Wi-Fi Distribution with Xiaomi Redmi 4: Full Instruction with Error Solutions

Xiaomi Redmi 4 (including Redmi 4A, Redmi 4X, Redmi 4 Pro/Prime) is still popular thanks to its reliability and flexible networking capabilities. One of the most popular features is Wi-Fi Internet distribution, which helps when you need to connect a laptop, tablet or other device to the network through mobile traffic. However, many users face difficulties: the access point does not turn on, devices do not connect, the battery runs out in an hour.

In this article, we will not only explore the basic Wi-Fi settings of Redmi 4, but also the nuances that are not covered in the standard instructions, such as how to circumvent the operator’s restrictions on modem mode, why some devices “can’t see” the phone’s network, and how to reduce charge consumption during long-distance, all solutions tested on current versions of MIUI 12/14 (including global and Chinese firmware).

Preparing the phone for the distribution of Wi-Fi

Before you turn on the hotspot, make sure your Redmi 4 is ready for this task.Non-passing at least one of the points can cause connection errors or quick battery drain.

• 📶 Check the mobile internet: make sure your phone has a stable network connection 3G/4G. Open your browser and load any page – if it opens, then the traffic is working.
• 🔋 Battery charge: Wi-Fi distribution consumes a lot of power; optimal charge level before switching on the access point is at least 40% (with a lower value, the phone can turn off at the most inopportune moment).
• 📱 Update the firmware: outdated versions MIUI You may have bugs in your Internet distribution module. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔒 Turn it off. VPN/Proxies: if you have active services like Cloudflare on your phone WARP Orbot, they can block traffic to connected devices.

Pay special attention to mobile network settings. Some operators (such as Tele2 or Yota) block modem mode by default. To check this, go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Access point (APN) And make sure that in the Type field APN Default,supl,dun (where dun is responsible for distributing the Internet) If this is not the option, add it manually.

⚠️ Note: Some tariffs charge operators extra to use the phone as a modem. Check with your ISP to avoid unexpected charges. For example, MTS may block the distribution when the traffic limit is exceeded.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the distribution of Wi-Fi

The process of activating the access point on Redmi 4 takes no more than a minute, but there are a few pitfalls that you should know about in advance.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to Access Point and Modem (in some versions of MIUI it may be called Modem Mode or Shared Internet).
3. Select the Wi-Fi Access Point.
4. Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point slider (it should turn blue).
5. Click on Access Point Settings to set a network name (SSID) and password. Use a password no shorter than 8 characters with numbers and letters - this will protect your network from connecting third-party devices.

Once turned on, the access point will be active for 10 minutes without the devices connected (then the phone will automatically turn it off to save charge). To avoid this, connect at least one device in the first 5 minutes after activation.

Network name (SSID) does not contain spaces or special characters |

Password consists of 8+ characters (Latin + numbers) |

Mobile Internet is working (checked in the browser)|

VPN and proxy is disabled in the phone settings-->

If after turning on the access point, other devices do not see it in the list of networks, try the following:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone and turn on the access point again.
• 📡 Check if the connected device is on “In the plane” or energy saving mode (they can block network search).
• 🔧 Change the Wi-Fi channel in the access point settings (the default is Auto, try Channel 6 or Channel 11).

Solving common problems

Even after setting up the Wi-Fi distribution on Redmi 4 can malfunction, and below we have collected common errors and ways to fix them, based on user feedback and tests on different versions of MIUI.

If none of these things worked, try resetting your phone's network settings. Go to Settings → System and Device → Additional → Network Reset, which will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks and mobile Internet settings, but often resolves distribution problems.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI If you reset the network, you may lose access to the mobile Internet. APN (Take a picture of the screen or write down the parameters or ask the operator for them.

How to Save Battery when Distributing Wi-Fi

Internet is one of the most energy-consuming features of a smartphone. On a Redmi 4 with a 4100 mAh battery, the hotspot can eat up to 15-20% charge per hour when used actively.

• 🔋 Turn off background apps: Close all programs except those needed to work, especially messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and social networks, which constantly sync data in the background.
• 🌙 Reduce screen brightness: If the phone is lying idle, set minimum brightness or turn on Reading mode (include). MIUI It's in the notification curtain).
• 📶 Switch to the switch. 3G: speed 4G Not critical, go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred type of network and select 3G. This will reduce energy consumption by 20-30%.
• ⚡ Use charging: if possible, connect your phone to a power bank or outlet.This will not only prevent discharge, but can also slightly increase the data rate (as the phone will not limit performance due to low charge).

