How to distribute Wi-Fi with Xiaomi Redmi Note 8: full instructions with nuances

Introduction: Why give away Wi-Fi from your phone?

Xiaomi smartphones are no longer just “callers” — they have become multifunctional devices that can replace a router, modem or even a mini server. Wi-Fi distribution with Redmi Note 8 is one of the most popular features, especially when there is no fixed router at hand, for example, you are on a business trip, in a country with mobile Internet or just want to connect your laptop to a network where only 4G/5G is available on your phone.

But it's not that simple: many users face problems ranging from the banal "does not connect" to sudden communication breaks. In this article, we'll look at all the ways to distribute Wi-Fi on the Redmi Note 8 (including hidden MIUI settings), explain why errors can occur, and give a checklist for troubleshooting. And also, we'll reveal some unique MIUI 12/14 firmware chips that will help save traffic and battery when working in hotspot mode.

Phone Preparation: What to Check Before Setup?

Before you turn on modem modem, make sure your Redmi Note 8 is ready for Internet use.

• 🔄 Updates: In older versions MIUI (11 below) there were Wi-Fi distribution bugs. Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.

Special attention is given to operator settings, where some mobile providers (like Tele2 or Yota) block Internet distribution by default at unlimited rates, and you'll have to:

1. Call support and ask to activate the option "Modem / Access Point".
2. Or switch to a tariff with a allowed distribution (usually business packages or special options).

Method 1: Standard Wi-Fi Access Point

This is the simplest and most reliable method, and the instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14:

1. Open Settings → Access Point and modem (or Settings → Connections → Access Point in new versions).
2. Select the Wi-Fi Access Point.
3. Activate the slider at the top of the screen.
4. When you first turn on, the system will prompt you to specify the network name (SSID) and password.

• 🔐 Password: at least 8 characters, with numbers and letters (e.g, Xiaomi123!).
• 📡 Network name: Latin, without spaces (e.g, RedmiNote8_Hotspot).

Once activated, a notification with the number of connected devices will appear on the screen, the maximum number of clients is 10 (MIUI restriction), but in practice, with 5-6 devices, the speed begins to sag.

⚠️ Note: If the Internet does not work after connecting a device (for example, a laptop), check the settings. APN In the Settings section → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access point (APN). Some operators require manual input of parameters.

Method 2: Distribution via Bluetooth (to save charge)

If you only need to connect one device (like a tablet or laptop) and your phone’s battery is running out, a Bluetooth connection will be a lifeline, consuming 2-3 times less power than Wi-Fi, although the speed will be lower (up to 10 Mbps versus 50-100 Mbps for Wi-Fi).

How to set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. On Redmi Note 8, go to Settings → Access Point and Modem → Bluetooth Modem.
3. Select the device from the list and confirm the pairing.
4. On a connected device (such as a Windows laptop) in Bluetooth settings, select Connect via → Access Point.

Cons of the method:

• ⚡ Slower Wi-Fi (suitable only for instant messengers, mail, easy surfing).
• 🔗 It only works with one device at a time.
• 📱 On some firmware MIUI Reboot the phone after the first connection.

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If the Bluetooth connection is permanently cut off, turn off the “Adaptive Bluetooth Frequency” function on your phone in Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → Additional.

Method 3: USB-Modem (maximum speed and stability)

The most reliable, but least mobile way is to connect your phone to a PC or laptop via a computer. USB-The advantages of cable:

• 🚀 Speed is close to maximum (limited only by operator tariff).
• 🔋 Minimum battery consumption (the phone is charged during operation).
• 🛡️ No connection issues (unlike Wi-Fi, where there may be interference).

How to set up:

1. Connect the Redmi Note 8 to your computer via the original cable (importantly, cheap cables may not transmit data).
2. On the phone in the Settings section → Access Point and modem activate USB-modem.
3. On PC, wait for drivers to install (Windows usually installs them automatically).
4. If the Internet is not available, check in Windows Device Manager for the presence of Xiaomi Composite MDB Interface.

Possible problems and solutions:

Hidden MIUI settings: how to speed up distribution and save traffic

Xiaomi hides a few useful options that will help optimize the operation of the access point.

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the Network section and activate:

• 📊 Limit background traffic – blocks app updates when you distribute Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 Always use mobile data – prevents automatic switching to slow networks.
• 📶 Improve the quality of communication – increase stability 4G/5G (increases battery consumption).

The unique feature of MIUI 14 is that if you pin your finger on the network name (SSID) in the Access Point section, you will see a menu with the option "Hidden Network", which will allow you to connect to your access point only those who know its name - additional protection from accidental connections.

Solution: Why is Wi-Fi distribution not working?

Even after you set it up correctly, you can still get errors, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🚫 "Failed to turn on the access point Cause: Conflict with VPN, Antivirus or energy-saving mode. Solution: Turn it off. VPN, Add the Settings app to the antivirus exceptions and disable Battery mode → Energy conservation.
• 🔌 Devices are connected, but there is no internet Reason: Wrong settings APN Or lock by operator. Solution: Check. APN (Must match operator settings or call support.
• 📵 The phone stops giving Wi-Fi after 5-10 minutes Reason: Auto-Switch Off Access Point (defaulted, but can be turned on after the update) Solution: Go to Settings → Access point → Additionally, and disable the option to Disable inactivity.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The "Access Point" section is missing, try resetting the network settings: Settings → System system → Reset → Reset the network settings, and that brings all network settings back to the factory.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

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For maximum stability of distribution of Wi-Fi use USB-modem (if you need to connect a laptop) or Bluetooth (if battery saving is important). Wi-Fi is convenient for multiple devices, but consumes more energy.