How to give away the Internet with Xiaomi Redmi 7: 3 ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Redmi 7 is still a popular budget smartphone, despite the release of new models. One of the most popular features is the ability to distribute mobile Internet to other devices. But how to do this correctly, so as not to encounter connection errors or fast battery discharge?

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14), tips for speed and security optimization, and solutions to common problems. We will look not only at the standard access point mode, but also at alternative methods for distributing the Internet via USB and Bluetooth.

We will pay special attention to hidden settings that help save battery power during long-term Wi-Fi distribution, and also explain why sometimes a smartphone refuses to share the Internet - even with an active mobile network.

1. Preparation of the smartphone before setting up the access point

Before you turn on Wi-Fi on Redmi 7, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid common mistakes, such as not having internet on your connected devices or automatically turning off the hotspot.

First, check your mobile Internet balance. Many carriers block the distribution of traffic if there are insufficient funds in the account or the option "Economic mode" is activated. Check the tariff with your provider - some packages (for example, "Unlimited on a smartphone") do not allow the use of the phone as a modem.

Second, update your firmware. Older versions of MIUI (below 12.5) have bugs that run on the Wi-Fi module, especially when 3+ devices are connected at the same time. To check whether the software is up to date, go to Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Make sure that the mobile internet is stable

Disable VPN (if used)

Check the remaining traffic from the operator

Update MIUI to the latest version

Charge your phone to at least 30%-->

You also need to turn off the power saving modes, which automatically limit background activity, so that the access point can spontaneously turn off.

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance.
2. Select Power Saving Mode.
3. Set the value of High Performance or Balanced.

⚠️ Note: If you use two of these SIM-The access point will only distribute the Internet from the one selected as the main one for data transfer. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data.

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

It is the simplest and most versatile method that works on all versions of MIUI. The instructions are relevant for Redmi 7 with firmware from MIUI 11 to MIUI 14.

To enable the access point:

1. Open Settings → Access Point and modem (in some versions of MIUI, the path may be called Settings → Connections → Access Point).
2. Select a portable Wi-Fi access point.
3. Activate the slider at the top of the screen.
4. Click on Setting up the Wi-Fi Access Point to change the network name (SSID) and password.

By default, the network will be called Xiaomi_XXXX (where XXXX — last-minute IMEI), And the password is generated automatically, and we recommend that you change these settings:

• 🔐 Password: Use a combination of 8+ symbols with numbers and letters (for example, Redmi7_2026WiFi). This will protect against connecting foreign devices.
• 📶 Name of the network (SSID): Specify a unique name to easily find your access point in the list (for example, Redmi7_Moskva).
• 🔄 Security: Select the type WPA2-PSK — It is the best balance between protection and compatibility.

After saving your settings, connect another device (laptop, tablet or second phone) to the network you created. If the Internet does not appear, check:

• 📱 Is the mobile Internet active on Redmi? 7 (badge 4G/LTE status-line).
• 🔌 Is the "In Airplane" mode turned on (disables all wireless modules).
• 🔄 Does the antivirus or firewall block the connection (relevant for Windows).

Every day.

Several times a week

Rarely, only in emergency cases.

Never used it.-->

3. Alternative ways of distributing the Internet

If Wi-Fi doesn’t work for some reason or you need to connect a device without wireless networking (like an old printer), use alternative methods.

Method 1: Distribution through USB (USB-modem)

This method is suitable for connecting to a laptop or PC.

• ⚡ More stable connection (no interference like Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 Lower battery consumption (the phone is charged while running).
• 🛡️ Security – you can only physically connect via cable.

To activate USB-modem:

1. Connect Redmi 7 to your computer via USB-cable (preferably original).
2. In the phone settings, select Settings → Access Point and modem → USB-modem.
3. Wait for the drivers to install on the PC (usually takes 10–30 seconds).

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

Method 2: Distribution via Bluetooth

This option is suitable for devices that do not support Wi-Fi (such as some smartwatches or car radios), speed will be lower than Wi-Fi, but battery consumption is minimal.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. On Redmi 7, go to Settings → Access Point and Modem → Bluetooth Modem.
3. Connect the second device via the Bluetooth menu (pair confirmation may be required).

⚠️ Attention: Some operators (e.g. Tele2) block the distribution of Internet via Bluetooth. If the connection is established, but there is no traffic, try another method.

4. Optimization of connection speed and stability

If the Internet through the access point is running slowly or constantly interrupted, try the following settings:

Settings on the phone

• 📶 Change Wi-Fi range: In the access point settings, select 5GHz band (if your devices support it) to reduce interference from other networks.
• 🔄 Limit the number of connected devices: By default, Redmi 7 allows you to connect up to 8 gadgets, but for stability it is better to limit yourself to 3-4.
• 🔋 Turn off background activity: Close all applications except those necessary for operation (for example, messengers can slow down the network).

