Sharing the Internet from a Xiaomi smartphone is one of the most popular features when you don’t have a router at hand and you need to access the network on a laptop, tablet or other device. Despite the apparent simplicity, users often face problems: the access point does not turn on, devices do not connect, or speed leaves much to be desired. In this article, we will analyze not only the basic settings, but also the hidden parameters of MIUI that will help stabilize the connection and eliminate typical errors.
It's important to understand that the hand-activation algorithm may vary depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14 or HyperOS) and the phone model (e.g. Redmi Note 12 vs POCO F5). We'll look at the universal methods, as well as features for old and new devices. If your phone doesn't give out the Internet after the upgrade, here's the solution.
Preparing the phone for the distribution of Wi-Fi
Before you turn on the hotspot, make sure your Xiaomi is ready for this task. First, check the availability of mobile Internet: without it, the handout simply will not work. Second, make sure that the phone has enough battery power - the function actively consumes energy. Optimal level: ≥ 40%.
You also have to consider the operator's restrictions, some tariffs block the distribution of the Internet or charge an additional fee, to check this out:
- 📱 Open your mobile operator’s application (for example, MTS Connect, MegaFon-Service).
- 🔍 Find the Services or Tariff section and check the Internet Distribution item (sometimes called Modem Mode»).
- 💳 If the service is paid, activate it or change the tariff to a more suitable one (for example, "Unlimited Internet" from Tele2 includes distribution without restrictions).
Technical nuance: on some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 9A), the distribution may not work if the power saving mode is turned on. Turn it off in Settings → Battery → Power saving mode.
Standard way to enable an access point
The easiest method to activate handouts is through the settings menu, which is suitable for most Xiaomi models, including the POCO X5, Redmi Note 11 and older devices on MIUI 11.
- Open the settings (cog icon on the desktop).
- Go to the Network and Internet section (or Connections in the new versions of HyperOS).
- Select Access Point and modem (in some firmwares – Modem Modem).
- Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point switch.
- Click on Access Point Settings to set the network name (SSID) and password.
Important: Default network name (SSID) often contains a model of a telephone, for example, Redmi_Note_12_1234). It can be changed to any other, but avoid Cyrillic and spaces – this can cause connection problems on some devices.
Make sure you have mobile internet |
Turn off the power saving mode |
Check the operator's restrictions |
Charge your phone to 40% or higher
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If the access point does not appear in the network list on other devices after turning on, try:
- 🔄 Reboot the phone.
- 📶 Temporarily disable and re-enable mobile data.
- 🔒 Make sure your password contains at least 8 characters (short passwords may not be supported).
Configuring password and network security
By default, Xiaomi generates a password for the access point automatically, but it can and should be changed. A weak password makes your network vulnerable to connecting third-party devices, which not only reduces speed, but also creates security risks.
To give you a strong password:
- In the Access Point Settings menu, find the Password field.
- Come up with a combination of 12+ symbolism: 🔢 Figures (0-9) 🔤 Capital and lowercase letters (A-z) 🔑 Special symbols (!@#$% etc.)
Save the changes and restart the access point.
Security tip: Avoid using personal data in your network name or password (such as your date of birth or name) and attackers can use this information to hack into your other accounts.
How do you know who is connected to your access point?
| Password type | Example | Level of security | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple (numbers only) | 12345678 | Low. | Easy to pick up with brute force |
| Average (letters + numbers) | MiXiaomi2026 | Medium. | Vulnerable to dictionary attacks |
| Complicated (symbols + register) | X!a0m#I2$4pO | High-pitched | Minimum risks |
Solving the problems of Internet distribution
If the access point is on, but the Internet is not working on connected devices, the reasons can be different.
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO M3) post-update MIUI 13 reset settings are reset APN. And that makes the mobile Internet work, but it doesn't work. APN In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN). Typical errors and their solutions: 🚫 Mistake. IP-configuration: Restart the phone and the connected device. In the access point settings, change the frequency range from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz (or vice versa). 🔌 Connected but without internet access: Turn off VPN on the phone (if it's on) Check the balance and rate activity with the operator. 🔄 Access Point is permanently disabled: In the battery settings, add Settings to Optimization Exceptions. Turn off Automatic Shutdown in the Access Point menu. A critical feature for Xiaomi owners on HyperOS: in newer versions of the firmware, the access point can be blocked by the security system if suspicious traffic is detected. To fix this, go to Settings → Apps → Permissions → Special Access → Data Use and allow the access point unlimited access to the mobile network. Optimization of the speed of distribution of the Internet with Xiaomi depends on several factors: the quality of the mobile network, channel load and phone settings. Here is how to improve it: Selecting Wi-Fi range: 2.4 GHz - better passes through walls, but is slower and subject to interference. 5 GG is faster than the speed of the device, the maximum is set in the device. Turn off background activity: Close all apps that consume traffic (e.g. YouTube, TikTok) before turning on the handset. For advanced users: if your Xiaomi supports Wi-Fi 6 (for example, Xiaomi 13 or POCO F4), Turn on this mode in the access point settings. This will increase the speed to 1.2 Gbps, but will reduce the range. 💡If the speed of the transfer falls sharply through 5-10 Check the traffic saving settings in the Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Save traffic. Disable this option for the current one. SIM-In addition to Wi-Fi, Xiaomi supports other methods of distributing the Internet, which can be useful in specific situations: 🔗 USB-Modem: Connect your phone to your PC via USB-- Turn on the cable. USB-Modem in Settings → The Internet and the Internet → Access Point and modem. On your PC, select Remote network NDIS Xiaomi in Network Connections. 📶 Bluetooth modem: Connect your devices to Bluetooth. In the access point settings, activate the Bluetooth modem. On the second device, select Internet Connection from the Bluetooth menu. When to use alternative methods: 🖥️ USB-modem – if you need a stable connection for PC (less latency than Wi-Fi). 🎧 Bluetooth modem – for devices without Wi-Fi (such as some smartwatches or older laptops). ⚠️ Attention: When in use USB-Xiaomi modem with HyperOS may need to install the Mi Phone Manager driver on your PC. Download it from the official Xiaomi website at the link: https://pcsuite.mi.com. Distribution of the Internet on older Xiaomi models If you have a device on the Internet MIUI 9-11 (Like Redmi. 4X, Mi A1), The interface of settings may vary. Here's how to turn the handout on these phones: Open the settings. → Other networks → Modem and access point. Activate Portable Wi-Fi hotspot. Click Access Point Settings and set settings manually: Network Name (SSID): no more than 32 characters. Security type: select WPA2 PSK (Wi-Fi channel: 6 or 11 (less loaded) are recommended for 2.4 GHz. Older models may not support 5 GHz and Wi-Fi 6. If the speed is critically low, try it: 📶 Switch to switch to 3G instead 4G (sometimes more stable). 🔄 Disable Network Auto-Selection in Settings SIM-maps and manually select the operator. 💡On devices older than 2018 (such as Redmi Note 5), the Access Point menu item may disappear after resetting. MIUI through settings → The phone. → Updating the system. FAQ: Frequent questions about the distribution of Wi-Fi on Xiaomi Why the phone does not give away the Internet after the update MIUI? Updating the firmware can reset the settings APN Or change your security policies. Try: Reset your network settings: Settings → The Internet and the Internet → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings. manually add APN operator (you can find the options on your provider's website) MIUI via Fastboot (instructions on the forum) 4PDA). Can you give away Wi-Fi without a password? Technically, but it's extremely insecure. If you need to temporarily open the network: In the access point settings, select Security Type. → No. Set a time limit (e.g. 1 hour) in the Auto-Disconnect menu. Warning: without a password, outsiders will be able to connect to your network, which will lead to a loss of access: 🐢 A sharp drop in speed. 🔓 The risk of identity theft (if you log into accounts via the distributed Internet) How to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi on iPhone? The connection algorithm is no different from other devices, but there are nuances: On iPhone, open Settings → Wi-Fi and select your Xiaomi network.If the connection doesn't happen, check: 🔤 The absence of Cyrillic in the name of the network (SSID). 🔒 Type of security — WPA2 (iPhone does not support WPA3 How much traffic is the Internet distributed? Traffic consumption depends on the activity of connected devices: Action Consumption in 1 hour Viewing the web 50–100 MB Streaming video (720p) 1–1.5 GB Online Games 100–300 MB Video Calls (Zoom, WhatsApp) 500 MB–1 GB To control the flow, use the built-in traffic counter in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Traffic usage: Can you share Wi-Fi with two people? SIM-No, Xiaomi doesn't support sharing the internet with two SIM-mapping. You can: 📱 Select the main one SIM handout → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Mobile Internet. 🔄 Quickly switch between SIM, The access point will only use one.