How to distribute mobile Internet from Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro to another phone: 3 ways + error solving

Xiaomi Redmi 8 Pro owners often face the need to share mobile internet with another smartphone – whether it’s helping a friend without connecting or synchronizing data between devices.This model, released in 2019, supports all modern ways of distributing traffic: via Wi-Fi (access point), Bluetooth and USB-However, not all users know how to properly configure these features to avoid connection issues or low speeds.

In this article, we’ll break down all three ways to share the Internet with the Redmi 8 Pro, including hidden MIUI settings that increase connection stability, and focus on common errors like when the second phone “sees” the network but doesn’t connect, or when the Internet is running in snags, and learn how to save battery power over long periods of time and why some carriers block this feature.

Before you start, make sure your Redmi 8 Pro has an up-to-date MIUI (at least MIUI 11). Old firmware may limit the functionality of the access point. Check the version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

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

The most popular and versatile way is to create a Wi-Fi network that other devices can connect to. On the Redmi 8 Pro, this feature works consistently, but requires the right setup of security settings and broadcast channel.

To activate the access point:

1. Open the Settings. → Access Point and modem.
2. Select the Wi-Fi Access Point.
3. Turn on the slider at the top of the screen.
4. Click Access Point Settings to Ask: 🔐 Name of the network (SSID) — Think of a unique name (for example, Redmi8Pro_Hotspot). 🔒 Type of security - choose WPA2-PSK (most secure). 📶 Frequency bands – leave for better compatibility 2.4 GHz (5 GHz may not be supported by older devices).

Once you save the settings, another phone will be able to connect to your network. The default password is generated automatically, but it can be changed manually (at least 8 characters, with numbers and letters).

The network name does not contain spaces or Cyrillic |

Password complex (not "12345678")|

VPN| is disabled on the connected phone

Flight mode is turned off on both devices-->

⚠️ Note: Some operators (e.g, Tele2 Iota or Iota) block the Internet by default. If you can't connect after activating the access point, call support asking "unlock the modem/access point service" or check the balance - sometimes you need an additional fee.

2. Bluetooth modem setup: When Wi-Fi is not available

If Wi-Fi is not possible (e.g., in an airplane or in a jammed area), Bluetooth can be used, a method that is slower (maximum 3-5 Mbps), but saves battery power and works even with a weak network signal.

Instructions for connection:

• 📱 On Redmi 8 Pro, turn on Bluetooth in quick settings or through Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
• 🔄 On the second phone, also activate Bluetooth and find your Redmi 8 Pro in the list of available devices.Confirm pairing (password is not usually required).
• 🌐 Return to Redmi 8 Pro, open Settings → Access Point and modem → Bluetooth modem and enable the function.

Then the second phone will have the option "Use to access the Internet" in its connection settings. Activate it, and the traffic will be transmitted via Bluetooth.

An important nuance: with an active Bluetooth modem, the Redmi 8 Pro will not be able to connect to other Bluetooth devices at the same time (for example, headphones), and also keep track of the distance - if the devices are separated by more than 10 meters, the connection will be interrupted.

3. USB-Modem: maximum speed and charge saving

The most stable, but least convenient way is to distribute the Internet through the Internet. USB-This is a method that works if you need to transfer large amounts of data for a long time (for example, downloading updates to another phone), the speed is limited only by the capabilities of your tariff, and the battery of the Redmi 8 Pro is almost never consumed.

How to set up USB-modem:

1. Connect the Redmi 8 Pro to the second phone (or computer) via the original phone USB-cable (cheap cables may not support data transmission).
2. On Redmi 8 Pro, select File Transfer Mode in the notification that appears (MTP) or USB-modem (RNDIS).
3. Open the Settings. → Access Point and modem → USB-modem and enable function.

The second device has to automatically start the Internet, if it doesn't:

• 🔌 Check if the cable is working (try another one).
• 📱 On Redmi 8 Pro in Settings → Additionally. → Developer mode turn on Debugging by USB (if the option is available).
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.

💡

If USB-The modem does not work on a Windows computer, download the Mi driver USB Driver from Xiaomi's official website. For macOS or Linux, additional drivers are usually not required.

4. Optimization of connection speed and stability

Even if the access point is turned on, the Internet speed can be slow, because of network settings, interference or operator restrictions.

A critical detail for the Redmi 8 Pro: if your carrier uses Carrier Aggregation technology, the speed can drop by 2-3 times when you distribute the Internet. To avoid this, select LTE Only in the network settings in the engineering menu (#4636###).

5. Common mistakes and their solution

Even with the right setup, Redmi 8 Pro users face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and fixes:

• ❌ "I failed to turn on the access point Cause of conflict with VPN, antivirus or operator settings. Solution: disable VPN, Check the balance, restart the phone.
• ❌ "Connected, but no Internet" Reason: incorrect settings APN. Solution: C Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) Check your operator’s parameters (you can find them on the official website).
• ❌ "Access point itself shuts down" Reason: Charge saving activated. Solution: C Settings → Battery → Battery optimization add "Access Point" to exceptions.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI Access point stopped working, reset network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth, which will delete all the saved networks, but return the factory settings of the communication module.

6. How to save battery power when giving the Internet

Wi-Fi distribution or USB-The modem significantly increases battery consumption. 8 Pro with battery 4500 mAh Autonomy in Access Point Mode is 4-6 hours (depending on the load) to extend the working time:

• 🔋 Turn off the automatic brightness and set it to 30-40%.
• 📵 Turn on flight mode, but only keep mobile network and Wi-Fi active (Bluetooth turn off if not in use).
• ⚡ Connect your phone to charge – with an active access point, Redmi 8 Pro supports fast charging 18W, cost-compensate.
• 🛑 Close all background apps, especially instant messengers and social networks that are constantly synced.

If you need to give away the Internet for a long time (for example, on a trip), use the Power Bank with a capacity of 10,000 mAh. This will keep the charge of the Redmi 8 Pro at 80-100% for 10-12 hours.

💡

USB-The modem uses a battery minimally, but requires cable. Wi-Fi is more convenient, but eats up to 20% of the charge per hour. Bluetooth is the middle ground in terms of efficiency, but slow.

7. Alternative ways of distributing the Internet

If standard methods do not work, you can use workarounds:

• 🌍 Internet distribution applications (e.g. PdaNet)+ They bypass carrier restrictions, but they require root rights.
• 🔗 Router mode through OTG-Hub: Connect to Redmi 8 Pro USB-hub with Ethernet port and distribute the Internet from a cable connection (does not work on all firmware).
• ☁️ Cloud Services: If you only need access to files, upload them to Mi Cloud or Google Drive and download them on your second phone.

When using third-party apps, be aware of the risks: they may violate your operator’s rules (which leads to blocking). SIM-maps) or contain malicious code. Check reviews and rankings on Google Play before installing them.

FAQ: Frequent questions about giving the Internet with Redmi 8 Pro