Modern smartphones have long since ceased to be just devices for calls, becoming full-fledged centers of control of the digital world. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, despite its age, remains a popular device that copes with the tasks of multimedia and communication. One of the most popular features, especially when traveling or without wired Internet, is the ability to use the gadget as a mobile router, which allows you to instantly provide access to the network laptops, tablets and other phones.
The process of activating this feature on the MIUI shell has its own nuances that distinguish it from standard Android. Users often face questions of frequency ranges, device visibility and restrictions on the number of connected customers. In this article, we will discuss all the stages of configuration in detail so that you can make the most of your smartphone’s mobile Internet.
Properly configured access point not only provides a stable connection, but also helps save battery power, which is critical for the autonomy of the Redmi Note 8. We will look at both basic activation steps and hidden settings that are rarely mentioned in standard manuals.
Before you start to take action, make sure that your SIM-The map activates the data service package and has network coverage, without which even a perfectly tuned phone will not be able to broadcast the signal.
Activate the access point through quick settings and menus
The fastest way to turn on the Internet distribution mode is to use the control panel, which requires unlocking the screen of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 and swiping from top to bottom to open the notification curtain. Among the icons, find a symbol resembling an antenna or chain, which is usually signed as “Access Point”.
If you don't find the right shortcut in the front row, click on a pencil or edit button to expand the full list of widgets. Drag the Access Point icon to the active area for quick access in the future. Once you click on the icon, the system will immediately start the Wi-Fi module in broadcast mode.
But for the initial setup, you'd better use the full settings menu. Go to the main screen settings and select "Access Point and Modem," and that's where all the necessary network controls are hidden.
In the window that opens, you have to tap the switch next to the "Wi-Fi hotspot" sign. Once the slider is active (usually blue or orange), the phone will start broadcasting the signal. Other devices can already see your smartphone on the list of available networks.
Set up a network name and security password
By default, the system suggests using a standard device name, which often looks like “Redmi Note 8” or contains a set of random digits. For ease of search and security, you should change these settings. From the access point menu, click on “Setting up the Wi-Fi hotspot”.
In the SSID field, type in any name you can understand, it could be your name, company name, or just the word Internet. Latin is preferable here, as some older devices may not display Cyrillic correctly.
Pay special attention to the password field. The security of the connection depends on the complexity of the combination. The default system uses the WPA2 PSK encryption protocol, which is the optimal balance between security and compatibility.
⚠️ Please note: Do not use simple combinations like “12345678” or “password”; anyone within range of the signal will be able to connect to your network and access your traffic, as well as access the data transmitted.
After entering, be sure to click the Save button in the upper right corner of the screen. If you do not, all changes will be lost when you leave the menu, and the phone will continue to work with the same settings.
Selection of frequency range and device compatibility
One of the key features of the MIUI setup is the ability to select the broadcast frequency, and in the access point settings menu you will find the "Frequency Range" option, which is usually available in two options: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
The 2.4 GHz range is versatile. It provides wider coverage and penetration through walls, but the data rate here is lower, and the ether is often clogged with neighboring routers. It's the perfect choice for older laptops or if the receiving device is far away.
The 5GHz range offers significantly higher speed and stability, but has a shorter range. If you plan to watch high-resolution video on a tablet next to your phone, you’d better choose this option.
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For maximum file transfer speed, choose the 5GHz band, but remember that the battery in this mode will discharge a little faster due to the increased transmitter power.
It’s important to consider that some older gadgets simply don’t see networks running at 5GHz. If the device doesn’t find your hotspot, try forcefully switching to 2.4GHz.
Managing Connected Customers and Limits
Xiaomi's shell lets you control who's connected to your network, and the main menu of the hotspot shows you a list of the devices that are currently using your Internet. MAC-addresses and amount of data transmitted.
To prevent unauthorized access, you can set a limit on the number of connected devices, usually a system that allows you to choose a limit of 1 to 10 customers, setting a limit of 1-2 devices ensures that no one else will “get on the tail”.
There is also a “black list” function where you can add it. MAC-Even if they know the password, the system will block the attempt to connect from these identifiers.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Device limit | 2-3 pcs. | Keeps speed for the main gadgets |
| Time out | 10 minutes. | Automatically shuts down Wi-Fi when no customers are available |
| Range. | 2.4 GHz | Maximum compatibility with all devices |
| SSID cover-up | Off. | It simplifies network search but reduces security |
Regularly checking the list of connected devices helps to identify anomalies. If you see a gadget that does not belong to you, immediately change the password.
Traffic Saving and Network Hiding
For users with limited megabytes, it is critical to control data consumption. The Redmi Note 8 hotspot settings have a Traffic Limit feature. You can set a threshold, such as 1 GB or 5 GB.
When the consumption reaches the set limit, the phone will automatically turn off the access point or stop transmitting data, warning you with a notification, which protects against unexpected charges by the operator.
Another useful feature is Network Name Hiding (SSID), which if you activate this option, your phone won't be "glowing" in the network lists of available networks around you, but you can only connect by manually entering the network name on the receiving device.
Why hide the SSID?
Use this feature in public places where there are many open networks so that your device does not call the eye of strangers and does not attract the attention of hackers.
Alternative ways of distributing: USB and Bluetooth
If the Wi-Fi module for some reason does not work or requires maximum connection stability, Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 supports the distribution of Internet through the Internet. USB-This method also allows you to charge your phone at the same time.
To activate, connect your smartphone to your computer with a cable. In the menu "Access Point and modem" will be an active item «USB-Turn it on, and the computer recognizes the new network connection.
A Bluetooth modem is slower but uses significantly less power, and is suitable for transferring small amounts of textual information or for connecting to devices that do not have a Wi-Fi module but support a DUN profile.
☑️ Pre-insertion check USB-modem
In the case of USB-modem load on the processor of the smartphone is lower than when the Wi-Fi transmitter, which reduces the heating of the case.
Fixing frequent connection problems and errors
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the access point is turned on, but the Internet is not working or the devices are not connected. APN Operator, go to the settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) Make sure your operator’s active point is selected.
Another common cause is frequency conflict: If the laptop is old, it may not see the 5GHz network. Try force-shifting the range in the access point settings to 2.4GHz.
⚠️ Warning: If after switching on the access point, the mobile Internet stops working even on the phone itself, try restarting the device or rearranging it. SIM-card.
It’s also worth checking if Traffic Savings mode is enabled in Android system settings, which can block background data transfers for the access point.
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In 90% of cases, the problem with the lack of Internet through the access point is solved by resetting the APN settings to factory values in the menu of mobile networks.
If nothing works, reset your network settings, which will remove stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but often restores the communication modules to work correctly.
The impact of Wi-Fi on autonomy and heating
The access point mode is one of the most energy-intensive processes for a smartphone. Redmi Note 8 is equipped with a battery capacity of 4000 mAh, but in active distribution mode it can sit down in 3-4 hours of continuous operation.
When Wi-Fi is running, the transmission module gets very hot, and it's a normal physical reaction, but long-term exposure to high temperatures can accelerate battery degradation, and try not to cover your phone with a blanket or keep it in the sun while you're handing it out.
Use the timer function to extend your work, and in the access point settings, you can set an automatic shutdown if no one is connected to the network for 1, 5 or 10 minutes.
If you need to give the Internet for a long time, it is better to use it. USB-power connection or power bank, as in this mode the phone will receive energy faster than it spends.