Mobile internet is a critical resource today, and it often happens that Wi-Fi is needed on a second device and a router is not on hand. Xiaomi smartphones, powered by the MIUI shell or the new HyperOS, have powerful built-in functionality to create a personal access point, which turns your phone into a full-fledged wireless router, allowing you to connect laptops, tablets and other smartphones.
The setup process may seem confusing because of the abundance of menus on the Android system, but in fact all the necessary tools are available quickly. Traffic distribution consumes battery power, so it is important to know not only how to turn on the feature, but also how to optimize the settings to save energy. In this guide, we will break down all the nuances of networking.
We’ll look at standard on-boarding, security settings, and hidden features available to Redmi and Poco device owners, and learn how to limit the number of connected users and see who is using your traffic in real time, which will help avoid unexpected costs and congestion of the communication channel.
Basic ways to enable access point on Xiaomi
The fastest way to activate modem modem mode is to use the notification curtain. Swipe from top to bottom across the screen to open the control center, and find the Access Point icon. If the icon doesn't appear on the first page, click on the edit button (usually a pencil or three dots) to add the widget to the main fast access screen. It only takes a couple of seconds.
More detailed control is done through system settings. Go to Settings menu, select Wi-Fi Access Point or Connect and Sharing. Here you can not only enable the feature, but also change the network name (SSID) and default password.
There is also the option to enable the distribution via voice assistant or Bluetooth settings, but Wi-Fi remains the most stable and fast option for data transfer. When activated through settings, the system can offer a choice of frequency range, which is especially important for new phone models.
Setting up security settings and network name
The standard network name often contains a phone model, such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro, which allows attackers to know what operating system they are dealing with. Change the SSID to a neutral name that does not identify you or your device.
The choice of encryption protocol is critical. Security options are available in MIUI hotspot settings. Always choose WPA2-Personal or WPA3 if your devices support the new standard. Using an outdated protocol or an open network makes the data transmitted vulnerable to interception.
For additional privacy, you can hide the network name, so that other devices won't see your access point in the list of available connections, you'll have to manually connect, enter the exact network name and password, and this is effective protection against accidental connections from neighbors.
💡
Use complex passwords containing letters of different registers and numbers to eliminate the possibility of selecting the access key brute-force methods.
Managing Connected Devices and Traffic Limits
Xiaomi owners have a handy tool to monitor connected customers, and the hotspot menu displays a list of all the devices that are currently using your Internet. MAC-address and name of each gadget, which allows you to quickly identify unauthorized access.
The system allows you to set a traffic limit. If you have a data packet that is priced, you can set a limit, for example, 2 GB. Once you reach that threshold, the Internet will automatically stop, which will save you from overspending, which is especially useful when traveling to other regions.
There's also a whitelist feature available, so you can set the access point so that only certain, pre-approved devices can connect, and all other login attempts will be blocked by the security system, even if the intruder has the correct password.
☑️ Traffic control
Frequency range choice: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz
Xiaomi's current smartphones are two-band, and the choice between them affects signal speed and range. 2.4 GHz provides more coverage and better penetration through walls, but the speed is lower, and the air is often clogged with neighboring routers.
The 5GHz range offers significantly higher data rates and less interference, but the range is much smaller. If you distribute the Internet to a laptop in the same room, you prefer to choose 5GHz. For distribution to multiple devices in different corners of the apartment, 2.4GHz is better suited.
You can select the default option in the settings, and the system will determine the optimal mode of operation depending on the devices connected, but for maximum performance, it is recommended to manually set the required standard, especially if the receiving device supports only one of the ranges.
Why is 5GHz faster?
Comparison of Distribution Methods: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB
Beyond wireless, Android offers alternative ways to transmit Internet connections, each with its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the situation, and below is a table comparing the main features of these technologies.
| Method | Speed. | Energy consumption | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Access Point | Tall. | High. | Stable. |
| Bluetooth modem | Low. | Low. | Medium |
| USB-modem | Maximum | Charging the phone | Tall. |
| NFC (instantaneous) | Depends on Wi-Fi. | Minimum | Tall. |
USB-The modem is ideal for stationary computer work, and not only provides maximum speed, but also allows you to charge the phone during the distribution process, compensating for energy costs. Bluetooth is suitable for transferring small amounts of data when the speed is not critical.
To connect via USB, you need to activate USB debugging in the Developer Menu if the automatic modem definition didn’t work, which is rare, but it can occur on older versions of the operating system or specific MIUI builds.
💡
USB-Connection is the only way to simultaneously distribute the Internet and charge the phone without using wireless charging.
Solving common problems and errors
Often, users are faced with a situation where the access point is turned on, but the Internet on connected devices does not work. This may be due to the APN settings of your mobile operator. Check that the access point profile has the correct type of APN, usually it matches the main profile for mobile Internet.
Another problem is that you can't turn on the hotspot because of the "Can't configure the hotspot" error, in which case resetting the network settings helps. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This action will not delete your personal data, but will return the network settings to factory values.
If the phone gets too hot, the system can force the Wi-Fi module to protect the components, remove the case, reduce the brightness of the screen and close the background applications. Long-term 5G Internet distribution with a poor base station signal is the main cause of overheating.
What to do if “No Internet Access” is on fire?
The impact of Internet distribution on battery and wear
Modem mode places a high strain on the smartphone's processor and radio module. The heat output in this mode is well above normal, resulting in accelerated battery discharge. Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to heat, and regular use of the access point can shorten the overall battery life.
To minimize harm, it is recommended not to keep the phone under a pillow or blanket during the handout. Ensure good ventilation of the device. If you plan a long session, it is better to connect the device to an external power source, but make sure that the temperature of the case does not exceed comfortable values.
Some users use special applications to control temperature, but the built-in mechanisms Xiaomi is quite effective: the system itself throttling-it (reduces performance) or disables the module when critical heating, preventing physical damage to components.