How to distribute the Internet from one Xiaomi phone to another: the complete guide

In situations where a fixed router is unavailable or a provider has crashed, a smartphone becomes the only window into the digital world. Owners of the Xiaomi ecosystem often use their devices not only to consume content, but also as reliable modems for other gadgets. The functionality of the MIUI or HyperOS shell allows you to turn your phone into a full access point in seconds, providing a stable connection for a laptop, tablet or other smartphone.

But the process of distributing traffic has its technical nuances, especially when it comes to connecting two mobile devices: it is important to understand the difference between the modes of operation of the Wi-Fi adapter, adjust the security settings correctly and choose the optimal signal frequency.

In this guide, we will take a detailed look at all the steps in creating a mobile hotspot, focusing on the specific settings of the Xiaomi-based Android system. You will learn how to bypass the restrictions on the number of connected devices, how to extend battery life and what to do if the handout button is inactive.

Preparation of the transmitter device and checking the settings

Before you activate the modem, you need to make sure your device is ready to work as a distribution server. The first step is always to check if there is an active device. SIM-maps with mobile Internet enabled. Without the incoming data stream, the distribution will be useless even if the network is successfully built. → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and make sure that the mobile Internet slider is green.

Next, you should pay attention to the battery charge. The access point mode significantly increases power consumption, because the radio module operates in enhanced mode of constant signal emission. If the charge is below 20%, the MIUI system may even prevent the function from turning on or alert you to a critical energy level.

⚠️ Attention: When the Internet is actively distributed, the smartphone case can significantly heat up. This is a normal physical reaction of the processor and modem to high load, but prolonged operation at extreme temperatures can reduce the battery life.

Also check if flight or power saving mode is enabled, which can block the Wi-Fi module from running in server mode. In some cases, "hard" energy saving limits the background processes necessary to maintain a stable connection with client devices.

Make sure that the client device (the one that will catch the Internet) also has Wi-Fi enabled, and although this is obvious, sometimes users forget to activate the network search on the second phone, trying to find the reason for the lack of connection in the distribution settings of the first.

Activate the Wi-Fi access point through the settings menu

The most reliable and functional way to distribute the Internet is to use the standard operating system menu, which allows you to manage network parameters flexibly, which is especially important when connecting different types of devices. To start, open the main settings menu and find the Wi-Fi Access Point section. In new versions of HyperOS, it can be located inside the Connect and Sharing group.

In the menu that opens, you'll see the access point status switch. Before activating it, click on the network name or the "Setting up the access point" button. Here, you'll see an SSID that other users will see. By default, the system will give you the name of the phone model, but it's better to change it to a more recognizable one, especially if you're in a crowded area.

Pay special attention to the password field. Use a complex combination of letters and numbers to prevent unauthorized access. WPA2-Personal standard security protocol provides sufficient protection for home use. Don't leave the network open, as this is not only dangerous for your data, but can also lead to the rapid exhaustion of traffic by unauthorized users.

Once you have entered all the settings, click Save and move the master switch to the On position. The indicator in the status bar will notify you of the successful server launch. Now the network is visible for search.

Frequency range and compatibility

One of the key features of the access point setting on Xiaomi is the ability to select the frequency range. The access point setting menu (usually hidden in the “Advanced” subitem or immediately visible in the list of parameters) contains the option “Range of Frequency”, two options are available here: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

The 2.4 GHz band is the most versatile. It provides good wall-to-wall penetration and is compatible with almost any device released in the last 15 years. If you're giving out the Internet to an old smartphone, tablet or budget gadget, go for this one. It can be slower, but it can be as fast as possible, but it can be as fast as possible, and it can be as stable as possible.

The 5GHz band is designed for modern devices that support Wi-Fi ac or ax standards. It provides significantly higher data rates, which is critical for watching 4K video or online games. However, the range of this frequency is smaller, and the signal goes worse through obstacles. In addition, many older phones simply will not see the network running at this frequency.

Choosing the right frequency solves most network visibility problems. If the second phone doesn't find your hotspot, try switching the band to 2.4GHz first. This is the most common reason modern 5GHz flagships don't see the network built on the old settings, or vice versa - older devices ignore the new frequency.

Alternative methods: Bluetooth and USB-modem

Classic Wi-Fi is not always the best solution. If you want maximum energy efficiency or speed, it’s worth considering alternative data protocols built into Android. These are often ignored by users, even though the external scenarios outperform the wireless network.

Bluetooth is the slowest, but also the most economical way to distribute, and it's suitable for texting, mail or navigation in real time. To activate, you need to turn on Bluetooth on both devices, pair (pair), and then in the access point menu on the transfer phone, enable the option "Bluetooth modem." On the receiving device, in the Bluetooth settings, you need to select your phone and click "Connect through" → "Access to the network."

USB-The modem is the choice for those who want the maximum stability and speed comparable to a wired Ethernet connection. This method also allows you to charge the phone at the same time, which solves the problem of quick discharge. USB (preferably original).

Connect your phone with a cable to another device (for example, a laptop or other phone via a cable). OTG-In the access point menu, activate the switch. USB-The system automatically detects the connection and transmits the Internet connection. USB-A modem on the receiving device (if it is also Android) may require superuser rights or special support from the system kernel, although modern versions of Android 10 may be required.+ They often support it natively.

⚠️ Attention: When in use USB-Make sure the cable supports data transfer, not just charging. Cheap "charging only" cables will not allow you to activate network traffic transmission.

Troubleshooting and typical errors

Even when set up correctly, there can be situations where devices can’t see each other or the connection is permanently cut off. One of the common problems on Xiaomi is an aggressive power saving system that can “kill” the distribution process in the background. To avoid this, go to Settings → Battery → App → Access Point and select No Limits mode.

Another common mistake is conflict. IP-Addresses or overflows of connected customers: In the hotspot settings, you can limit the number of devices you can connect to, and if you have a limit of 1 device and you're trying to connect a second device, the first one will be torn or the second one won't be allowed to go online. Increase the limit in the corresponding menu item.

If nothing works, try changing the network name (SSID) by removing special characters or Cyrillic. Some old network adapters mishandle Russian letters in the access point name, believing the encoding to be incorrect. Use only Latin and numerals.

It is also worth checking whether the date and time are incorrect on the sender phone. time desynchronization can lead to authorization errors in networks with a secure protocol.

Traffic security and control

When your phone becomes a router, it takes responsibility for the security of traffic that is passing. Always use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption if your client devices support it. Open networks are susceptible to "Man-in-the-Middle" attacks, where an attacker can intercept passwords and data transmitted by you.

In the shell. MIUI There's a useful feature, a list of connected users, and if you click on the connected device icon in the access point menu, you'll see that. MAC-The addresses and names of everyone who is currently using your Internet, if you find an unknown device, immediately change the password and block access.

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Use the Timer feature in the access point settings if you want to distribute the Internet for a limited time, this will automatically turn off the Wi-Fi module at a given interval, saving battery power.

Watch the amount of traffic you consume. You can set a data limit in your mobile hotspot settings, and once it's exhausted, the distribution will automatically stop, and that will save you from unexpected expenses if the tariff is not unlimited.

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Secure Internet distribution requires the mandatory use of a complex password and regular check of the list of connected devices in the access point control menu.

Remember, the Internet you're giving away consumes traffic from your main plan. If you're connecting a tablet to download updates or a laptop to stream, the data can run out very quickly. Control the process through the traffic widget in the notification curtain.