How to give Wi-Fi from a Xiaomi phone: all ways and solutions to errors

Why Xiaomi Smartphones Are Perfect for Internet Distribution

Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO have long proven themselves as reliable devices for creating a mobile hotspot. Thanks to optimized MIUI firmware and support for modern communication standards (including Wi-Fi 6 in flagship models), they allow you to distribute the Internet with minimal delays and maximum stability. Unlike many low-cost competitors, even Xiaomi devices are equipped with dual-band modules 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz, which reduces interference and improves data transfer speed.

But it's not that simple: users often face problems like suddenly turning off an access point, speed limits, or not connecting some devices, and the reasons are power saving settings, firmware features, or even operator restrictions. In this article, we'll look at all the current ways to distribute Wi-Fi with Xiaomi (including hidden features), and give clear instructions for fixing typical bugs, starting with the simplest, standard mode of the mobile access point.

Method 1: Mobile Internet Distribution (3G/4G/5G)

This is the most common method that works on all Xiaomi models, from Redmi 9A to Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Here the smartphone acts as a router, converting the operator’s mobile signal into a Wi-Fi network. Importantly, before setting up, make sure that you have an active tariff with unlimited or sufficient traffic β€” some operators block the distribution of the Internet or charge an additional fee.

Instructions for activation:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ Modem Modem.
  2. Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point switch.
  3. Click on Access Point Settings to Change: πŸ”„ Name of the network (SSID) β€” Think of something unique, without gaps. πŸ” Password – minimum 8 characters, with numbers and letters. πŸ“Ά Range – Select 5GHz for less interference (if supported by the device). ⚑ Power saving mode – turn off so that the point does not break off when the screen is blocked.

Connect other devices by selecting the network you have created in their Wi-Fi settings.

Make sure that mobile data is included|Check the balance of the tariff (no restrictions)|Turn it off. VPN (may block the distribution)|Choose the 5GHz range for less congestion-->

If the access point is not turned on, check:

  • πŸ“΅ Is there any active? VPN Proxy or Proxy – they may conflict with the distribution.
  • πŸ”‹ Energy Saving Mode: Go to Settings β†’ Battery. β†’ Power saving mode and add modem modem to exceptions.
  • πŸ“‘ Operator signal: weak level (1-2 divisions) may lead to breaks.

πŸ’‘

If the distribution is unstable, try manually specifying APN The path: Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Access point (APN). Parameters APN You can find your operator’s website.

Method 2: Distribute Wi-Fi over an existing network (repeater)

Not many people know, but Xiaomi smartphones can not only distribute mobile Internet, but also amplify the signal of another Wi-Fi network.This is useful if you have access to a router, but the signal is weak in some rooms.

How to set up:

  1. Connect to the main Wi-Fi network on your smartphone.
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ Modem Modem β†’ Wi-Fi Access Point β†’ Settings.
  3. Enable the Wi-Fi Distribution option (or Repeater in newer versions of MIUI).
  4. Select the original network from the list and enter its password.
Xiaomi modelSupport for repeater modeMax. Devices on the network
Xiaomi 13/14 seriesYes (MIUI 14+)10
Redmi Note 12 Pro+Yes (with update)8
POCO F5Yes.8
Redmi 10ANo.β€”

Limitations of the method:

  • 🚫 It does not work on budget models (e.g. Redmi). 9C, POCO C50).
  • 🐒 The speed will be lower than when you connect directly to the router (loss up to 30%).
  • πŸ”„ Not all routers support this connection (you may need to enable it). WPS).
What to do if the repeater does not turn on?
If Wi-Fi Distribution is not available on the menu, upgrade to the latest version of MIUI. For 2020-2021 models (e.g. Redmi Note 9 Pro) MIUI 12.5+ is required. If the update doesn’t work, use an alternative method – USB Distribution (described below).

Method 3: Distribute Internet over USB (for PCs and laptops)

If you only need to connect one computer to the Internet, the distribution is USB It's going to be the most stable and energy efficient solution, and in that case, the smartphone is going to be the most efficient solution. USB-It's a modem, and it's almost powerless. It works on all Xiaomi models with support. OTG (That is, 99% of the brand’s devices).

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC/laptop through the original USB-cable (important!).
  2. On your phone, select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
  3. Go to Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ Modem Modem.
  4. Activate the option. USB-modem.
  5. On PC, check the connection: in Windows, open Network settings - a new connection should appear.
πŸ“Š What method of distribution do you use most often?
Mobile data (access point)
USB-PC modem
Wi-Fi repeater
Another way.

Possible problems and solutions:

  • πŸ–₯️ Your computer can't see the modem: update Qualcomm or MediaTek drivers (depending on your smartphone processor.
  • ⚑ Low speed: Try another one USB-port USB 3.0) or cable.
  • πŸ”Œ Charging your phone: If the battery is running out, use a powered Y cable.

πŸ’‘

USB is the only way that the smartphone doesn't heat up or consume a charge, ideal for long periods of work behind a laptop.

Method 4: Distribute via Bluetooth (for older devices)

If your Xiaomi doesn’t support other methods (like the Redmi 7A or POCO C31), you can distribute the Internet via Bluetooth, which is slower (maximum 3 Mbps), but works even with a weak mobile signal, suitable for connecting tablets, smartwatches or old laptops without Wi-Fi.

How to set up:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
  2. On a smartphone: Settings β†’ Connections and Sharing β†’ Modem Modem β†’ Bluetooth modem.
  3. On the second device, find the smartphone in the list of available and pair.
  4. After connecting, activate Shared Internet access in Bluetooth settings on your smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: Some operators (e.g. Tele2) block the distribution via Bluetooth. If the Internet does not appear, check the settings APN or contact support.

