How to turn on and configure a modem on Xiaomi: all ways

The modem on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to distribute mobile Internet to other devices, from laptops to tablets. Despite the apparent simplicity of the function, users often face problems: If the access point is not turned on, the devices are not connected, the speed leaves much to be desired. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to activate the modem on Xiaomi (including the Redmi models, POCO Black Shark and common mistakes and their solutions.

Feature of Xiaomi devices - branded shell MIUI, It sometimes hides or changes the settings after updates. MIUI 15 based on Android 14) and collected the current instructions.If you are trying to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or even old POCO F1 โ€” Here you'll find the answer.

1. Basic method: enable modem through settings

The most obvious method is to use built-in options. MIUI. It is suitable for 90% of users and works on all models starting with Xiaomi Mi. A1 (2017) and ending with the flagships of 2026. SIM-Cards with a tariff that supports data transfer.

To turn on the modem:

  1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
  2. Go to the section Network and Internet โ†’ Access Point and modem.
  3. Slip on Wi-Fi Access Point (or modem modem on older versions).
  4. Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point slider. If you request it, confirm the action.

Once activated, a notification will appear on the screen with the network name and password, which can be changed in the same menu by clicking on Setting up the access point. 12T) After the modem is turned on, Wi-Fi automatically turns off - this is normal behavior, since the smartphone cannot simultaneously distribute and receive Internet over a wireless network.

There's an active SIM-map

Mobile data included

There are enough funds in the account (some operators block the distribution with a zero balance)

Smartphone charged at least 20% (distribution consumes battery)

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2. Alternative methods of modem inclusion

If the standard method didnโ€™t work (for example, the menu item is missing or the slider is inactive), try alternatives. They will be useful for owners of devices with custom firmware, corporate policies or hardware restrictions.

Method 1: Through the Quick Settings Panel

The fastest method is to use the notification curtain:

  1. Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
  2. Find the Access Point icon (usually next to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) if it's not available, tap it on a pencil (Edit) and add it to the active elements.
  3. Click on the icon once to turn on. A long press will open the advanced settings.

Method 2: Through USSD-for certain operators (for certain operators)

Some mobile operators (such as MTS or Beeline) block the Internet distribution by default. USSD-request:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ MTS: Dial *111*77# and select the option "Allow modem".
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Beeline: send *110*180# and follow the instructions.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ MegaFon: Use it *105*610# to activate the service "Modem".

After sending the command, restart the smartphone and try to turn on the modem again.

๐Ÿ“Š What kind of operator is yours? SIM-map?
MTS
Beeline
MegaFon
Tele2.
Yota
Other

Method 3: Through the Engineering Menu (for advanced users)

If the modem is not turned on due to software limitations, you can try activating it through the engineering menu.

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination ##4636##.
  2. Select the item Phone Information.
  3. Scroll down to the Wi-Fi hotspot block and check the status. If it's turned off, try changing the value to On (root access may be required).
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
Some of the firmware (e.g., the global version) MIUI For Europe, the combination ##4636## can be blocked. In this case, try the alternative code: ##36446337### (opens the EngineerMode menu). If that doesn't work, the only option is to use the code. ADB-commands or third-party applications such as MTK Engineering Mode (only for MediaTek processor devices).

3. Configure the parameters of the access point

By default, Xiaomi assigns access point standard name (for example, Xiaomi_1234) It's not secure, because it's easy to hack, and we recommend that you change the settings as soon as you turn on them.

How to set up an access point:

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ The Internet and the Internet โ†’ Access Point and modem โ†’ Setting up the access point.
  2. In the Network Name field, enter a unique name (for example, MiHotspot_Name Name Name: Avoid personal information!
  3. In the Security section, select WPA3-Personal (most secure protocol).
  4. Set a complex password (minimum) 12 symbols, with numbers and special signs: k7L!9pX@2#mQ1.
  5. In the frequency range, select 5 GHz (if your devices support this standard) โ€“ so the speed will be higher and interference less.
ParameterRecommended valueWhy is it important?
Network name (SSID)Unique, no personal dataPrevents the connection of foreign devices by the โ€œguessedโ€ name
Security protocolWPA3-PersonalWPA2 vulnerable to type attacks KRACK, WPA3 more securely
Password.12+ symbols, with numbers and special signsComplex passwords protect against brute force attacks
Frequency range5 GHz (if supported)Less interference, higher speed, but less range
Auto-disconnectionShut down.Otherwise, the access point will be turned off when inactive.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you often share the Internet in one place (for example, at home), write down the network name and password in a notebook or password manager, so you do not have to look at the settings of your smartphone every time.

