How to connect the Internet via USB on Xiaomi: 3 proven ways

Connection to the Internet through USB-Xiaomi's smartphone cable is a reliable way to distribute the network when Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot are not available, USB-The modem provides a stable connection without loss of speed, minimal battery consumption and protection from external interference. However, many users face problems: the phone is not defined as a modem, drivers are not installed, or the connection is constantly broken.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways of activation. USB-modem on Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, Poco and Mi), consider the typical errors and their solutions, and give recommendations for optimizing the connection. MIUI 12/13/14 Android 11-14, including models with Qualcomm and Mediatek chips.

1. Preparation of Xiaomi smartphone for the distribution of the Internet over USB

Before you turn on USB-modem, several mandatory steps must be followed, and skipping any of these can cause a connection to fail.

First, check the version. MIUI Outdated firmware often contains bugs that interfere with proper operation. USB-Modem. Update your smartphone through Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ System updates. This is especially true for devices on Mediatek, where drivers are used. USB-modems may require patches.

Secondly, make sure that USB-debugging enabled (optional, but recommended for diagnosing problems) Activate it in Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI (Press 7 times, then return to Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers β†’ USB-debugging.

  • πŸ”„ Update. MIUI The latest stable version (especially important for the Redmi Note) 10/11 POCO X3/X4).
  • πŸ”Œ Use the original cable – cheap analogues may not support data transfer.
  • πŸ› οΈ Check the ports. USB On the computer: try other connectors (especially the ones you use) USB 3.0).
  • πŸ“± Turn off the energy saving for USB in battery settings (can block data transmission).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A POCO M3) USB-The modem is disabled by default in regional firmware. If the option is not in the menu, you will need to manually activate via the ADB (let's take it down).

Method 1: Standard activation USB-modem MIUI

The easiest method is to use the built-in Modem Modem feature, which works on most Xiaomi devices without any additional manipulation.

Instructions:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your computer or laptop with the original USB-cable (preferably from the set).
  2. Unlock the screen and select File Transfer (MTP) mode in the connection notification.
  3. Open Settings β†’ Connection and Sharing β†’ Modem Modem.
  4. Activate the switch. USB-modem.
  5. A new network connection will appear on your computer (usually called Remote NDIS or Xiaomi Composite Device).

If the Internet does not work after the turn on:

  • πŸ–₯️ Check your network settings on your PC: sometimes you need to manually specify IP and DNS (For example, 8.8.8.8 from Google).
  • πŸ”„ Reboot both devices - it resets the cache USB-connection.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Turn off the firewall or antivirus on your computer – they can block a new connection.

The original cable is used.|USB-Debugging included (optional)|On the PC installed drivers Xiaomi|Data transfer mode (MTP) activated|Energy conservation for USB disconnected-->

Method 2: Manually enabled via ADB (for hidden function)

On some firmware (especially global versions for Redmi Note) 8/9 or Mi 10T) option USB-The modem can be hidden, and the team can help. ADB.

Procedure:

  1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on your computer.
  2. Connect the smartphone in the file transfer mode and allow USB-Debugging (a request will appear on the phone screen).
  3. Open the command line (Win + R β†’ cmd) and type:
adb devices

(Your device should be displayed. If not, check the drivers.)

adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0
adb shell am start -n com.android.settings/.TetherSettings

After execution of commands in settings there will be a hidden option USB-If that doesn't happen, try an alternative command:

adb shell content insert --uri content://settings/system --bind name:s:tether_dun_required --bind value:i:0

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and may require additional permission WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS. To obtain it, you need root rights or a patched boot image (for example, through Magisk).

What if the ADB can’t see the device?
1.Install Mi drivers PC Suite. 2. Check the connection in Device Manager (should show as Android Composite) ADB Interface). 3. Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB Disconnect all other Android devices from your PC to avoid conflict.

Method 3: Use of third-party applications (without root)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use apps from Google Play that activate the app. USB-modem through the detours:

  • πŸ“² PdaNet+ β€” Xiaomi supports no root, but requires drivers to be installed on PC.
  • πŸ”— ClockworkMod Tether – works on most devices, but can brake on weak chips (Helio) G35/G80).
  • πŸš€ USB Tunnel – optimized for MIUI, The paid version removes the traffic restriction.

Instructions for PdaNet+:

  1. Download and install PdaNet+ on your smartphone.
  2. Install the desktop version on your computer.
  3. Connect your phone over USB and select USB Tether mode in the app.
  4. On a PC, run PdaNet and follow the instructions for installing a virtual adapter.

The advantage of this method is that it works even on locked firmware (for example, on corporate devices) where the standard modem modem is disabled, but the speed can be lower by 10-15% due to software encryption of traffic.

Standard settings MIUI|ADB-commands | Application side (PdaNet, etc.) |I do not use USB-modem-->

5. Typical errors and their solutions

Even after the right setup USB-The modem can be unstable. Let's look at the most common problems and how to fix them.