Advantages and disadvantages of the method:

PlusesCons
It works on all models.Very low speed.
Minimum charge consumptionRestriction on 1 device
Stable connectionRequires constant proximity of devices

Solving Mistakes: Why Wi-Fi Distribution Does Not Work on Xiaomi

Even with the right setup, Xiaomi users often run into problems.We have compiled TOP-5 bugs and fixes based on analysis of the 4PDA and Mi Community forums.

1. Access point is turned on, but devices are not connected

  • πŸ”„ Reboot your smartphone and router (if you give it through a repeater).
  • πŸ” Check your password: sometimes MIUI resets it after updating.
  • πŸ“‘ Change the Wi-Fi channel in the access point settings (e.g. from Auto to Channel 6).

2.The Internet is available, but the pages are not loaded

  • 🌐 Check the settings. DNS: Try to specify 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).
  • πŸ”— Turn it off. VPN or Proxy on a smartphone.
  • πŸ“± Reset network settings: Settings β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting network settings.

3.The access point is shut down by itself.

  • ⚑ Turn off Adaptive Brightness and Power Saving Mode.
  • πŸ”‹ Add modem modem modem to battery optimization exceptions.
  • πŸ“² Update the firmware: in MIUI 13/14 Auto-disconnection bugs fixed.

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro) after upgrading to Android 13 appears a bug with the distribution IPv6. Solution: Turn it off IPv6 mobile network settings.

4. Low speed of distribution

  • πŸ“Ά Switch from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz (if supported).
  • πŸ“΅ Check the strength of the mobile network signal: if less than 2 divisions, the speed will fall.
  • πŸ”„ Change the network mode with 4G Only LTE (customized SIM-map).

5. "Cannot turn on the access point" error

  • πŸ“± Reset network settings (Settings) β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings).
  • πŸ”§ Check if Root rights are set – they may conflict with system services.
  • πŸ“² If the error appears after resetting to factory settings, link the Mi Account again – this will unlock network functions.

Hidden Wi-Fi Distribution Features on Xiaomi

MIUI firmware contains some non-obvious features that make it easier to share the Internet, which you won't find in standard instructions, but they do improve the experience.

1. Quickly enable the access point through the notification panel

  • πŸ”„ Add the shortcut Access Point to the Quick Settings Panel: Swipe down twice and click Edit (pencil icon).
  • πŸ“Œ Press the Access Point icon to get into the settings immediately.

2. Automatic shutdown in the absence of devices

  • πŸ•’ In the access point settings, activate Auto-Disable and set a timer (e.g., 10 minutes.

3. Separation of traffic by device

  • πŸ“Š V MIUI 14: Traffic Limitation for Connected Devices. Path: Access Point Settings β†’ Devices β†’ Limit speed.

4. Shift MAC-access-point addresses

  • πŸ”§ If your operator blocks the distribution MAC, It can be changed through the settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ All parameters. β†’ MAC-Wi-Fi address (requires unlocking of the bootloader).

5. The use of two SIM-card-card

  • πŸ“Ά On the two-way model SIM (Xiaomi 12T, Redmi Note 11 Pro+) You can choose which card to distribute the Internet from: Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Access point.

πŸ’‘

Traffic Limitation is only available on flagship models with MIUI 14. On budget smartphones (Redmi 10, POCO M4) it is not.

FAQ: Frequent questions about giving away Wi-Fi with Xiaomi

Can I give away Wi-Fi with Xiaomi without a password?
Technically, but it's not secure. To remove the password: Go to the Access Point Settings. Leave the password blank in the field. Select Security Type: No (not available on all models). ⚠️ Note: Without a password, outsiders will be able to connect to your network, which will lead to: 🐒 Slowing the Internet. πŸ”‹ Quick battery discharge. 🚫 Possible data theft (using public networks).
How many devices can be connected to Xiaomi’s hotspot?
Maximum number depends on the model: Max Device Series Flagships (Xiaomi 12/13/14) 10–15 Midsize Segment (Redmi Note 11/12) 8–10 Budget (Redmi 10A, POCO C50) 5–8 When connected to more than 5 devices, the speed will be distributed evenly, which can lead to lags.
How to increase the range of the access point?
If the signal is weak, try it: πŸ“‘ Switch to 2.4 GHz (better passes through walls). πŸ”‹ Connecting a smartphone to charging – this removes the restrictions on the transmission power. πŸ“± Use an external antenna (for models with support) MIMO, For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro). πŸ› οΈ Install custom software (e.g. LineageOS) where you can increase the transmitter power.
Is it worth sharing the Internet with Xiaomi?
The function itself is free, but: πŸ’° Some operators (MTS, Beeline) charge a fee for the distribution of traffic (check the tariff). πŸ“‘ If the limit is exceeded, the speed can fall to 64 Kbps. 🌍 In roaming, the distribution is usually blocked or charged at a higher rate. To avoid additional costs, use rates marked "No Limit to Distribution" (for example, "Tele2 Modem Tariff).
Can I give away Wi-Fi from Xiaomi on iPhone or Mac?
Yeah, but there's nuance: 🍎 iPhone may not be connected to networks with WPA3 β€” change the type of security to WPA2. πŸ’» Macs are sometimes required to manually specify DNS (8.8.8.8). πŸ”„ If the connection is terminated, disable the Smart Network Switch function on Xiaomi (Settings). β†’ Wi-Fi β†’ Additionally).