4. Solving common problems

Even after setting up the modem on Xiaomi correctly, it can be unstable. Letโ€™s look at the typical errors and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Access point is turned on, but devices are not connected

Causes and solutions:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Wrong password: Check the character register (password is sensitive!). Try resetting the access point settings.
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Conflict IP-Addresses: In the settings of the access point, change the range IP s 192.168.43.x on 192.168.150.x.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Firewall or antivirus: temporarily disable security software on a device that is trying to connect.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Operator restriction: some rates block the distribution. check the terms of your fare or contact support.

Problem 2: The modem is turned on, but the Internet is not working

If devices connect to an access point but pages are not loaded:

  1. Make sure that your smartphone has mobile data enabled (sometimes it turns off automatically when you activate the modem).
  2. Check the balance. SIM-Cards โ€“ some operators block data transmission when the balance is negative.
  3. Reset your smartphone. Network resets sometimes help: Settings โ†’ System system โ†’ Resetting settings โ†’ Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
  4. If you use VPN, Turn it off - it may conflict with the distribution of the Internet.

๐Ÿ’ก

On some Xiaomi firmware (especially Chinese), the modem function can be blocked at the system level, in which case only the flashing to the global version will help. MIUI.

Problem 3: The battery is rapidly draining

Distributing the Internet via modem is one of the most energy-intensive operations for a smartphone, to reduce battery consumption:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Connect charging: if you plan to give out the Internet for a long time, keep the device on charge.
  • โšก Reduce screen brightness and turn off background apps.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Switch to 2.4GHz: 5GHz band faster but consumes more power.
  • โฑ๏ธ Use the timer: in the settings of the access point, set automatic shutdown through 30-60 minutes of inactivity.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you often give out the Internet on the road, buy a power bank with a capacity of 20,000 mAh, which will keep the smartphone charge throughout the day, even with active use of the modem.

5. Features of the modem on different models Xiaomi

The modem functionality may vary depending on the smartphone model and firmware version, and below are the key nuances for popular devices.

Xiaomi 13/13 Pro/13 Ultra and Redmi Note 12 series

On the flagships of 2023 with MIUI Android 13 modem supports 14 and Android 13:

  • ๐ŸŒ Double access point: you can simultaneously distribute the Internet over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ WPA3 Default (more secure protocol).
  • โšก Wi-Fi 6/6E: High speed and stability when connecting multiple devices.

However, these models may have a limit on the number of connected devices (maximum 8) and require editing of system files (root required) to increase the limit.

POCO F4/F5 redmi K50/K60 series

On devices with a Snapdragon processor 8 Gen 1/2 The modem is stable, but there's a caveat: when you give out the Internet, you can reduce your performance in games:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Disable the modem before running resource-intensive applications.
  • โ„๏ธ Use a cooling stand if you plan to play and distribute the internet at the same time.

Xiaomi Mi 11 and older (2020โ€“2021)

On devices with MIUI 12.5 and below may not be supported WPA3. In this case:

  1. Update your firmware to the latest version via Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ System Update.
  2. If the update is not available, use it. WPA2-PSK (It is less secure but compatible with all devices).
How to check the maximum speed of the modem?
The speed of the Internet depends on the support of Wi-Fi standards your smartphone: - Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n): Up to 150 Mbps (older models, such as Redmi 5) - Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac): up to 866 Mbps (Xiaomi Mi 9, POCO X3) - Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax): Up to 2.4 Gbps (Xiaomi 12, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) To find out the real speed, connect your laptop to the access point and take the test on Speedtest.net. note that the speed will be lower than with a direct connection. SIM-Cards to laptop (due to limitations of the modem chip of the smartphone).

6.Safety when using a modem

Sharing the Internet via a smartphone opens up potential vulnerabilities for hacker attacks.

โš ๏ธ Note: Never use a default access point (e.g., a default name, Xiaomi_1234). Attackers can identify your device model and exploit known vulnerabilities MIUI.

Basic precautions:

  • ๐Ÿ” Turn off the modem when you don't need it. Constantly active access point increases the chances of hacking.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Update the firmware. In new versions. MIUI Vulnerabilities related to Internet distribution are closed.
  • ๐Ÿšซ Do not connect to public hotspots from a smartphone that has a modem on. MITM-attacks (traffic interception).
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Use it. VPN On devices connected to your access point (like your laptop), this encrypts traffic.

If you suspect that a third-party device has connected to your access point:

  1. Turn off the modem immediately.
  2. Check the list of connected devices in the access point settings.
  3. Change the password and the network name.
  4. If the suspicions are confirmed, scan your smartphone for viruses (for example, through Mi Security).

