How to distribute Wi-Fi from Xiaomi phone: all ways and settings

Xiaomi smartphones are among the most popular mobile Internet devices due to their flexible settings and stable performance. However, even experienced users sometimes face problems: access point is not turned on, devices are not connected or speed is poor. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to distribute Wi-Fi on Redmi phones, POCO and Xiaomi flagship series, including hidden settings and solutions for typical errors.

The thing about MIUI is that the interface for setting up the access point can vary depending on the system version and the phone model, and we've taken these into account and prepared universal instructions that will work for both new MIUI 14/15 devices and older MIUI 12 models, and you'll also learn how to bypass operator restrictions, increase the speed of distribution and save battery life.

1. Preparing the phone before handing out Wi-Fi

Before you turn on the hotspot, make sure your Xiaomi is ready to give away the internet. Here are key points that are often overlooked:

• 📶 Mobile Internet: Make sure that the phone has activated mobile traffic (the 4G/5G/E icon in the status bar).
• 🔋 Battery Charging: The hotspot is actively consuming power. If the charge is below 20%, the phone can automatically turn off the distribution.
• 📱 Updates MIUI: Older versions of the firmware have access point bugs. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
• 🛡️ Operator restrictions: Some tariffs block Internet distribution. Check with your mobile operator.

If you are using Xiaomi with two SIM- cards, please note: by default, the access point will distribute the Internet from the SIM installed in the SIM 1 slot. To change priority, go to Settings → SIM- cards and mobile networks → Mobile Internet and select the desired card.

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO X3 Pro after updating to MIUI 13 The possibility of choice is lost SIM In this case, resetting the network settings to Settings will help. → Memory. → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings.

2. Standard method: Wi-Fi access point

This is the most common method of distributing the Internet, and the instructions are suitable for all modern Xiaomi smartphones, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Access Point and Modem (on some models – Network and Internet → Access Point).
3. Select the Wi-Fi Access Point.
4. Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point slider.
5. Click Access Point Settings to set a network name (SSID) and password.

By default, MIUI generates a random network name (e.g., Xiaomi_1234) and password. We recommend changing them to more memorable ones, but don't use simple combinations like 12345678 - this is not secure. Optimal password length: 8-ZXPH0004QXZ characters with numbers and letters.

⚠️ Warning: Phones with MIUI 14+ have now introduced Traffic Saving in AP Settings. If it's enabled, the Internet speed for connected devices will be artificially limited. Turn it off if you want maximum speed.

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3. Alternative ways of distributing the Internet

If a standard access point doesn’t work or you need to connect a device without Wi-Fi (like a laptop with a broken adapter), use alternative methods.

3.1 Distribution via USB (USB-modem)

This method is suitable for connecting to computers running Windows, macOS or Linux.

• 🔌 Stable connection without loss of speed.
• 🔋 Lower battery consumption compared to Wi-Fi.
• 🛡️ Security: Data is transmitted by wire, not by air.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
3. Open Settings → Access Point and modem → USB- modem and activate the slider.
4. On the computer, wait for the driver to install (usually it happens automatically).

If Windows does not recognize the device, download the Mi PC Suite drivers from the official Xiaomi website or update the driver manually through Device Manager.

3.2. Distribution via Bluetooth

A less popular but useful method for connecting devices that don't support Wi-Fi or USB, such as giving the Internet to smartwatches or old laptops.

How to set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. Connect them: on your phone go to Settings → Bluetooth, find the target device and confirm the connection.
3. On your phone, open Settings → Access Point and modem → Bluetooth modem and activate the function.
4. On the connected device, select Connect to the network option in Bluetooth settings (the name may vary).

⚠️ Attention: The data rate over Bluetooth is 5-10 times lower than over Wi-Fi or USB. This method is only suitable for small amounts of data (for example, for instant messengers or mail).

4. Solving common problems

Even with the right setup, Xiaomi users often encounter bugs, and we’ve compiled the most common issues and ways to fix them.

Access point not activated

If the Wi-Fi Access Point slider is inactive or immediately shuts down, check:

• 📱 Flight mode: Make sure it's off.
• 🔄 Reboot: Sometimes, a normal phone reboot helps.
• 🛠️ Network Reset: Go to Settings → Memory → Resetting → Network Reset.
• 📋 Operator restrictions: Some fares (e.g. Tele2 "My Talk") block the distribution. Check the terms or change the fare.

If the problem persists, try enabling the access point through the developer mode:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the USB debugging option and turn it on.
4. Then, find the USB configuration and select RNDIS (USB Ethernet).
5. Try to turn on the access point again.

4.2 Devices are not connected to the network

If other gadgets can see your network but can’t connect, follow these steps:

1. Check the password: you may have entered the wrong way. Try resetting it to a simple one (e.g. 11111111) and connecting again.
2. Change the security type from WPA2-PSK to WPA-PSK (in the access point settings).
3. Limit the number of connected devices: MIUI allows up to 8 devices by default, but some models limit this number to 4-5.
4. Turn off traffic savings in the access point settings.

