How to distribute Wi-Fi from a Xiaomi phone: the complete guide

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones have long since ceased to be just callers and have become powerful multimedia centers capable of performing the functions of a router. Situations when the fixed Internet is absent or suddenly stops working are quite common, and it is at such moments that the ability to distribute the Internet from a mobile device becomes critical. Owners of Mi and Redmi gadgets often look for ways to activate this feature to provide access to the network laptop, tablet or phone of a friend.

The process of creating an access point on the shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS is quite convenient, but hides a number of nuances that not all users know about. Proper settings of security parameters, choice of frequency range and understanding of traffic limits allow not only to ensure a stable connection, but also to extend the battery life of the smartphone. In this article, we will discuss all aspects of setting the modem modem.

It's important to understand that Internet distribution is a resource-intensive process that affects the heating of the case and the speed of battery discharge. A smart network configuration approach will minimize the negative impact on the device while maintaining high data rates for connected customers. Let's move on to the direct configuration of your device.

Basic activation of the access point through the notification curtain

The fastest way to turn on modem modem on any Xiaomi device is to use the Quick Settings Panel. All you need to do is unlock the screen and swipe down from the top edge of the display to open the notification curtain. In the menu you need to find an icon that says "Access Point" or "Wi-Fi Point".

If you don't see the icon you want on the first screen, try swiping left or pressing the edit button (usually a pencil or three dots) to add the widget to the active zone. Once you press the icon, it should light up, which signals the activation of the function. Now other devices can search your network in the list of available connections.

However, this method is only good for quick activation, but it is not suitable for the initial setting of the password or network name. By default, the system can set the standard name of the phone model, which is not always convenient for identification among many other networks in a public place.

πŸ’‘

Using the notification curtain is the fastest way to activate, but changing the password and network name requires you to switch to the full settings menu.

Detailed setting of network parameters in the smartphone menu

For a deep configuration, go to the main settings menu of your Redmi or Xiaomi. Find a section that can be called Access Point and Modem or Connection and Sharing. This is where all the necessary controls for your Internet connection, including security settings and restrictions, are located.

In the window that opens, select β€œSetting up the access point” where the user can change the SSID (network name) to any convenient one, and set a strong password, and use a mixed register of letters and numbers to protect their traffic from unauthorized access by unauthorized persons.

The system will offer to choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The first option provides better compatibility with older devices and longer range, while the second one guarantees high speed, but has a smaller coverage radius and worse penetration through walls.

  • πŸ“‘ 2.4 GHz – the best choice for maximum compatibility and remote operation.
  • πŸš€ 5 GHz – provides high data transfer speeds for modern gadgets.
  • πŸ”’ Security – Always choose the protocol WPA2 PSK securely.
  • πŸ‘₯ User limit – allows you to limit the number of connected devices.
πŸ“Š What Wi-Fi range do you prefer for distribution?
2.4 GHz (long-range)
5 GHz (speed)
Auto (as it turns out)
I don't know what it is.

Advanced settings and network hiding

Advanced versions of the MIUI shell offer a network hide feature that increases privacy. If you activate the Hide Device option, your phone will stop broadcasting the network name on the air, and you can only connect to such an access point by manually entering the exact name (SSID) and password on the client device.

Also in this section, you can often set a shutdown timer, and you can set a condition where the access point will turn off automatically if no device is connected to it for a certain time (e.g., 5 or 10 minutes), which is a useful feature for saving battery power that many people forget about.

⚠️ Note: When you enable network hiding, make sure you remember the network name you entered accurately, as it will not be possible to find it by searching the connected device.

Another important option is to set a traffic limit, so you can set the maximum amount of data you can use through the hotspot, and once the limit is exhausted, the Internet distribution will automatically stop, which will save you from unexpected expenses if you do not have an unlimited plan.

Why hide the network?
Hiding an SSID is not a panacea for hackers, but it is effective in protecting against accidental connections from neighbors or bystanders who may see an open network with a similar name and try to connect by mistake.

Use of the USB-modem and Bluetooth panel

It is not always advisable to use wireless data transmission, especially if the stability of the connection is important or you want to minimize the power consumption of the smartphone. USB-This method also allows you to charge the phone at the same time, offsetting the energy costs of data transmission.

