How to distribute mobile Internet from Xiaomi phone to another phone: all ways and life hacks

Distributing mobile Internet from Xiaomi to another phone is a task that almost every user faces. SIM-The modem mode (or "access point") function is a lifeline, but even for experienced Redmi owners, POCO Sometimes there are difficulties: the connection is cut, the speed drops, the operator blocks the distribution. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to distribute the Internet between Xiaomi phones, including hidden settings, circumventing restrictions and solving typical errors.

It’s important to understand that the process depends not only on the smartphone model, but also on the version of MIUI, the carrier and even regional features. For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, the path to setting the access point is different from the Redmi Note 10 on MIUI 12.5. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will suit most of the brand’s devices.

1. Preparation of Xiaomi phone for the distribution of the Internet

Before you turn on the hotspot, check a few key points: First, make sure that your tariff is allowed to distribute Internet. Some operators (for example, Tele2 or Yota) block this feature at basic rates or limit speed. Second, the battery should be at least 30 percent enough – the distribution of the Internet is actively consuming energy.

You should also upgrade MIUI to the latest version. There are bugs in old firmware that cause the access point to spontaneously shut down. You can check the relevance of the software in Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update. If an update is available, install it before setting up.

  • πŸ”‹ Battery charge: at least 30%, it is better to connect the charger.
  • πŸ“Ά Network Signal: Make sure your phone is stable 4G/LTE (or 5G, if maintained).
  • πŸ“± Compatibility: The second phone must support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity (depending on the distribution method).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Security: Turn it off VPN, If it is active, it may interfere with the connection.

⚠️ Note: If you are using Xiaomi with two SIM-The access point will only distribute the Internet with the SIM, which is selected for data transfer to Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Transfer of data.

2. Method 1: Distribution of the Internet via Wi-Fi (access point)

This is the most popular and fastest method, and it allows you to connect not only another phone, but also a laptop, tablet or even a Smart TV, and the data rate is maximum, limited only by the capabilities of your tariff and the operator's network.

To enable the access point to Xiaomi:

  1. Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
  2. Go to Network and Internet β†’ Access Point and modem (on some models, the path may differ: Connections β†’ Access Point).
  3. Slip on the Wi-Fi hotspot.
  4. Turn on the Wi-Fi Access Point slider.
  5. When you first turn on, the system will suggest setting the network name (SSID) and password.

Now, on the second phone, find the network you created in the Wi-Fi list and connect to it by entering your password. If you don't connect, check:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot both phones.
  • πŸ”’ Make sure your password is entered correctly (registration is important!).
  • πŸ“΅ Turn off flight mode on both devices.

Access point is enabled on the distribution phone

Password entered without errors (check the register!)

Wi-Fi is on the receiving phone

The operator does not block the distribution (check it out). SMS provider)-->

If the access point is turned on, but the Internet is not working, try changing the frequency range.

  1. In the access point settings, tap the access point settings.
  2. Choose Frequency Range and try 2.4 GHz instead of 5 GHz (or vice versa).
  3. Save the changes and reconnect.

3. Method 2: Distribution of the Internet via Bluetooth

This method is less popular, but it is useful in two cases: when the Wi-Fi on the receiving phone is broken or when you need to save battery power (Bluetooth consumes less power than Wi-Fi), while data transfer speeds are lower, but it is enough for instant messengers and social networks.

Instructions for Xiaomi:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones (in Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Bluetooth or through the notification panel).
  2. On the phone that will distribute the Internet, open Settings β†’ Network and Internet β†’ Access Point and modem.
  3. Activate the Bluetooth modem option.
  4. On the second phone, find the dispenser in the list of available Bluetooth devices and connect to it.
  5. After pairing, the second phone will be notified of the possibility of using the Internet via Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X3) The Bluetooth modem option can be hidden. To activate it, first turn on the normal Wi-Fi hotspot, and then select Share the Internet in Bluetooth settings.

Advantages of this method:

  • πŸ”‹ Lower battery consumption compared to Wi-Fi.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ More secure connection (no risk of interception of traffic, as with open Wi-Fi networks).
  • πŸ“± It works even if the Wi-Fi module on one of the phones is faulty.

Disadvantages:

  • 🐒 Low speed (maximum) ~3 Mbps versus ~50 Mbps for Wi-Fi).
  • πŸ”— Limited number of connected devices (usually only 1).

Method 3: Distributing the Internet through USB-cable (for Android phones)

This method is suitable if you have USB-cable (preferably original or high-end) and both phones support the function USB-The data rate is high, and the battery of the transfer phone will even recharge while it's running.

How to set up:

  1. Connect both phones with a cable (use a USB-C or Micro-USB port, depending on the model).
  2. On the Xiaomi phone that will distribute the Internet, open Settings β†’ Network and Internet β†’ Access Point and modem.
  3. Activate the option. USB-modem.
  4. On the second phone, select USB Data Transfer mode (can be called RNDIS or Ethernet) in the connection settings.

If the connection is not working:

  • πŸ”Œ Try another cable (cheap cables often don't support data transfers).
  • πŸ”„ Reboot both phones.
  • πŸ“± On Xiaomi in the developer settings (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI β€” Tap it 7 times) turn on the debugging by USB.

