How to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi Redmi phone to another Android: 5 working ways

Are you in a situation where you urgently need to share the Internet from a second phone, but only Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are at hand? Or want to save on mobile traffic using one tariff for two devices? MIUI Xiaomi has some nuances that can cause errors, and in this article we will discuss all possible ways, from the classic access point to hidden functions like USB-handouts and Bluetooth bridge.

We tested the instructions on the Redmi Note 12/13 Pro, Redmi 10/11 and POCO X5 models with the latest MIUI 14/15 (Android 13/14). If you have a different model, don’t worry: the algorithm is the same for all Xiaomi smartphones of the last 5 years. The main thing is to properly configure network settings and avoid typical errors that cause connection to be interrupted or speed drops by 10 times.

1. Method. β„–1 Wi-Fi hotspot (fastest and most stable)

This is a basic method that works on all Redmi without additional applications. The data transfer speed here is maximum – up to 100 Mbps (depending on the operator’s tariff). But there are pitfalls: some operators block the distribution (for example, Tele2 in tariffs without the option β€œModem”), and on old MIUI firmware, the access point can shut down after 5 minutes.

To enable the access point:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Access Point and modem (or Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Access Point on new versions).
  2. Slip on the Portable Access Point.
  3. Turn on the slider at the top of the screen.
  4. Set up network settings: πŸ” Name of the network (SSID): Think of something unique (for example, Redmi_Hotspot_5G). πŸ”‘ Password: minimum 8 Symbols, preferably with numbers and letters. πŸ“Ά Range: Choose 5 GHz for maximum speed (if supported). ⚑ Power saving mode: turn off, otherwise the point will be cut off.

Name of the net without Cyrillic|Password saved on the second phone|Flight mode is off.|Mobile data included-->

On the second phone, connect to the network you have created as a regular Wi-Fi. If the Internet does not appear:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot both devices.
  • πŸ“± Check if Redmi is running Traffic Saving (Settings) β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Saving traffic).
  • 🚫 Make sure the operator does not block the distribution (call support or check your personal account).

πŸ’‘

If the speed is low, try changing the security type from WPA2-PSK to WPA3-PSK (if supported by a second phone) in the access point settings.

2. Method. β„–2: Bluetooth Distribution (Saves Charge, But Slowly)

If the Wi-Fi on the second phone is broken or you want to save battery power (Bluetooth consumes 3 times less energy), you can distribute the Internet via Bluetooth bridge. The speed will be lower - up to 5-10 Mbps, but for instant messengers and social networks this is enough.

Instructions:

  1. On Redmi, turn on Bluetooth (Settings β†’ Connected Devices β†’ Bluetooth).
  2. On the second phone, do the same and find your Redmi in the list of devices.
  3. Connect to it (it may require code confirmation on both phones).
  4. On Redmi, go back to Settings β†’ Access Point and modem and turn on Bluetooth modem.

After that, on the second phone in Bluetooth settings next to the name Redmi will appear Internet icon (🌐). If he's not:

  • πŸ”„ Turn off and turn on Bluetooth again on both devices.
  • πŸ“± Make sure that your mobile data is included on Redmi.
  • πŸ”§ Reboot both phones.
Why is Bluetooth Distribution Slower than Wi-Fi?
Bluetooth uses radio frequencies in the 2.4 GHz band with limited bandwidth (up to 3 Mbit / s in version 4.0 and up to 24 Mbit / s in 5.0). For comparison, Wi-Fi at 5 GHz can output up to 1 Gbit / s. In addition, Bluetooth adds delays due to pairing and encryption protocols.

Wi-Fi access point|Bluetooth|USB-cable|Another way.-->

3. Method. β„–3: Distribution through USB (maximum stability)

If you have USB-This method will give the most stable distribution without loss of speed, suitable for long-term use, for example, if you need to connect a tablet or laptop. 9A) USB-The distribution works only after the debugging is enabled USB developer-setting.

Step-by-step:

  1. Connect Redmi to the second phone with a cable (use a USB-C or Micro-USB port, depending on the model).
  2. On Redmi, select Data Transfer (not Charging) in the notification that appears.
  3. Go to Settings. β†’ Access Point and modem and turn on USB-modem.
  4. On the second phone, wait for a notification of a new network connection.

If the internet doesn't come up:

  • πŸ”Œ Try another cable (cheap cables may not support data transfers).
  • πŸ”§ Turn on Debugging. USB (Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β€” Tap 7 times, then go back to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers).
  • πŸ“± Check if the antivirus is blocking (e.g. Avast or 360 Security) USB-connection.
Distribution methodSpeed.Battery consumptionDifficulty setting up
Wi-Fi access point⚑⚑⚑⚑⚑ (up to 100 Mbps)πŸ”‹πŸ”‹πŸ”‹ (high-end)⭐ (simple)
Bluetooth⚑ (up to 10 Mbps)πŸ”‹ (low-key)⭐⭐ (middle-of-the-road)
USB-cable⚑⚑⚑⚑ (up to 50 Mbps)πŸ”‹πŸ”‹ (middle-class)⭐⭐⭐ (harder)

4. Method. β„–4: Use of distribution applications (if standard methods do not work)

If the built-in MIUI features are buggy (for example, the access point is off after 5 minutes), you can use third-party applications.

