How to create a WiFi hotspot on a Xiaomi phone

Xiaomi smartphones are no longer just call devices, becoming powerful tools for organizing a mobile workplace. In situations where fixed Internet is not available or a home router has failed, the Wi-Fi hotspot function is a real lifesaver. It allows you to instantly turn your smartphone into a full-fledged router, providing high-speed connections to laptops, tablets and other gadgets.

The process of activating the distribution of traffic in the shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS is implemented as intuitively as possible, but hides a number of useful settings that not all users know about. Proper configuration of parameters allows not only to ensure a stable connection, but also to protect the network from unauthorized access, and also to optimize the power consumption of the device. In this material, we will discuss in detail all stages of configuration.

Xiaomi device owners often face the need to quickly provide access to the network to colleagues or friends. Standard methods allow you to do this in seconds, but for more advanced use, such as creating a permanent access point with special security options, you will need to delve into the settings menu. Let's look at the main ways to activate and finesse this feature.

Basic activation through the notification curtain

The fastest way to distribute the Internet is to use a control panel that is called by swipe from top to bottom. Depending on the firmware version and the theme, the icon can be called "Access Point" or "Modem Modem Modem", clicking on this element instantly activates the function using the standard settings stored in the system by default.

However, if you are using this method for the first time, the system can request basic parameters such as network name and password. Ignoring the installation of a reliable security key is strongly discouraged, since anyone in the range of the signal can connect to the open network, which will not only reduce the speed of your connection, but also jeopardize the transmitted data.

To quickly check the status of the access point, look at the status bar on the top of the screen, there will be a special icon, usually depicting two connected rings or an antenna, if the icon is lit in blue or green, then the broadcast is successful. The absence of an icon when the function is turned on may indicate a software failure or no active mobile traffic.

• 📱 Swipe from the top edge of the screen down to open the control center.
• 🔍 Find the Access Point icon (may be hidden in the second page of the widgets).
• ⚙️ Long-term click on the icon will open the full network settings.
• 🔒 Make sure that mobile internet is on and there is coverage of the operator’s network.

It's important to understand that curtain activation often uses the last known configuration profile. If you've previously changed the frequency of the range or the type of encryption, these parameters will apply automatically (SSID) You will still need to go to the deep menu of system settings.

Advanced Access Point Configuration in the Menu

To get a complete control of the Internet, you need to go to the main settings menu of your smartphone. The path may vary slightly depending on the Android version, but the logic remains the same. You need to find the section related to connection and data exchange, where the most important levers of network management are hidden.

Go to Settings. → Connection and sharing → Wi-Fi hotspot. This is where the activation switch for the function and the Adapt Point Menu is located. In this section, you can change the network name to any one that's convenient for you, such as, «Office_Xiaomi» or «Home_5G», to easily identify your device among the many others on the list of available networks.

The password field needs a minimum of 8 characters, but for reliability, it is better to use a combination of letters from different registers, numbers and special characters. The encryption is installed by default in WPA2 PSK mode, which is the optimal balance between compatibility with older devices and the level of protection. The more modern WPA3 standard may not be available on budget models.

At the bottom of the screen settings are often displayed QR-It's a convenient feature for those who don't want to dictate a complex password, but just point the camera of another smartphone at the screen, and the device automatically reads the data to connect. This is especially true when working with guests or when connecting devices where it is difficult to type text from the keyboard, for example, Smart. TV game consoles.

Range frequency selection and device compatibility

One of the key settings that affect connection speed and stability is the choice of frequency range. The Xiaomi access point menu usually offers two options: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Understanding the difference between them is critical to organizing a quality wireless connection in specific conditions.

The 2.4 GHz range is more common and compatible. It provides good coverage and better penetration through walls, but is often overloaded with signals from neighborhood routers, microwave ovens and Bluetooth devices. Speeds in this range rarely exceed 40-50 Mbps in real conditions, which may not be enough to stream high-resolution video.

The 5GHz range offers significantly higher data rates and is less prone to interference, because the channels are wider and freer. However, the signal range is much smaller and the ability to pass through obstacles is lower. If you plan to work in the same room with your phone and you need the maximum speed to download large files, choose 5GHz.

When choosing a 5GHz band, make sure the receiving device supports this standard. Old laptops or budget tablets may simply "not see" your network. If after switching the range, gadgets stopped connecting, return the setting to automatic mode or forcefully select 2.4GHz.

Managing Connected Devices and Limits

Security and traffic control are critical aspects of using a smartphone as a router. Xiaomi hotspot menu includes a feature to view the list of connected devices. MAC-Regular checks of this list help to identify "uninvited guests».

If you notice an unknown device, you can lock it immediately, and not only does it turn off a particular user, but it also allows you to set a limit on the number of simultaneous connections. Usually, the default is a limit of 10 devices, but to save battery power and traffic, it is wiser to set a value of 2-3.

⚠️ Attention: Constant monitoring of the connection list is mandatory when using open passwords or simple combinations. SIM-map.

It also has a Timeout feature that allows you to automatically turn off Wi-Fi if no one is connected to it for a specified time (e.g., 1.5 or 10 minutes), a useful power saving option that prevents your phone from running out if you forget to turn off modem mode after use.

• 📉 Set a connection limit (max. 10 devices) to control the load.
• ⏱️ Set up an auto-switch timer to save battery power.
• 🚫 Use the Blacklist function to block unknowns MAC-address.
• 📊 Keep track of traffic volume in usage statistics.

It is worth noting that some carriers may limit speed or charge extra for using the phone as a modem (Tethering technology).Although modern tariffs often include unlimited traffic, the terms of use (distribution) should be checked with your provider to avoid unpleasant surprises with billing.

Network Hiding (SSID) for enhanced security

For users who require the highest level of privacy, Xiaomi’s access point settings include the “Hide Device” option. When activated, your phone stops broadcasting the network name (SSID) on air. For ordinary users, your smartphone will be invisible in the list of available Wi-Fi networks.

Connecting to a hidden network requires manually entering the network name on the client device. You need to know exactly the SSID and password, since automatic search will not work in this case. This creates an additional barrier for casual users and basic network scanners, although for experienced hackers, hiding the SSID is not a serious obstacle.

Using a hidden network has its drawbacks: Devices can spend more time and energy searching for a known network, constantly polling the airwaves for your SSID. In addition, some smart devices (lamps, sockets) may not support connection to hidden networks at all.

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If you have hidden the network, create a connection profile on the main laptop beforehand while the network is still visible, or write down the exact name of the SSID with the register of letters in mind.

You can activate this feature in the Adjustment Point menu by finding the Hide Device switch. Once turned on, the phone will alert you that other devices will not be able to find the network, and this solution is ideal for temporary use in crowded places where you do not want to be shining the name of your device.

Solving Connection Problems and Errors

Despite the fact that MIUI is fine, users can experience situations where the access point is turned on but the Internet is not working or the devices are not connected. One of the common causes is a failure in the communication module, in which case a simple switch of air mode helps: turn it on for 10 seconds, then turn it off and try to start the access point again.

Another common problem is that there is no internet on the connected device when mobile traffic is running, check if the megabytes on your data are running out, and also make sure that the mobile network settings do not have a back-end limit or traffic savings that can block hotspots.

If devices see the network, but cannot access it IP-address, try changing the frequency range from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz or vice versa. Sometimes resetting the network settings helps. → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth.Please note that this action will remove all saved passwords from Wi-Fi networks.

⚠️ Attention: If the access point is running for a long time, the phone can get very hot, this is a normal physical reaction when the processor and radio are under high load, remove the protective case and do not cover the device with a cloth to avoid overheating.

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If the internet doesn’t work on a connected device, the first thing to do is check if the (site) is open on the Xiaomi phone itself – this will determine if there is a problem with the provider or with the handout.

In rare cases, the problem may lie in static IP-Make sure that on a laptop or tablet, the Wi-Fi properties of the connection are automatically retrieved IP-address (DHCP). Manual address registration often leads to conflicts, especially if the range of addresses issued by the phone has changed.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions