How to distribute the Internet from the phone Xiaomi: all the ways to configure the access point

Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi line and POCO) This feature allows you to distribute mobile Internet to other devices, from laptops to tablets to even smart TVs, called an access point (or mobile hotspot) and works over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other devices. USB-But not all users know how to set up the distribution correctly, avoid errors and save traffic.

This article provides detailed instructions for all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS), how to distribute, solve typical problems (such as when devices are not connected or speed is falling), and security tips, and hidden settings that are not covered in the official manuals.

1. Ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi: which one to choose?

Xiaomi smartphones support 4 main ways of distributing the Internet. Each has its pros and cons:

• 📶 Wi-Fi hotspot is the most popular method, suitable for connecting multiple devices at the same time (up to 10), but quickly puts the battery down.
• 🔌 USB-modem – stable connection for laptops/PCs, but requires cable and does not work on all firmware.
• 🔵 Bluetooth connection – saves charge, but is limited in speed (up to 3 Mbps) and number of devices (usually 1-2).
• 📡 Bridge mode (Wi-Fi Repeater) is a rare feature that allows you to strengthen someone else’s Wi-Fi (available on not all models).

So, what's the best way to do that? If you want to plug in a laptop, it's the best way to do that. USB-modem (less lag than Wi-Fi) for a tablet or other phone, Wi-Fi hotspot is more convenient, and if battery saving is important, try Bluetooth.

2. Set up Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi (Step-by-step)

To distribute the Internet over Wi-Fi:

1. Open Settings → Access Point and modem (in MIUI 14, the path may differ: Settings → Connections → Access Point).
2. Select Portable Access Point (or Mobile Hotspot on older versions).
3. Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point slider.
4. Click Access Point Settings to Change: 🔐 Name of the network (SSID) — Think of something unique (for example, Xiaomi_12T_5G). 🔑 Password minimum 8 symbols (use letters, numbers and signs). 📡 Range — 2.4 GHz (long range) or 5 GHz (high speed but smaller radius).

Save settings and connect other devices by selecting the network you created from their Wi-Fi list.

Important! Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11) will have a speed limit notification after the hotspot is activated, and this is due to the operator's policy of checking the tariff for traffic restrictions.

3. Internet distribution via USB (modem)

USB-The modem is suitable for stable connection of a laptop or PC to the Internet via a smartphone:

• ⚡ No speed loss (unlike Wi-Fi).
• 🔋 Less battery consumption (the phone charges during operation).
• 🛡️ More secure – no risk of connecting third-party devices.

How to set up:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer through the original USB-cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).
2. On the phone, select File Transfer Mode (MTP) or USB-modem (depending on the model).
3. In the phone settings go to Access Point and modem → USB-modem and activate the function.
4. On PC, check the connection: a new device (e.g., Remote NDIS) should appear in Network Connections.

On models with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14) USB-The modem may require additional confirmation in the form of CAPTCHA — This is protection against automated connections.

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If USB-The modem is not working, try to disable the antivirus on your PC (for example, Avast or Kaspersky) – they sometimes block new network devices.

4. Internet distribution over Bluetooth

Bluetooth connection is convenient for saving charge, but has limitations:

• 🐢 Maximum speed – up to 3 Mbps (enough for messengers, but not for video in the video) 4K).
• 🔋 Battery consumption is lower than Wi-Fi, but higher than standby.
• 📱 Not all devices support it (for example, some laptops can’t receive Internet over Bluetooth).

Instructions:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. On a Xiaomi smartphone, go to Settings → Connections → Access Point and modem → Bluetooth modem.
3. Select the device from the list and confirm the pairing.
4. On a second device (such as a tablet) in Bluetooth settings, activate the Internet Access option.

If the connection is interrupted, try:

• 🔄 Reconnect devices.
• 📱 Update the firmware on both gadgets.
• 🔌 Turn off the power saving mode on the smartphone.

5. Bridge Mode (Wi-Fi Repeater) - how to strengthen someone else's Wi-Fi

Some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO F3) support Wi-Fi Repeater, which is a replay of someone else’s network to amplify the signal, which is useful if you have a weak router and your smartphone catches the network better.

How to turn on:

1. Connect to the main Wi-Fi network on your smartphone.
2. Go to Settings → Access Point and Modem → Bridge Mode.
3. Select the connected network and click Start Repeating.
4. On other devices, connect to the new network (its name will be the same as the original one, but with the prefix EXT).

Limitations:

• 🚫 Does not work with networks where customer isolation is enabled (often in public Wi-Fi).
• 🔒 Some routers block the signal repetition (check the router settings).
• 📶 The speed will be lower than with direct connection.

Typical problems and their solution

Even after setting up the Internet, the distribution can malfunction, and let’s look at the most common errors and how to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting the network settings.
2. Confirm the action and restart the phone.
3. Set up the access point again.

⚠️ Attention! Some firmware (e.g. custom) may block Internet distribution due to an error. IP-In this case, manual adjustment will help. IP-Addresses on the connected device (e.g., 192.168.43.100 instead of automatic) DHCP).

7. How to save traffic when giving out the Internet

Mobile Internet can quickly run out of the tariff limit to avoid unexpected costs:

• 📊 Limit background traffic: Turn off auto-update apps on Google Play. Ban background data transfers for social networks (such as TikTok or Instagram).
• ⏳ Use a timer: Turn on the access point only when necessary. On some models (for example, on the access point, POCO X3) You can set up automatic shutdown through 30/60 minute.
• 🔍 Monitor connected devices: Periodically check the list of devices in the hotspot settings. Disable unknown gadgets - they can consume traffic without your knowledge.

⚠️ Attention! Some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) block the distribution of traffic at unlimited rates. Before setting up, check the conditions in your personal account or at support, otherwise the speed may fall to 64 Kbps.

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The most reliable way to save traffic is to use it. USB-With this connection, the phone does not waste resources on maintaining the wireless network, and the speed remains stable.

FAQ: Frequent questions about giving away the Internet with Xiaomi