Settings on the connected device

• 🖥️ Update network drivers (relevant to Windows).
• 📱 Forget the network and connect again (on Android: Settings) → Wi-Fi → Press the net. → Forget it).
• 🔌 Turn it off. VPN — It may conflict with the access point.

A critical feature of Redmi 7: when you give Wi-Fi, the smartphone automatically limits the download speed to 10 Mbit / s if the processor temperature exceeds 45 ° C. This is done to protect against overheating, but can create the illusion of “slow Internet”. To avoid restrictions, do not cover the phone and do not use it in direct sunlight.

5. How to save battery power during long-term distribution

Wi-Fi distribution is one of the most energy-consuming functions of a smartphone, and when the hotspot is active, Redmi 7 discharges 2-3 times faster than usual.

• 🔌 Connect charging: Even if the phone is 100% charged, the constant Internet handout quickly puts the battery down. 10W.
• 📴 Reduce screen brightness: Go to Settings → Display. → Brightness and set the value at 30-40%.
• 🔇 Turn off unnecessary modules: Turn off GPS, NFC Bluetooth, if not used.
• ❄️ Refrigerate your phone: Do not place it on soft surfaces (such as a sofa) that block ventilation.

You can also limit background activity:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Autorun.
2. Turn off auto-start for all applications except system ones.
3. In Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization, select No Limits for applications that need to run in the background (e.g. instant messengers).

💡

If you use your phone as a modem, buy an external battery (powerbank) with a capacity of 10,000 mAh. This will allow you to distribute the Internet for up to 8-10 hours without recharging.

6. Solving common errors

Even with the right settings, Redmi 7 users sometimes run into problems, and let’s look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Error: "I failed to turn on the access point"

This problem usually arises from:

• 📱 Wi-Fi module malfunctions. Restart your phone and try again.
• 🔧 Conflict with VPN Or firewall, turn it off. VPN-applications (e.g. Turbo) VPN or 1.1.1.1).
• 📡 Some tariffs (e.g., MegaFon's Home Internet) block distribution.

If the error is repeated, reset your network settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth settings.
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

Mistake: Devices are connected, but there is no internet

In this case, the problem is most often on the side:

• 📡 Operator: Check the balance and activity of the Internet packet. Some operators (for example, Yota) require a separate option for distribution.
• 📱 Phone: Make sure that mobile data is enabled and the correct one is selected SIM-card (if two of them).
• 🖥️ Connected Device: On Windows, check if you have manually installed static IP (should get IP automatically).

If nothing helps, try changing the APN:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. Click on the current profile and check the settings. For most operators, they should be:

Name: [name of operator, e.g. MTS Internet]


APN: Internet.mts.ru (for MTS), Internet.beeline.ru (for Beeline), etc.




Type of authentication: PAP or CHAP




APN Protocol: IPv4/IPv6

Error: Access point shuts down after 5-10 minutes

This is a typical problem with activated energy saving mode, to fix it:

1. Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Energy Saving Mode.
2. Choose High Performance.
3. Add the Settings app to the exclusion list:

💡

If the access point is turned off even after the power saving is turned off, check if the “Automatic Wi-Fi Shutdown” function is activated in the additional settings of the router (found in the firmware of MIUI 12 and older).

7.Security: How to Protect Your Access Point

Open access points are not only a risk to your traffic, but also to data security, and attackers can intercept information transmitted (such as passwords from social networks) or use your IP for illegal activities.

To keep yourself safe:

• 🔐 Use a complex password: Avoid simple combinations like 12345678 Or qwertyui. It's the best option — 12+ symbols with mixed register, numbers and special symbols (for example, R3dmi7_WiFi!2026).
• 🔄 Change your password regularly: If you give away Wi-Fi frequently in public, update your password every 1-2 weeks.
• 📡 Disable the hotspot when you don’t need it: This will not only save battery power, but also reduce the risk of unauthorized connection.
• 🛡️ Use it. VPN on connected devices: This encrypts traffic and protects against data interception (e.g. via ProtonVPN or Windscribe applications).

You can also restrict access to MAC-The security of the address (although it is not the best protection):

1. Find out. MAC-Addresses of devices that are allowed to connect (on Android: Settings) → The phone. → General information → MAC-Wi-Fi address).
2. In the settings of the access point (Settings) → Access point → Setting up Wi-Fi → Additional) find the filter option MAC-address.
3. Add only trusted addresses to the list.

⚠️ Attention: Filtration by MAC-The address is not protected because MAC This method is best used in combination with a strong password.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)