How to distribute the Internet from the phone Xiaomi: 3 ways + solving errors

Benefits of Wi-Fi Distribution with Xiaomi and When It Comes in

Modern Xiaomi smartphones (from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14) can work as full-fledged routers - distribute Internet over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or through the Internet. USB-This feature helps in dozens of situations, from not having home Wi-Fi to having to connect a laptop on a trip, but how to properly set up an access point so as not to encounter slow speeds or sudden cliffs?

In this article, you will find three proven ways to distribute Internet from Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones, as well as solve problems – from the β€œfailed to turn on the access point” error to slow speed on connected devices. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and work on models released after 2018 (including Redmi 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13T).

We’ll focus on the hidden MIUI settings that allow you to increase connection stability and even save battery power with a long Wi-Fi distribution. For example, did you know that Xiaomi can limit speed for connected devices or enable automatic shutdown of the access point when inactive?

Method 1: Distribute Wi-Fi through a standard access point (modem mode)

This is the simplest and most versatile method that works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of model. The access point is created by the built-in Wi-Fi module of the phone, and up to 10 devices can connect to it simultaneously (up to 15 on the new flagships), speed depends on your mobile tariff and 5/6 Wi-Fi support on the phone.

To enable distribution:

  1. Open Settings and go to Network and Internet β†’ Access Point and modem.
  2. Slip on Wi-Fi Access Point (or modem modem on older versions of MIUI).
  3. Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point slider.
  4. When you first turn on, the system will suggest setting 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 strangers.

Mobile Internet is on and running stably|Battery charge of more than 30% (otherwise the phone may be switched off)|The connected device is disabled VPN|Access Point is not blocked by the operator (check it out). SMS provider)-->

By default, Xiaomi uses the 2.4 GHz band, which is better through walls but is prone to interference. If your phone supports Wi-Fi 6 (like the Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi K60), you can switch to 5 GHz for higher speeds:

  1. In the settings of the access point, tap on the Setting of the access point.
  2. Select Frequency Range and set 5GHz (if available).
  3. Save the changes and restart the access point.

⚠️ Attention: Some tariffs block the distribution of the Internet (especially Tele2 and Iota).If after switching on the access point, the devices connect, but the Internet does not work, check. SMS Often the problem is solved by connecting a special option (for example, "Internet for devices" in MTS).

Method 2: Distribution of the Internet via USB (USB-modem)

If you only need to connect one laptop or PC to the Internet, USB-The modem will be a more reliable and cost-effective solution, and unlike Wi-Fi, it's a way to do it:

  • πŸ”‹ Does not run out of battery – the phone charges while working.
  • πŸš€ It gives a maximum speed (up to 300 Mbps on Xiaomi with a high speed). USB 3.0).
  • πŸ”’ It is more secure to connect physically only through a cable.

Instructions for Windows/macOS:

  1. Connect your phone to your computer through the original USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).
  2. On the phone in the Settings menu β†’ Network and Internet β†’ Access point and modem turn on USB-modem.
  3. On your PC, wait for the drivers to install (usually 10-20 seconds). If the driver is not installed, download the Mi PC Suite.
  4. Check the connection: a USB icon with arrows should appear on the phone in the status bar.
Problem.Reason.Decision
The computer can't see. USB-modemNo drivers or file transfer mode enabledInstall Mi PC Suite or switch USB mode to Data Transfer
The Internet is working, but very slowly.USB 2.0 or a damaged cableUse a cable from the set or with USB 3.0 support
The connection breaks every 5 minutes.Windows Energy Saving Shuts Down Network AdapterDisable "Allow power-saving device shutdown" in Device Manager

On a MacBook, you may need to set up your network further: go to System Settings β†’ Network, select Xiaomi Connection, and manually specify DNS (e.g., 8.8.8.8 from Google).

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If USB-The modem doesn't work on Windows 11, try disabling the Quick Start feature in the power settings. It sometimes conflicts with Android device drivers.

Method 3: Distribute the Internet via Bluetooth (to save charge)

Bluetooth modems are a compromise between Wi-Fi and USB, less battery-hungry than Wi-Fi, but up to 3 Mbps (enough for instant messengers and mail, but not video) and are suitable for connecting laptops, tablets or even other phones if you don't have cable.

How to set up:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
  2. On Xiaomi phone, go to Settings β†’ Devices and Connections β†’ Bluetooth.
  3. Find the target device in the list and perform pairing.
  4. After connecting, go back to Settings β†’ Network & Internet β†’ Access Point and modem and turn on Bluetooth modem.

On a connected device (such as a laptop), you may need to manually select Xiaomi as the source of the Internet:

  • πŸͺŸ Windows: Parameters β†’ Network and Internet β†’ Bluetooth and other devices β†’ Select your phone and click "Connect through" β†’ Access point".
  • 🍎 macOS: In the Bluetooth menu bar, click on the icon and select Connect to the Network next to the phone name.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Zoom or online games) can block traffic via a Bluetooth modem. If sites open and the app doesn't, try Wi-Fi or try it. USB.

Wi-Fi (access point)|USB-modem|Bluetooth|I don't use the handout.-->

Hidden MIUI settings to optimize Wi-Fi distribution

Xiaomi has a few β€œsecret” features that help improve stability and speed, which are not in the basic settings, but they are available through Developer Mode or special codes.

