How to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi to another Android

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphone owners often face the challenge of providing network access on other devices, whether it’s a tablet, laptop or a friend’s phone. The MIUI shell, or its modern version of HyperOS, provides flexible tools for organizing a wireless hotspot, which allows you to turn your gadget into a full-fledged Wi-Fi router in seconds.

The process of setting up may seem trivial, but there are important nuances in the Android ecosystem that affect connection speed and stability. For example, choosing a frequency range or setting the network name correctly can solve problems with connecting older devices. In this article, we will discuss all available methods in detail, including hidden menu features.

Before we get to the algorithm, it's worth noting that the distribution of traffic significantly affects the autonomy of the device. Active radios consume a significant battery charge, so it is recommended to keep the phone on charge for prolonged use. It is also important to control traffic consumption if you do not have an unlimited tariff plan.

Basic settings of Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi

The standard way to organize the network is the most popular and easy to implement. First, you need to get into the appropriate settings menu, the path may vary slightly depending on the version of the shell, but the logic remains the same for all devices of the brand.

Go to Settings and find Wi-Fi Access Point. In some versions of the firmware, it may be simply called Modem Mode or be located inside the Connect and Sharing menu, and that's where the main controls for your virtual router are located.

In the window that opens, you will see a function status switch. Before activating it, click on your network name or the "Setting Up an Access Point" button. Here, you will see an SSID (network name) that other users will see and a password to connect. You should use a strong password using letters and numbers.

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Use complex passwords of letters and numbers so that neighbors can’t connect to your network and spend your traffic without your knowledge.

Once you've entered the data, go back a step and activate the power slider, and you'll see a notification on the screen about how many devices are connected, and then on the second phone, you just have to select your network from the list of available devices and enter your password.

Frequency range setting: 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz

One of the key features of modern Xiaomi smartphones is the support of two frequency bands for the access point. By default, the system often chooses automatic mode or 2.4 GHz, which provides maximum compatibility, but not always the best speed.

The 2.4 GHz range has greater range and penetration through walls, but it is heavily congested in apartment buildings. Neighborhood routers, microwave ovens and Bluetooth devices interfere, which can reduce real data rates.

In turn, the 5GHz band offers significantly higher bandwidth and less interference. However, it has a smaller range, and many older or budget phone models may not “see” your network if it’s running at that frequency.

To switch the range from the access point settings menu, look for AP Range or Frequency Range. Select the value you want. If you're sharing the Internet with a modern flagship in the next room, choosing 5 GHz will give you a boost in speed, but if the device is old or far away, you'd better leave 2.4 GHz.

Limiting the number of connected devices

Functional MIUI Not only does it allow you to distribute the Internet, but it also allows you to tightly limit the number of customers you can connect to, which is a useful option for controlling traffic and preventing overloading of the smartphone processor, which is especially important when using a smartphone. 4G/LTE network.

In the access point settings menu, look for "Device Management" or "Connected Devices," which shows a list of all the gadgets that are currently using your Internet. MAC-addresses and amount of data transmitted.

To set the limit, click on the appropriate option (often looks like a number or slider).You can allow only one device to connect or increase the limit to 10. Setting a limit of 1-2 devices helps to keep the battery power and connection stability.

⚠️ Note: If you set a limit of 1 device and then try to connect the second, the first will be automatically disconnected from the network.

Also available on this menu is the Blacklist feature, so you can lock a particular device by its MAC-The address, even if it knows the password from your network, is an effective method of dealing with unwanted guests».

Regime. USB-stable-connection modem

When you want maximum stability or speed that Wi-Fi can't provide, wired connectivity comes to the rescue. USB-modem allows you to broadcast mobile Internet to a computer or even to another smartphone (via an adapter) OTG) without loss of signal and with simultaneous charging.

To activate this mode, you need to physically connect the two devices with a cable. It is important to use a high-quality wire that supports data transfer, not just charging «USB-modem».

On the receiving device (if it is a PC), the system automatically detects the new network. If you connect the phone to the phone, a request for use may appear on the receiving party in the notifications. USB-Internet connection. In settings USB on the dispensing device sometimes you need to manually select the mode «USB-modem».

The advantage of this method is the absence of radio interference and minimal ping, which is critical for online games or video calls, and the donor phone will be charged from the receiving device (if it is a PC) or vice versa, which prolongs battery life.

Bluetooth modem: saving energy

Although this method is considered obsolete due to its low speed, it has the right to live in situations where you need to transfer small amounts of data (for example, messages in messengers) at a critically low battery charge.

The setup process requires two devices to pair. First, turn on Bluetooth on both phones and execute (pair) by confirming the codes on the screens. Then, on the dispenser in the Bluetooth modem menu, activate the corresponding switch.

On the receiving phone, in Bluetooth settings, you need to find the paired device, click on the gear icon or menu, and select Internet Access. After that, the network connection icon will appear in the status bar.

The main advantage of this connection is minimal power consumption: a Bluetooth radio module consumes significantly less power than a Wi-Fi module, which can be a salvation on a hike or a long trip when every percentage of charge is important.

Comparison of Internet Distribution Methods

To make it easier for you to choose the best way to connect, we have prepared a summary table that will help you quickly navigate the advantages and disadvantages of each method depending on your current tasks and conditions.

As you can see from the table, there is no one-size-fits-all solution: Wi-Fi is ideal for work in a cafe or office; USB is ideal for gaming or downloading files at home; Bluetooth is the emergency communication in the forest; the choice depends on the context of use.

Addressing common problems

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the access point is created, but the Internet on the connected device does not work. Often the problem lies in the settings of the mobile network. Make sure that the cellular settings enable data transfer and select the correct type of network (preferably the correct type of network). 4G/LTE).

Another common reason is that mobile carriers block distribution, and some plans prohibit the use of the phone as a router or require an option to be connected, in which case, even if there is a signal, the pages will not load.

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If the internet is not working, check the balance and availability of packet gigabytes on the SIM card first and make sure the operator does not block the distribution of traffic.

It is also worth checking the settings. DNS. In rare cases, the prescription of static DNS-Addresses (e.g. Google 8.8.8.8) in the access point settings, if the firmware version allows.Rebooting both devices also often solves the problem of a suspended network module.

⚠️ Warning: When the Internet is actively distributed, the phone can get very hot. Remove the protective case if it is dense, and do not place the device under the pillow or on a soft surface to avoid overheating the battery.

Additional security and savings settings

In the advanced settings of the Xiaomi access point, you can find the option “Timer off” which allows you to automatically turn off the access point if no one is connected to it for a specified time (for example, 10 minutes), which prevents the situation when you forgot to turn off the distribution and the phone is dead in the bag.

Another useful feature is SSID hiding, and if you activate this, your network will not appear in the general list of available networks on other devices, but you will need to manually enter the network name in the Wi-Fi settings of the receiving gadget to connect, which adds a level of privacy.

Change your password from your hotspot regularly, especially if you use public spaces frequently.The old password could have been saved on devices of acquaintances or friends who may automatically connect to your network without your knowledge in the future.