Modem modem on Xiaomi Redmi: how to distribute the Internet from phone to PC, laptop or tablet

The modem on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a powerful way to turn the device into a full-fledged Internet source for other gadgets, from laptops to gaming consoles. This feature is especially relevant for trips where there is no access to fixed Wi-Fi, or if you need to urgently connect your computer to the network. However, many users face difficulties: the access point is not turned on, the devices are not connected, the speed leaves much to be desired.

In this article, we will analyze all ways to activate modem modem on Redmi - from the classic distribution over Wi-Fi to the main modem. USB-Connections and Bluetooth, and we'll look at common bugs and their solutions. MIUI, which help optimize the operation of the access point, and explain why sometimes the smartphone refuses to give the Internet despite the modem on.

What is a modem modem and why it is needed

Modem mode (or tethering) is a feature where the smartphone acts as a router, transferring mobile Internet to other devices. On Xiaomi Redmi, there are three distribution options:

• 📶 Wi-Fi access point – the most popular solution, allows you to connect up to 10 devices at a time (depending on the model).
• 🔌 USB-modem – connection via cable, provides a stable speed and saves battery power.
• 🔵 Bluetooth modem – slower than Wi-Fi, but less battery consumption and suitable for devices without Wi-Fi (e.g. older printers).

Main use cases:

• 💻 Working on a laptop in a cafe or trip where there is no public Wi-Fi.
• 🎮 Connecting the game console (PS5, Xbox) to mobile Internet.
• 📺 Distribution of the Internet to Smart TV for viewing online cinemas.
• 📱 Connecting a tablet or second phone to the network if they don’t have their own SIM-map.

It is important to understand that mobile operators can restrict or block Internet distribution. For example, some tariffs have a traffic limit for modem modem (often 5-10 GB per month), after which the speed drops sharply.

Preparation of the smartphone before switching on modem

Before you activate the Internet distribution, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid problems:

1. Check your balance and the rate. Make sure you have enough money in your account and the rate supports the distribution of the Internet. For example, MTS needs Tariff or Ultra rates for this, and Beeline needs "It's simple" or "No Limit."
2. Update the software. Go to Settings → About Phone → Update the system and install the latest patches. Older versions of MIUI have bugs with the access point.
3. Turn off traffic savings. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data → Save traffic and deactivate the option.
4. Check the settings. APN. Sometimes operators require special settings to distribute the Internet, for example, Tele2 may need to be used for the Internet. APN internet.tele2.ru login tele2.

If you plan to distribute the Internet via USB, install Xiaomi drivers on your computer (you can download from the official website in the MIUI Downloads section), without which Windows or macOS may not recognize the phone as a modem.

How to enable Wi-Fi hotspot Xiaomi Redmi

This is the most versatile way to distribute the Internet, and the instructions are suitable for all Redmi models (including Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and others):

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the Access Point and modem section (on some firmwares – Modem Mode or Mobile Access Point).
3. Select a Mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.
4. Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point slider.

By default, the network will be called Redmi_XXXX (where XXXX — last-minute IMEI), And the password is generated automatically to change the settings:

• Press the Access Point Settings.
• In the Network Name field, type the desired name (for example, MyRedmiHotspot).
• In the Password field, specify a reliable key (minimum 8 characters, with numbers and letters).
• Select Security Type – it is better to leave WPA2-PSK (the most secure option).
• In Frequency Range, select 5GHz for higher speeds (if your devices support this standard).

Once you save the settings, the access point will be available for connection. To connect from a laptop or other phone, find MyRedmiHotspot network in the Wi-Fi list and enter the password.

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If devices don’t connect to an access point, try changing the frequency range from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz – the latter has a longer range and passes through walls better.

Activation. USB-modem: distribution of the Internet by cable

USB-The modem provides a more stable connection and does not consume the battery of the smartphone, because the power comes from the computer, which is ideal for long-term work on a laptop:

1. Connect Redmi to your computer using the original USB-cable (it is desirable to use the port) USB 3.0 for maximum speed).
2. On the phone, select File Transfer in the window that appears (this is temporary, then the mode will change automatically).
3. Open the Settings. → Access Point and modem → USB-modem.
4. Activate the slider USB-modem.

On a Windows computer:

• Open the Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network Management Center.
• A new network connection must appear in the Connection section (e.g., Ethernet 2 or Remote NDIS).
• If there is no connection, check the drivers (download the MIUI Driver and install manually).

On macOS:

• Go to System Settings → Network.
• The list on the left should show an iPhone USB connection (yes, even for Xiaomi macOS displays it like this).
• Click Connect if the connection is not activated automatically.

Bluetooth Internet Distribution: When Wi-Fi and USB are Unavailable

The Bluetooth modem is inferior in speed to Wi-Fi and USB, but has two advantages: minimal battery consumption and the ability to connect devices without Wi-Fi support (for example, some printers or older laptops).

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices (the smartphone and the one that will receive the Internet).
2. On Redmi, go to Settings → Access Point and Modem → Bluetooth modem.
3. Activate the Bluetooth modem slider.
4. On the second device, find Redmi in the list of available Bluetooth devices and pair.

Once connected to the second device, you may need to manually select Redmi as the Internet source:

• On Windows: Settings → Devices → Bluetooth → Your Redmi → Connect via → Access Point.
• On Android: Settings → Connections → Bluetooth → Settings (⚙️) near the Redmi → Used to access the Internet.

Bluetooth modems typically run at 3-5 Mbps, which is enough for instant messengers and easy surfing, but not for streaming high-resolution video, but battery consumption is minimal, at around 1-2% per hour.

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Bluetooth modem is the most economical way to distribute the Internet, but it is only suitable for devices in the immediate vicinity (up to 10 meters) and do not require high speed.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after setting the modem properly, we can see the most common errors and how to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your network settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
2. Confirm the reset (save Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices will be removed).
3. Reboot your phone and reset the access point.

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If the problem persists after a network reset, try temporarily disabling the VPN or antivirus on the client device – they can block the connection.

Hidden MIUI settings to optimize modem

There are hidden parameters in MIUI firmware that allow you to improve the operation of the access point.

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Return to Settings → Additional settings → For developers.
3. Find the configuration option USB by default and select RNDIS (USB Ethernet – This will improve stability USB-modem.
4. Activate Debugging on USB (Sometimes it is necessary to work properly. USB-PC modem).

To improve the speed of the Wi-Fi access point:

• In Settings → Access Point and Modem → Access Point settings, select Max. speed (if available).
• Set the channel width at 40 MHz (in 5 GHz mode) to increase throughput.
• Turn off Automatic Shutdown if the access point frequently breaks the connection.

On Redmi models with a Snapdragon 8xx processor (for example, Redmi K50) in developer mode, the option “Force LTE Only” is available, which forcibly transfers the smartphone to the 4G network, excluding switching to 3G/2G. This can increase the speed of distribution by 15-20%.

FAQ: Frequent questions about modem modem on Xiaomi Redmi