Another effective way is to limit the number of connected devices. Each new device increases the load on the processor and the Wi-Fi module. The optimal number for Redmi 4 is no more than 3-4 gadgets at a time. If you need to connect more, consider buying a portable device. 4G-router.

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If you often share Wi-Fi in one place (such as at home), set up an automatic timer to turn off the hotspot. Use the MacroDroid app (free on Google Play) to create a rule: “If the hotspot is active for more than 2 hours, turn it off.”

Alternative ways to distribute the Internet

Wi-Fi isn’t the only way to share your internet with Redmi 4, but in some situations, it’s more convenient to use other methods.

• 🔗 USB-Modem: Connect your phone to your computer via cable and activate it USB-Modem in Settings → Access Point and modem: This method uses less charge and provides a more stable connection, but only works with a PC.
• 📱 Bluetooth modem: Suitable for connecting one device (e.g., a tablet) Turn on Bluetooth on both gadgets, then select a Bluetooth modem in the phone hotspot settings and pair.
• 🔄 Reverse Tethering: If you want to share the Internet from PC to phone (not vice versa), use applications like ReverseTether NoRoot. USB-cable.

Each of these methods has its pros and cons, USB-The modem gives the maximum speed, but ties the phone to the computer, and Bluetooth saves charge, but limits the bandwidth (usually up to 1-2 Mbps:

If you need to connect a device without Wi-Fi (like an old printer or game console), try creating a local area network via USB-OTG. This will require a special cable and a USB Network Gate application.

Security in Wi-Fi Distribution

Using your phone as a hotspot opens up potential vulnerabilities for attackers, such as if you're handing out Wi-Fi in a public place, third-party devices can connect to your network to:

• 🕵️ Intercept your traffic (logins, passwords, bank card data).
• 📥 Download content through your connection (this may result in overloading the traffic limit).
• 🦠 Spread viruses to connected gadgets.

To protect yourself, follow these rules:

1. Always use a complex password (at least 12 characters with mixed case, numbers and special characters) and avoid obvious combinations like 12345678 or qwerty.
2. Turn off the access point when you don't need it. Even if no one is connected to it, the open network can be detected by scanners.
3. Don't give away Wi-Fi in crowded places (airports, cafes, transportation) if you don't need it.
4. Periodically check the list of connected devices. In MIUI, you can do this in Settings → Access Point and modem → Connected devices. If you see an unfamiliar gadget, turn it off immediately and change the password.

For additional protection, install a firewall on your phone (such as NetGuard or a built-in MIUI Firewall) to block suspicious connections and restrict applications from accessing the network.

⚠️ Note: If you are handing out Wi-Fi from your phone to your work laptop, make sure it is turned on. VPN plug-in (HTTPS). This will prevent corporate data from leaking through an unsecured network.

Hidden Access Point Functions on Xiaomi

MIUI contains a few “secret” settings that can improve the access point on Redmi 4. These are not found in the standard menu, but they are available through an engineering menu or special commands.

One of the most useful tricks is to change the Wi-Fi region, and by default, the phone uses your country settings, but sometimes changing the region helps you bypass carrier restrictions or improve connection stability.

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination ##4636##.
2. In the menu that opens, select Wi-Fi Information.
3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Additional Settings.
4. Find the Wi-Fi Region and change it to United States or Europe (experiment to find the best option).

Another useful feature is the speed limit for connected devices, which is true if you're giving Wi-Fi to multiple users and you don't want someone clogging up the channel.

1. Install the NetMaster or Network Signal Guru app from Google Play.
2. Open the Access Point section and set a speed limit for each device (e.g. 2 Mbps).

MIUI also has a hidden option to automatically shut down the access point at low charge, to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Battery → Energy Saving Mode.
2. Select Settings and turn on Disable Access Point at low charge (threshold can be manually set, for example, 15%).

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Changing the Wi-Fi region and speed limits can cause the hotspot to work in an unstable way. If the connection gets worse after settings, return the settings to factory settings.

Frequently asked questions