to Ask: πŸ” Name of the network (SSID) β€” Think of something unique (for example, Redmi5_MyNet). πŸ”’ Type of security - choose WPA2-PSK (most reliable). πŸ”‘ Password minimum 8 symbols, with numbers and letters.

Save your settings and connect other devices to the network you have created.

⚠️ Note: If after activation of the access point the Internet on the phone disappears, check the settings APN (See Connection Issues. Some operators (e.g. Tele2) also block Internet distribution at cheap rates, check with your provider.

Mobile Internet on the phone is stable |

Battery charge > 30% (discharges the battery severely) |

VPN is disabled on the client device (may conflict)|

Wi-Fi password is recorded in a secure place (if you forget - you can only reset via network reset)

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2. Internet distribution via USB (USB-modem)

If Wi-Fi on your client device is broken or you want to save Redmi battery power 5, use USB-This is a way to connect to a laptop or a PC with a Windows/macOS/Linux. Speed is usually higher than Wi-Fi, and battery consumption is minimal (the phone can even charge slightly from the phone). USB).

Instructions for Windows:

  1. Connect Redmi 5 to your computer via USB-cable (preferably original).
  2. On the phone in the Settings menu β†’ Modem and access point select USB-modem and activate slider.
  3. On a PC, wait for the drivers to install (usually automatically). If Windows requests the driver manually, download it from the official Xiaomi website.
  4. Check Connection: A new Remote NDIS connection should appear in Network Connections.

⚠️ Note: MacOS may require additional configuration in System settings β†’ If the Internet doesn't appear, try manually specifying it. DNS (For example, Google's 8.8.8.8. Also make sure your phone is in File Transfer mode (MTP) Or just charging β€” USB-The modem does not work in camera mode (PTP).

What to do if the computer can’t see USB-modem?
1. Check the cable - try another one (not all cables support data transfer). 2. Update chipset drivers on your PC (especially relevant for older versions of Windows 7/8). 3. Enable USB debugging in Developer Settings (how to enable - see below). 4. Reboot both devices.

3. Internet distribution via Bluetooth

A less popular, but sometimes useful, way to distribute the Internet over Bluetooth, which will be slower than Wi-Fi or USB (usually up to 3-5 Mbps), but battery consumption is minimal, which is suitable for connecting to a tablet, another phone or laptop without a Wi-Fi adapter.

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
  2. On Redmi 5, go to Settings β†’ Modem and Access Point β†’ Bluetooth modem.
  3. Connect devices (on the client, select Redmi 5 in the list of available devices and confirm the code).
  4. Activate the Bluetooth modem slider.
  5. On the client device in Bluetooth settings, select Connect to the network (the name of the item may differ).

πŸ’‘ Useful tip: If the connection is constantly broken, try:

  • πŸ“± Turn off Adaptive Brightness on your phone (sometimes it conflicts with Bluetooth).
  • πŸ”„ Reboot both devices.
  • πŸ“‘ Reduce the distance between gadgets (maximum 10 meters).

πŸ’‘

If Bluetooth is not working, check if the client device is power saving mode, which often blocks background connections.

4. Set up APN for proper Internet distribution

If you have Internet on your phone, but it doesn't get distributed to other devices, the problem may be in the wrong settings of APN, especially for MTS, Beeline or MegaFon operators, who sometimes block the distribution at standard rates.

To check or change the APN:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Name of the access point (APN).
  2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
  3. Check that the profile with the right parameters is active (see the table below). If it is not, create a new one by clicking Add APN.
Operator.APN nameAPNType of authentication
MTSMTS Internetinternet.mts.ruPAP or CHAP
BeelineBeeline Internetinternet.beeline.ruNot established.
MegaFonMegafon InternetinternetPAP
Tele2.Tele2 Internetinternet.tele2.ruNot established.

Important: If your carrier is not listed in the table, check the APN settings on its official website or by phone support. For example, Yota or Tinkoff Mobile settings are different.

5. Solving Internet Distribution Problems

Even after you set it up correctly, you can still get errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

πŸ”΄ Access point is turned on, but devices are not connected

  • πŸ”„ Restart your phone – sometimes a simple reboot helps.
  • πŸ“΅ Check if your phone is running Flight Mode or Traffic Savings.
  • πŸ”§ Reset network settings: Settings β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
  • πŸ› οΈ Update the firmware: outdated versions MIUI may contain bugs.