To activate, you need to connect the phone to the computer with a cable, then turn on the switch in the menu "Access Point and modem Β«USB-The computer recognizes the new network connection automatically, and drivers are usually installed by the system without user intervention.

An alternative, albeit less fast, option is a Bluetooth modem, which is convenient in situations where USB-The port is busy, and the Wi-Fi module on the receiving device is faulty, and the speed here will be much lower, but for texting or working with light web pages, this is quite enough.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for USB-modem

Done: 0 / 4

Comparison of Connection Methods and Their Characteristics

The choice of Internet distribution method depends on your current needs and the capabilities of the connected equipment, each of the three main methods has its own unique advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before using.

Below is a table that will help you quickly navigate and choose the best connection option for your situation.

ParameterWi-Fi Access PointUSB-modemBluetooth modem
Speed.High (up to 150 Mbps)Maximum (stable)Low (up to 2-3 Mbps)
Energy consumptionHigh.Low (charging in)Average.
Number of devicesUp to 10 (depending on model)1Up to 7 devices
Radio of actionUp to 15-20 metersCable lengthUp to 10 meters.

As the comparison shows, Wi-Fi or USB are best suited for heavy content or video streaming. Bluetooth remains a niche solution for emergencies when other options are not available.

πŸ’‘

With long-term use USB-The modem may heat up. Remove the case for better heat sink if you feel the body is heated.

Connection problems and how to solve them

Despite the fact that Android is well-functioning, users sometimes experience situations where the access point is turned on, but the Internet is not working or devices can not see the network, most often the problem lies in the frequency settings or failures in the network module.

If the connected device sees the network but cannot receive IP-Address, try changing the frequency range in the access point settings from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz. Many older laptops and tablets simply don't support the new standard and can't physically connect to the network.

If you have Internet on your phone, but you don't load the pages through the hotspot, it makes sense to check your mobile network settings, make sure you don't run out of traffic packets and activate data transfer, and it helps to just restart the flight mode.

⚠️ Note: Some mobile operators block or charge Internet distribution separately. check the terms of your plan to avoid blocking or debiting funds.

A radical but effective method is to reset the network settings, which will bring all Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile settings back to factory values, eliminating software conflicts that have accumulated during operation.

The impact of Wi-Fi on battery and system

Active Internet distribution puts a serious strain on the processor and radio module of the Xiaomi smartphone, which leads to increased power consumption and, as a result, rapid battery discharge. In access point mode, the charge can evaporate faster than usual, especially if several active customers are connected to the network.

In addition, the intensive operation of the modules causes heating of the case. In the summer or when using the phone in direct sunlight, this can lead to the operation of the thermal protection system, which will forcefully reduce the brightness of the screen or performance, and in extreme cases, turn off the access point.

To minimize harm, it is recommended to keep the phone on the surface with good heat transfer and, if possible, connect it to a power source. Using the original charger will help offset energy costs and reduce the risk of deep discharge.

πŸ’‘

Wi-Fi handouts significantly speed up battery wear due to heating and quick discharge cycles, so don’t keep the access point on unnecessarily.

Why does the laptop not see the Xiaomi hotspot?
Most often, the problem is that Wi-Fi standards are incompatible. If the phone gives away a network in the 5 GHz band and the laptop's network card only supports 2.4 GHz, the device simply won't detect the network. Solution: switch the range in the access point settings to 2.4 GHz.
Can I give away Wi-Fi if my phone is connected to Wi-Fi?
Most modern Xiaomi smartphones support Wi-Fi Repeater, which allows you to receive and distribute Internet over Wi-Fi, but on some models or firmware versions this feature may be limited software.
How do I know who is accessing my access point?
The access point settings menu usually displays a list of connected devices, and you can see the name of the device and its name. MAC-If you see a stranger, change your password immediately and blacklist the device if necessary.
Why does the battery go down quickly when the gear is turned on?
The modem modem makes the radio module operate in a constant active signal transmission mode, which is one of the most energy-intensive processes in a smartphone.