Xiaomi’s modern smartphones have long since ceased to be just call devices, becoming powerful centers for managing the digital space. One of the most popular features remains the ability to use the gadget as a mobile router. When there is no Wi-Fi at hand or a home provider has let down, it is your phone with a scalp. SIM-The card becomes a salvation for a laptop, tablet or other smartphone.
With MIUI and the new HyperOS, this feature is implemented in a deep way, offering more features than standard Android. You can not just turn on the access point, but also adjust the signal frequency, limit traffic or even hide the network from prying eyes. However, despite the obvious feature, users often face the nuances of connection or are unaware of the existence of advanced settings.
In this article, we will discuss all the ways to distribute the Internet from a Xiaomi device, we will touch on standard methods, consider the hidden features of the system for advanced users and find out what to do if the network is not visible or the Internet does not work. Understanding these processes will allow you to always stay online, using Xiaomi as efficiently as possible.
Basic setting of the Wi-Fi access point
The most common and quick way to share the Internet is to create a wireless hotspot. The MIUI interface hides this feature in the settings section, which may vary slightly depending on the shell version. First you need to go to Settings → Wi-Fi hotspot. This is where the master switch that activates the module is.
Before you turn on the handsets, it is crucial to configure security settings. By default, the system often offers a standard network name and a complex password, but it is better to set your values so that you can always identify your network in the list of available. SSID (network name) and enter a clear name, for example, "My_Xiaomi_Hotspot".
Pay special attention to the password field. Use a combination of letters and numbers at least 8 characters long. If you plan to connect new devices often, you can simplify your password, but be aware of the security risks in crowded places. After entering the data, be sure to click the Save button, otherwise the changes will not apply.
☑️ Check before activating the access point
When the settings are saved, move the slider at the top of the screen to the active position. On the screen of the smartphone will appear an icon in the form of two rings or antenna, signaling that the modem mode is running. Now your Xiaomi device broadcasts the signal, and other gadgets can find it in the list of Wi-Fi networks.
Advanced settings and signal frequency
In standard Android settings, you often don't have the option to choose a frequency range, but MIUI allows you to flexibly manage this setting. In the access point menu, find the option to Set up a Wi-Fi hotspot or additionally, and there you will see the option "Range of frequencies", where you can choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
The frequency choice directly affects speed and range. The 2.4 GHz range provides a wider range and better penetration through walls, but the speed here is lower and the ether is often noisy with neighbouring routers. This is a versatile option for most situations.
5 GHz is the choice for those who need the highest data rate. If you give the Internet to a laptop for heavy file handling or streaming, this mode is preferred. However, its range is much smaller, and many older devices may not see the Xiaomi network in this mode.
Effect of frequency on battery
You can also find the option "Hide the network" in the advanced settings, and if you activate this switch, your phone will stop broadcasting the network name (SSID), and you can only connect to this access point by manually entering the exact name and password on the receiving device, which is a great way to protect yourself from accidental connections.
Distribution of the Internet through USB-cable
Not everyone knows that Xiaomi can distribute the Internet not only over the air, but also through a physical connection, a method ideal for desktop computers that do not have a Wi-Fi module, or when you need to ensure maximum stability of the connection without loss of packets. For this you will need a proper USB-cable.
Connect your smartphone to your computer with a cable. Notifications on your phone may ask for mode of operation. USB (Only charging, file transfer. Select "File transfer" mode" (MTP) or “Photo transmission" (PTP), Although often works and the mode "Only Charge", but for a guarantee it is better to choose MTP. Then go to Settings. → Wi-Fi hotspot → USB-modem and activate the switch.
A Windows or Linux system automatically recognizes a new network connection, and the computer will think that it has a wired Ethernet cable, even though the traffic is actually coming through your mobile Internet. The main advantage of this method is that it charges the device simultaneously. While the distribution is going on, the battery not only does not run out, but also recharges.
⚠️ Attention: When in use USB-The modem drivers on the computer must be installed correctly. If the computer can't see the network, try using the original cable or switching. USB-port.
It is important to note that when active USB-You can't get Wi-Fi from your phone at the same time, and the communication module works in one mode or another. USB-cable can not transfer the Internet to another Android smartphone as easily as Wi-Fi, this method is sharpened primarily for PC.
Bluetooth modem: economical, but slow option
The third, least popular, but sometimes useful, way is to distribute via Bluetooth, which is only useful in emergency situations, where you need to send a few text messages or a light email, and the phone battery is running out, and the speed is extremely low, but the power consumption is minimal.
