The modern smartphone has long ceased to be just a device for calls, becoming a full-fledged mobile office and entertainment center. Owners of budget but reliable devices such as the Xiaomi Redmi 5, often face the need to provide access to the network to other gadgets.
The Internet distribution function, or hotspot creation, is built into the default MIUI shell and does not require third-party applications to be installed. However, depending on the version of the Android operating system and firmware, the paths to settings may vary slightly, and it is important to understand that when you activate this feature, your phone starts to work as a full-fledged router, broadcasting a signal through the Wi-Fi module.
In this article, we will take a look at all the details of the setup, from basic inclusion to hidden settings that will help save battery power and secure data transmitted. You will learn how to properly configure the network name and complex password to avoid unauthorized connection of unauthorized persons. We will also touch on the issues of security and optimization of power consumption, which is critical for devices with a smaller battery.
Preparation of the device for operation in modem modem
Before you start setting up the access point directly, you need to make sure that your device is ready to work in the mode of active signal transmitter. Xiaomi Redmi 5 is equipped with a Wi-Fi module standard 802.11 b/g/n, which operates in the range of 2.4 GHz. This means that the data transfer speed will be limited by the capabilities of this standard, but for viewing pages, messengers and even video in HD-quality bandwidth is quite enough.
First, check the status of the SIM card. Make sure that there are funds on the balance or the Internet packet is connected, as the phone will consume traffic from the mobile network and transmit it over Wi-Fi. If you use a dual-sim device, decide in advance which slot will go through the connection, especially if the rates on the SIM cards differ, this will avoid unpleasant surprises with spending limits.
Notice the battery level. The access point mode increases power consumption significantly because two radio units are running simultaneously: the receiver. 4G/LTE And the Wi-Fi transmitter. If the battery is lower. 20-30%, It is recommended to connect the device to the charger or the superbank, otherwise the phone may run out of power. 1.5-2 zip-hour.
⚠️ Warning: When you are actively operating in access point mode, the smartphone body can significantly heat up. This is a normal physical phenomenon, but if the temperature becomes critical, the system can automatically turn off the Wi-Fi module to protect components.
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If you plan to give out the internet for a long time, remove the case from your phone for better heat sink or put the device on a cold surface (like glass or metal), but not on soft tissue.
Step-by-step instruction for access point inclusion
The process of activating the function in the MIUI shell is as simple and intuitive as possible, even for inexperienced users. All the necessary switches are in the top Quick Access menu or in the main settings of the system. Let's take a step back so that you do not miss anything.
First, unlock your Redmi 5 screen and swipe the notification curtain from top to bottom. In the icon array, find a geolocation-like symbol or antenna that is signed as "Access Point" (or "Hotspot"). If no such icon is on the first page, swipe left to open additional buttons.
More detailed settings are available through the settings menu. To do this, go to the main screen settings, then select Wi-Fi Access Point. In some versions of the firmware, this option may be inside the Additional Features or Connections and Sharing section. Here you will see the status switch and the setting button.
☑️ Pre-launch checks
Once the switch is turned on, the phone will start broadcasting the signal, the default network will be called "Xiaomi" or "Redmi 5" with random numbers added, connecting to it from another device is the standard way: search for Wi-Fi networks, select a name and enter a password.
Set up security and network parameters
The standard security settings that Android offers are robust enough, but require an understanding of what you’re setting up. In the Xiaomi Redmi 5 hotspot menu, you can change not only the network name (SSID), but also the type of encryption. WPA2 PSK is recommended, as it provides the best balance between compatibility with older devices and data protection.
The password phrase is your main shield. Don't use simple combinations like "12345678" or "password." The optimal password length is 8 to 32 characters. The system will suggest generating a random set of characters, but you can enter your own. Remember that you can only change your password from the settings menu, so write it down or save it in memory.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency range | 2.4 GHz | Maximum compatibility, long-range |
| Encryption | WPA2-Personal | Protection against traffic interception |
| User limit | 1-3 devices | Reducing the load on the processor and battery |
| timemouth | 10 minutes. | Automation in the absence of customers |
An important feature is to limit the number of users you can connect to, and you can set a limit on, say, 2 or 3 gadgets in the Device Management menu, and this will prevent people from connecting to your access point, which will cause a big drop in the Internet speed for everyone.
Hidden APN setup
Use of the USB-modem and Bluetooth
It is not always convenient or possible to use Wi-Fi to distribute the Internet.In some cases, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 can act as a wired modem through the Internet. USB-This method provides a more stable connection and, importantly, allows you to simultaneously charge the phone from the computer to which it is connected.
For activation USB-In a modem, connect your smartphone to your PC or laptop using a high-quality cable, and then in the settings menu, where the Wi-Fi hotspot is, an active point will become active. USB-The system automatically installs the drivers on the computer, and a new adapter will appear in the network connections, and the speed will be limited only by the port speed. USB and the quality of the cable.
The third option is Bluetooth, which is the least efficient way to do it, but the most energy efficient way to do it, and it's suitable for small amounts of data, like messengers or checking email, if you want to keep the battery of the receiving device as high as possible.
To enable the Bluetooth modem, activate the Bluetooth itself in the settings, then go to the access point menu and select the Bluetooth modem. The client device is paired through the standard search and input confirmation code. The connection speed rarely exceeds 1-2 Mbps.
Optimization and battery saving
As mentioned, the access point mode is one of the most energy-intensive processes in a smartphone. Xiaomi Redmi 5 has a battery capacity of 4000 mAh, which is a good indicator, but with active load, the resource is consumed quickly. To extend the battery life, you can use several optimization techniques.
First, set an automatic shutdown timer. In the access point settings, find the Timeout and select the minimum comfort value, such as 5 or 10 minutes. If no one connects to your network during this time, the phone will turn off the Wi-Fi module on its own, preventing unnecessary power consumption.
Second, lower the brightness of the main device's screen. When the phone is spreading the Internet, the screen often burns to display the connection status, reduce the brightness to a minimum or use the "Energy Saving" feature in the MIUI shell will help reduce heat generation and current consumption.
⚠️ Warning: Do not cover your modem phone with a pillow or blanket. Overheating can cause the battery to bloat or damage the internal components of the motherboard.
It's also worth turning off the background apps on the handset itself. If heavy programs are running in the background, they'll compete for CPU and network resources, which will further speed up the discharge, and close all unnecessary tabs and apps before you start a long distribution session.
Solving problems and malfunctions
Even in a well-functioning system, there are sometimes crashes. Xiaomi Redmi 5 users may experience a situation where the access point is turned on, but connected devices do not have access to the Internet or do not see the network at all.
In the access point menu, try changing the frequency range. The default can be "5 GHz" (if supported by the modification) or "2.4 GHz." Some older laptops or tablets simply don't "see" certain ranges. Switch to 2.4 GHz, as this standard is the most versatile and compatible with the vast majority of gadgets.
Another common problem is carrier blocking, some plans prohibit the use of the phone as a modem, in which case the Internet on the connected device may not work, although the connection is installed, the solution is to check the tariff conditions or use special methods of bypassing through changing the TTL, which requires more technical knowledge.
If nothing works, reset your network settings. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Restore and Reset → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings. This action will return all network settings to factory values and often eliminate software conflicts.
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Resetting your network settings does not delete your personal files, photos or contacts, but you will have to re-enter passwords from all saved Wi-Fi networks.
If the problem persists after all manipulations, it is worth checking whether the phone has an application to save traffic or an antivirus with firewall function, which can block the outgoing connection.