  • πŸ“² PdaNet+ β€” supportive USB/Bluetooth/Wi-Fi distribution, bypasses the locking operators.
  • 🌐 ClockworkMod Tether – does not require root, works for all Xiaomi.
  • πŸ”— FoxFi is a simple interface, but may require payment for the USB-regime.

How to set up PdaNet+:

  1. Download the app from Google Play to both phones.
  2. On Redmi, turn it on. USB-debugging (see instructions above).
  3. Connect your phones with a cable and run PdaNet+ on Redmi.
  4. Select Enable USB Tether and follow the hints.

πŸ’‘

The application side may bypass carrier locks, but some (for example, PdaNet+) require additional software to be installed on the PC to activate the full version.

5. Method. β„–5: Distribution through QR-code (quick connection)

MIUI 12 and later, we have a QR-code Wi-Fi distribution feature, which is convenient if you don't want to type in a password manually, and the speed and stability are the same as a normal access point.

How it works:

  1. Enable the access point on Redmi (see Method) β„–1).
  2. Slap the icon. QR-code next to the network name.
  3. On the second phone, open the camera and scan the code.
  4. Confirm the connection.

If QR-code not scanned:

  • πŸ“Έ Make sure the second phone has scans on. QR camera-setting.
  • πŸ”¦ Check the lighting – the code must be clear.
  • πŸ”„ Reboot the access point to Redmi and regenerate the code.

Typical errors and their solution

Even after you set up the handout correctly, here are the most common problems on Xiaomi Redmi and their solutions:

⚠️ Note: If there is Internet after connecting to the access point, but the pages do not load, check the settings DNS. B Settings β†’ Wi-Fi β†’ Additionally. β†’ Settings IP Select Users and specify DNS 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).

Problem.Reason.Decision
Access point shuts down after 5 minutesEnergy saving in MIUITurn off Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Power saving mode and add an access point to exceptions
"I couldn't get on the grid."Incorrect password or lock MAC-addressReset the access point, check the password, disable MAC filtering in the router settings
There is no internet when connectingOperator blocking distributionCall support for the operator or use a VPN (e.g. 1.1.1.1)

Another frequent mistake β€” "IP-Conflict. It occurs when both phones are trying to use the same phone. IP-Address:

  1. On Redmi, go to Settings β†’ Access Point β†’ Access Point settings.
  2. Change IP Range from 192.168.43.x to 192.168.150.x.
  3. Save the settings and restart the access point.

7 How to save traffic when handing out

Handing over the Internet from your phone can quickly eat up gigabytes of traffic, especially if the second phone is updating apps or watching videos.

  • πŸ“΅ Turn off auto-update apps on the second phone (Play Market) β†’ Settings β†’ Auto-update).
  • 🎡 Limit background data transfer (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Transfer of data).
  • πŸ“Š Use the traffic counter (My Data Manager or GlassWire applications).
  • πŸ”’ Block advertising through AdGuard or DNS 1.1.1.3 (saves up to 30% of traffic).

You can also set the traffic limit directly at the access point:

  1. In the access point settings (Settings β†’ Access Point and modem), tap on the Data Limit.
  2. Specify the maximum amount of traffic (for example, 1 GB).
  3. After exceeding the limit, the access point will be automatically turned off.

πŸ’‘

At some operator rates (for example, "Unlimited" from MTS), the distribution of the Internet can be charged separately.

FAQ: Frequent questions about giving out the Internet with Xiaomi Redmi

Can I share the Internet with Redmi on iPhone?
Yes, but there are nuances. iPhones may not connect to the hotspot on Xiaomi due to different Wi-Fi standards. Try: On Redmi, select 2.4 GHz in the hotspot settings (iPhone sometimes doesn't see 5 GHz). Change the security type from WPA3 to WPA2. Reboot both devices.
Why does the second phone not see the internet when it is handed out via USB?
The problem might be in: πŸ”Œ Faulty cable (try another one). πŸ“± Lack of drivers (older versions of Android may require installation) MIUI USB Driver). πŸ”§ Operator lock (solved by a support call) Also check if Redmi has enabled data transfer mode when connecting the cable (notification in the curtain).
How to increase the speed of Wi-Fi distribution?
Speed depends on: πŸ“Ά Range: 5 GHz faster, but shorter range. πŸ”„ Wi-Fi Channels: Select a channel with minimal interference (e.g. 36 or 149) in the access point settings). πŸ“‘ Distances: Keep your phones closer than 5 meters. πŸ”‹ Power Saving Mode: Turn it off for maximum performance.
Can I distribute the Internet from Redmi to a laptop?
All the methods described (Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth also works for the laptop connection. USB-Hands: Connect Redmi to your laptop with a cable. USB-Modem. On your laptop, wait for the drivers to install (Windows usually installs them automatically). If the Internet doesn't appear, check the settings of the Windows firewall or try another cable.
How to distribute the Internet with Redmi without a password?
It is possible, but it is not safe, and you will be able to connect to your network. If the risk is justified: In the access point settings (Settings β†’ Access Point and modem), select No Protection in Security. Save Settings. After use, be sure to return protection (for example, WPA2-PSK)!