Mistake.Possible causeDecision
The device is not defined as a modem.There are no RNDIS or CDC Ethernet driversInstall Mi PC Suite or drivers manually through Device Manager
The Internet is connected but not working.Conflict IP-address-blocking DNSSet up static IP on PC: 192.168.42.x with 255.255.255.0 mask and DNS 8.8.8
Speed is lower than Wi-Fi.USB 2.0 Limitation or Background ProcessesConnect to USB 3.0 port and turn off cloud sync (Settings β†’ Google Accounts)
The connection is broken after 5-10 minutesEnergy saving is turning off USB-portAdd the app Settings in the exception of battery optimization

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • πŸ” Integrity USB-cable - try another wire.
  • πŸ“΅ Flight mode – it blocks all network functions, including modem.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery charge - at a level below 15% MIUI can turn off the modem.

πŸ’‘

If USB-The modem is unstable on Windows 11, disable Automatic parameterization in network connection properties.

6. Optimization of connection speed and stability

To maximize speed and minimize cliffs, follow these guidelines:

  1. Turn off background apps that consume traffic (such as updates or cloud backups).
  2. Use USB 3.0 – it provides speeds up to 5 Gbps versus 480 Mbps for USB 2.0.
  3. Set traffic priority: On Windows: Control Panel β†’ Network Connections β†’ Properties β†’ QoS. On Android: Turn off automatic app updates in Google Play.

Check the operator's fare

Use services like Speedtest or Fast.com to test your speed. USB-modem:

  • πŸ“Ά 4G (LTE): 30–100 Mbps (depending on operator).
  • πŸ“Ά 5G: 100–500 Mbit/s (on Xiaomi) 12/13 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2).

⚠️ Note: On devices with a Mediatek Helio processor G95/G96 (For example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or Poco X3 GT) It may be possible to slow down the speed to 50–70 Mbps due to hardware limitations of the controller USB.

πŸ’‘

For maximum stability, turn off USB Debugging mode after setting up the modem - it can create a background load on the port.

7. Alternative methods of giving the Internet to Xiaomi

If USB-The modem is still not working, consider alternative methods:

  • πŸ“‘ Wi-Fi hotspot – easier to set up, but consumes battery and is less stable.
  • πŸ”„ Bluetooth modem – low power consumption, but speed is limited to 1-3 Mbps.
  • 🌐 Reverse Tethering – handing out the Internet from PC to phone (useful for firmware updates).

To activate the Wi-Fi hotspot:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Connection and Sharing β†’ Wi-Fi Access Point.
  2. Set up a network name (SSID) and password.
  3. Connect the devices as if they were a regular router.

If you need a Bluetooth modem:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
  2. Put them in the settings. β†’ Bluetooth.
  3. In the modem settings, select a Bluetooth modem.
How to distribute the Internet from a PC to Xiaomi (Reverse Tethering)?
1. Install ClockworkMod Tether on PC. 2. Connect the phone to USB activate USB-3. Run the app on your PC and select Reverse Tethering. 4. Confirm access on your phone (notification will appear). This method is useful for updating the firmware if there is no mobile Internet on your phone.

FAQ: Frequent questions on USB-modem on Xiaomi

πŸ”Ή Why? USB-The modem does not turn on the Redmi Note 11?
On the Redmi Note 11 (and some other models with MIUI 13+), the option may be hidden due to regional restrictions. Try: Activate via ADB (article 3). Install Xiaomi.EU firmware - there the feature is available by default.
πŸ”Ή Can I use it? USB-modem without PC connection?
No, USB-The modem is designed exclusively for distributing the Internet to a computer or laptop. For other devices (tablets, TVs), use Wi-Fi hotspot or Bluetooth.
πŸ”Ή How to increase speed USB-Poco modem X3?
On the Poco X3 (and other Snapdragon 732G devices), speed is limited by a USB 2.0 controller. To improve performance, connect to a USB 3.0 port (blue) on your PC. Turn off background updates (Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Autoboot). Use a 4G/5G priority tariff (e.g., No Limit from MTS or All Tariff from Tele2).
πŸ”Ή Do you need root rights for USB-modem?
V 90% Root can only be used to: Unlock hidden features on heavily stripped firmware (e.g., corporate firmware). tether_dun_required on MIUI 14+. For most users, the standard methods from this article are sufficient.
πŸ”Ή Why does the operator block the USB-modem?
Some carriers (e.g. Yota or Tinkoff Mobile) limit the distribution of Internet over USB, if it is not included in the tariff. Solutions: Change the tariff for the distribution option (e.g. Smart Plus from Beeline). Use a VPN on your phone (e.g. ProtonVPN) - this bypasses some locks. Try PdaNet + - it masks modem traffic as normal.