How to turn on the Internet on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: all ways + error solving

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is still a popular choice due to its balance of performance and price, but many users have difficulty trying to distribute mobile Internet to other devices. Unlike modern models, where the access point function is activated in two clicks, this device can experience nuances, from hidden MIUI settings to restrictions from mobile operators.

In this article, you will find not only step-by-step instructions for all three distribution methods (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB), but also unique solutions to typical problems: why devices do not connect, how to bypass the carrier lock without root rights, and what to do if the access point itself turns off after 5 minutes. We also tested all methods on current versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14) to ensure that instructions work in 2026.

Preparing the phone before setting up the access point

Before you turn on the Internet, make sure your Redmi Note 5 is ready for this. Skipping these steps often leads to errors like "Can't turn on the access point" or "Error" IP-configurations on connected devices.

First, check the mobile internet balance – many operators block the distribution at zero or negative balance, even if the traffic is included in an unlimited packet. Second, update the firmware: older versions of MIUI (below MIUI 10) may not support modern security protocols (for example, WPA3), which will cause problems with connecting new devices.

• 📱 Update. MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest version.
• 📶 Check the signal of the network: weak level (1-2 divisions may cause distribution breaks. Try switching to 3G instead 4G, if the signal is unstable.
• 🔒 Turn it off. VPN: some VPN-Services conflict with the function of the access point, especially if you use proxy servers.
• 🔄 Reboot your phone: This will reset temporary network settings that may interfere with the distribution.

⚠️ Note: If you use two of these SIM-maps, the access point will only distribute the Internet from the one selected as the main one for mobile data. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Mobile Internet.

Method 1: Distribution of the Internet via Wi-Fi (modem mode)

It’s the most versatile and fast method, but it’s also the most energy-consuming. Redmi Note 5 supports building Wi-Fi networks at speeds up to 150 Mbps (802.11n standard), which is enough for most tasks – from watching videos to online games.

To enable the access point:

1. Open Settings and go to Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
2. Slip on the Wi-Fi Access Point (or Portable Access Point in older versions of MIUI).
3. Turn on the Wi-Fi Access Point slider.
4. Set up network settings: Network name (SSID): Think of a unique name (for example, Redmi5_Hotspot). Protection: Choose WPA2-PSK (The most secure option. Password: minimum 8 symbols, preferably with numbers and letters.

Save your settings and connect other devices to the network you have created.

Make sure your connected device is deactivated with VPN| Check that the password is error-free (registration is important!)|Reboot your router if the connection is not stable | Turn off battery saving on Xiaomi

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Important: on some MIUI firmware, the access point automatically shuts down after 5 minutes without active connections. To avoid this, connect at least one device immediately after turning on.

Method 2: Distributing the Internet via Bluetooth

This method is less popular, but useful in two cases: when you need to save battery power (Bluetooth consumes less power than Wi-Fi) or when the connected device does not support Wi-Fi (for example, some smartwatches or old laptops). ~3 Mbps, which is enough for messengers or mail, but not for video.

Instructions for setting:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. On Redmi Note 5, go to Settings → Connection Devices → Bluetooth.
3. Find the right device in the list and tap it to pair.
4. After pairing, go back to Settings → Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
5. Activate the Bluetooth modem slider.

On a connected device (e.g., a Windows laptop), you need to manually select a Bluetooth network from the list of available connections, and in some cases, you may need to install drivers for a Bluetooth PAN (Personal Area Network).

⚠️ Warning: If the internet is down after you connect, check that Redmi Note 5 has the "Internet Access" check box for the connected device on Bluetooth settings, which is sometimes reset after you restart your phone.

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If the speed over Bluetooth is too low, try turning off the Adaptive Wi-Fi feature on your phone in the developer settings.

Method 3: Distribute the Internet via USB (Reverse Tethering)

USB-It's the most stable and safe way to distribute, because it doesn't depend on the signal strength of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. USB-port (USB 2.0 on the Redmi Note 5 give up 480 Mbps, but the real speed will be around 50-100 Mbps due to firmware limitations, the main disadvantage is the need to physically connect the cable.

To set up USB-modem:

1. Connect your phone to your computer or laptop through USB-cable (preferably original).
2. On the phone in the Settings section → Network and Internet → Access point and modem turn on USB-modem.
3. On your computer, wait for the drivers to install (Windows usually installs them automatically).
4. Windows Network Connections will have a new “Ethernet” or “USB RNDIS” connection – use it to access the Internet.

If drivers are not automatically installed, download them from the official Xiaomi website (Support → Redmi Note 5 → Drivers) or use the universal Google USB Driver package for Android.

Solving problems with the operator’s distribution blocking

Many Russian operators (e.g. MTS, Beeline, MegaFon) restrict or completely block the distribution of Internet at tariffs with “unlimited” traffic. TTL-packet life (blockage lifetime) when the phone is handing out the Internet, TTL decreases by 1 and the operator is detect'ite.

There are two ways to get around the block without root rights:

Method 1: Change TTL through ADB (without root)

This method works on most MIUI firmware and does not require superuser rights.

1. Install. ADB-computer-driver.
2. Connect Redmi Note 5 to USB and enable USB Debugging (see spoiler above).
3. Open the command line (Windows) or the terminal (Linux/macOS) Enter: adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0 exit adb shell ip route Find the line with rmnet_data (for example, rmnet_data1) and remember her.
4. Enter the command (replace). rmnet_data1 For your value: adb shell iptables -t mangle -A POSTROUTING -j TTL --ttl-set 65
5. Reboot the phone.

And then the operator will see the direct connections instead of the handset, and the downside is that once you reboot the phone, the settings will reset and you have to repeat the command, and to automate the process, you can create a tasker script or use an app. TTL Editor (requires) ADB-access).

Method 2: Using a VPN with Split Tunneling

Some of them VPN-Services (e.g., ProtonVPN or Windscribe) allow access point traffic to be routed through VPN, I'm going to mask him:

1. Install. VPN-Application and connect to the server.
2. In the VPN settings, enable Split Tunneling (or “Exceptions”).
3. Add the Settings app (or Access Point if it is displayed separately) to the exceptions.
4. Turn on the access point – traffic will go through the VPN, bypassing the operator’s locks.

⚠️ Note: Some operators block known VPN-If the speed is zero, try changing the server country (for example, the Netherlands or Sweden) or use WireGuard instead of OpenVPN.

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Changing TTL is the most reliable way to get around handblocking, but it requires reconfiguration after each phone restart, and a permanent solution will require root or custom firmware.

How to save battery power during long-term distribution

Internet sharing is one of the most energy-intensive functions of a smartphone. 5 battery-powered 4000 Wi-Fi hotspot can drain your phone for a while 3-4 This is an hour of active use:

• 🔋 Turn off background apps: go to Settings → Annexes → Autostart and disable Autostart for all applications except system.
• 📉 Reduce the brightness of the screen to a minimum and turn on "Adaptive brightness".
• 🌐 Switch to the switch. 3G: In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred type of network select 3G instead 4G — This will reduce the power consumption of the communication module.
• ⚡ Use charging: if you distribute the Internet stationary (for example, in the country), connect your phone to the socket. Redmi Note 5 supports Quick Charge 3.0, which will allow you to simultaneously distribute the Internet and charge.

If you need to give out the Internet for a long time (for example, on a trip), consider buying a powerbank with a capacity of 10,000 mAh. For the Redmi Note 5, models with Quick Charge support (for example, Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3 Pro) are suitable.

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To quickly disable the access point without going to the settings, add its widget to the home screen: press your finger in the free space of the screen → “Widgets” → find “Access Point” and drag it to the screen.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even after you set it up correctly, Redmi Note 5 users are faced with common bugs, and we've compiled the most common and proven ways to fix them.

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the network settings to factory:

1. Go to Settings → System → Additional → Resetting settings.
2. Select "Reset Network Settings" (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. After restarting, reset the access point.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions