Why You Need a Smartphone Access Point and How It Works
Xiaomi smartphones are no longer just βphones for calls.β Redmi Note 10 with its support for Wi-Fi 5 and LTE Cat.12 is able to distribute Internet to 8-10 devices simultaneously β from laptop to smartwatches. But many users face problems: the access point does not turn on, devices do not connect, the speed βcutsβ to indecent values. In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of setting up a mobile hotspot on the Redmi Note 10 (including the versions of Pro, Pro 5G and S).
Technically, the function works like this: your smartphone becomes a mini-router that takes mobile Internet (3G/4G/5G) and broadcasts it over Wi-Fi or via USB/Bluetooth. The Redmi Note 10 supports dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz), but the access point by default only works at 2.4 GHz - this is a MIUI limitation that can be bypassed. The speed of distribution depends on the quality of the operator's communication, network load and the type of connection chosen.
It is important to understand the difference between the following:
- πΆ Wi-Fi hotspot is the most versatile way, but quickly puts the battery down
- π USB-Modem is more stable and cost-effective, but requires cable
- π΅ Bluetooth modem β slower, but suitable for devices without Wi-Fi (e.g. fitness bracelets)
Method 1: Enabling the access point through the basic settings
This is the most reliable method that works on all versions of MIUI (12 to 14), the instructions are relevant for the Redmi Note 10 on pure firmware without custom firmware. If you have a Global ROM installed, the path may be slightly different from China ROM.
Step-by-step:
- Open Settings (cog icon on the desktop)
- Go to the Network and Internet β Access Point and modem
- Tap on the mobile access point
- Activate the switch in the upper right corner
- When you first turn on, the system will offer you to configure the network name (SSID) and password - set them (we recommend using WPA2-PSK).
Make sure mobile internet is enabled | Check the rest of the carrier's traffic | Charge your phone to at least 30% | Disable VPN (may block the distribution)
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After activation next to the icon of the mobile network will appear icon πΆβπ±, And in the notification panel, you have an active access point, and to connect to it from another device, find the network that you've given, and enter the password.
β οΈ Warning: If the access point is immediately turned off after turning on, check if the mode is activated. SIM-It automatically blocks background data transmission.
Method 2: Quickly turn on through the notification panel
For those who use hotspots a lot, there is a faster way to do it through the control center, which works even if the basic settings of the system are blocked (for example, by parental controls).
How to turn on:
- Swipe your finger down to open the notification bar.
- Swipe down again to open the full panel.
- Find the Access Point icon (usually next to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth)
- Hold it for 2 seconds β additional settings will open.
- Tap the switch to activate.
If the icons are not in the panel:
- π§ Click on the pencil icon in the upper right corner of the panel
- π Find the Access Point in the list and drag it to the active area.
- π Record the changes by clicking the tick
Note that this switching on uses default settings (network name is phone model, password is random character set) and you still have to go to the basic settings to change them.
Method 3: Distribute the Internet via USB or Bluetooth
If Wi-Fi is not working for some reason or you need a more stable connection, alternative methods can be used. USB-The modem is especially useful for laptops - it not only distributes the Internet, but also charges the phone at the same time.
USB-modem:
- Connect your phone to your computer via the original cable
- In the phone settings, select Mode USB-Modem settings (Settings) β Network and Internet β Access Point and modem)
- On PC in Network Connections will appear a new device Remote NDIS
Bluetooth modem:
- Turn on Bluetooth on both devices
- Connect them (on the phone: Settings β Bluetooth)
- On your phone, activate the Bluetooth modem in the Access Point and modem section.
- On the second device in Bluetooth settings, select Connect to the Internet
| Type of connection | Speed. | Battery consumption | Max. Devices. | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) | Up to 50 Mbps | High-pitched | 8-10 | Universal, but warms the phone |
| Wi-Fi (5 GHz) | Up to 150 Mbps | Very tall. | 5-6 | Requires manual range switching |
| USB-modem | Up to 100 Mbps | Low (charges) | 1 | The most stable, but only for PC |
| Bluetooth | Up to 3 Mbps | Medium. | 3-5 | Slow but economical |
β οΈ Attention: When in use USB-modem on some firmware Redmi Note 10 may conflict with the mode of file transfer (MTP). If the Internet does not appear, in the settings USB Select Only Charge, then activate the modem again.
How to change Wi-Fi range from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz
By default, the Redmi Note 10 only distributes Internet in the 2.4 GHz band, which is often congested and slower. Fortunately, MIUI has a hidden 5 GHz switching option, but it is hidden in the engineering menu.
Instructions for range change:
- Open the phone app and dial ##4636##
- In the menu that opens, select Wi-Fi Information.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Wi-Fi settings.
- Find the Wi-Fi frequency band and change it to 5 GHz.
- Save the settings and reset the access point
What to do if there is no 5 GHz on the menu?
After switching, the speed of the transfer can increase by 2-3 times, but the range of the network will decrease. Also note that not all devices support 5 GHz (for example, old laptops or smart light bulbs).
Typical problems and their solutions
Even when set up correctly, the access point can be unstable, and here are the most common errors and ways to fix them:
Problem 1: Access point is switched on and off immediately
- π Check if In-plane mode or Charge Saving is enabled
- π± Reboot your phone (sometimes helps even with hardware failures)
- π§ Reset network settings: Settings β System system β Reset β Resetting network settings
- πΆ Make sure your mobile internet is working (try to open a website on your phone)
Problem 2: Devices are connected, but the internet is not working
- π Check the balance and package of the Internet with the operator (sometimes the traffic ends unnoticed)
- π Turn it off. VPN Proxies on the phone β they can block data transmission
- π‘ Switch the network type from 4G on 3G or back to Settings SIM-map
- π Change. APN settings (clarify the current parameters with the operator)
Problem 3: Slow speed of distribution
- πΆ Move closer to the operator tower (check the signal level in the status bar)
- π Switch from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz (if devices support it)
- π΅ Disable all background apps that consume traffic (especially torrents or cloud services)
- π§ In the engineering menu (#4636##) set the Preferred network type to LTE only
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If the speed is critically slow, try disabling App Auto Update in Google Play and limiting background activity of instant messengers. This can free up to 30% of bandwidth.
Hidden settings and optimization of the access point
For power users looking to make the most of their Redmi Note 10, there are a few hidden tricks: They require caution, but can greatly improve stability and speed.
1. Modifying the MTU to reduce ping
adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0
adb shell ifconfig wlan0 mtu 1400These commands will reduce delays when playing games or making video calls online, and you can type them in through ADB on a computer with USB debugging enabled.
2. Disabling automatic shutdown
By default, MIUI shuts down the access point after 5 minutes without activity.
- Install Activity Launcher from Play Market
- Find Settings in it β Testing
- Activate Tethering Timeout and set the value of Never
3. Increase in transmission power
In the engineering menu (#4636##) you can increase the power of the Wi-Fi transmitter:
- Go to Wi-Fi information β Wi-Fi configuration
- Find the Tx Power setting
- Set a High or Very High value (but this will increase battery consumption)
β οΈ Warning: Changing hidden settings can cause unstable Wi-Fi module operation or even hardware damage. If after the experiments the access point stopped working completely, reset the network: Settings β System system β Reset β Resetting network settings.
π‘
The best results in speed and stability are given by a combination of: USB-modem + background-deactivated + manual APN.