How to turn on the distribution of the Internet from the phone Xiaomi: the complete guide

Xiaomi’s modern smartphones have long since evolved into full-fledged portable workstations capable of performing a variety of tasks that were previously only available to computers. One of the most sought-after features is the ability to use mobile device traffic to connect other gadgets, such as laptops, tablets or friends’ phones, an option known as a Wi-Fi hotspot, which is a lifeline for travel, in the country or in offices where the main provider is temporarily out of business.

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often encounter nuances of the MIUI or HyperOS shell interface that differ from standard Android. The activation process can seem confusing due to the abundance of security and energy saving settings. However, once you understand the menu structure, you can instantly provide access to the network in any situation, turning your phone into a powerful router.

In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways to distribute traffic, from classic Wi-Fi to more specific options via USB and Bluetooth. We will also touch on security issues, setting up network names and passwords, and also look at methods to optimize battery consumption so that your smartphone does not run out at the most inopportune time.

Basic principles of mobile hotspot

Before we get to the specific steps in the menu, it’s important to understand exactly how your phone broadcasts the signal. When you activate the handout function, the smartphone creates a local wireless network using a Wi-Fi module to transmit data received over a 4G or 5G mobile network. This requires significant CPU and radio resources, so power consumption in this mode increases significantly.

There are three main ways to transfer data: via Wi-Fi, USB-Wi-Fi provides top speed and allows you to connect multiple devices at once, making it the most popular choice. USB-The mode is ideal for stationary work behind a laptop, as it simultaneously charges the phone and provides a stable connection without loss of signal. Bluetooth modem is an option for emergency cases when you need minimum speed, but it is critical to save battery power.

⚠️ Warning: When using a Wi-Fi hotspot, the phone can get very hot.Do not cover the device with a cloth and avoid direct sunlight during active distribution to prevent the processor from trottling.

The MIUI has built-in protection mechanisms that can automatically turn off the distribution if no one is connected to the access point for a certain time, or if the body temperature reaches critical values. Understanding these limitations will help you avoid sudden connection breaks during an important download or video call.

How to enable Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi

The most common scenario is to quickly distribute the Internet over the air. In Xiaomi smartphones, this process is standardized, but has its own peculiarities depending on the firmware version. First, make sure that your device is on mobile data and has a stable network signal.

Go to the main settings menu of your device. You need to find a section that is usually called Wi-Fi Access Point or Personal Access Point. In new versions of HyperOS, this item can be immediately on the first settings screen or in the Connection and Sharing section. Click on the switch to activate the function.

Once turned on, the system will prompt you to configure network settings. By default, the network name (SSID) matches your phone model, for example, the Redmi Note 12, but it can be changed to any other. The password is also better replaced with a complex one so that outsiders can not use your traffic. Click on the Setting up Wi-Fi hotspot button to edit these settings.

It's a security feature that prevents unauthorized access even if the attacker knows the password.Always check the list of connected devices in the access point menu.

⚠️ Note: If you have changed region in your phone settings to China, the Wi-Fi frequency range may be limited. For Europe and CIS, make sure that the access point settings are Russia or Europe to avoid network visibility problems.

Setting up security settings and network name

The security of your personal access point depends on the encryption method chosen and the complexity of the password. Xiaomi smartphones by default use the WPA3-Personal or WPA2-PSK standard, which is a reliable protection against most hacking methods. Change the type of encryption to open (Open) is strongly discouraged, since all traffic will be transmitted in the open form.

To change your network name and password, go to the Setting up Wi-Fi hotspot menu. In the SSID field, you can type any name using Latin letters and numbers. Using Cyrillic in the network name can cause some older devices (such as printers or game consoles) to simply not see your hotspot.

Passwords must contain at least 8 characters, the system will tell you if the password is too simple, it is a good practice to use a combination of capital and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters, write the password in a safe place or use the password manager so that you do not forget it when you next set it up.

This section also includes the Hidden Network feature, which if you activate this option, your phone won't broadcast the network name on the air, and to connect, other users will have to manually type in the network name (SSID) and password, which adds a level of privacy, but makes it a little more difficult for guests to connect.

Distribution of the Internet through USB-cable

Not everyone knows that Xiaomi can be used as a wired modem. This method is especially useful if the Wi-Fi module on the laptop is faulty or if you need the most stable connection with minimal latency (ping). USB-cable, preferably original or certified.

Connect your phone to your computer through USB. On the screen of the smartphone will be a request for mode of operation USB (Charging, File Transfer, etc. Go to the access point settings and find the item USB-It's only going to be active once the cable is successfully connected, and if you switch on the switch, the computer automatically recognizes the new network connection.

A Bluetooth modem is an alternative for transmitting small amounts of data, it consumes significantly less power than Wi-Fi, but the connection speed will be low, making it unsuitable for watching videos or downloading large files, and to use this method, you first need to attach the phone and the receiving device via Bluetooth.

Once paired in the access point menu, activate the Bluetooth modem. On your computer or tablet, in Bluetooth settings, find your phone and select the network connection option. The driver installation process can take some time, especially on operating systems other than Windows 10/11.

Solving the Problem: Why the Internet is Not Spreading

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the access point is turned on, but the Internet on connected devices is not working. The most common reason is the lack of mobile data or a weak signal. Make sure that the 4G or 5G icon is displayed in the status bar and that your mobile operator's balance is positive.

Another common problem lies in the settings. APN (If you have recently changed the access points SIM-map or operator, settings may have been lost. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN). Click Reset or Restore by default so that the phone automatically downloads the correct settings for your carrier.

Also worth checking for traffic restrictions. MIUI has a traffic saving feature that can block access point operation if you exceed the set limit. Go to the Security → Traffic app and make sure that the access point function is not limited or exhausted.

⚠️ Note: Some carriers block or charge separately the distribution of the Internet (Tethering). If the Internet works on the phone itself, but does not go through the access point, contact your operator's support for clarification of the tariff conditions.

In rare cases, a simple reboot of network settings helps. Turn on flight mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off. If that doesn't work, try restarting the device itself. Also check if the phone has a static setup. IP-address in Wi-Fi settings that may conflict with the range of addresses of the network being distributed.

Optimization and extension of battery life

Internet distribution is one of the most energy-intensive processes for a smartphone. Active operation of the radio module and the processor leads to rapid heating and discharge. To minimize the impact on the battery, it is recommended to reduce the brightness of the screen or turn off the display altogether after connecting all devices.

Xiaomi’s hotspot settings often feature a time-out option that allows you to automatically turn off the hotspot if no one is connected to it for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 or 10 minutes), a useful feature that saves the battery if you forgot to turn off the distribution.

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Use the original charger and cable for long periods of operation in modem modem mode, which will help compensate for high power consumption and prevent rapid battery discharge.

If you use USB-modem, discharge problem is solved automatically, as the phone charges from the computer. In the case of Wi-Fi, try not to run heavy games or applications on connected devices if the phone charge is critically low. Also, turning off vibrations and unnecessary notifications on the phone itself will help save a little energy.

For owners of models with fast charging, it is recommended to use Optimized Charging mode if the phone is connected to the network during the handout, which will prevent the battery from overheating and prolong its life with frequent use of the modem function.

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Combination USB-Connection and the on lock screen is the best way to save battery power during long-term operation in router mode.