How to give away the Internet from the phone Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: 5 ways and solving errors

Introduction: Why to turn a smartphone into a router

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is capable of not only consuming mobile internet, but also distributing it to other devices, from laptops to tablets. This feature, called hotspot, becomes a lifesaver when traveling, in the country, or when the main router suddenly shuts down. But how to properly configure the distribution so as not to encounter slow speeds or sudden cliffs?

In this article, we’ll break down all the current ways to distribute Wi-Fi with Redmi Note 9 (including hidden features). MIUI), Optimal settings to save battery life, and common errors that make devices unable to connect, will focus on the new carrier restrictions of 2026 – why some of the problems are so difficult to understand. SIM-Cards block distribution and how to get around it.

Important: The instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-15 firmware (including global and Chinese versions). If your phone is running on an older version, update the software first via Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Method 1: Standard access point via the settings menu

This is the simplest and most reliable method that works on all versions of the Redmi Note 9.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
3. Slip on the Wi-Fi Access Point.
4. Activate the slider at the top of the screen.

The system will automatically generate a network name (SSID) and password, but these can be changed:

• 🔒 Network name: by default - phone model (e.g, Redmi_Note_9_1234). It is better to ask a unique name without spaces.
• 🔑 Password: Minimum length is 8 characters. Use a combination of letters, numbers and characters (!@#$%).
• 📶 Frequency Range: Choose 2.4GHz for better compatibility with older devices or 5GHz for faster (but shorter) range).

Mobile Internet enabled (4G/5G icon in status bar)

Battery charge > 30% (distribution consumes a lot of energy)

Nana SIM-enough traffic (check in the operator’s application)

VPN and energy saving modes are disabled

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Once activated, the access point will be active until you manually turn it off or restart the phone. Limit: by default, MIUI turns off the distribution after 5 minutes without connected devices. To avoid this, go to Additional Settings → Timeout and select Never.

Method 2: Distribution via USB (modem mode)

If you only need to connect one computer to the Internet (laptop or PC), USB-The modem is a more reliable option, saving battery life and providing a stable connection without interference.

Instructions:

1. Connect the Redmi Note 9 to your computer via the original USB-cable.
2. In the phone settings, select Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
3. Activate the option. USB-modem.

On Windows, your computer will automatically install RNDIS drivers (if you don’t, download them from Xiaomi’s site). MacOS or Linux may require manual network setup.

💡

If the computer can't see USB-Modem, try to turn on the developer mode in the phone (7 times tap the build number in Settings) → About the phone) and activate the debugging USB.

Warning: Some operators (e.g. Tele2 or Iota) block USB-modem on the tariffs without the option "Distribute Internet" in which case the notification will appear Network is not available, the solution is to change the tariff or use the Wi-Fi hotspot.

Method 3: Distribute via Bluetooth (to save charge)

Few people know, but Redmi Note 9 can distribute Internet over Bluetooth, a method that is suitable for connecting tablets, smartwatches or laptops when you need to save battery power.

How to set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. On the phone: Settings → Devices → Bluetooth → find the target device and mate.
3. Return to Access Point and modem and activate Bluetooth modem.

The connection speed will be lower than Wi-Fi (up to 30 Mbps), but battery consumption will be reduced by 2-3 times. Importantly, on a client device (for example, a laptop), you need to manually select the Bluetooth connection in the network settings.

Wi-Fi access point

USB-modem

Bluetooth

I don't use the handout.-->

Method 4: Hidden MIUI settings for power users

MIUI hides a few useful options that can improve distribution stability, so you can activate them:

1. Enable Developer Mode (7 taps on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Go back to the basic settings and open a new section for developers.
3. Find the option to limit background data transfer and turn it off.
4. Always activate mobile data transmission.

These settings prevent connection breaks when the phone goes to sleep, and in developer mode, you can change the MTU (maximum packet size) to reduce delays:

Settings → For developers → Network setting → Change the size of the MTU


Recommended value: 1472

Redmi Note 9: When you give out Wi-Fi, your phone automatically shuts down your mobile network connection every 15 minutes to refresh your phone" IP-This can interrupt downloads on connected devices. To turn off this behavior, use the command ADB:

adb shell settings put global captive_portal_detection_enabled 0

Method 5: Passwordless Distribution (Open Network)

Sometimes you need to create an open access point, for example, for guests or devices without a keyboard (for example, printers).

1. In the access point settings (Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi Access Point), select Security.
2. Set the value of No (instead of WPA2-PSK).
3. Save the settings.

💡

Open networks are vulnerable to hacking! Never use them to transmit sensitive data (banks, social networks) and limit the time of such access points.

Once activated, any device can connect without a password.

• ⚠️ The speed will be lower (up to 50 Mbps).
• ⚠️ Some operators block the distribution without a password (an error appears Not able to turn on the access point).

Typical errors and their solutions

Even with the right setup, Redmi Note 9 users are facing problems.

⚠️ Note: If after activation of the access point, a notification appears Network without access to the Internet, but on the phone mobile Internet works - the problem is in the settings APN. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) Compare the parameters with your operator’s recommendations.

If no solution worked, reset the network settings: Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset the settings of Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth. This will delete all the saved networks, but return the settings to the factory.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Wi-Fi distribution with Redmi Note 9