The modern smartphone has long been a universal tool for Internet access, and devices from Xiaomi are no exception. Often there are situations when a friend's laptop or tablet requires a connection to the network, and the router is not nearby. At such moments, the built-in Internet distribution function becomes a real salvation, allowing you to instantly turn your device into a full-fledged modem.
The process of creating an access point on the MIUI shell or a new HyperOS is quite convenient, but hidden settings allow you not only to turn on the mode, but also to optimize its operation. You can adjust the frequency range for better speed or limit traffic for connected gadgets. Next, we will discuss all the nuances of this feature.
Before we get to the settings, it's worth mentioning that activating the mode can have a significant impact on battery power. The access point creates a permanent connection that is energy-intensive. So if you're planning a long session of handing out, it's better to keep the device on charge or plug in an external battery.
Enabling modem modem through settings
The most common and reliable way to activate the distribution is to use the system settings menu. the interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic of actions remains the same for all models, whether it is a budget Redmi or a flagship Mi.
You need to get to the settings menu first. Usually, the gear icon is on the home screen or in the notification curtain. Find the wireless connection section. In older versions of MIUI, it was often called the Wi-Fi Access Point, and in newer versions it may be hidden inside the Connection and Sharing item.
Inside the menu, you'll see a Wi-Fi hotspot switch, activate it, and you start the distribution process, but just pressing the button isn't enough to work safely, and you're advised to check the network name and password right away so that neighbors can't connect to your traffic without permission.
- 📱 Open the settings on your device.
- 📡 Go to Wi-Fi Access Point or Connect and Sharing.
- 🔓 Click on the network name to change the name and set a complex password.
- ✅ Activate the Mode Turning On Slider.
Note that when you turn on the handout, the status bar will have an icon that flashes or lights up orange, it's actively transmitting data, and in some cases, the system can automatically turn off the modem if no one is connected to it for a long time, which helps save energy.
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Use complex passwords containing letters and numbers to prevent unauthorized access to your network and traffic consumption.
Quick access through the notification curtain
For those who need to give the Internet here and now, there's a faster method, which doesn't require a deep dive into the menu, and it allows you to solve the problem in a few seconds, and it's especially convenient when the screen is unlocked and you're on the desktop.
Swipe from top to bottom to open the control center. Depending on the display settings, you may need to swipe again or click the extension button to see the full list of icons, and you may want to find an icon signed as "Access Point."
If you don't see the icon you want, it may be hidden. Click on your pencil or the panel edit button to add a shortcut to the active zone, and then you can turn the mode on and off with a single touch, without distracting yourself from your current tasks.
⚠️ Note: When activated through the curtain, sometimes the network name and password are not displayed. If you connect a new device, it is better to go to the full settings to copy the data for authorization.
If the basic parameters are prohibited or limits are set, they will remain when turned on through the curtain, which ensures the consistency of the system.
Frequency and security standard setting
Deeply configured access point allows you to adapt it to specific conditions of reception of the signal. By default, Xiaomi smartphones can use the 2.4 GHz band, which has greater range, but less speed and noise.
For today’s 5GHz devices, switching to this range can significantly increase data rates, especially if you’re handing out the internet for high-resolution video or online gaming, but the 5GHz signal range is noticeably smaller.
In the access point settings menu, find the "Range of Frequency" or "AP Band" option, where you can choose your preferred option, and you should also pay attention to the encryption standard, and WPA2-Personal or WPA3 is recommended if your connected devices support this protocol.
The path to frequency settings:
Settings → Wi-Fi Access Point → Adjustment of Access Point → AP Frequency RangeChoosing the right frequency helps avoid interference from neighborhood routers and microwave ovens that operate in the 2.4 GHz band. If you’re in a dense urban area, experimenting with frequency can be the key to a stable connection.
What is the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz?
Managing connected devices
Controlling who is using your traffic is an important part of security and savings, and MIUI allows you to see a list of all connected gadgets in real time, and you can monitor their activity and block unwanted users if necessary.
The access point menu has a section called "Connected devices" that displays the names of the gadgets and their names. MAC-If you see a device that you don't know, you can click on it and select the lock option, and that will instantly break the connection for that client.
You can also set a limit on how many people connect, for example, you can only allow one or two devices to connect at a time, which will prevent your phone from being hijacked by dozens of gadgets in a public place.
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Max. Devices. | Connection limit | 3-5 devices |
| Time out | Time to shutdown | 10 minutes. |
| Encryption | Type of network protection | WPA2/WPA3 |
| Range. | Signal frequency | 5 GHz (for speed) |
Remember to check this list periodically, especially if you distribute the Internet in crowded places, even with a password, it is theoretically possible to try to match, so you can be vigilant.
☑️ Network security check
Use of the USB-modem and Bluetooth
Wi-Fi isn't the only way to share the Internet. If you need to connect from a computer that has problems with the Wi-Fi module, or you want to save battery power on your phone, you can use it. USB-This method provides a stable connection and simultaneously charges the smartphone.
For activation USB-Modem connect your phone to your PC with a cable. Then select the access point settings menu «USB-The computer will automatically determine the new network connection. Some PCs may require the installation of drivers that are normally downloaded automatically through Windows Update.
A Bluetooth modem is a slower but more energy efficient option, suitable for small amounts of data or if other interfaces don't work, and it's going to be much slower than Wi-Fi, but it's good enough for messengers or email.
To enable a Bluetooth modem, you must first pair the phone with a computer or other phone via Bluetooth. After pairing in the Bluetooth settings on the dispensing device, activate the "Bluetooth modem" option. On the receiving device, you will need to select the phone in the list of Bluetooth devices and click "Connect through" → "Access Point".
⚠️ Attention: When in use USB-Make sure the cable is good and supports data transfer. Cheap "charging only" cables will not allow you to activate the modem mode.
Solution and optimization
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the access point is turned on, but the Internet on connected devices does not work, most often the problem lies in the settings of the mobile network or in the carrier itself, some tariff plans prohibit the distribution of traffic or require the connection of an additional option.
It's also worth checking if the traffic saving mode on the smartphone itself is turned on. If the limit is exhausted or a hard limiter is set, the system blocks data transfer for all applications, including the access point. Turn off traffic saving in the SIM card settings.
Another common problem is conflict. IP-And then you can have a simple reset of your network settings, and it doesn't delete your personal data, but it does return the network settings to factory values.
Resetting network settings:
Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Networks and Bluetooth → Reset SettingsIf nothing works, try changing your carrier's APNs. Sometimes manually registering APN settings solves problems with traffic passing through modem mode.
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If the Internet does not work with the access point turned on, first of all check the SIM card balance and the presence of a ban on distribution by the operator.