πŸ”΄ The Internet is distributed, but does not work on the client device

  • 🌐 Check if it's on. VPN client-device.
  • πŸ“‘ Make sure your phone has internet access (open your browser and check the site).
  • πŸ”’ Try disabling the Firewall or Antivirus on your PC/laptop.
  • πŸ“± If you use USB-modem, check if Windows is blocking the connection (sometimes you need to allow access in Network settings).

πŸ’‘

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your phone to factory settings (be sure to back up!) and 90% of the time, it solves your Internet distribution problems.

6. How to save traffic when giving out the Internet

Phone Internet can quickly run out of rates, especially if multiple devices are connected to the hotspot. Here's how to reduce traffic consumption:

  • πŸ“Š Limit speed for connected devices (in some firmware) MIUI There is an option to limit traffic in the settings of the access point).
  • 🚫 Block background updates on client devices (Windows, Android, iOS).
  • 🎡 Turn off automatic video playback in social networks and instant messengers.
  • πŸ” Use lightweight versions of sites (e.g. m.youtube.com instead of the main YouTube site).
  • πŸ“± Set up a traffic restriction in MIUI: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Traffic. β†’ Warning and limit.

πŸ’‘ Tip: If you give out the Internet often, consider a tariff with unlimited traffic or a large limit. For example, MegaFon has the option "No Limit to give" (check the current conditions).

7. Alternative ways to distribute the Internet (if nothing works)

If standard methods don’t work, try these options:

πŸ”Ή Use of third-party applications

Some applications (such as PdaNet+ or ClockworkMod Tether) can bypass carrier restrictions.

  • ⚠️ Root rights are required (on Redmi 5, obtaining them may result in loss of warranty).
  • ⚠️ Not all apps work on new versions of Android.
  • ⚠️ The operator can block the SIM-circumvention.

πŸ”Ή Customization through ADB (power-user)

If the access point is turned on but immediately disabled, try the command via ADB:

adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0

This command disables the DUN (Dial-Up Networking) check that some carriers use to block the distribution.

How to enable debugging on USB?
1. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone. 2. 7 times click on the MIUI version (you will be notified "You are a developer"). 3. Return to Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For Developers. 4. Activate Debugging over USB and confirm permission.

FAQ: Frequent questions about giving away the Internet on Xiaomi Redmi 5

❓ Why does the access point automatically shut down after 5-10 minutes?
This is the standard energy saving function in MIUI. To turn off auto-turnoff: Go to Settings β†’ Battery and productivity β†’ Battery consumption management. Select Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Battery optimization. Find Wi-Fi hotspot on the list and select Unlimited. If you don't, upgrade your firmware or use it. USB-modem.
❓ Can I share the Internet with Redmi 5 on iPhone?
Yes, but there are nuances: On an iPhone, you may not connect to an access point if the network name (SSID) contains Cyrillic or special characters. Use only the Latin alphabet. If the iPhone connects but the Internet doesn't work, check the APN settings on Redmi 5 (see Section 4). Some versions of iOS require you to manually specify DNS (e.g. 8.8.8.8) in your Wi-Fi settings.
❓ How many devices can be connected to the access point at the same time?
Theoretical maximum is 8 devices, but in practice: When you connect 3-4 gadgets, the speed drops markedly.+ There are some things that can cause permanent interruptions in connection. For stable operation, it is recommended to connect no more than 2 devices. If you want to distribute the Internet to more gadgets, use this. USB-modem for PC and distribute the Internet already from the computer.
❓ Why the battery quickly goes down when giving the Internet?
Xiaomi Redmi 5 has a 3300mAh battery, but Internet distribution is one of the most energy-intensive features: πŸ”‹ Connect your phone to charge during the handout. πŸ“΄ Reduce the screen brightness to a minimum. ❄️ Turn on Battery Saving Mode (but it can slow down internet speeds). πŸ“‘ Use it. USB-modem instead of Wi-Fi, it's less battery loading. Average Wi-Fi handout: ~10-15% charge per hour.
❓ How to give away the Internet with Redmi 5 on Smart TV?
Most modern TVs (e.g. Xiaomi Mi) TV, Samsung or LG) Instructions: Enable the access point on Redmi 5 (see section 1). TV press Menu β†’ Network β†’ Wi-Fi. Select your phone's network and enter your password. If the Internet is not working, check your settings. APN or restart both devices. ⚠️ Some TVs (especially older models) may not support modern Wi-Fi standards. USB-Modem with connection via USB-Ethernet adapter.