How to turn on Wi-Fi on Xiaomi: instructions for all models

The hotspot mode on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to distribute mobile Internet to other devices, such as laptops, tablets or even TVs, which is especially useful when traveling, in the country or when there is no router at hand. However, users often have difficulties: where to find the settings, why devices are not connected, or how to change the password from the distributed network.

In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate modem modem on Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones running MIUI 12/13/14, including hidden features for older models, and learn how to eliminate typical errors (for example, no option in the menu or inability to connect), and what settings will help save traffic when handing out.

Important: The procedure may vary slightly depending on the firmware version and MIUI regional build. If your interface looks different, check the relevance of updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

1. Standard method of inclusion of access point

This is the simplest method that works on 90% of Xiaomi devices regardless of model. The instruction is relevant for MIUI 12 and later, including the latest version of HyperOS (2026).

To turn on the Wi-Fi distribution:

Open the Settings app (the gear icon on the home screen).
Go to the Network and Internet section (or Connections on some models).
Select modem modem and access point.
Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point switch.

After activation, the system will automatically assign a network name (usually a network name). Xiaomi_XXXX) You can change them by clicking on Setting up the access point in the same menu.

Check the balance of mobile Internet (minimum 1 GB for stable operation)

Connect the phone to charge (distribution quickly puts the battery down)

Make sure that SIM-The card supports data transfer (not all tariffs allow modems)

Shut down. VPN (It can block the connection of devices)-->

2. Alternative method through the notification panel

If you do not want to dig into the settings, you can turn the access point into two touches:

Swipe your finger from top to bottom to open the notification bar. Find the Access Point icon (usually depicted as two intersecting arcs or an antenna with waves). If it's not there, click on Edit (pencil in the upper right corner) and add a shortcut to the active ones.

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X3 Pro, Redmi Note 10) this shortcut is hidden by default. If it is not there even after editing the panel, use the standard method from the first section.

The advantage of this method is that you can quickly turn off the distribution without going into the settings, for example, if you temporarily plug in your laptop and want to save battery power.

3. Set up the network name and password

By default, Xiaomi generates a complex password of 8-12 characters (e.g., aB7!kL92pQ). It can be replaced with a more memorable one, but remember: short passwords are easier to crack.

How to change network data:

Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Modem Mode → Setting up the access point.
In the Network Name field, enter the desired name (for example, My name_Xiaomi_Hotspot).
In the Password field, specify a new key (minimum 8 characters, it is recommended to use numbers and letters).
Press Save.

💡 Tip: If you plan to use the handout frequently, write down your password in a notebook or password manager, and after you change, all previously connected devices will be disabled and require re-entering.

Parameter	Recommended value	Why is it important?
Security	WPA2-PSK	The Most Secure Encryption Protocol for Home Use
Range.	2.4 GHz	It passes through walls, but slower than 5 GHz
Auto-disconnection	Never.	Otherwise, the access point will be turned off when inactive.
Max. Connections.	5–10 devices	More devices = higher CPU and battery load

4. Solving Connection Problems

If devices can’t see the network or can’t connect, check the following points:

🔄 Sometimes the Wi-Fi module freezes, especially after a long hand.
📶 Check the mobile Internet. Make sure you SIM-map has traffic and data transfer is activated (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data).
🔒 Turn off the firewall. Security software built in. MIUI (For example, Security or Google Play Protection can block connections. → Annexes → Permit management → Autostart and allow access to Modem Modem.
🛠️ Reset your network settings. If nothing works, reset the network settings to Settings. → System system → Resetting settings → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: Some mobile operators (e.g. Telephone)2 Or Yota, the default Internet distribution is blocked. To unlock, send it. USSD-request *111*77# (for MTS) or contact support to check if the option "Modem/Access Point" is included in your tariff.

What happens if the access point is shut down?

This problem is typical of MIUI 13+ because of the power saving function. To fix: 1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Mode. 2. Select High Performance (instead of Balanced or Energy Saving). 3. Add the Modem Modem App to the battery optimization exceptions (Settings → Applications → Battery Management → Applications Selection).

