How to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi phone to another phone: the complete guide 2026

Modern Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi line, POCO and Mi) allow you to distribute mobile Internet to other devices through a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth or USB-This feature comes in handy when you don't have a router on hand, and the second phone needs to be connected to the network, for example, you can share traffic with friends, use a tablet without a computer. SIM-maps or even connect a laptop on a trip.

But not everyone knows how to set up the best handsets, especially when it comes to transferring the Internet from phone to phone. In this article, we will look at all the ways, including hidden MIUI settings, solving common errors (for example, when devices can’t see each other), and tips for saving battery power, and you will also learn why sometimes the speed of the handsets drops and how to fix it.

If you’ve experienced problems setting up your hotspot on Xiaomi before, it’s likely that it was the wrong security settings or carrier restrictions, and we’ll take a closer look at each step so you can customize the handset the first time, without having to manipulate or reset your settings.

1. Preparation of Xiaomi phone for the distribution of the Internet

Before you turn on the hotspot, make sure your smartphone is ready to give away traffic.

✅ Mobile Internet: Make sure that the main phone (Xiaomi) has mobile data enabled and there is a stable network signal (3G/4G/5G). Without it, the handout simply won't work. You can check the connection in the notification panel or in the Settings section. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.

✅ Battery charge: Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Internet use is a huge drain on the battery. If it's under 30 percent, connect the phone to the charger or use it. USB-cable distribution is the most economical way.

✅ Telecom operator: Some mobile operators (e.g. Tele2 or Yota) block Internet distribution by default:

• 📞 Call support and activate the option "Modem / access point"
• 💳 Connect a special tariff with distribution (for example, "Unlimited for everything" at MTS)
• 🔧 Manually change APN-settings (instruction below)

⚠️ Note: If you have two-sim Xiaomi, choose SIM-card with active Internet packet in the mobile network settings. The access point will use the same SIM, what is the main connection.

💡

If you give out the internet frequently, turn off automatic updates to Google Play apps on your connected device, saving traffic and battery life.

2. Method 1: Distribution via Wi-Fi (access point)

It works on all Xiaomi models (from Redmi 4A to Xiaomi 14 Ultra) and allows you to connect up to 10 devices at a time. Speed depends on your phone’s support for Wi-Fi standards (for example, Wi-Fi 6 on flagships gives you a more stable connection).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings on the Xiaomi phone.
2. Go to Access Point and Modem (on older versions of MIUI – Additional → Access Point).
3. Slip on the portable Wi-Fi access point.
4. Turn the slider into the On position.
5. Set up the parameters: 🔑 Name of the network (SSID): Think of a unique name (for example, Xiaomi_Hotspot_123). 🔒 Password: minimum 8 Symbols (use letters and numbers for reliability). 📡 Range: Choose 2.4 GHz for better compatibility or 5 GHz for higher speed (if supported).

Save.

⚠️ Note: If after switching on the access point, the Internet disappears on the main phone, check the settings APN. Maybe the operator needs a separate configuration to distribute, like MegaFon, you need to manually prescribe it. APN: Internet and Authentication Type: PAP.

Name of the network (SSID) It does not contain spaces and special symbols|Password complex (not "12345678")|On the second phone, the mode "Saving traffic" is disabled"|Both devices are in the network area (up to 10 meters)-->

3. Method 2: Distribution via Bluetooth

This method is suitable if you need to connect only one device and save battery power, speeds will be lower than Wi-Fi (usually up to 3-5 Mbps), but the connection is more stable in the conditions of interference.

How to set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones.
2. On Xiaomi’s phone (which distributes internet) go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
3. Slip the name of the second phone in the list of available devices and confirm pairing.
4. After connecting, go back to Settings → Access Point and modem.
5. Activate the Bluetooth modem option.
6. On the second phone, in Bluetooth settings, enable the Use to access the Internet option (the name may vary depending on the model).

🔹 Pros of the method:

• 🔋 Lower battery consumption compared to Wi-Fi.
• 🛡️ More secure connection (no password required).
• 📱 It works even if the Wi-Fi module on one of the phones is broken.

🔸 Cons:

• 🐢 Low speed (not suitable for streaming video).
• 📱 Only one connected device is supported.
• 🔄 Possible communication gaps at a long distance (more than 5 meters).

Method 3: Distribution through USB-cable

This is the most reliable and economical way, but it requires USB-cable (preferably original or high-end) speed comparable to Wi-Fi, and battery power is almost not consumed - the main phone will even be recharged from the second device (if it supports it). OTG).

Instructions:

1. Connect both phones with a cable (use a USB-C or Micro-USB port, depending on the model).
2. On Xiaomi phone in the notification panel, select File Transfer Mode (MTP) → USB-modem.
3. If the option does not appear automatically, go to Settings. → Access Point and modem → USB-modem and turn it on manually.
4. On the second phone, select the USB Internet (can be called USB-ethernet) in the network settings.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro) are connected for the first time via the USB You may need permission to debug USB. To turn it on:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Turn on USB debugging.

📊 Comparison of distribution methods:

5. Solving common problems

If the Internet is not working, here is the top-5 causes and ways of eliminating them:

🔴 Problem 1: Access point is turned on, but the Internet is not distributed

• 📵 Check the balance and activity of the Internet package with the operator.
• 🔧 Restart your phone and try again.
• 📡 Change. APN-settings (instructions for your operator are usually on the official website).

🔴 Problem 2: Devices can't see the access point

• 🔄 Reset the access point (turn off and turn on again).
• 📱 Make sure the second phone has Wi-Fi on and is within range. 5-10 meters.
• 🔐 Check if Xiaomi is limited to MAC-Addresses (in the settings of the access point).

🔴 Problem 3: Low speed or communication breaks

• 📶 Switch from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz (if supported) or vice versa.
• 📴 Turn off traffic savings in settings SIM-map.
• 🔋 Connect your phone to charge - with a low charge MIUI It may limit productivity.

🔴 Problem 4: USB-The modem is not working.

• 🔌 Try another cable (preferably original).
• 📱 Enable the Developer Mode and activate Debugging by USB.
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.

🔴 Problem 5: Bluetooth modem is connected, but the Internet is not working

• 📱 Make sure that the second phone has the option to use for the internet enabled in Bluetooth settings.
• 🔄 Disconnect and reconnect devices.
• 📵 Check if the antivirus is blocking or VPN linkage.

💡

If none of these methods work, reset the network settings on Xiaomi phone: Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.

6 How to save battery power when handing out

Internet sharing is one of the most energy-consuming functions of a smartphone, here are 5 working ways to reduce battery consumption:

🔋 Method 1: Use USB-cable

• This is the most cost-effective method, as the phone can even charge during the handout.

🔋 Method 2: Disable unnecessary functions

• 📱 Turn it off. GPS, NFC autosynchronization.
• 🔊 Reduce the brightness of the screen to 30-40%.

🔋 Method 3: Optimize the access point settings

• 📡 Choose the 2.4 GHz band instead of 5 GHz (less energy-intensive).
• 🔑 Set a simple password (but not too short) to speed up the connection.

🔋 Method 4: Use the Energy Saving Mode

• 📉 Enable Power Saving Mode in Battery Settings, but add Settings app to exceptions.

🔋 Method 5: Control connected devices

• 📱 Disconnect unnecessary gadgets from the access point.
• 🕒 Limit handout times (e.g., turn on only when necessary).

On Xiaomi phones with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), Wi-Fi distribution in the 5GHz band can consume up to 20% of charge per hour. Switching to 2.4GHz reduces consumption by up to 10-12%.

7. Security in the distribution of the Internet

Open access points are a potential threat to your data, and here are the security rules you should follow:

🔐 Rule 1: Set a complex password

• Use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols (e.g. Xiaomi)@2026_Hotspot).
• Do not use standard passwords like 12345678 or password.

🛡️ Rule 2: Limit the number of connected devices

• In the access point settings (Settings → Access Point and modem → Portable Wi-Fi Access Point → Settings), set a limit (for example, 2-3 devices).

📡 Rule 3: Hide SSID (name)

• In the same settings, activate Hide Network, and now only those who know the exact name can connect.

⚠️ Rule 4: Do not use the hotspot in public places

• Attackers can intercept your traffic or connect to the network without knowing it.

🔄 Rule 5: Change your password regularly

• If you often give out the Internet in cafes, transport or other public places, update your password every 1-2 weeks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about giving the Internet to Xiaomi