Wi-Fi (access point)

Bluetooth

USB-cable

I don't use the handout.-->

5. Solving Internet Distribution Problems on Xiaomi

Even with the right setup, there can be errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Access Point is turned on, but the Internet is not workingOperator blocking distributionCheck the operator's SMS or call support. You may need to connect the option.
Devices are connected, but the speed is very low.Network overload or tariff restrictionSwitch to 3G instead of 4G (sometimes helps) or switch Wi-Fi ranges.
The access point is shut down on its own.Battery savings or MIUI bugTurn off battery optimization for Settings in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management β†’ Settings β†’ Battery β†’ No restrictions.
Unable to enable the access point (button is inactive)Operator restriction or system failureTry resetting your network settings (Settings β†’ Network & Internet β†’ Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings).

If none of these things worked, try resetting the network settings on the handing out phone.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Network and Internet β†’ Additional β†’ Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
  2. Confirm the reset.
  3. Restart your phone and try to turn on the access point again.
What to do if the operator blocks the distribution?
Some operators (for example, MTS on tariffs "Smart" or Beeline on "It's simple") restrict the distribution of the Internet: 1. Connect the paid option "Modem" (usually) ~50-100 ruble-month). 2. Use a Bluetooth modem – it is more difficult to track the operator. 3. If you have an unlimited rate, try changing it. APN-settings (but this may violate the operator's rules). ⚠️ Illegal methods (VPN, change TTL) It can lead to blocking. SIM-map!

6. Hidden settings and life hacks for Xiaomi

MIUI has several hidden features that will help improve the distribution of the Internet.

1. Change the Wi-Fi channel for the access point

If the speed is low or the connection is unstable, try changing your Wi-Fi channel:

  1. Turn on the access point.
  2. Open Settings β†’ Network and Internet β†’ Wi-Fi Access Point β†’ Adjustment of the access point.
  3. Add additional (or advanced settings) to the table.
  4. Select a different channel (e.g. 6 or 11 instead of automatic).

Increased inactivity time

By default, the access point shuts down after 5-10 minutes without activity.

  1. In the settings of the access point, find the option to Disable when inactivity.
  2. Choose Never or set the maximum time.

3.Use ADB to unlock hidden features

For advanced users, ADB can enable the Internet distribution even if the operator blocks it.

adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0

⚠️ This method may violate the operator’s rules and result in a lockdown. SIM-Use the cards at your own risk!

πŸ’‘

If you give away the Internet often, add the Access Point widget to the home screen. To do this, click and hold the empty space on the desktop β†’ Widgets β†’ find the Access Point and drag it to the screen.

7. How to save traffic when giving out the Internet

Internet distribution can quickly eat up all traffic, especially if multiple devices are connected to your access point.

  • πŸ“Š Limit speed: In the access point settings (Access point settings) β†’ Additionally, you can set a speed limit for connected devices.
  • ⏳ Turn on timer: Set up to automatically turn off the access point after a certain time (Settings) β†’ Access point β†’ Timer).
  • πŸ”’ Password Protection: Use a complex password (at least 12 characters) to keep your network from being connected by strangers.
  • πŸ“΅ Turn off background data: On the receiving phone, limit background data transfers for applications (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Data management).

It's also useful to track traffic.

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Using traffic.
  2. Set a traffic limit and enable notifications when it is exceeded.

πŸ’‘

The most reliable way to save traffic is to use a Bluetooth modem instead of Wi-Fi. The speed is lower, but the data consumption is reduced by 2-3 times.

FAQ: Frequent questions about giving the Internet to Xiaomi

Can I share the Internet with Xiaomi on iPhone?
Yes, but there are nuances. iPhones may not connect to the Xiaomi hotspot if the network name (SSID) contains Cyrillic or special characters. Use Latin and a simple password. Also on the iPhone may appear a warning "Internet without protection" - this is normal, just confirm the connection.
Why does the battery run out quickly when giving out the internet?
Internet distribution is resource-intensive. To reduce battery consumption: Use a Bluetooth modem instead of Wi-Fi. Connect your phone to charge. Reduce screen brightness and turn off unnecessary background processes. Some Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Note 11) have a "Power Savings" mode, turn it on in the battery settings.
How to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi to a laptop?
The process is the same as for a phone: Turn on the hotspot on Xiaomi. On a laptop, find the created Wi-Fi network and connect. If the Internet is not working, check the settings of the firewall on the laptop (sometimes it blocks new connections). USB-modem connect the phone to the laptop with a cable and select mode USB-modem in the settings of Xiaomi.
Can I share the Internet with Xiaomi without a password?
Technically, but it's highly recommended. Open access point is vulnerable to hacking, and operator can block distribution for suspicious activity. If you still need to disable password: In access point settings, select No protection. Set the hidden network name (SSID), so she can't be seen by outsiders. ⚠️ Without a password, speeds will be limited and some devices may not connect.
Why is there no β€œAccess Point” option on POCO?
On some POCO models (e.g., POCO M3), the access point partition may be hidden. To find it, open Settings and search for "access point." Or go to Settings β†’ Connections β†’ More β†’ Access point and modem. If the option is missing completely, upgrade MIUI to the latest version.