5. Hidden Wi-Fi Distribution Features on Xiaomi

On models with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 processor (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro, POCO F4 GT), Dual Band Hotspot mode is available - simultaneous Wi-Fi distribution at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. This allows you to connect devices with different range support without losing speed.

To activate:

Enable Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
Go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers.
Find the Dual Band Hotspot option and activate it.
Return to the access point settings and select both bands in the Frequency Range menu.

Other useful tips:

📊 Traffic limit: You can set a monthly limit to the Internet you can distribute (useful for tariffs with a small data package) in the Access Point setting).
⏱️ Set up an automatic shutdown through 30/60 minutes if you forgot to manually deactivate it.
🔗 USB-Connect the phone to the PC on the modem. USB activate USB-Modem on the same menu – this will save battery power compared to Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi access point|Bluetooth modem|USB-modem|Not using.-->

6. Speed optimization and charge saving

Wi-Fi distributions put a lot of stress on the processor and battery, to reduce power consumption and increase speed:

🔋 Connect your phone to charge. When you give away without power, the battery goes down 30 to 50 percent faster.
📉 Limit the number of devices. Each new connection reduces the speed by 10-15%.
🛡️ Turn off the background apps. Close messengers, streaming services and games — they consume traffic and CPU resources.
5G ➡️ 4G. If the signal 5G Unstable, forcefully switch to 4G In Settings → SIM-map → Preferred type of network.

📌 Key takeaway: For maximum speed, use the 5GHz band (if devices support it) and keep your phone close to your connected gadgets. If range is more important, choose 2.4GHz.

💡

If you're giving the Internet to your laptop for work, turn on Do Not Disturb on your phone, which will prevent connection breaks from incoming calls or notifications.

7. Wi-Fi distribution on older models (MIUI 11 and below)

On Xiaomi smartphones from 2018-2019 (e.g. Redmi Note 7, Mi 9), the settings interface may be different. If the menu does not have Modem Mode, try:

Open the Settings → Additional → Access Point.
Or go to Settings → Wireless Networks → More → Modem Modem.
On some firmware, the option is hidden behind Settings → System → Advanced settings.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 10 and below may not support 5 GHz in access point mode. If the connected device does not see the network, try manually specifying the 2.4 GHz band in the settings.

For the Redmi 4X, Mi A1/A2 (with pure Android) models, the path will be different:

Settings → Network and Internet → Access Point and modem → Wi-Fi Access Point

FAQ: Frequent questions

Can I give away Wi-Fi without it? SIM-map?

No, for the distribution of mobile Internet is necessary SIM-A card with an active data rate, but you can distribute a local network (without Internet access) through the option of a local access point in the modem menu.

Why is the phone not giving away the internet when the access point is on?

The reasons may be as follows: SIM-the card has run out of traffic or the modem function is blocked (check with the operator). SIM-map. VPN or firewall blocks data transmission (stop it temporarily) Wi-Fi module failure (reboot or reset network settings will help).

How to distribute Wi-Fi from Xiaomi on iPhone?

iPhone connects to Xiaomi's hotspot just like any other router: On iPhone, open Settings → Wi-Fi. Select your Xiaomi network (name displayed in the hotspot settings). Enter your password and confirm your connection. If the iPhone doesn't connect, check: That Xiaomi has WPA2-PSK (iPhone doesn't support WPA3 in hotspot mode). That the network name has no Cyrillic or special characters (use Latin).

How many devices can be connected at the same time?

The official limit is 10 devices, but in practice depends on the model: Flagships (Xiaomi 13, POCO F5) - up to 10 devices without significant loss of speed. The middle segment (Redmi Note 12) - 5-7 devices (hereinafter the lags begin). Budget models (Redmi 10A) - 3-4 devices (when more phone overheats).

How to reset the access point settings to the factory?

If you have changed your network name, password or other settings and want to return standard values: Go to Settings → The Internet and the Internet → Modem mode → Set up the access point. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset. Confirm. Once reset, the network name will be Xiaomi_XXXX, A password is generated automatically.