How to distribute Wi-Fi from a Xiaomi phone: full instructions with pictures and tips

Modern Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi and POCO lines) can work as full-fledged routers, distributing mobile Internet over Wi-Fi to other devices, a feature called an access point (or modem) and come in handy when there is no fixed router at hand: on a trip, at the country house or if the main Internet suddenly goes off, but many users face problems from the banal “does not connect” to a quick battery discharge.

In this article, we will analyze all ways to distribute Wi-Fi with Xiaomi: through standard settings, using the use of Wi-Fi. USB-cable (mode) USB-We will focus on common errors (for example, when devices are connected but the Internet does not work) and give unique tips on saving battery power during long-term distribution. MIUI 14/15 and all the models produced after 2018 year-end.

1. Preparing the phone before handing out Wi-Fi

Before you turn on the access point, check out a few key points – this will save you 90% of connection problems:

• 📶 Mobile Internet: Make sure that the phone has mobile data enabled (icon) 4G/5G Or E in the status bar. Without them, the handout won't work.
• 🔋 Battery charge: If the level is below 20%, the smartphone can automatically turn off the hotspot. Xiaomi is energy efficient, but Wi-Fi distribution is one of the most voracious features.
• 🔒 Password default: B MIUI The standard password is often set as 12345678, and it is better to change it (instruction below) to avoid unauthorized connections.
• 📱 Software Updates: Check the relevance of firmware in Settings → The phone. → Update the system, in older versions. MIUI There were Internet-distribution bugs.

Pay special attention to the mobile operator tariff. Some tariffs (especially unlimited ones) block Internet distribution or limit speed. For example, MTS and Beeline have separate options for modem. Check with your operator!

2. Standard method: Distributing Wi-Fi through settings

This is the simplest and most versatile method, suitable for all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and older devices.

1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
3. Slip on the Wi-Fi hotspot.
4. Activate the switch at the top of the screen.
5. When you first turn on, the system will prompt you to set up a network name (SSID) and password. Enter them and save them.

Once activated, a notification will appear on the screen about the number of connected devices. To change your settings (for example, change your password or frequency range), go back to the Wi-Fi Access Point and tap on the Access Point Settings.

The network name (SSID) does not contain spaces or special characters.

Password consists of 8+ characters (Latin + numbers)

5 GHz mode enabled (if devices support it)

Traffic savings in settings are disabled SIM-map

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If the Internet doesn't work after you've connected, check:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone – sometimes helps reset your network settings.
• 📵 Make sure mobile data is not blocked for specific applications (c Settings) → Annexes → Permits → Mobile data).
• 🛡️ Turn it off. VPN Proxy servers – they may conflict with the distribution.

3. Alternative ways of distributing the Internet

If Wi-Fi is not suitable for some reason, Xiaomi offers two more options for distributing the Internet: USB-cable and Bluetooth. Let's take each one out.

Distribution via USB (modem mode)

This is useful if you want to connect a laptop or PC without a Wi-Fi adapter, the data transfer speed is faster than over the air, and the phone battery runs slower.

1. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
2. In the phone settings, select Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
3. Activate the option. USB-modem.
4. On the computer, wait for the driver to install (usually it happens automatically).

If the internet doesn't work,

• 🖥️ On PC, check that a new device has appeared in Network Connections (e.g., Remote). NDIS).
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-Port or cable – faulty accessories often cause problems.
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.

3.2. Distribution via Bluetooth

Less popular, but sometimes the only option is if you want to connect a device without Wi-Fi, but with Bluetooth support (some tablets or smartwatches), Cons: low speed (up to 3 Mbps) and high latency. Pros: minimal battery consumption.

How to set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices and pair them.
2. On Xiaomi phone, go to Settings → Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
3. Activate the Bluetooth modem.
4. On the second device, in Bluetooth settings, select your phone and turn on the “Use to access the Internet” option.

This is a way to connect for short-term purposes, like checking email or sending a message, and to watch videos or download files, you'd better use Wi-Fi or USB.

4. Handout optimization: how to save battery power

Wi-Fi is one of the most energy-consuming features of a smartphone, and when used actively, the battery can run out in 2-3 hours, and we have compiled unique ways to extend the time you will not find in standard instructions:

• 🔋 Limit the number of connected devices: Each new device increases the load. Optimally, 1-2 gadgets. In the settings of the access point (max. number of connections), set a limit.
• ⚡ Use Power Saving Mode: Enable it in Settings → Battery. It'll reduce productivity, but it'll extend the life by 30 to 40%.
• 📶 Switch to 2.4 GHz: It's less voracious than 5 GHz (albeit slower.
• 🛡️ Turn off the background activity of applications: Go to Settings → Annexes → Permits → Autostart and disable Autostart for unnecessary programs.
• 🔄 Reduce timeouts: By default, the access point shuts down after 10 minutes without activity. Set a smaller value (e.g., 5 minutes) in the modem settings.

Another life hack: if you're sharing the Internet from Xiaomi to a laptop, connect your phone to a charger. Many models (like the Redmi Note 11 Pro+) support reverse charging, so you can use a power bank to both distribute Wi-Fi and charge your smartphone at the same time.

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If you often distribute the Internet in one place (for example, in a country), save the access point as "Favorite Network" on the connected devices, which will speed up the automatic connection next time.

5. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even with the right setup, Xiaomi users are facing problems, and we’ve collected common bugs and specific ways to fix them that aren’t always obvious:

If none of these things worked, try resetting your network settings to factory settings, which will delete all the stored Wi-Fi networks and mobile Internet settings, but often solves the distribution problems. → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings.

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Before resetting your network settings, write down or take a picture of your carrier’s APN settings – you’ll have to re-enter them.

6.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 or use your Internet for illegal activities.

• 🔐 Use a complex password: Minimum length — 12 symbols, with a combination of letters (cap and lowercase), numbers and special characters.@Redmi2026!.
• 🔄 Change your password regularly: Especially if you give away Wi-Fi in public places.
• 📛 Hide the name of the network (SSID): In the AP settings, turn on the "Hide the Network" option, and you'll have to manually connect to it, but no one will see it on the list.
• 🚫 Restrict access to MAC-Addresses: In some firmware MIUI You have a device filtering feature. You can only whitelist your gadgets.

It's also worth turning off the hotspot when you don't need it. A constantly active modem not only drains the battery, but also makes your phone more vulnerable to attack. In MIUI, you can set up automatic shutdown after a certain time without activity (in the modem settings).

⚠️ Please note: Do not use standard network names such as Xiaomi_1234 or Redmi_Hotspot. They give out a model of your phone, making it easier for hackers to do it.

7. Features of the distribution on different models Xiaomi

While the general principle of access point setting is the same for all Xiaomi smartphones, some models have unique nuances.

On flagship models (for example, Xiaomi 14 Ultra), the dual access point feature is available - you can distribute the Internet simultaneously over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This is convenient if you need to connect both a laptop and a smartwatch. Activated in Settings → Special features → Additional.

For budget models (such as the Redmi A2), it is important to monitor the temperature of the case. When overheating above 45 ° C, the phone can automatically turn off the access point, use heat sink cases or take breaks every 30-40 minutes.

8 Frequently Asked Questions