7. Saving traffic when distributing the Internet

Many users experience unexpected gigabytes of consumption when using a modem, which is due to background updates on connected devices, to avoid overspending:

โš ๏ธ Note: Operators often consider traffic spent through the modem separately from the main package.Clarify the terms of the tariff - some providers charge an additional fee for the distribution (for example, MTS can charge 5 rubles for every 1 GB).

Ways to control traffic:

  • ๐Ÿ“Š Limit speed: in the access point settings (Settings) โ†’ Access Point and modem โ†’ Setting up the access point โ†’ Speed limit) set a limit, such as 10 Mbps.
  • โณ Use a timer: set up automatic modem shutdown after 1-2 hours.
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Block background data on connected devices (for example, disable automatic Windows or application updates).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Track your consumption through the Mi Security app or Internet Speed Meter.

If you give out the Internet a lot, consider unlimited rates.

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ MTS: the tariff "All for their own" includes unlimited for distribution.
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Tele2: option "Unlimited for everything" (from 600 rubles / month).
  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Yota: unlimited Internet with no modem restrictions (but with throttling after 150 GB).

8. Alternative ways of distributing the Internet

If the Wi-Fi modem doesnโ€™t work or you need to connect your device without Wi-Fi support, use alternative methods.

Method 1: Distribution via Bluetooth

Suitable for connecting laptops or tablets without a Wi-Fi adapter. the speed is lower (up to 3 Mbps), but battery consumption is minimal.

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
  2. On Xiaomi go to Settings โ†’ Connection devices โ†’ Bluetooth.
  3. Tap the name of the target device and select Connect to access the network.

Method 2: Distribution through USB (Reverse Tethering)

The most stable method with the least battery consumption. USB-cable and support for PC function.

  1. Connect your smartphone to your computer via USB.
  2. On Xiaomi, select Data Transfer Mode (not Charging).
  3. On Windows, open the settings. โ†’ Network and Internet โ†’ Mobile hotspot and select the connection via USB.

MacOS or Linux may require manual network configuration through the terminal.

Method 3: Apps for distribution (requires root)

If standard methods donโ€™t work, try third-party utilities:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ NetShare โ€“ distribution without root, but with a speed limit.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ ClockworkMod Tether โ€“ requires root, but bypasses carrier locks.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ PdaNet+ โ€” supportive USB/Bluetooth, It works on most versions of Android.

๐Ÿ’ก

USB-handouts are the most reliable way to get a stable connection for work or online gaming, and the speed is limited only by the mobile network (4G/5G).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the modem on Xiaomi

The modem turns on, but it turns off after 5 minutes.
This is power saving. Turn it off: Go to Settings. โ†’ Battery and productivity โ†’ Battery mode. Select High Performance. Search the Apps for Settings and turn off optimization for them. Also check if the smartphone is overheating - at high temperatures, the modem automatically shuts down.
Can I share the Internet with Xiaomi on iPhone?
Yes, but there are nuances: iPhones may not connect to a Cyrillic name hotspot. Use Latin. If your iPhone is connected but the Internet is not working, check your settings. APN Xiaomi (must meet the operatorโ€™s requirements).
How to increase the range of the access point?
The radius depends on the transmitter power and obstacles. To improve coverage: Switch to the 2.4 GHz band (less speed but more radius). Place your smartphone in the center of the room, away from metal objects. Use a Wi-Fi repeater (if you need to cover a larger area). On some firmware MIUI You can increase the power of the transmitter through the engineering menu (command #54696##), but this reduces the life of the Wi-Fi module.
Why does the speed drop when the Internet is distributed?
Causes and solutions: ๐Ÿ“ถ Weak network signal: check signal strength (should be) โ‰ฅ 2-3 divisions. Try moving closer to the window. ๐Ÿ“ฑ Operator restriction: some tariffs throttle speed when handed out. ๐Ÿ”„ Channel overload: if the access point is connected >5 devices, speed is divided between them. ๐Ÿ”ง Non-optimal settings: In Access Point Settings, set Max. speed (if there is such a point).
Can I share the Internet with Xiaomi on Smart TV?
Yes, but: On Android TV (For example, Xiaomi Mi TV) The connection is like a normal Wi-Fi connection. Samsung/LG TV may require input IP-manual addresses (if applicable) DHCP It doesn't work. 4K-Mobile Internet speeds may not be enough (needed) โ‰ฅ 25 If the TV is not connected, try changing the security protocol from WPA3 on WPA2.