How to enable data transfer via USB to Xiaomi: the complete guide

Why? USB-Xiaomi modem doesn’t work out of the box»?

You connected Xiaomi to your computer through USB-And the default situation is, you know, smartphones don't transmit mobile data through PCs. USB-The thing is, the function is, USB-modem USB tethering) requires explicit activation in settings. Without it, the phone simply charges from the computer or displays as a drive.

On Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, POCO and Mi) this process is complicated by two factors: first, the manufacturer hides some menu items under the “advanced settings”, and secondly, for stable operation. USB-Modem must install drivers MIUI You can use a computer, or Windows or macOS won't recognize the network, and in this article, we'll look at both of these steps, from basic activation to solving typical problems.

It is important to understand the difference between the connection modes:

• 🔌 Charging – the phone only receives power, data is not transmitted.
• 📁 File transfer (MTP) — Accessing the phone memory as a flash drive.
• 🌐 USB-modem – the phone gives the Internet to the computer through a cable.

If you see a notification on the phone screen “Charge via USB” – it means that the modem modem is not activated yet.

Preparation of the phone: compatibility check and settings

Before inclusion USB-Make sure your Xiaomi supports this feature.Almost all models are based on the modem. MIUI 10 and newer (released after 2018) have a built-in option, but there are nuances:

• 📱 Older models (e.g. Redmi) 4X or Mi A1) may require manual installation APN data-transmitting.
• 🔄 Phones with custom firmware (such as LineageOS) sometimes lose function USB-modem due to porting errors.
• 📶 Operators with restrictions (MTS, Beeline in some tariffs) block the distribution of the Internet - check the terms of your tariff.

Also make sure that:

1. The phone has mobile internet enabled (the 4G/5G icon in the status bar).
2. USB-cable is serviceable and supports data transmission (not all charging cables are suitable!).
3. Other network connections (Wi-Fi, Ethernet) are disabled on the computer to avoid conflicts.

Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on USB-modem

The activation algorithm is the same for most models, but the path to settings may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI. Below is the universal way for MIUI 12/13/14:

1. Open the “Settings” (the gear icon on the home screen).
2. Go to Network and Internet (or Connections and Sharing on older versions).
3. Select Access Point and modem (or modem modem).
4. Activate the slider USB-If it's not there, just tap on another -- or more.

After turning on the screen will appear notification USB-The modem is active, and in the status bar is an icon of two connected computers. Now check the network connections on the PC:

• 🪟 On Windows: Open the settings → Network and Internet → Ethernet. There's a new connection coming up called Remote. NDIS.
• 🍎 On macOS: Go to System Settings → Network – will be the interface Xiaomi or USB Ethernet.

If the internet doesn’t work, move on to the next problem-solving section.

Installation of drivers for USB-modem

No drivers. MIUI The computer does not recognize the smartphone as a network adapter, even if it is not USB-The modem is on the phone. Official drivers can be downloaded from Xiaomi's website, but it's easier to use the universal package:

For Windows, after installing drivers:

1. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
2. Find a device called Remote NDIS or Xiaomi in the list of Network Adapters.
3. If there is a yellow triangle nearby, right-click and select Update driver.

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If Windows does not find drivers automatically, download the MIUI USB Drivers archive from XDA Developers and manually specify the path to the folder.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after the right setup USB-Xiaomi modem may not work. Here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

⚠️ Attention: If you are using POCO F1/F2/F3 or Redmi K20/K30, Check if Fastboot mode is activated when you connect to your PC, in which case the phone will not distribute the Internet until you reboot it to normal mode.

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

1. Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
2. Select Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

Alternative ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi

If USB-The modem still doesn’t work or you need flexibility (e.g., multiple-device handouts), consider alternatives:

• 📶 Wi-Fi hotspot is a universal method, but it consumes the battery faster.
• 🔗 Bluetooth modem - slower USB, It is suitable for tablets or laptops without USB-Ports activated in Settings → Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Reverse tethering – if you want to distribute the Internet from computer to phone (for example, via Ethernet), requires root rights or ADB.

Comparison of Internet distribution methods:

For maximum speed and stability USB-The modem is the best choice, especially if you need to connect your computer to the Internet for a long time (for example, to work or update the system).

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If you use it often USB-Modem, add shortcut for quick turn on: hold the Access Point and modem icon on the home screen and select Create a shortcut.

Safety in use USB-modem

The USB Internet connection creates a direct connection between the phone and the computer, potentially opening up data.

• 🔒 Do not connect your phone to public computers (internet cafes, libraries) – the risk of malware infection.
• 🛡️ Turn off the debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times to tap, then in additional → For developers, deactivate debugging by USB).
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — New versions close vulnerabilities associated with network connections.

⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (Sberbank, Tinkoff) block work when the modem is active due to security policy. USB-modem.

Also, consider that mobile operators may charge traffic when handed out differently than when used normally. For example, tethering restrictions (e.g. 10 GB per month) are sometimes imposed on the "Unlimited" tariffs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about USB-modem on Xiaomi