First, you need to pair the devices. On Xiaomi and on the receiving device (laptop or other phone), turn on Bluetooth. Find each other in the list of available devices and confirm the pairing code. After a successful connection, move to the distribution setting.
On Xiaomi, go to Settings → Wi-Fi Access Point → Bluetooth modem and turn on this feature. On the receiving device (for example, Windows), go to Devices and Printers, find your phone, right-click and select Connect via → Access Point.
Should we use this method all the time? Hardly. Connection speeds are unlikely to exceed 1-2 Mbps, which is not enough even for a comfortable surfing in 2026. However, if you need to save every percentage of battery power, and you need the Internet urgently, Bluetooth modem will be the salvation.
Hidden MIUI functions and operator limitations
Xiaomi users often face a situation where the access point is turned on, devices are connected, but the Internet does not work. APN (access points) of your mobile operator. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choose. SIM → Access points (APN).
Inside the APN settings, click Reset or Restore by Default. Sometimes operators change settings and the old settings stop working properly in modem mode, and you can also try to create a new access point manually by copying the settings from the operator's official website.
Another common problem is carrier blocking, where some plans ban the phone as a router or limit the amount of traffic it uses (e.g., only 3GB and then cut the speed to zero), and changing the TTL (Time To Live) packets helps.
By default, the Android operating system sends packets with TTL=64. The operator sees that the request came not from the phone, but from the computer (where TTL is usually 128 or 256, reduced by 1), and blocks the connection. To get around this, you need to change the TTL on the phone itself.
su
echo 65 > /proc/sys/net/ipv4/ip_default_ttl
echo 65 > /proc/sys/net/ipv6/conf/all/hop_limitThese commands require root rights. If you don't have superuser rights, you can try changing TTL from the hidden engineering test menu by typing dialer code ##4636## (not available on all versions of MIUI). Find "Phone Information" and the "Set preferred network type" field, sometimes there are options for setting up TTL, but most often you need a third-party application or root.
⚠️ Warning: Changing system settings through root access can lead to unstable network performance, only if you are confident in your actions and understand the risks.
Optimizing battery and safety when working in modem modem
The access point mode is one of the most energy-intensive processes for a smartphone. The Wi-Fi module is worn out, constantly transmitting and receiving data, and the processor processes network requests. This leads to rapid heating of the case and battery discharge. To minimize damage, follow simple rules.
First, if you're giving away the Internet for a long time, remove the phone case for better heat sink. Second, turn off the search for other devices and Bluetooth if they're not in use. The MIUI hotspot settings have a useful feature called "Stop Timer." Set it for 10 or 30 minutes so that the phone turns off the distribution itself when you're gone or asleep.
From a security perspective, never leave the hotspot open (without a password).An attacker can connect to your network and intercept unencrypted data or use your traffic for illegal activities.Use the WPA2 PSK encryption protocol, which is the de facto standard.
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If your phone gets too hot when you're giving out the Internet, put it on a cold surface (stone, metal) or point a fan at it, and overheating can cause the processor to trottling and Internet speed to drop.
Also in MIUI There's a whitelist feature. You can add it. MAC-Addresses of their trusted devices (laptop, tablet) to this list and disables anyone else from connecting, even if they know the password.
Comparison of distribution methods and characteristics table
To make it easier for you to choose the right way, let's organize the information, and each method has its strengths and weaknesses, which depend on your current tasks: whether you need speed, range or energy savings.
| Parameter | Wi-Fi Access Point | USB-modem | Bluetooth modem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed. | High (up to 150+ Mbps) | Maximum (stable) | Low (1-2 Mbps) |
| Radio of action | Up to 15-20 meters | Cable length (up to 2 m) | Up to 10 meters. |
| Battery consumption | Very tall. | Charging the phone | Minimum |
| Number of devices | 10. | 1 (usually) | 1 |
As you can see from the table, USB-The modem wins in stability and no charge consumption, but ties you to the wire. Wi-Fi is the middle ground for mobility, and Bluetooth is a niche solution for emergencies.
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For permanent work in the office or at home is best used USB-connection, as it eliminates phone heating and charge loss, providing a stable ping.
Remember that the number of connected devices also affects speed: If 5-6 gadgets connect to your Xiaomi, the Internet speed on each of them will fall proportionally. Try not to overload the channel unless the tariff plan involves unlimited high-speed traffic.