How to give away the Internet with Xiaomi: a complete guide to setting up an access point

Sharing the Internet from a Xiaomi smartphone is one of the most popular features when there is no router at hand, and you need access to the network on a laptop, tablet or other device. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 Ultra, etc.) and the version of MIUI, the ways to activate the mobile access point may vary slightly, but the overall algorithm remains universal.

In this article, we will discuss all possible methods of distributing Wi-Fi with Xiaomi: from the standard function of Access Point to hidden modes like USB-Modem and Bluetooth tetering, with a focus on common errors (such as when devices are not connected to the network) and how to fix them. 12/13/14 Or custom firmware, here you will find relevant solutions.

1. Standard method: Distributing Wi-Fi through an access point

The simplest and most common method is to turn on the mobile hotspot (Mobile Hotspot), which works on all Xiaomi models, including the budget Redmi A2 and the flagship Mi 13 Pro. The main condition is that the phone must be active mobile data transfer (3G/4G/5G).

To activate the access point:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Network and Internet (or Mobile Network in older versions) MIUI).
• 🔗 Select Access Point and modem (in some firmware – Modem Modem).
• 🔄 Switch the slider Mobile access point to the position on.
• ⚙️ Click Access Point Settings to Change Network Name (SSID), passcode (2.4/5 GHz).

By default, the network will be called Xiaomi_XXXX (where XXXX — last-minute IMEI), And the password is generated automatically, and you can copy it to the clipboard by clicking on the icon. 📋 It's next to the password field. MIUI 14+ When the access point is first turned on, the system will suggest choosing an energy saving mode - the stability of the connection depends on this.

⚠️ Note: If after activation of the access point the Internet on the smartphone disappears, check the settings APN Some tariffs (like Tele2 or Yota) block the distribution of traffic.

2. USB-modem: distribution of the Internet by cable

If you only need to connect one device to the Internet (for example, a laptop or PC), USB-Tethering will be a more reliable and energy-efficient solution, and unlike Wi-Fi, it doesn't consume battery power as quickly and provides a stable speed.

Instructions for setting:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original or certified).
2. In the phone settings go to the Network and the Internet → Access Point and modem.
3. Activate the option. USB-modem.
4. On PC, check if a new network connection has appeared (in Control Panel → Network Connections).

If the internet doesn't work,

• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0 for maximum speed).
• 🖥️ Install Xiaomi drivers for your model (you can download on the official website in the Support section).
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.

⚠️ Note: Some Windows 11 laptops may need to manually select a connection type as “Private Network” in security settings, otherwise Internet access will be restricted.

3. Internet distribution via Bluetooth

A less popular, but useful, method in some cases is Bluetooth tetering, which is suitable if:

• 🔋 You need to save battery power (Bluetooth consumes less power than Wi-Fi).
• 📶 Mobile network signal is weak and Wi-Fi hotspot is unstable.
• 🖥️ You have an old device without 5GHz Wi-Fi support.

How to set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. On a Xiaomi smartphone, go to Settings → Bluetooth and pair with the target device.
3. Return to Access Point and modem and activate Bluetooth modem.
4. On a second device (like a laptop) in Bluetooth settings, select your Xiaomi and enable the Internet Access option.

The data transfer speed over Bluetooth is lower than over Wi-Fi or USB (usually up to 3 Mbps), but this is enough for messengers, mail or web browsing. Other methods are better for streaming videos or downloading large files.

4. Hidden settings: modem modem for advanced users

MIUI firmware has hidden options that allow you to flexibly configure your Internet distribution, such as changing your Wi-Fi channel, enabling compatibility mode for older devices, or limiting speed for connected gadgets.

To open the extended settings:

1. Activate the access point in the standard way.
2. Click on your network name in the list of connected devices (in the Access Point menu).
3. Select Extra or Advanced Settings (depending on the MIUI version).

Here you will find:

On models with MIUI 13+, the Traffic Priority option has been introduced in the advanced settings, which allows you to limit the speed for certain devices, which is useful if you have multiple gadgets connected to your point, and one of them eats up all traffic.

💡

If your device doesn’t see a 5GHz hotspot, try manually specifying a channel in the 36-48 range. Some routers and smartphones conflict with automatic channel selection.

5 Problem Solving: Why Wi-Fi Distribution on Xiaomi Doesn’t Work

Even after setting it up properly, the access point may not work, and let's look at the common mistakes and how to fix them:

🔴 Problem: Devices are not connected to the network

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes a banal rebut helps.
• 🔐 Check the password – you may have copied it with a space.
• 📡 Change the Wi-Fi channel in the access point settings (for example, from Auto to Channel 6).
• 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → System system → Reset → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

🔴 Problem: Internet is on the phone, but not given

• 📶 Make sure that mobile data is enabled and the tariff supports tethering.
• 📱 Check it out. APN-settings (path: settings) → Mobile network → Access points (APN)). For MTS, Beeline and MegaFon parameters should be standard.
• 🔧 Turn on flight mode for 10 seconds, then turn off.

🔴 Problem: Low speed of distribution

• 📉 Change the range from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz (if devices support the device).
• 📴 Turn off traffic savings in settings SIM-map.
• 📡 Check if the operator’s network is overloaded (for example, at concerts or on the subway, the speed may drop).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI You lost your Wi-Fi distribution, try to roll back to the previous firmware version or wait for a patch. MIUI 14.0.3 for Redmi Note 11 was a tethering lock error that was fixed in 14.0.5.

💡

If none of these methods worked, check if your operator has blocked tethering. Some tariffs (e.g. Tele2's "For Smartphone") require you to add an option.

6. Alternative methods of Internet distribution

If standard methods are not suitable, you can use workarounds:

🔄 Distribution via Reverse Tethering (for PC)

This method allows you to connect your smartphone to the Internet through a computer (for example, if there is no mobile network on the phone, but there is a mobile phone). USB-It'll take a cable:

• Install ClockworkMod Tether or PdaNet on your PC.
• Enable USB debugging on your smartphone (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then go back to Additional → For Developers).
• Connect the phone to the PC and start the program.

🌐 Distribution through VPN-bridge

If the operator blocks tetering, you can bypass the restriction using a VPN:

1. Install it on your smartphone. VPN-application (e.g. 1.1.1.1 or ProtonVPN).
2. Activate the access point.
3. On the connected device, also enable the same VPN.

This won’t always work, but some users have reported success with operators like Yota or Tinkoff Mobile.

📡 Use of external USB-modem

If your Xiaomi does not support handouts (for example, on some models with custom firmware), you can connect 3G/4G-modem OTG-And then you give it to the adapter and give it to the Internet:

• Buy it. USB-modem (e.g. Huawei) E3372).
• Connect it to your smartphone via OTG.
• In the phone settings, select USB-Internet as a source of the network.

7. Comparison of distribution methods: which one to choose?

Each method has its pros and cons. Below is a comparison table that will help determine the best option:

For most Wi-Fi users, the hotspot is still the best option in terms of speed and convenience, but if you only need to connect a laptop, you can use it, USB-Bluetooth should only be used in extreme cases when other methods are not available.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions