The hotspot mode on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to distribute mobile Internet to other devices — laptops, tablets or even game consoles. This feature is indispensable for trips where there is no fixed Wi-Fi, or when you urgently need to connect a second gadget to the network. However, many users have difficulties: the settings are hidden in the non-obvious menu, the speed of distribution leaves much to be desired, the devices refuse to connect.
In this article, we’ll break down all the ways Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO can turn on handouts (including the 2023-2026 models), explain how to set up 5GHz for top speed, and tell you what to do if the access point doesn’t turn on due to operator limitations or MIUI errors.
Preparation of the smartphone before switching on the distribution
Before you activate the hotspot, make sure your Xiaomi is ready for it.
- 📶 Mobile Internet: Make sure that your smartphone has mobile data enabled (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Mobile Internet. Without an active connection, the distribution will not work.
- 🔋 Battery charge: Access point mode actively consumes energy. If the charge is below 20%, the system can automatically turn off the distribution.
- 🔒 Operator restrictions: Some tariffs block the distribution of the Internet (especially unlimited.
- 📱 Version. MIUI: On older versions of firmware (below) MIUI 12) the settings menu may differ. Update the system in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
If you use two SIM-Select the one that activates the Internet packet. In some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12) you can set the priority SIM handout → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access point.
Method 1: Enabling Distribution through the Notification Panel
The fastest way to activate the access point is through the notification curtain.It works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models with MIUI 11 and later:
- Swipe your finger down the screen to open the notification bar.
- Swipe down again to open the full panel.
- Find the Access Point icon (an antenna and wave icon). If it's not there, click on it. ⚙️ Edit and add it to active buttons.
- Tap the icon once to turn on the handout. By default, the device name and password from previous settings will be used.
If you are turning on the distribution for the first time, the system will offer you to configure the network name (SSID) and password. Use a password at least 8 characters with numbers and letters - this will protect your network from connecting third-party devices.
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To quickly turn off the distribution, again press the icon in the curtain or hold it to go to the settings.
Method 2: Configure through the parameter menu
If you want to change your network name, password, or Wi-Fi frequency, use the advanced settings:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the Access Point section (in some firmwares – Network and Internet → Access Point and modem).
- Click on the Wi-Fi Access Point setting.
- Set parameters: 📛 Name of the network (SSID): Any convenient name (e.g, Xiaomi_Hotspot_123). 🔐 Password: Minimum 8 symbols, it is recommended to use WPA2-PSK (defaulted). 📶 Range: Choose 5 GHz for a higher speed (but shorter range) or 2.4 GHz for better compatibility with older devices. ⏱️ Auto-disconnect: You can set a timer (for example, turn off via 10 minute).
Save the settings and turn on the distribution with the toggler at the top of the screen.
On models with MIUI 14 and later (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the option “Energy Saving Mode” appeared – it reduces battery consumption when handing out, but can reduce Internet speed.
What is WPA3 and should it be included?
Table: Optimal access point settings for different tasks
| The challenge | Range (GHz) | Type of security | Auto-disconnection | Energy saving regime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed (games, file downloads) | 5 | WPA2-PSK | Disconnected. | Disconnected. |
| Long-term battery life | 2.4 | WPA2-PSK | In 30 minutes. | Included. |
| Connecting old devices (printers, cameras) | 2.4 | WPA-PSK | Disconnected. | Disconnected. |
| Distribution in a public place (cafe, airport) | 5 or 2.4 | WPA3-SAE (if supported) | In 10 minutes. | Disconnected. |
Frequent mistakes and their solution
If the access point is not turned on or devices are not connected, check the following points:
- 🚫 Error "Can't turn on the hotspot": Most often due to operator restrictions. Check the balance and tariff conditions. On some rates (for example, "Switch to yours" from Tele2), the distribution is blocked until the account is replenished.
- 🔄 Devices are connected but the internet is not working: Restart your smartphone and check if your mobile data is turned on. APN In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
- 📵 Access Point itself is turned off: In the battery settings (Settings) → Battery and performance → Battery Consumption Management Apps) Add Access Point to Exceptions.
- 🔌 Low speed: If you use 2.4 GHz, try switching to 5 GHz. Also check if it's on on the connected device. VPN proxy.
Check the balance and tariff with the operator
Reboot your smartphone and connected device
Change the Wi-Fi range (2.4) ↔ 5 GHz)
Update the MIUI firmware to the latest version
Reset network settings (Settings) → System system → Reset → Resetting network settings)-->
On the POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T models, there is a bug when, after upgrading to MIUI 14.0.5, the access point stops working, so you can either roll back to the previous firmware version or wait for a patch.
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If the handout is unstable, try turning off Bluetooth – on some chipsets (for example, Snapdragon 7 Gen 2), these modules conflict.
How to distribute the Internet via USB or Bluetooth
In addition to Wi-Fi, Xiaomi supports the distribution of Internet through the Internet USB-cable and Bluetooth, which are less popular, but they can be useful in specific situations:
Distribution via USB (USB-ethernet)
- Connect your smartphone to your computer or laptop via a USB-C cable.
- In the phone settings go to Settings → Access Point and modem → USB-modem.
- Turn on the switchboard. There'll be a new network connection on the computer.
⚠️ Attention: On Windows 10/11 You may need to install the Mi driver. USB Download it from the official Xiaomi website or through Mi PC Suite.
Handling over Bluetooth
- Turn on Bluetooth on both devices and pair them.
- On your smartphone, go to Settings → Access Point and modem → Bluetooth modem.
- Select a conjugated device from the list.
Speed via Bluetooth is lower than Wi-Fi (~3 Mbit / s vs ~50 Mbit / s per 5 GHz), but battery consumption is minimal.
Hidden Access Point Functions on Xiaomi
There are some non-obvious features in MIUI that will help optimize the distribution:
- 🔗 Device Restriction: The access point settings can specify the maximum number of connected gadgets (1 to 10), which is useful if you do not want to have outsiders connect to your network.
- 📊 Traffic statistics: In Settings → Access point → And you can see how much data each connected device has spent, and that helps you identify the voracious devices.
- 🔄 Automatic Enablement: In Some Firmware (MIUI 13+) There is an option to auto-inclusion when connecting USB. It is useful if you often give the Internet to your laptop.
- 🛡️ Filtration MAC-Addresses: You can only allow connection to certain devices on their MAC-The setting is hidden in Settings. → Access point → Additionally. → Filter MAC.
On Xiaomi 12S Ultra and Redmi K60 Pro there is an experimental function “Dual access point” – it allows you to distribute the Internet at the same time at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (you need to activate the developer mode and enable the option persist.sys.wifi.hotspot.dualband via ADB).
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To speed up 5GHz, change the channel to 36, 40, 44, or 48 in your router settings (if you’re connected to Wi-Fi) – they’re usually less loaded.