Xiaomi phones with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 chipset (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro, POCO F4 GT) may have a conflict with some routers when distributing Wi-Fi at 5 GHz. Solution: force the 2.4 GHz frequency set in the access point settings.

4.3 Slow Internet speed

If the speed is much lower than when connecting directly to a mobile network, try:

• 📶 Change frequency bandwidth: switch from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz (or vice versa).
• 🔄 Disable VPN: If VPN is on on on a phone or connected device, it may limit speed.
• 📵 Reduce the number of connected devices: Each new device “selects” a portion of the bandwidth.
• 🔋 Disable battery saving for Settings application (under Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management by Applications).

To check the real speed, use the Speedtest app on the connected device. If the speed is below 10 Mbps with a stable 4G/5G signal, the problem may be on the operator's side.

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If you often give away the Internet with Xiaomi, add the Access Point widget to the home screen. To do this, click and hold the empty space on the screen → Widgets → find the Access Point and drag it to the desktop.

5. Hidden settings and MIUI chips

MIUI offers a few hidden features that will help optimize Wi-Fi distribution. These are not in the basic settings, but they can significantly improve the operation of the access point.

5.1 Forced network selection 4G/5G

By default, Xiaomi automatically chooses the network type (2G/3G/4G/5G). However, for distribution of the Internet, it is better to force 4G (LTE) or 5G, since 3G and 2G give low speeds.

How to change it:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. Press Network Type.
4. Choose 4G (preferably) or 5G (if supported).

5.2 Disables Automatic Switching SIM

If you have two SIM- cards, the MIUI can automatically switch between them, causing a handout to break.

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Double. SIM.
2. Turn off the option of Automatic Data Switching.
3. Manually select the SIM with which the Internet will be distributed.

5.3: Configure DNS to speed up the Internet

Changing DNS- servers can increase page load speeds and reduce delays.We recommend using Cloudflare DNS or Google DNS.

How to change DNS on a connected device (for example, a laptop):

• On Windows: Control Panel → Network & Internet → Network Control Center → Change Adapter Settings. Right-click on Wi-Fi Connection, select Properties → IP version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → Properties. Install 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) or 8.8.8.8 (Google) in the Preferred DNS- server field.
• On Android: Settings → Wi-Fi → Click on your network name → Change network → Show additional settings → IP (Static) → DNS 1/2.

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Changing the DNS does not affect the speed of the mobile Internet itself, but it speeds up the loading of web pages by optimizing the routing of requests.

6. Battery savings when distributing Wi-Fi

Internet distribution is one of the most energy-consuming functions of a smartphone. To extend battery life, follow these tips:

• 🔋 Connect charging: If you're giving away Wi-Fi for a long time, use a network adapter. Fast charging (33W/67W/120W) compensates for the power consumption.
• 🌑 Activate the dark theme: in MIUI go to Settings → Screen → Dark theme. This will reduce the load on the display.
• 📴 Reduce the brightness of the screen to 30-50% or turn on Adaptive Brightness.
• 🛑 Close the background applications: they consume additional power. Use Settings → Applications → Run to close unnecessary processes.
• ⚡ Enable Power Saving Mode, but exclude the Settings app from optimization (in Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management by Apps).

On large-battery phones (5000 mAh and above), such as Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO M5, Wi-Fi distribution can run up to 6-8 hours without recharging. On models with a battery ZXPH0006QXZ-ZH0007QZMAh (e.g. XiaomiXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX) this time is shorten ZXXXX00000000000000-ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000-XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

If you need to give out the internet regularly, consider buying a powerbank with Quick Charge 3.0/4.0 support – this will allow you to charge your phone and distribute Wi-Fi at the same time without a performance drawdown.

7.Security in Wi-Fi distribution

An open hotspot is a potential threat to your data, and attackers can intercept traffic or connect to your network without permission, and follow these rules to protect yourself:

• 🔐 Use a complex password: a minimum of 8 characters with numbers, capital letters, and special characters (e.g., Xiaomi@2026!).
• 🔄 Change your password regularly, especially if you're handing out Wi-Fi in public.
• 📵 Turn off the hotspot when it's not needed, and it'll also save you battery power.
• 🛡️ Turn on the firewall: in MIUI go to Settings → Memory → Firewall and activate protection.
• 🕵️ Check Connected Devices: In the access point settings, there is a Connected Devices section where you can see all the gadgets on your network.

If you are handing out Wi-Fi at a cafe, airport or other public place, avoid using online banking or logging into important accounts from connected devices. Use a VPN (e.g. ProtonVPN or Windscribe) for additional protection.

⚠️ Warning: Xiaomi phones with MIUI 13+ have a Hidden Network feature in the AP settings. If you turn it on, your network won't show up in the Wi-Fi list available, and you can only connect to it manually knowing SSID, which increases security, but makes it harder to connect new devices.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the distribution of Wi-Fi on Xiaomi