To activate Developer Mode:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ The phone.
  2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version (you will receive a notification "You became a developer!").
  3. Back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers.

Now you can:

  • πŸ“Ά Change the Wi-Fi Channel: For Developers β†’ Select a Wi-Fi channel with minimum load (for example, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz).
  • πŸ”„ Turn off automatic Wi-Fi switching: This will prevent breaks with a weak signal.
  • ⚑ Limit speed for devices: Access Point β†’ Settings β†’ Speed limit (not available on all models).
How to increase the range of the signal Wi-Fi on Xiaomi
If connected devices lose communication in another room, try: 1. Install the WiFi Analyzer app and find the least loaded channel. 2. Switch from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz (if devices support). 3. Turn off Wi-Fi energy savings in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Energy Saving (remove the tick from "Wi-Fi in sleep mode").

On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), the β€œWi-Fi 6E” feature is available, which allows you to distribute Internet at 6 GHz. This increases the speed to 1.2 Gbps, but requires support for 6 GHz on the connected device.

The solution to the problems: why does not work Wi-Fi distribution on Xiaomi

Even with the right setup, you can get errors, and here are the most common problems and solutions.

Mistake.Possible causeHow to fix it
"Can't turn on the access point."Conflict with VPN or firewallTurn off the VPN, antivirus, firewall. Reboot your phone.
Devices are connected, but the internet is not working.The operator blocks the distribution (tethering)Call in support of the operator and activate the option for the modem.
Distribution speed is very low (less than 1 Mbps)Limitation of operator or network overloadCheck the speed on your phone through Speedtest, and if it's low, contact the operator.
The access point itself is turned off in 5-10 minutes.MIUI Energy ConservationTurn off "Automatic Shutdown" in the settings of the access point.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Network and Internet β†’ Additional β†’ Network Reset.
  2. Confirm the reset (all stored Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices will be removed).
  3. Restart your phone and try to turn on the access point again.

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If the Wi-Fi distribution doesn't work after the MIUI update, try rolling back the firmware version or waiting for a patch. Often, modem bugs are fixed in the next updates.

How to save battery power with a long Wi-Fi distribution

Wi-Fi Internet can drain your phone in 2-3 hours, especially if you use a 4G/5G mobile network at the same time.

  • πŸ”‹ Connect your phone to charge - even a weak current (5V/1(a) slow down the discharge.
  • ⚑ Disable background apps through Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Auto-start.
  • πŸ“΅ Switch to the switch. 3G (If the speed is not critical: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Preferred type of network β†’ 3G.
  • ⏱️ Set up automatic shutdown of the access point via 10-15 minutes of inactivity.

On phones with a large battery (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with a battery of 5000 mAh), you can turn on the modem energy saving mode:

  1. In the settings of the access point, tap on the Setting of the access point.
  2. Activate the Energy Saving option (if available).
  3. Set a speed limit of 5 Mbps – this is enough for instant messengers and mail.

If you’re a frequent traveler, consider buying a powerbank with Quick Charge 3.0 support, which will be able to charge your phone at the same time and not interfere with the distribution of Wi-Fi.

FAQ: Frequent questions about giving away Wi-Fi with Xiaomi

Can I give away Wi-Fi with Xiaomi if there is no SIM card on my phone?
Yes, but only if the phone is connected to another Wi-Fi network. For example, you can take the Internet over Wi-Fi from the router and distribute it further ("Repiter" function). To do this: Connect to the main Wi-Fi. Enable the access point in Settings β†’ Network and Internet β†’ Access Point and modem. Choose the Internet source - Wi-Fi (not mobile network).
How many devices can be connected to Xiaomi’s hotspot?
Depending on the model: Budget models (Redmi 10A, POCO M5): up to 8 devices. Mid-size (Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 12T): up to 10 devices. Flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3): up to 15 devices. When connected to more than 5 devices, the speed on each of them will fall proportionally.
Why does your phone get hot when it comes to Wi-Fi?
Heat is normal when 4G/5G and Wi-Fi are in high demand. To reduce heat: Remove the case (especially silicone). Do not use your phone for games or video while handing out. Switch from 5G to 4G in mobile network settings. If the temperature is above 45Β°C, turn off the hotspot for 10 minutes. On phones with a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor (such as Xiaomi 12S Ultra), heat is less due to improved cooling.
Can I give away Wi-Fi from Xiaomi on iPhone or MacBook?
Yes, but there are nuances: iPhone: Connects to the access point Xiaomi without problems, but can issue a warning "Internet without protection" - this is normal if you use a password. MacBook: Sometimes you need to manually specify DNS (for example, 8.8.8.8) in the network settings if the sites do not open. If the MacBook does not connect - try to change the type of security access point from WPA2-PSK to WPA3-PSK (in the settings of the access point).
How do I know who is connected to my Xiaomi hotspot?
MIUI Shows a list of connected devices: Open Settings β†’ Network and Internet β†’ Access point and modem. Tap the connected devices. You'll see the names of the devices, their names. MAC-If you see an unfamiliar device, change the password of the access point immediately!