How to distribute the Internet from the phone Xiaomi: all ways and solutions to problems

Distributing the Internet from Xiaomi or Redmi is a seemingly simple task, but in practice users face a dozen pitfalls: from operator locks to hidden settings in MIUI. In 2026, algorithms changed - some old methods stopped working, but new features appeared (for example, distributing via USB Type-C with support for USB 3.2). In this guide, we will analyze all the current methods, including those that are silent official documentation.

Xiaomi’s smartphone features a customized MIUI shell that often hides useful features behind multiple menu layers. For example, in the POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T models, the default access point is limited to 8 connected devices, but this limitation can be circumvented. And in Redmi Note 12, when distributed via Bluetooth, energy saving mode is automatically activated, this should be considered if speed is critical.

Important: if you use a tariff with limited traffic, some operators (for example, MTS or Tele2) block the distribution of the Internet or write off traffic at a higher rate, we will tell you how to check and circumvent this without breaking the law.

1. Internet distribution via Wi-Fi (access point)

The most popular and versatile way is to convert your Xiaomi into a full-fledged router. In MIUI 14/15, the access point algorithm has changed: now the system automatically selects the least loaded channel 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz (if supported).

Open Settings → Mobile Network → Access Point and modem. Here you will see three key parameters:

• 🔄 Name of the network (SSID) — The default phone model is used (for example, Redmi_Note_12_5G). It is better to change it to a unique one to avoid conflicts with neighboring networks.
• 🔒 Password is a minimum length of 8 characters. MIUI You can not use Cyrillic, only Latin, numbers and symbols!@#$%^&*.
• 📶 Range – if your phone supports 5 GHz (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Pro or XP) POCO X5 Pro, choose it for less interference and more speed.

Once the access point is activated, a notification with the number of connected devices and traffic consumption will appear on the screen. Please note that there is a hidden restriction in MIUI - if you do not connect to the point for 5 minutes, it automatically turns off (this can be canceled in Additional settings → Timeout).

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If the Wi-Fi speed is lower than expected, try manually changing the channel in the access point settings. Channels 1, 6 and 11 at 2.4 GHz are usually the least loaded.

⚠️ Attention: Some MegaFon and Beeline rates block Wi-Fi transmission at the operator level. Check this by connecting another device - if the page does not open, but the indicator 4G/5G It's on, so traffic is blocked. Solution: use it. USB-modem.

Distribution via USB (modem mode)

If you have Xiaomi with support USB 3.1/3.2 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F4 GT), distribution USB can give speed up 500 Mbit/s is in 2–3 The main advantage of this method is that operators rarely block USB-Traffic, even if Wi-Fi is restricted.

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer or laptop via the original cable (cheap cables may not support data transfer).
2. On your phone, select File Transfer Mode (MTP) → then go to Settings → Mobile Network → Access Point and modem.
3. Activate the option. USB-The computer will have a new network connection.

In Windows 11/10, the driver for Xiaomi is installed automatically, but if the connection does not appear, download Mi PC Suite from the official website. MacOS may require manual network configuration in System Settings → Network.

Original cable connected|Data transfer mode is on (MTP)|Activated. USB-modem|A new connection has appeared on the computer-->

⚠️ Attention: When in use USB-The phone’s battery drains more slowly than Wi-Fi, but on fast-charging models (67W+) It may cause overheating of the port USB-C. If your phone is hot, turn off the modem for 10-15 minutes.

Distribution via Bluetooth (an alternative to Wi-Fi)

If the Wi-Fi is blocked by the operator, USB-There's no cable at hand, and there's Bluetooth, which is slower (30 Mbps maximum), but more reliable in the face of interference, and is suitable for sharing the Internet to a laptop, tablet or even another phone.

How to set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices and pair.
2. On Xiaomi phone go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
3. Click on the conjugated device → select Access Point.

On a Windows computer, the Internet will connect automatically. MacOS may require manual configuration: System settings → Network → Bluetooth PAN. There is a bug in MIUI 14+: after switching off Bluetooth, the access point does not recover - you have to restart it manually.

4. Hidden MIUI functions for Internet distribution

MIUI has undocumented features that can bypass carrier restrictions or improve connection stability, such as the firmware for Xiaomi and POCO, which has a hidden Global Tethering mode that simulates connecting to overseas networks (useful if the operator blocks distribution).

How to activate:

1. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play.
2. Find com.android.settings.TetherSettings.
3. Open the hidden menu and activate the Global Tethering Mode.

Another useful feature is Automatic Shutdown When Inactivity. By default, the access point shuts down after 5 minutes, but this can be changed:

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Access Point and modem → Time out.
• 🕒 Choose Never or set your interval (maximum 30 minutes).

5. Solving Internet Distribution Problems

If the Internet is not distributed or is unstable, the reasons can be different, from the locking of the operator to software failures.

Check the balance and activity of the tariff|Restart the phone and the recipient device|Try another way of distributing (Wi-Fi) → USB)|Update the firmware MIUI last-minute|Reset network settings (Settings) → Mobile network → Reset)-->

If the problem is with the operator locking, try:

• 📱 Install. APN manually (the settings are usually on the operator's website).
• 🔄 Switch from 4G on 3G (Sometimes operators do not block distribution in third-generation networks).
• 🛡️ Use it. VPN (For example, ProtonVPN or Warp – some operators block distributions IP.

On Xiaomi models with duality SIM-cards (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) Internet distribution can only work with the main SIM. To change priority:

Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Selection SIM for data transfer

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI Global Stable after Updating to 14.0.5+ may be missing the option USB-Solution: roll back to the previous firmware version or install it. MIUI EU (flat-fibre).

6. Saving battery power when distributing the Internet

Internet distribution is one of the most energy-intensive operations for a smartphone. On Xiaomi with a battery of 4000-5000 mAh (for example, POCO X5 Pro or Redmi K60), with an active access point, the consumption is 15-25% per hour.

• 🔋 Turn on the power saving mode (but this will reduce the speed by 10-20%).
• 📴 Turn off background activity for applications in Settings → Battery → Background restriction.
• 🌡️ Watch the temperature: if the phone is warmer than 45°C, turn off the distribution for 10 minutes.

On models with fast charging (67W, 120W), you can connect the phone to charge during the handout, but this reduces battery life. The best option is to use Power Bank with support for PD 3.0 (for example, Xiaomi HyperCharge 20000mAh).

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The most economical way of distributing — USB-It consumes 30 to 40 percent less power than Wi-Fi, and doesn't heat your phone as much.

7. Security in the distribution of the Internet

When you give away the Internet, your Xiaomi becomes vulnerable to attacks, and the default MIUI has protection on, but it can be enhanced:

• 🔐 Use a complex password for the access point (at least 12 characters with numbers and special characters).
• 📡 Turn it off. WPS Access point settings (this is a vulnerable protocol).
• 🛡️ Install a firewall (like NetGuard) to block suspicious connections.

If you're giving out the Internet in a public place, turn on Hide SSID in the hotspot settings. This won't make the network completely invisible, but it will reduce the number of random connections. On phones with MIUI 15, the Guest Network feature has been introduced, which restricts the access of connected devices to local resources (for example, files on a phone).

Important: If an unknown device connects to your access point, change your password immediately. MIUI has a connection log: Settings → Access Point → Connected devices.

FAQ: Frequent questions about giving the Internet to Xiaomi