The modern smartphone has long ceased to be just a device for calls, becoming a full-fledged control center for digital space. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices often face the need to provide access to the global network to other gadgets: laptops, tablets or friends’ phones. Internet distribution function, or Wi-Fi hotspot, is one of the most popular tools in the user’s arsenal, allowing you to stay online anywhere in the world.
However, the standard MIUI or HyperOS shell interface sometimes hides the necessary switches in non-obvious places, and the settings may differ depending on the Android version. In addition, there are nuances related to frequency ranges and traffic limits that are important to consider for stable operation. In this article, we will discuss all aspects of setting up a mobile hotspot so that you can easily share the connection.
The activation process usually takes less than a minute if you know where to click, and we'll look at both standard methods through the settings menu and quick ways through the control panel, and we'll also focus on security issues so that your traffic isn't used by unauthorized people without your knowledge.
The main ways to activate the access point
There are several ways to run modem on Xiaomi devices, and the quickest and most obvious option is to use a notification curtain. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the control center, and find an icon that is labeled "Access Point" or "Hotspot." Clicking on it instantly activates the mode, but won't allow you to change the settings without going to the menu.
For a deeper configuration, you need to go to the system menu. Open Settings and find the Connection and Sharing section (in older versions of MIUI it could be simply called "Additional Features" or located in the "Mobile Network" item), and this is where all the levers of control over the network interfaces of your smartphone are concentrated.
- 📱 Through the curtain: swipe down → Icon "Access Point».
- ⚙️ Through Settings: Settings → Connection and sharing → Wi-Fi hotspot.
- 🔍 Through Search: Enter “Access Point” in the Settings Search Bar.
If you use a voice assistant, you can just say, "Enable the hotspot," and the system will execute the command automatically, which is especially convenient when your hands are busy or your smartphone screen is locked, but manual intervention will still be required to set the password first.
Detailed settings of Wi-Fi network settings
When you go to the Wi-Fi Access Point menu, you'll see a page with basic parameters, and it's critical to set a strong password to prevent unauthorized access. By default, the system often offers a random set of characters, but it's better to replace it with a memorable combination that's hard to pick up.
Special attention should be paid to the choice of frequency range. In the access point settings menu (often hidden under the "Access Point Setting" button or gear) you can choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz range provides better compatibility with older devices and longer range, but has a lower speed. The 5 GHz range offers high data transfer speed, but the signal range will be smaller, and some older gadgets may simply not see it.
⚠️ Note: When choosing a 5GHz band, make sure the device you connect supports this standard. Otherwise, your phone won’t be able to detect your network in the list of available connections.
You can also change the SSID (network name) that other users will see in this section, and the standard name usually contains a phone model, such as the Redmi Note 10. It is recommended to rename the network to something neutral or personal, so as not to broadcast information about your device model to outsiders.
Don't forget to check the connection limit. Xiaomi's default system allows you to connect up to 10 devices at a time. If you only distribute the Internet to a laptop, you can reduce this number to 1-2, which will save battery power and increase the stability of the connection.
☑️ Checking security settings
Use of the USB-modem and Bluetooth
It is not always convenient to use a wireless connection, especially if maximum stability is important or you want to save battery power. USB-To activate it, connect the phone to your computer or laptop using a cable, then select the access point menu «USB-The system will automatically install the necessary drivers, and the computer will perceive the phone as a wired network device.
Advantage USB-The connection is that the phone is simultaneously charged by the computer, offsetting the energy costs of data transmission, which is ideal for long-term work behind the laptop in places where there is no fixed Wi-Fi. The data transfer speed through the cable is generally higher and more stable than over the air.
The third option is Bluetooth, which is the least popular method because of the low data rate, but can be a lifeline in emergency situations when the Wi-Fi module is damaged or not working. To activate, you need to pair between devices, then turn on the "Bluetooth modem" in the Bluetooth settings on the phone.
Why? USB-The modem is faster?
Traffic and Limits Management
Mobile Internet is rarely unlimited, so controlling your traffic flow becomes the number one task. Xiaomi's hotspot settings have a built-in meter that allows you to set a traffic limit. You can set a limit in gigabytes or in time, and once the limit is exhausted, the distribution will automatically stop.
To set a limit, go to Access Point Settings → Traffic Limitation. You can set a daily or monthly limit here. This is a useful feature if you share the Internet with children or colleagues and want to avoid unexpected bills from the carrier at the end of the month.
Also, it is worth considering that background processes on connected devices can eat up traffic unnoticed by the user, system updates, synchronization of cloud storage and autoloading high-quality photos can quickly consume a data packet.
| Type of restriction | How it works | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| By volume of data | Disconnects the network after reaching the specified GB | Bet 80-90% of your rate |
| Timely. | Works a predetermined number of minutes/hours | Convenient for temporary distribution |
| No restrictions. | Works until manually switched off | Only at unlimited rates. |
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Setting a traffic limit is a must for gigabyte-limited tariffs to avoid overspending.
Solving Common Connection Problems
Despite the ease of setting up, users sometimes experience situations where the access point is turned on but the Internet is not working or devices can not see the network, one of the common causes is a malfunction of the network module, in which case a banal reboot of the smartphone or switch to air mode for 10-15 seconds helps.
Another common problem is the APN settings of your mobile operator, and if the Internet on the phone itself is working but it's not going through the distribution, check the APN settings. They have to be in line with your carrier's requirements, often by creating a new hotspot with standard settings or resetting the APN settings to factory settings.
- 🔄 Reboot: Turn off and turn on the phone again.
- ✈️ Air Mode: Turn on for 10 seconds, then turn off.
- 📶 Verification APN: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
If devices see the network but cannot connect (Hanges the status of “Getting” IP-Addresses), try changing the frequency range from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz. Also check if the blacklist is not included in the list. MAC-address of the problem device in the security settings of the access point.
⚠️ Note: Some carriers block or limit speed when Internet distribution is detected (technology) TTL). If the internet is on your phone but does not work through the hotspot, it is possible that your tariff does not support modem modem.
Effect of Dispensing on Battery and Heating
Access point mode is one of the most energy-intensive processes for a smartphone, and the constant operation of the radio module in the mode of receiving and transmitting data leads to rapid battery discharge and significant heating of the case, especially when using the 5 GHz band and connecting several devices simultaneously.
If you plan a long Internet session, it is recommended to keep your phone connected to the charger. However, watch the temperature: if the case gets too hot, the system can automatically turn off the access point or slow down charging to protect components.
To minimize heating, you can reduce the brightness of the screen or turn off the display altogether, as it also contributes to the overall thermal balance of the device. Using the original cable and power supply will ensure a more stable operation of the power supply system in high load conditions.
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To reduce heat during the handout, remove the protective case from the phone, especially if it is thick or made of materials that do not remove heat well.