How to distribute mobile Internet from Xiaomi phone: all ways and solutions to problems

Xiaomi smartphones today are not just phone and social devices, but also full-fledged routers in your pocket. You may need to distribute Internet from your phone when you travel, in the country, or when the main Wi-Fi suddenly goes off. However, many users face problems: the access point does not turn on, devices do not connect, or the operator blocks the function. In this article, all the current ways to distribute Internet with Xiaomi (including Redmi and POCO), step-by-step instructions for different versions of MIUI, and solving typical errors.

We will not only consider the standard modem modem over Wi-Fi, but also alternative methods: USB-Connectivity (for PCs) and Bluetooth (for battery saving) and the limitations of mobile operators -- why sometimes the distribution only works after a call in support or a change in tariff. MIUI 14/15 and relevant to models 2020–2026 year-end.

Before you start setting up, make sure that:

• 📶 There is a mobile phone (check the icon). 4G/5G status-line).
• 🔋 Battery charge not less than 30% – the distribution of the Internet quickly puts the battery.
• 📱 The device is updated to the latest version MIUI (Current firmware less often contain bugs with modem).

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

This is the most popular and versatile method. Your Xiaomi creates a local network that can connect up to 10 devices at a time (laptop, tablet, other phone, etc.) The speed depends on the generation of the mobile network (4G or 5G) and the operator's tariff.

To enable the access point:

1. Open Settings → Mobile Network → Modem Modem.
2. Slip on the Wi-Fi Access Point.
3. Activate the slider at the top of the screen.
4. When you first turn on, the system will suggest setting the network name (SSID) and password - write them down or leave the default values.

Important: If the access point is not turned on, check:

• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes helps with crashes MIUI.
• 📡 Make sure that the mobile Internet is turned on (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Mobile Internet).
• 🔒 On some tariffs, operators block distribution - more about this below.

By default, the network operates in the 2.4 GHz band, but on new models (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12) 5 GHz is available (faster but shorter range).

1. In the Wi-Fi Access Point menu, tap on the Access Point Settings.
2. Select Frequency Range and specify 5 GHz (if the device supports).
3. Save the changes and restart the access point.

💡

If connected devices often fall off, try setting the access point to set the Security Type: WPA2-PSK instead of WPA3 – this solves compatibility problems with older gadgets.

2. Distribution of the Internet via USB (for PCs and laptops)

This is a good way to connect only one computer (Windows, macOS or Linux) to the Internet.

• ⚡ No battery consumption – the phone charges while running.
• 🔒 More secure than Wi-Fi (no risk of connecting third-party devices).
• 📶 It often works even where the operator blocks the distribution over Wi-Fi.

Instructions for Xiaomi:

1. Connect your phone to your PC through the original USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).
2. On the phone, select Data Transfer Mode (not Charging).
3. Go to Settings → Mobile Network → Modem Modem.
4. Activate the option. USB-modem.

The computer must have the Internet automatically.

• 🪟 On Windows, check Network Connections – a new Remote connection should appear NDIS.
• 🍎 MacOS sometimes requires HoRNDIS driver (download from [official website](https://joshmosher.com/horndis)).

3. Internet distribution via Bluetooth

Less well-known but useful method – especially if you need to save battery power or connect a device without Wi-Fi (for example, old speakers or fitness bracelets).

How to set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. On Xiaomi phone, go to Settings → Devices and Connections → Bluetooth.
3. Find the target device in the list and perform pairing.
4. After connecting, go back to Settings → Mobile Network → Modem Modem.
5. Activate the Bluetooth modem option.

Nuances:

• 🔗 On some devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A) First you need to turn on the Wi-Fi Access Point and then switch to Bluetooth.
• 📱 On iPhone or iPad, Bluetooth Distribution May Not Work Due to iOS Limitations.

💡

A Bluetooth modem is the only way to distribute internet to devices without Wi-Fi (like smartwatches or car radios), but the speed will be lower than that of a mobile 3G.

4. Operator restrictions: why distribution doesn't work

A common problem: the hotspot turns on, but the devices can't connect or the Internet doesn't work. 90% of the time, it's the mobile operator's fault. Many tariffs (especially unlimited ones) block the distribution of the Internet or limit the speed to 64-128 Kbps.

How to check and bypass the lock:

Alternative solutions:

• 🔄 Change. APN (For example, for MTS, instead of Internet.mts.ru, try Internet.fl.
• 📞 Call the operator and ask for a temporary lifting of the restriction (sometimes it helps).
• 🛡️ Use it. VPN (For example, Cloudflare Warp – sometimes bypasses locks.

💡

If the operator blocks the distribution, but you urgently need Internet on your laptop – try it. USB-A lot of operators don't limit this.

5. Settings to save charge and traffic

Internet distribution is one of the most voracious functions of a smartphone, so that you don't get lost at the most inopportune moment:

• 🔋 Connect your phone to charge – even at 100%, the battery will run out in 2-3 hours.
• ⏱️ Set up auto-disconnect the access point: in the menu Wi-Fi Access Point → Auto-disconnect select via 10/30 minute.
• 📉 Limit speed: C Access Point settings → Select 2.4 GHz bandwidth instead of 5 GHz (less speed but longer battery life).

To save traffic:

• 🚫 Disable connected devices auto-update (in settings) Windows/macOS).
• 📊 Turn on the traffic counter on the phone: Settings → Mobile network → Traffic.
• 🔍 Use an ad blocker (such as AdGuard) – ads eat up to 30% of traffic.

6.Error Solving and Frequent Problems

Even after setting it up properly, there can be failures, and let's look at the typical errors and how to fix them:

"Can't turn on the access point."

• 📱 Reboot the phone.
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
• 🛠️ Update. MIUI last-minute.

“The devices are connected, but the internet is not working.”

• 🌐 Check if the mobile internet is working on the phone itself (open the browser).
• 🔄 Switch from 4G on 3G customized SIM-map.
• 📵 Make sure that flight mode or energy saving is not turned on.

"The access point is permanently off."

• 🔋 Connect your phone to charge - with a low charge MIUI can force the modem to shut down.
• ⚙️ Turn off the adaptive battery: Settings → Battery → Adaptive battery.

💡

If the problem recurs after all the manipulations, check it out. SIM-It's a card on another phone, maybe it's the operator or the card itself.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) after upgrading to MIUI 14 goes missing the modem mode menu. Solution: reset the network settings or roll back to the previous firmware version.

7. Alternative ways to distribute the Internet

If standard methods don’t work, try workarounds:

1. Internet distribution applications

Google Play has utilities that create an access point even when you block the operator:

• 📲 PdaNet+ — works USB/Bluetooth, circumvention.
• 📲 ClockworkMod Tether – does not require root, but may require driver installation.

Cons: the speed is lower than that of a regular modem, and you will have to put up with advertising.

2. Router mode (only for stitched phones)

On phones with root rights or custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), you can run a full router mode with advanced settings.

1. Install the Fing or NetMaster app.
2. Activate Port Forwarding or Hotspot Manager.

⚠️ Note: Using root rights voids Xiaomi warranty and can cause the phone to malfunction. Use this method only if you understand the risks.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions