Modem mode on Xiaomi: how to distribute the Internet from phone to PC, laptop or tablet

Why you need a modem modem on Xiaomi smartphones and how it works

Modern Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi lines) support modem modem modem, which allows you to distribute mobile Internet to other devices, which is indispensable in situations where there is no Wi-Fi at hand, and communication is urgently needed: to work on a laptop, connect a tablet or even a gaming console. The function works through three channels — Wi-Fi, USB and Bluetooth, each of which has its pros and limitations.

Unlike a regular Wi-Fi router, the modem modem on Xiaomi uses your carrier’s mobile network (4G/5G), so speed and stability depend on the signal level. It is important to consider that many carrier fares have traffic or speed limits when distributing the Internet – this should be checked in advance to avoid unexpected blocking or additional payments. For example, MTS and Beeline often limit speed after 10-15 GB of traffic.

Another nuance is battery consumption: When you're actively distributing the Internet, your smartphone consumes much faster, especially if you're using a Wi-Fi hotspot. To avoid discharge at the most inopportune time, you should connect your phone to charge or use modem mode via a Wi-Fi hotspot. USB-cable that simultaneously powers the device.

Three ways to enable modem modem on Xiaomi: comparison and choosing the best

Xiaomi smartphones have three options for distributing the Internet, and the choice depends on your tasks.

• 📶 Wi-Fi hotspot is the most versatile way, allows you to connect up to 10 devices at a time. Suitable for laptops, tablets and even Smart TV. Minus - high battery consumption.
• 🔌 USB-The modem is a stable cable connection, suitable for PCs and laptops, plus: minimal charge consumption (phone charges in parallel), high speed. Minus requires a physical connection.
• 🔵 A Bluetooth modem is a cost-effective option for connecting one device (like a tablet or another phone) and speeds are lower than Wi-Fi, but the battery runs slower.

So, what's the best way to do this? If you need to plug your laptop in for a long time, it's the best way to do this. USB-Modem. For temporary distribution to several gadgets (for example, friends in a cafe) Wi-Fi is suitable. Bluetooth is relevant if you need to save charge and do not require high speed (for example, for instant messengers or mail).

Step-by-step: how to turn on Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi

Activating the hotspot over Wi-Fi is the most popular method, and here’s how to do it on Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI 12-14 shell:

1. Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
3. Slip on the Wi-Fi Access Point.
4. Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point slider (it will turn blue).
5. When you first turn on, the system will suggest setting the network name (Access Point Name) and password. Set a strong password (minimum 8 characters, with numbers and letters).

Once activated, other devices will see your network on the Wi-Fi list available, and they will need to enter your password to connect, and note that if you change your password or network name, all connected devices will be disabled and will have to log in again.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) POCO X3 Pro) automatically disable the access point after 5-10 minutes without active connections. To avoid this, go to Settings → Access Point and modem → Time out and choose Never.

Setting up USB-Modem: How to distribute the Internet through cable

USB-The modem is ideal for a stable connection of a laptop or PC to the Internet. Advantages of the method: high data transfer speed (up to 1 Gbps on Xiaomi with a high speed of data transfer). USB 3.0) and simultaneous charging of the phone. Minus - requires original or quality cable (cheap may not transmit data).

Instructions for setting:

1. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-On the smartphone screen, select File Transfer Mode (if you request it).
2. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
3. Activate the slider USB-modem.
4. On your computer, check the connection: in Windows, open Network settings - a new connection over the local network should appear.

If the internet is not working, check:

• 🔌 Cable - try another one (original from Xiaomi).
• 🖥️ Drivers – Drivers for Xiaomi must be installed on the PC (usually installed automatically when you first connect).
• 📱 Regime. USB — On the phone in the notification curtain select USB-Modem (sometimes it is reset to Charge).

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If USB-The modem does not work on Windows 10/11, Try to manually install the driver. RNDIS. Download it from Xiaomi’s official website or through Device Manager (update the driver for an unknown network device).

Bluetooth modem: an economical way to distribute the Internet

Bluetooth modems are suitable for connecting a single device with minimal battery consumption, and speeds are lower than Wi-Fi or USB (usually up to 10-20 Mbps), but this is enough for instant messengers, mail or web browsing, the main advantage is that the phone and connected device can be located at a distance of up to 10 meters.

How to set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices (the phone and the one that will connect).
2. On Xiaomi phone, pair: Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth → find the right device and connect.
3. Return to Settings → Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
4. Activate the Bluetooth modem slider.
5. On a connected device (such as a tablet) in Bluetooth settings, select your phone and enable Internet Access.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or POCO M3) A Bluetooth modem can run unstable with active Wi-Fi. If the connection breaks, turn off the Wi-Fi on your phone or restart both devices.

Table of comparison of ways to distribute the Internet on Xiaomi

The table shows that USB-The modem is the best choice for stable work with a PC, and Wi-Fi is convenient for temporary distribution to multiple devices. Bluetooth should be used only when there are no alternatives or when saving charge is critical.

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Use it for maximum speed. USB-cable-modem USB 3.0 (blue connector) – this will reduce delays and increase bandwidth to 1 Gbps (on supported Xiaomi models).

Common mistakes and their solutions

When using modem modem on Xiaomi, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

• 🚫 "Fails to turn on the hotspot" - check if the mobile Internet on the phone is turned on. Also make sure that your tariff supports the distribution of Internet (some operators block this feature).
• 🔄 "You have the connection, but the Internet is not working" - restart the phone and the connected device. If it does not help, reset the network settings: Settings → The Internet and the Internet → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
• 🔋 "The phone discharges quickly - activate the power saving mode or connect the phone to the charger. USB-Use the original modem cable.
• 📵 "Devices can’t see the access point – change the network name (SSID) You can also try changing the Wi-Fi channel in the access point settings.

If the problem persists, check the APN (operator access points) settings.

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
2. Select your operator's APN (for example, internet.beeline.com for Beeline).
3. If there is no APN, add it manually (options can be found on the operator's website).

Safety Tips When Using Modem Modem

Phone Internet sharing is a convenient feature, but it carries risks if you don't take precautions.

• 🔒 Use a complex password for a Wi-Fi hotspot (at least 12 characters with numbers, letters and characters). Avoid simple combinations like 12345678 or qwerty.
• 👥 Limit the number of devices connected. The more gadgets you have, the more stress you have on your phone and the risk of unauthorized access.
• 🛡️ Disable the hotspot when you don’t need it. A constantly active hotspot makes your phone vulnerable to attacks (for example, through vulnerabilities in the protocol). WPA2).
• 📡 Do not use modem modem in public places to transmit sensitive data (banking, mail.

Xiaomi’s MIUI 14 models have a Hidden Access Point feature that makes your network invisible to other devices until you type in its name (SSID) manually, an additional layer of protection, but not a panacea: experienced hackers can detect hidden networks with special software.

If you use modem modem mode frequently, consider installing an antivirus on your phone (such as Avast Mobile Security or Kaspersky Internet Security) to monitor network activity and alert you to suspicious connections.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions