Why do you need to give Wi-Fi from your phone and when you really need it?
Modern Xiaomi smartphones are not just devices for calls and messengers, but full-fledged mobile routers. The ability to distribute the Internet from your phone (modem/access point mode) helps in a variety of situations: from a business trip to a sudden disconnection of home Wi-Fi. But how to do it correctly so as not to face slow speed or fast discharge?
In this article, we’ll take a look at the nuances of setting up an access point on Xiaomi, from basic steps to advanced speed tricks, and answer popular questions like why the connection breaks, how to save battery life, and what to do if devices can’t see your network.
Importantly, the process may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI. If you have an old firmware (e.g., MIUI 12), some menu items may be called differently, but the general logic remains the same.
Phone Preparation: What to Check Before Turning On the Access Point
Before you turn on your Wi-Fi handout, make sure your Xiaomi is ready for the task.
- 📶 Mobile Internet: You should have an active data rate. Check the balance - some carriers block the distribution at zero count.
- 🔋 Battery charge: Access point uses a lot of energy. It is desirable that the charge is not lower. 40-50%.
- 📱 Version. MIUI: On old firmware (up to) MIUI 11) some settings may not be available. Update the system to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🔒 Security: If the phone is locked with a pattern lock or PIN-code, the distribution may not work.
Pay special attention to the tariff: some mobile operators (such as Tele2 or Yota) block the Internet distribution by default or charge an additional fee for it. Check the terms with your provider to avoid unexpected charges.
If you plan to give out internet to a laptop or tablet, check if the device supports 2.4GHz or 5GHz. Older laptops (before 2015) may not see 5GHz networks.
Step-by-step: how to enable access point on Xiaomi
Now, to the main thing, set up the modem mode.
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to Network and Internet (or Connections on older versions of MIUI).
- Select Modem Modem and Access Point (may be called Wi-Fi Access Point).
- Slip on the Wi-Fi Access Point and move the slider to the right for activation.
- Click Access Point Settings to set a network name (SSID) and password.
The default network will be called something like. Xiaomi_1234, A password is a complex combination of 8 We recommend changing these parameters:
- 🔑 Name of the network (SSID): Please indicate a clear name, for example Moi_Xiaomi_Hotspot. Avoid Cyrillic – some devices don’t support it.
- 🔐 Password: Create a reliable code (at least) 8 symbols, with numbers and letters: Hot5pot_Mi11.
- 📡 Range: If your phone supports 5GHz, choose it for higher speed (but shorter range).
Is the password entered correctly?|Does the device support the selected frequency (2.4/5 GHz)|Is mobile internet enabled on Xiaomi?|Sufficient signal level (not less) 2-3 division)
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Once you save the settings, the access point will be active, and you can now connect to it from other devices, like a regular router.
Problems and solutions: why Wi-Fi distribution does not work on Xiaomi
Sometimes people find that the hotspot is out, the connection is out, or the Internet is out of order, and we're going to look at the typical problems and the ways that we can solve them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Access point not switched on | Blocking by the operator | Call support or check your APN settings |
| Devices don't see the network | Wrong range (2.4/5 GHz) | Change the frequency in the access point settings |
| The internet is slow working | Weak signal of mobile network | Move closer to the window or use a signal amplifier |
| Connection is cut off | Battery savings shut down access point | Add modem modem mode to optimisation exclusions |
If the problem is not solved, try resetting the network settings. Go to Settings → System → Reset → Network settings Reset. Attention: after this operation, you will have to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords.
How to check if the operator is blocking the distribution?
Another common case is when the access point turns on, but the Internet doesn't work on the connected devices, and most of the time it's related to settings. APN. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access point (APN) Check that the parameters are consistent with your operator’s recommendations.
How to Save Battery when Distributing Wi-Fi
Modem mode is one of the most voracious for the battery. If you need to give away the Internet for a long time (for example, on a trip), follow these tips:
- 🔋 Connect charging: If possible, use Power Bank or network adapter. Even with active distribution, the phone will charge.
- ⚡ Turn off background processes: Close all unnecessary applications in multitasking. They also waste energy.
- 🌙 Activate the dark theme: On AMOLED-screens (for example, in Xiaomi) 13 Pro, this reduces consumption by 10-15%.
- 📵 Reduce screen brightness: Or turn on adaptive backlight in display settings.
A critical nuance for Xiaomi owners with Snapdragon processors: in modem modem, these chips warm more than on MediaTek. If the phone gets hot, take a break for 10-15 minutes to avoid trottling (automatic performance decline).
If you distribute the Internet to a laptop, you can go for a trick: connect the phone to the PC on the Internet. USB and set the schedule. USB-modem (in the same settings of the access point) so the battery will go down slower, and the speed may be higher.
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In the access point settings (Optionally), there is an option to Auto Shutdown. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes of inactivity, which will save charge if you forget to turn off the distribution.
Advanced settings: how to increase the speed of distribution
Xiaomi by default limits the speed of the handout to save traffic and battery, but if you want maximum performance (for example, for online games or video conferencing), you can optimize the settings.
First, check the network mode in the settings. SIM-map:
- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Type of network.
- Choose 4G (preferably) or 4G only (if available).
- If your carrier supports 5G, activate this mode (but remember that it will drain the battery faster).
First, try to experiment with Wi-Fi channels:
- 📶 In the access point settings, find Channel (or Range).
- 🔄 Try manually specifying a channel from 1 to 11 (for 2.4 GHz) or 36 to 165 (for 5 GHz).
- 📊 Use the Wi-Fi Analyzer app (available on Google Play) to find the least loaded channel in your environment.
Finally, if you're spreading the Internet across multiple devices, limit the number of devices. Each new connection eats away at some of the speed. The optimal is no more than 3-4 gadgets at a time.
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The highest speed of distribution is achieved when connecting to the USB (regime USB-modem) and use 5G-But this option is only suitable for laptops and PCs.
Security: How to Protect Your Access Point from Hacking
An open access point is like a door open to hackers, who can not only steal your traffic, but also intercept your personal data.
⚠️ Warning: Never use simple passwords like 12345678 or qwerty.
Minimum safety requirements:
- 🔐 Type of encryption: Select WPA3-Personal (if available, or WPA2-PSK. Old standards (WEP) unsafe.
- 🔄 Regularly changing your password: Change it once in a while 1-2 months, especially if you are connecting other people's devices.
- 📱 Connected Device List: In the AP settings, you can see which gadgets are using your network.
- 🚫 Hiding the network (SSID): Enable Hide the Network so that your access point does not appear in a public list.
If you often distribute the Internet in public places (cafes, airports), consider using a VPN on connected devices, which will protect your data from interception through insecure networks.