How to turn a Xiaomi smartphone into a USB-Modem: full instruction with nuances

Distribution of the Internet through USB On smartphones, Xiaomi is a reliable way to connect a laptop or PC to the network when Wi-Fi is unavailable or unstable, USB-The modem provides faster speed, lower battery consumption and no interference. MIUI It has its own features: from hidden options in the menu to compatibility issues with some versions of Windows.

In this article, we will discuss not only the standard method of activation. USB-modem, but also alternative methods for cases where a function is blocked by the operator or not displayed in the settings. MIUI, What drivers will be required for Windows 10/11, And how to fix common bugs like "Device not recognized" or lack of network access. 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4 and flagships Xiaomi 13/14, Where the algorithm of the setting may differ.

Why? USB-Modem better Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi

At first glance, Wi-Fi Internet distribution seems easier: you don't have to connect a cable, and you can connect multiple devices at once. USB-The modem has significant advantages that make it the preferred choice in a number of situations:

• 🔋 Saving battery power: when USB-When connected, a smartphone consumes 30-40% less power than when distributing Wi-Fi. This is critical for models with a battery up to 4000 mAh (for example, Redmi). 9A or POCO M3).
• 🚀 Speed and stability: throughput USB 2.0/3.0 (before 480 Mbps) exceeds Wi-Fi in jamming conditions, which is important for online gaming or video conferencing.
• 🛡️ Security: USB-The connection cannot be intercepted, unlike Wi-Fi, where there is always a risk of connecting foreign devices.
• 🔌 Universality: works even on a PC without a Wi-Fi adapter or with a damaged wireless communication module.

There are also disadvantages: the inability to connect multiple devices at the same time and the need to physically connect the cable. TV — USB-The modem remains the optimal solution.

Preparation of Xiaomi smartphone for setting USB-modem

Before activating the function, you need to follow several preliminary steps, and ignoring them can lead to errors such as “No Internet access” or “Network adapter not identified”.

Enable the Developer Mode (if required)

Update MIUI to the latest version

Check the availability of mobile Internet (3G/4G/5G)

Use the original USB-cable (or certified cable)

Shut down. VPN and proxy servers-->

The first thing to do is to check the version. MIUI. On old assemblies (below) MIUI (12) function USB-The modem may be missing or not working properly. Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Update system: If the update is not available, use alternative methods (section) FAQ).

The second is to use quality. USB-Cheap cables often don't support data transfer, but only charging, and you can check this by connecting your smartphone to your PC: if you have a file transfer option on the notification menu, the cable is suitable.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9T or POCO M4 Pro) function USB-The modem is blocked by the operator, and you'll need to unlock it through the engineering menu.

Standard incorporation USB-modem MIUI

If your smartphone supports the function, you can activate it in 3 steps:

1. Connect your smartphone to a PC or laptop through USB-In the notification menu Xiaomi select File Transfer mode (MTP) (It is temporary, and the mode will change automatically).
2. Go to Settings → Access Point and Modem → Modem Modem.
3. Activate the switch. USB-In a few seconds, a new network connection will be available on the PC.

Windows. 10/11 driver USB-Xiaomi modems are installed automatically. If this does not happen, download them manually from the official Xiaomi website (section "Drivers»).

After activation, check the connection:

• On Windows: Open Control Panel → Network Connections. You should have an Ethernet or Remote NDIS connection.
• On macOS/Linux: run the ifconfig command in the terminal and find a new interface (usually eth1 or usb0).

Solving problems with USB-modem on Xiaomi

Even after you set it up properly, you can have errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

If the smartphone is not defined at all, try:

1. Connect to another USB-port (preferably on the back of the PC).
2. Disable the antivirus (sometimes it blocks new network connections).
3. Reboot both the smartphone and the computer.

⚠️ Note: Some tariffs of mobile operators (for example, "Internet for devices" from MegaFon) USB-The modem can be blocked, and only a change in tariff or alternative methods will help.

How to unlock USB-modem, if it is not in the settings

If there is no USB option in the Modem menu, it doesn't always mean that the smartphone doesn't support the function, often hidden by the operator or disabled in the firmware.

Method 1: Engineering menu (for advanced users)

This method works on most Xiaomi models with Qualcomm processors (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO F3).

1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
2. Go to the phone information section.
3. Scroll down and find the USB Settings (or USB preferences) option.
4. Select RNDIS + DM + ACM or RNDIS and save the changes.

After that, the modem settings should appear USB option. If not, restart the smartphone.

Method 2: A Universal Method (ADB)

This will require a computer with installed ADB-drivers and the enabled developer mode on the smartphone.

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and open the command line.
2. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices
3. Issue a permit to USB-Modem: adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0
4. Reboot your smartphone.

On models with MIUI 14 and later, you may need an additional command to unlock hidden features:

adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.TetherSettings

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If after unlocking USB-The modem still does not work, try resetting the network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset the network settings. This will delete all stored Wi-Fi and APN, But often solves connection problems.

Alternative ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi

If USB-The modem is not configured, consider alternative options:

• 📶 Wi-Fi hotspot with traffic restriction: in the settings of the access point (Settings) → Access Point and modem) can be set a data limit to avoid unexpected write-offs.
• 🔵 Bluetooth modem: slower USB, It's more economical than Wi-Fi. It's also on the same menu.
• 🔄 Reverse Tethering: If you have internet on your PC, you can give it to your smartphone via a phone USB Applications such as ReverseTethering NoRoot.

For stable operation of Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi, it is recommended:

• Set a fixed Wi-Fi channel (e.g. 6th) in the access point settings to avoid automatic switching.
• Disable the Smart Channel Selection feature if it is in your MIUI version.
• Use applications like NetMaster to monitor connected devices and traffic consumption.

Optimization of speed and stability USB-modem

Even after successful adjustment, the speed USB-The modem may be lower than expected. Here's how to improve it:

1. Check it out. USB-Port: Connect the cable to the port USB 3.0 (usually marked in blue) This will increase bandwidth from 480 Mbps (USB 2.0) up to 5 Gbps.
2. Turn off background apps: on your smartphone, close all programs that consume traffic (for example, cloud services or instant messengers).
3. Set up. APN: Sometimes the operator limits the speed of the USB-modem, check the settings. APN In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access point (APN). Use it for MTS. APN Internet.mts.ru, for Beeline - Internet.beeline.ru.
4. Use third-party utilities: you can install NetBalancer or cFosSpeed on your PC to prioritize traffic.

If the speed is low, check:

• 📡 Signal Level: In the Engineering Menu (##4636##) look at RSRP. If it's lower. -110 dBm, signal's weak.
• 📱 Network mode: c Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred network type select only LTE (if available).

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Speed up. USB-The modem affects not only the operator's tariff, but also the load of the base station. During peak hours (18:00-23:00), the speed can drop by 30-50% even with a good signal.

FAQ: Frequent questions about USB-modem on Xiaomi