The modern smartphone has long ceased to be just a means of communication, turning into a universal tool for solving any tasks, including creating a local network. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, equipped with a powerful processor Helio G90T and Wi-Fi module 802.11ac, perfectly copes with the role of a router in emergency situations. When stationary Internet is turned off or you are on a trip, the function “Access point” becomes a salvation for a laptop or tablet.
However, standard MIUI settings are not always obvious to the beginner, and the desire to save traffic or extend the life of the battery requires a deeper understanding of the processes. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the nuances of turning your smartphone into a full-fledged hotspot. We will touch on security issues, hidden frequency settings and methods for optimizing power consumption.
You will learn not only to enable data transfer, but also to control connected devices, limit speed and choose the optimal frequency range, which will allow you to use mobile Internet as efficiently as possible, avoiding overheating of the gadget and fast battery discharge.
Basic setting of the access point in MIUI
The process of activating the modem modem in the MIUI shell installed on the Redmi Note 8 Pro is standardized, but has its own features depending on the Android version. First, you need to go to the settings menu, where all network connections are controlled. The path usually follows: Settings → Wi-Fi Access Point. In some versions of the firmware, this item may be hidden inside the Connection and Sharing section.
When you go to the menu, you'll see the Wi-Fi hotspot switch, and you'll activate it, and you'll start the distribution process. But before you do that, it's critical to set up the network name (SSID) and password. By default, the system can generate a random name, but you'd better have a clear name, so you don't confuse your network with the neighbors in a public place.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave your access point open (without a password) In public places, attackers can intercept your traffic or use your connection for illegal activities that the owner will be responsible for. SIM-map.
To change the settings, click on your network name or the "Setting up the access point" button, you can set the encryption standard here, you should use WPA2 PSK, because it's the most reliable and compatible protocol at the moment. Older protocols like WEP no longer provide adequate protection and are easily hacked.
☑️ Checking before handout launch
Once you save the settings, the smartphone will start broadcasting the signal, other devices will be able to find your network by a given name, you will need to enter the password you set earlier. Redmi Note 8 Pro supports simultaneous connection of up to 10 devices, which is enough for a small group or office.
Frequency range choice: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz
One of the key features of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is dual-band Wi-Fi support, which means you can choose which frequency your access point will run on. Switching between ranges occurs in the access point settings menu, under "AP Range".
The 2.4 GHz range is more versatile, it provides better penetration through walls and has a longer range, but in apartment buildings, this range is often overloaded with signals from neighbors routers, microwave ovens and Bluetooth devices, which can reduce real speed.
The 5GHz band, by contrast, offers significantly faster data rates and less interference. The Redmi Note 8 Pro’s maximum speed is achieved in the 5GHz band thanks to 802.11ac support. But there is a drawback to this range: it passes through obstacles less easily and has a smaller range.
| Characteristics | 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission speed | Up to 150-300 Mbps | Up to 433-866 Mbps |
| penetrating ability | Tall. | Low. |
| Radio of action | Up to 40 meters. | Up to 20 meters. |
| Level of interference | High-pitched | Low. |
If you are in the same room with a laptop and you need top speed for heavy files or streaming, choose 5 GHz. If the devices are far away or separated by walls, it is better to switch to 2.4 GHz for connection stability.
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Use the 5GHz band only when the receiving device is in line of sight or through one thin wall. 2.4GHz is preferred for communication through two or more walls.
Limiting Connections and Traffic Management
Uncontrolled distribution of the Internet can lead to the unpleasant surprise of charging money for exceeding the tariff limit. MIUI provides built-in tools to monitor connected customers. The access point menu displays a list of all devices that are currently using your mobile traffic.
You can lock an unknown device at any time by simply clicking on it in the list and selecting the appropriate option, which is especially useful if you suspect that someone has used your password without your knowledge.
You can also set a traffic limit in the settings. When the total amount of data transferred reaches a predetermined value, the access point will automatically turn off. This is a reliable way to protect your budget. The path to settings: Settings → Wi-Fi Access Point → Traffic limit.
⚠️ Attention: The traffic limit is only reset when you manually shut down the feature or reboot your smartphone.Consider this if you use the feature regularly for a month.
You also have to remember the blacklist function. MAC-Device addresses that are permanently denied access to your network, even if they know the password, create an additional layer of network security for your personal space.
Optimizing the battery and preventing overheating
Access point mode is one of the most energy-intensive processes for a smartphone.Redmi Note 8 Pro has a battery capacity 4500 mAh, which is a good indicator, but with active distribution of Wi-Fi and work 4G/LTE The charge module can escape for 3-4 Helio processor. G90T It is also subject to loading.
To extend the time of operation, it is recommended to reduce the brightness of the screen to a minimum or turn off the display altogether. The screen is one of the main consumers of energy. It is also worth closing background applications that are not necessary for work, so as not to load the processor with unnecessary tasks.
If you plan a long Internet session, it’s best to connect your smartphone to an external battery (Power Bank) or charger, but there’s a risk of overheating. The combination of charging + Wi-Fi + processor work can lead to a strong heating of the case.
In such cases, the system can automatically limit the charging speed or even turn off the access point to protect components, and overheating also negatively affects the health of the lithium polymer battery, accelerating its degradation.
Why does the phone warm up when handed out?
To minimize the risks, remove the protective case if it is dense and does not remove heat; place the phone on a hard, cool surface, avoid direct sunlight; do not cover the device with cloth or paper while working.
The solution: why the distribution is not working
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the access point is turned on, but other devices can not see the network or can not connect. The first reason is often a malfunction of the Android network services, in which case a simple restart of the on/off function or a complete reboot of the smartphone helps.
The second common problem is security protocol incompatibility: If you set WPA3 in your AP settings (if available in your version of MIUI), old laptops or tablets may simply "not see" the network, so you can switch the encryption standard to WPA2 Personal in the AP settings.
The third reason is that the connection limit has been exhausted, although Xiaomi claims support. 10 In reality, the system is stable when 5-7 If this number is exceeded, new devices may not receive IP-address or permanently lose connection.
It’s also worth checking your mobile network settings. If you have poor 4G coverage in your region, the phone can constantly search for a signal, leading to connection breaks at the access point, in which case it makes sense to force the network to 3G Only or 4G Only mode through an engineering menu or quick settings to stabilize the signal.
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The most common solution to connection problems is to reset network settings or change the frequency range from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz for better compatibility.
Alternative ways to distribute the Internet
In addition to classic Wi-Fi, the Redmi Note 8 Pro supports other methods of transmitting the Internet, which may be more effective in certain scenarios. USB-This method requires the smartphone to be physically connected to a computer.
For activation USB-Modem connect the phone cable to the PC, then go to Settings → Connection and sharing → USB-The advantage of this is that the computer simultaneously receives the Internet and charges the phone, and there is no loss of speed through the air.
Another option is a Bluetooth modem, which will be very low (no more than 1-2 Mbps), which is only suitable for texting or mail, but the power consumption of Bluetooth is much lower than Wi-Fi.
The choice of method depends on your priorities: speed and mobility (Wi-Fi), stability and charging (USB) or energy savings (Bluetooth). For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the most balanced option is 5 GHz Wi-Fi, provided that the cellular signal is good.