How to distribute Wi-Fi from Xiaomi phone: all the ways and hidden settings

Distributing the Internet with Xiaomi is one of the most popular features when there is no router at hand, and network access is needed on a laptop, tablet or other smartphone, POCO and Mi) support several ways to create an access point: classic Wi-Fi hotspot, distribution through the Internet USB-But not all users know how to set up the distribution properly to avoid planting the battery, avoid operator restrictions, and ensure a stable connection.

In this article, we provide detailed instructions for all current versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), compare speed and power distribution methods, and solve typical problems: why the access point shuts down after 5 minutes, how to bypass operator lock and what to do if devices are not connected. Separately, we will analyze the hidden settings in the engineering menu that allow you to increase signal power and the number of connected gadgets.

1. Ways to distribute Wi-Fi with Xiaomi: a comparison in speed and convenience

Xiaomi smartphones support three main ways of distributing the Internet, each of which has pros and cons depending on the situation:

• 📶 Wi-Fi hotspot is the most versatile method, suitable for connecting multiple devices (up to 10 simultaneously on flagships), but quickly drains the battery and can conflict with some routers.
• 🔌 USB-Modem - optimal for laptops. Gives a stable speed (up to 450 Mbps) USB 3.0), does not drain the phone battery, but requires cable and works with only one device.
• 🔵 Bluetooth modem is the most economical in power consumption, but is limited in speed (up to 3 Mbit / s) and the number of connected gadgets (usually 1-2.

The choice of method depends on the task:

• 🎮 For online games or streaming videos, it is better to use USB-Modem – Minimum latency and stable ping.
• 📱 If you need to distribute the Internet to 3-4 devices (for example, a family on a trip), a Wi-Fi hotspot is suitable, but watch the battery charge.
• 🔋 To save energy (such as on the road without a power outlet), choose Bluetooth, but be prepared for low speeds.

Speed depends on the smartphone model and support for the Wi-Fi 6 standard (802.11ax).

2.How to enable Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

The activation algorithm for the access point is the same for most Xiaomi models, but may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI.

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet (or Connections and Sharing in MIUI 14).
2. Select Access Point and Modem (or Modem Modem in older versions).
3. Slip on the Wi-Fi Access Point and move the slider to the On position.
4. Click Access Point Settings to change the network name (SSID), password, and frequency range.

By default, the network will be called Xiaomi_XXXX (where XXXX — last-minute MAC-Addresses, and passwords are generated automatically. We recommend changing these settings for security:

Change the network name (SSID) to unique | Set a password no shorter than 8 characters | Select a range of 5 GHz (if supported) | Turn off the function "Automatic Shutdown" |Save password settings in the manager-->

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If you often distribute Internet in one place (such as at home), save the access point settings as "Favorite Network" in MIUI. To do this, after setting up, click on the three dots in the upper corner and select Save Configuration.

On models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the path to settings has changed a little:

Settings → Connections → Access Point and modem → Wi-Fi Access Point

3. Hidden settings: how to increase signal power and the number of connected devices

Xiaomi defaults to limit Wi-Fi transmission power to reduce power consumption, but in the engineering menu you can increase the radius of the access point and remove the limit on the number of connected gadgets.

To open the engineering menu:

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. Select Wi-Fi Information (or Wi-Fi information in English).
3. Scroll down to the Wi-Fi Direct or Hotspot Client block.

Here are available key parameters:

• Wi-Fi Tx Power is the transmission power (default 4 or 5). You can increase to 8 to amplify the signal, but this will increase the heat of the phone.
• Max Client – the maximum number of connected devices (standard 8, on flagships you can increase to 10).
• Hotspot Auto-off is an automatic shutdown timer (default 5 minutes without activity).We recommend setting 0 to keep the access point running constantly.

⚠️ Note: Changing the settings in the engineering menu can lead to unstable operation of the Wi-Fi module. If after the changes the access point stopped turning on, reset the network settings in Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

4. USB-Modem: How to distribute the Internet on PC without Wi-Fi

If you need to connect to the Internet laptop or desktop computer, USB-The modem is the most reliable way. It provides a stable connection, is not dependent on interference and does not drain the battery of the phone (if Xiaomi is connected to charging).

Instructions for Windows and macOS:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-cable (preferably original).
2. On the phone, open Settings → Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
3. Activate the slider USB-modem.
4. On a PC, wait for the drivers to install (usually 10–30 seconds) and a new network connection (e.g., Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing Device) should appear in Device Manager.

If the internet doesn't work,

• 🔄 Try reconnecting the cable or using a different port. USB.
• 🖥️ On Windows, update the driver manually through Device Manager (select Auto Search).
• 📱 On the phone, turn on the developer mode and activate debugging by USB (Sometimes it solves the problem of recognition).

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USB-The modem is the only way to distribute the Internet that is not limited to the operator, even if your tariff blocks the hotspot, USB-Connection is usually without restrictions.

On a Mac, you may need to adjust:

System settings → Network → (select Xiaomi connection) → Additional → TCP/IP → Set up IPv4: “Use DHCP”

5. Problem Solving: Access point is off, devices are not connected

Xiaomi users often encounter common Wi-Fi issues, and consider the most common ways to fix them:

If the problem is with operator lockdown, try:

1. Install alternative Wi-Fi distribution software, such as NetShare or PdaNet+ (root rights required).
2. Change APN to universal (for example, Internet.beeline.ru for Beeline) in Settings → SIM-cards and mobile networks → Access Points (APN).
3. Use it. USB-Modem is more difficult to block.

⚠️ Attention: Some operators (e.g. Tele2 or Iota) actively block the distribution of Wi-Fi on tariffs with unlimited Internet. APN or reboot problem left, contact support and clarify whether your tariff supports the tethering function.

6. Battery savings when distributing Wi-Fi: 7 working methods

Distributing the Internet via a hotspot can drain Xiaomi’s battery in 2-3 hours.

• 🔋 Connect your phone to charge – even if the battery is 100%, power from the network will reduce battery load.
• ⚡ Turn off the automatic brightness and set the value to 30-40.
• 📵 Put your phone in Flight Mode, and then manually turn on only the mobile network and Wi-Fi.
• 🔄 Reduce screen wait time to 15 seconds in Settings → Display. → Sleeping mode.
• ❄️ Turn off the Adaptive Battery in Settings → Battery → Battery mode (it may limit performance).
• 📡 If you don’t want high speed, switch the access point to 2.4 GHz (less power but more interference).
• 🛑 Close all background apps, especially instant messengers and social networks that are constantly synced.

On models that support reverse charging (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), you can connect powerbank and distribute Wi-Fi without risk of discharge. However, note that you can not charge your phone and distribute the Internet via USB at the same time – charging will be the priority.

7.Alternative methods: distributed via Bluetooth and third-party applications

If standard methods are not suitable (for example, a broken Wi-Fi module or operator blocks hotspot), alternative options can be used:

Bluetooth modem

It's suitable for small data transfers, and the speed is limited to Bluetooth 5.0 (up to 3 Mbps), but the power consumption is minimal.

Settings → Connections → Access Point and modem → Bluetooth modem

On a connected device (such as a laptop), select the phone in the list of Bluetooth devices and activate the Connect via the access point option.

Third-party annexes

Applications like NetShare or PdaNet+ They allow you to bypass the carrier's lockdown, but they require root rights or a paid subscription. VPN-A tunnel that masks hotspot traffic as a normal mobile Internet, minus the speed can drop by 20-30%.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions