Turning your Xiaomi into a router and distributing mobile internet to a laptop, tablet or other smartphone is a challenge that almost every user faces. But even in 2026, many owners of Redmi, POCO or Xiaomi’s flagship 13/14 models are facing problems: the access point does not turn on, the devices do not connect, or the speed drops to zero after 5 minutes. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways of setting up, the hidden functions of MIUI, and give a checklist for troubleshooting.
The feature of MIUI firmware is frequent interface updates and resets to new menu sections. If you last set up your Internet distribution a year ago, the path to the options you need has probably changed, we updated the instructions for MIUI 12.5-14 versions (including global and Chinese builds), and added solutions for specific errors, such as when the access point is turned off on its own or not visible on a MacBook.
1. Standard method: Enabling the access point through the settings menu
This is a basic method that works on 90% of Xiaomi devices regardless of model, and the main thing is to properly configure network settings to avoid connection problems.
Open the Settings app (cog icon) and go to Mobile Network → Access Point and modem. In some versions of MIUI, the path may be different: Settings → Connections and Sharing → Modem Mode. If you don't find the partition, search by settings (the magnifier in the upper right corner) and type in the "access point" request.
- 🔧 Click Access Point Settings (or Wi-Fi Settings in older versions).
- 📝 Give me the name of the network (SSID) — It is better to use Latin without spaces (for example, Xiaomi_Hotspot).
- 🔒 Select the type of security: we recommend WPA2-PSK (most compatible).
- 🔑 Create a password that is at least 8 characters long (numbers) + letter-book).
- 📶 In the Frequency Range section, select 2.4GHz for maximum compatibility (5GHz may not be supported by older devices).
Once you save your settings, go back and activate the Wi-Fi Access Point switch. If it is inactive, check if mobile internet is turned on (the 4G/5G icon in the status bar). Some models (POCO F5, Redmi Note 12) may require confirmation via SMS from the operator (free).
Mobile Internet is turned on and working (check the speed in the browser)
The phone has enough charge (minimum 30%)
VPN is disabled in security settings (can block distribution)
The device you connect to is within a radius of 5-10 meters.-->
2. Alternative method: Incorporation through the notification panel
A quick way to activate the access point is to use the Quick Settings Panel. Swipe down from top to bottom across the screen (some models need to swipe twice), then find the Access Point icon (three waves with a dot in the center). If it's not there, click on the pencil (Edit) and add to the active elements.
Hold your finger on the icon for 1-2 seconds, this will open an extended menu with settings. Here you can quickly change the network name or password without going into deep settings. Note: if after turning on the icon becomes gray and disappears after a few seconds, this is a sign of blocking by the operator (see section 5).
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On the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and POCO F4 GT In the notification panel, two icons can be displayed: Access Point (Wi-Fi) and USB-Don't confuse them, the other one is for cable distribution.
3. setup of the access point via USB or Bluetooth (hidden functions)
If Wi-Fi is not working or you need a more stable channel, MIUI There are two alternatives to: USB-Modem and Bluetooth modem, which are less well known, but sometimes save in critical situations.
USB-modem
Connect your phone to your computer via USB-C cable (original or certified). Go to Access Point and modem → USB modem and activate the switch. On a PC in Network Connections, a new Remote NDIS device will appear, which is a virtual network adapter. The speed with this connection is higher than over Wi-Fi, and the phone is not consumed.
Bluetooth modem
Pair your phone with your target device (laptop, tablet) over Bluetooth. Then, in Xiaomi's settings, select Access Point and modem → Bluetooth modem and turn on the function. This is slower than USB, but more energy efficient. Suitable for devices without Wi-Fi (such as some smartwatches or older printers).
| Distribution method | Speed. | Energy consumption | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) | Up to 50 Mbps | High. | All devices. |
| Wi-Fi (5 GHz) | Up to 200 Mbps | Very high. | Modern gadgets |
| USB-modem | Up to 150 Mbps | Low. | USB computers |
| Bluetooth modem | Up to 3 Mbps | Average. | Bluetooth devices |
Wi-Fi access point|USB-modem|Bluetooth modem|Never used it.-->
4. Solving the Problem: Why Xiaomi’s Access Point Doesn’t Work
If the devices don't connect or the Internet doesn't work after turning on the handout, the reasons can be both software and hardware.-5 errors and ways of eliminating them.
⚠️ Attention: On Redmi models 9A, Redmi 10A some POCO M3 operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) by default block the distribution of the Internet. USSD-request *111*77# (for MTS) or contact support.
- 🔄 Access point turns on and off: Check your mobile account balance -- some rates block the distribution at zero balance.
- 📵 Devices don't see the network: Make sure the access point settings select the 2.4GHz band (5GHz is not supported by many laptops). Also try turning off battery saving for the Settings app.
- 🐢 The Internet works, but very slowly: Turn on Max mode. performance in the battery settings. VPN — Turn it off.
- 🔌 USB-Modem is not defined on PC: Install Mi drivers PC Suite from the official Xiaomi website or try another cable (preferably original).
- 🔒 Password required, but connection reset: Change security type with WPA3 on WPA2-PSK — Some devices (especially Apple) are not working properly with the new standard.
What to do if the operator blocks the distribution? If your tariff does not support the distribution of the Internet, but you urgently need to connect a laptop, try the following workarounds:
5. Hidden MIUI settings for advanced users
MIUI firmware has hidden settings that allow you to fine-tune the access point, for example, you can increase the number of connected devices (the default is limited to 8) or change the Wi-Fi channel to reduce interference.
To access hidden settings:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find the Network section and turn on Modem Modem (advanced settings).
- Now in the menu Access Point will appear additional options, for example: Max. connections (can be increased to 15), Auto-disconnect (disable if the access point is cut off after 5 minutes) Channel width (select 40 MHz to increase speed)
⚠️ Warning: Altering the 160 MHz Wi-Fi channel may cause the hotspot to work unstable on some models (Redmi Note 11, POCO X3 If after the changes the network disappears - reset to factory settings in the section Access Point → Reset.
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On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) in advanced settings, the option of Wi-Fi 6E is available. Its inclusion increases speed by 30%, but reduces network range.
6. battery saving during long-term Internet distribution
Wi-Fi distribution is one of the most energy-consuming features of a smartphone. If you need to use your phone as a router for more than an hour, follow these tips:
- 🔋 Connect your phone to charging (preferably through the original Xiaomi adapter) 33W+). Use of weak chargers (<5W) It can cause overheating and automatic shutdown of the access point.
- ☀️ Turn off the autobrightness and set the screen brightness to 30-40%, which will reduce the load on the processor.
- 📴 Close all background apps, especially instant messengers and games.
- ❄️ If the phone starts to warm up, remove the case and put the device on a flat surface (not on the sofa or blanket).
- 🔄 Enable Adaptive Charging in Battery Settings (available on Xiaomi) 12/13/14). This will slow down the wear of the battery during prolonged distribution.
On models with a battery capacity of less than 4000 mAh (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite), Wi-Fi distribution in 5 GHz mode reduces the time to 2-3 hours. USB-modem.
7.Security: How to Protect Your Access Point from Hacking
Open access points are easy targets for hackers, who can steal not only your traffic, but also your personal data.
- 🔐 Use a password at least as long as 12 symbols with mixed register, numbers and special characters (for example, X!a0m1_H0t$p0t).
- 🔄 Change your password every 1-2 months, especially if you’re in public.
- 👤 In the access point settings, enable Hide the network (SSID). Then your network will not appear in the list of available, and only those who know its name will be able to connect.
- 📱 Install a NetGuard or GlassWire app to monitor connected devices. MAC-Address - change your password immediately.
- 🚫 Turn it off. WPS In router settings (if you're sharing Internet from phone to router), this protocol is vulnerable to brute force attacks.
On models with MIUI 14, the Access Point Protection feature (under Security) automatically locks devices after 3 failed connection attempts, activate it if you often give out the Internet at cafes or airports.