How to distribute Wi-Fi from a Xiaomi phone: 3 working methods + problem solving

Modern Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi lines) can work as full-fledged routers, distributing Wi-Fi Internet to other devices, a feature called an access point (or modem) and come in handy when there is no fixed router at hand - for example, when traveling, in the country or when setting up a new gadget.

In this article, we’ll break down all the ways to enable a hotspot on Xiaomi (including hidden settings for older versions of MIUI), explain how to save battery power over long periods of time, and provide a compatibility table with popular devices. And if something goes wrong, you’ll end up with an FAQ that solves 90% of the problems, from no internet to the “failed to turn on the hotspot” error.

1. Standard method: through the notification panel

The fastest method is to use the Quick Settings Panel, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 10 and later (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11, etc.).

Instructions:

  • 📱 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar.
  • 🔍 Find the Access Point icon, which looks like radio waves from your phone. If it's not, swipe left to open all the panels.
  • 🔘 Tap the icon once. If you get a confirmation request, click OK.
  • 🔒 By default, the network will be called Xiaomi_XXXX (where XXXX — last-minute IMEI), a Password – on the back of the box or in the settings.

⚠️ Note: If the Internet on the phone disappeared after activation, check if the Traffic Saving mode is included in the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Traffic savings. It blocks data transmission when it's distributed.

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To quickly find the password from the access point, go to Settings → Access Point → Access Point settings. It displays the current password as points – click on the eye icon to see it.

2. Through the settings menu: extended settings

If you don’t have an icon on the panel or need to change your network name/password, use the settings menu, which is suitable for all versions of MIUI, including Xiaomi 13T and Redmi A2.

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the settings (cog icon).
  2. Go to Access Point (or Network and Internet → Access Point and modem on new versions).
  3. Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point switch.
  4. To change the settings tap Setting up the access point and specify: 📛 Name of the network (SSID) — Latin, no gaps. 🔐 Password – minimum 8 characters (we recommend using numbers) + letter). 📡 Range: 2.4 GHz (better for range) or 5 GHz (faster but smaller radius).

💡 Tip: If you're sharing the Internet from Xiaomi to Xiaomi, use the Mi Share feature (in the same AP settings). It automatically connects devices without entering a password - just confirm the request on both gadgets.

What to do if there is no access point section?
On some firmware (e.g., global for POCO F3), the partition may be called Portable Hotspot or hidden in Additional → Modem and Access Point. If it is not, upgrade MIUI to the latest version.

3. Hidden mode: through the engineering menu (for experienced)

On older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1) or custom firmware, the standard methods may not work, and the engineering menu will help. This method requires caution - incorrect settings can disrupt the network!

Instructions:

  1. Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
  2. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
  3. Scroll down to the Wi-Fi hotspot block.
  4. Turn on Wi-Fi hotspot toggle and set the settings manually.

🔴 Problem 3: Always asking for a password

This is due to a failure in the security settings.

  1. Go to Settings → Access Point → Access Point settings.
  2. Change the security type from WPA2-PSK to WPA3-PSK (or vice versa).
  3. Save the settings and restart the access point.

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If nothing works, reset your network settings: Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings. This will delete all saved networks, but often solves distribution problems.

7.Security: How to Protect Your Access Point

Open access points are easy targets for hackers.

  • 🔐 Use a complex password (example: Xiaomi2026!Avoid simple combinations like 12345678.
  • 🔄 Change your password once in a while. 1-2 You often give out Wi-Fi in public places.
  • 📛 Don't use it in the network name (SSID) Personal information (for example, Ivanov_WiFi).
  • 🛡️ Turn off the access point when it is not needed – this will reduce the risk of connecting third-party devices.

⚠️ Attention: Some Xiaomi firmware (especially Chinese ones) have default compatibility mode on older devices, which weakens encryption. To disable it, go to Access Point Settings. → Additionally, deactivate the option Compatibility with WPA.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)

🔹 Can you give away Wi-Fi with Xiaomi without a password?
Technically, yes, you can choose Open Network No security in the AP settings, but it's not very secure: outsiders can connect to your network and traffic will flow to their devices, and some operators (like MegaFon) block the distribution without a password.
🔹 Why Xiaomi is limiting the number of connected devices?
The limit (usually 5-10 devices) depends on the power of the processor and the version of MIUI. Weak models (Redmi 9A) can not physically handle many connections at once.
🔹 How to distribute Wi-Fi from Xiaomi to your computer USB?
It's what you need. USB-Modem: Connect your phone to your PC via USB-In the settings, select the Access Point USB-Modem. A new device with Internet access will appear on the computer in Network Connections. 💡 Advantage: USB-The modem does not run out of battery and works more stable Wi-Fi.
🔹 How many gigabytes of traffic is Wi-Fi distribution eating?
The cost depends on the activity of connected devices: 📱 Smartphone (messengers, social networks) — ~50-100 MB/hour. 💻 Laptop (viewing video in the 720p) — ~700 MB-1 GB/hour. 🎮 Game console (online games) — ~100-300 MB/hour. 📌 Tip: Traffic can be tracked in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Using traffic.
🔹 Does Wi-Fi distribution work on Xiaomi with two? SIM-map?
Yes, but the Internet will only be distributed from the SIM, which is selected as the primary data transfer. To change it: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks. SIM-The card you want to give away the Internet from. Activate the option Mobile data for it.