Modern smartphone has long ceased to be just a device for calls, turning into a full-fledged mobile router that can provide access to the global network a whole laptop or tablet. Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 5 often face the need to urgently transfer files or access the network from another gadget using mobile traffic. Built-in function of the Wi-Fi hotspot in the shell of MIUI is implemented quite flexibly, allowing not only to enable data transfer, but also fine-tuned security settings.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the details of the Redmi 5, which, despite its age, continues to be popular due to its balanced features, learn how to change the standard network name to a more recognizable one, install a reliable encryption protocol, and choose the optimal signal frequency for stable operation in a noisy air environment.
Special attention will be paid to hidden Android system settings, which are often ignored by users, but can significantly affect the connection speed and battery life of a smartphone. Understanding these mechanisms will allow you to effectively manage traffic and avoid unexpected battery discharges at the most inopportune time.
Basic activation of the access point through quick settings
The fastest way to activate modem modem mode is to use the Quick Access Panel, which is called from top to bottom on the lock screen or desktop.In the deployed MIUI notification curtain, the Access Point icon is usually located, but it can be hidden in the second page of the menu or in the additional list opened by the swipe to the right.
If you don't have a standard icon, you can go to the main system settings menu. To do this, look for Settings → Wi-Fi Access Point. This is the main switch, which puts the wireless network into active position immediately, and the system automatically assigns the network a name containing the model of your device, for example, Xiaomi Redmi 5.
- 📶 Click on the lightning icon in the notification curtain for instant turn on.
- ⚙️ Use the search bar in the settings by entering the “access point” request».
- 🔒 Check the status of mobile Internet before launching the distribution.
- 📱 Make sure the green key or antenna icon is on the screen.
Importantly, when it is first turned on, the system can request confirmation of activation of the mobile Internet if it has been previously turned off, a protective mechanism that prevents uncontrolled traffic flow, and once confirmed, the network will become visible to surrounding devices within the range of the signal.
Setting up security settings and network name
The standard security settings set by the manufacturer don't always meet the requirements of modern users, especially if you plan to use a public hotspot. Go to the Wi-Fi hotspot settings menu to change the network name (SSID) more convenient for identification, for example, «Office_Guest» or «Home_Net».
The key is to set a password. Xiaomi uses the WPA2 PSK encryption protocol by default, which currently balances compatibility with older devices with a level of protection. The password must contain at least 8 characters, including letters and numbers, to prevent unauthorized access.
Why can't we keep the network open?
In the same section, you can set up a hidden network that will not appear in the list of available connections on other devices. To connect to such a network, you need to manually enter a name (SSID) and password on the client device. This adds an additional level of privacy, although it is not a panacea for professional hacking.
- 🔐 Change the standard password to a complex combination of 12+ symbolism.
- 📝 Create a unique network name that does not contain personal data.
- 👁️ Consider enabling a “Hidden Network” mode for the office.
- 🔄 Regularly update your password if outsiders are connected to the network.
Remember, changing the network name will require all your devices to reconnect, as they will perceive it as a new access point. Save the new settings by clicking the OK button or the tick in the upper right corner of the screen.
Selection of frequency range and Wi-Fi standards
One of the key features of setting up the access point on Redmi 5 is the ability to select the frequency range. The access point settings menu has access to the "Access Point Frequency Range" option, where you can switch between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Choosing the right range directly affects the data rate and signal range.
The 2.4 GHz range is more versatile and compatible with the vast majority of older and budget devices, however, it is often overloaded with signals from neighbouring routers and household appliances, which can lead to a drop in speed. The 5 GHz range provides higher speed and stability, but has a shorter range and worse penetration through walls.
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If your devices don’t see the network in the 5GHz band, force the 2.4GHz setting to be switched to fix the compatibility problem with older laptops.
Also in advanced settings (often hidden or available through the engineering menu, but sometimes present in the standard firmware global versions) you can find a choice of the Wi-Fi standard. For Redmi 5, 802.11 b/g/n standards are relevant. Setting the “n only” mode can increase speed, but cut off very old devices that support only the b or g standard.
| Parameter | Range 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz range |
|---|---|---|
| Speed. | Up to 150 Mbps | Up to 433 Mbps |
| Range. | Tall. | Medium |
| Penetrability | Good. | Low. |
| Workload | Tall. | Low. |
It is recommended to experimentally choose the optimal range for your particular situation. If you are in an apartment building with dozens of neighborhood networks, switching to 5 GHz can give a tangible increase in page load speed.
Limiting the number of connected devices
User limitation is not only a way to control traffic, but also an important security measure. In the settings of the Xiaomi access point, there is a “Device Management” or “Connected Devices” option, which displays a list of all gadgets using your Internet at the moment.
You can set a limit on the number of simultaneous connections here, for example, if you only distribute the Internet to your laptop, set a limit of 1 device, which will prevent someone from "sitting" on your network and downloading heavy files, significantly slowing down your connection.
☑️ Network security check
⚠️ Note: If you find a device with an unfamiliar name on the list of connected devices or MAC-Address, immediately change the password of the access point and block access to a stranger through the control menu.
The system allows you to lock individual devices manually, even if the connection limit is not yet exhausted, which is convenient in situations where you need to temporarily restrict access to a particular gadget without changing the common password for all other users of the network.
Problems with energy saving and stability of work
The access point mode is one of the most energy-intensive processes for a smartphone, as it uses a Wi-Fi module to transmit, a 4G/LTE module to receive data and a processor to route packets. On Redmi 5 with its 4000 mAh battery capacity, this can lead to rapid discharge and heating of the case.
The MIUI shell is known for its aggressive energy saving policy, which can automatically turn off the hotspot if the smartphone screen is out or the system decides the device is not in use. To avoid this, you need to add the Settings app or access point system process to the battery exclusion.
Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Consumption, find system processes in the list, and set “No Limits” mode for services related to Wi-Fi and the access point, which will prevent the system from “killing” the distribution process to save energy.
- 🔋 Turn off energy saving mode when actively distributing the Internet.
- 🌡️ Remove the case from the smartphone if it gets very hot during operation.
- 📉 Reduce the brightness of the screen, as it also consumes energy.
- 🚫 Do not leave your smartphone in the sun or on soft surfaces when working.
Also, consider that when you actively distribute Internet traffic can be consumed faster than usual due to background updates of applications on connected devices.
Alternative ways of distributing: USB and Bluetooth
In addition to the classic Wi-Fi, Xiaomi Redmi 5 supports the distribution of the Internet through the Internet USB-These methods can be useful in specific situations, for example, when the Wi-Fi module on the receiving device is faulty or maximum connection stability is required.
USB-The modem provides the most stable connection with minimal latency (ping), which is important for online games or video calls, and in this mode, the smartphone is simultaneously charged from the computer, which compensates for the high energy consumption. To activate, connect the cable, then go to Settings → Wi-Fi hotspot → USB-modem.
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USB-The modem is the best choice for stationary work behind a laptop: it gives maximum speed, minimal ping and charges the phone in the process.
The Bluetooth modem is slower and has a higher ping, but consumes significantly less power than Wi-Fi. This is a good option for emergency cases when you need to transfer a small amount of text information or check email, and the charge of the phone is critically low.
⚠️ Attention: For work USB-A modem on a computer may require drivers that are usually installed automatically on modern OSes, but on older versions of Windows (7, XP) You may have to search for them manually.