Modem modem on Xiaomi: how to distribute the Internet from the phone

Xiaomi's modern smartphones can not only consume mobile Internet, but also distribute it to other devices, turning into a full-fledged modem. This feature is indispensable for travel, when there is no Wi-Fi or when you need to urgently connect a laptop / tablet to the network. However, many users have difficulties with setting up where to look for an option in MIUI, why devices do not connect, how to save battery power for long-term distribution.

In this article, we will discuss all ways to activate modem modem on Xiaomi (including Redmi models, POCO and flagship series), consider the intricacies of settings for different versions of firmware (MIUI 14/15), and give practical tips for eliminating typical errors.

What is a modem modem and why it is needed

Modem mode (or hotspot) allows your Xiaomi smartphone to distribute mobile internet to other gadgets over a wireless network (Wi-Fi), USB or Bluetooth. This is useful in several scenarios:

• 🌍 Lack of Wi-Fi: in a cafe, hotel or transport where there is no fixed Internet, but there is a mobile network.
• 💻 Working on a laptop: when you need to urgently check your mail or send a file, and only your phone is at hand.
• 🎮 Game consoles: Nintendo Switch connection, PS5 Xbox to Mobile Internet for Online Gaming.
• 🚗 Travel: giving Internet to passengers in a car or bus.

It is important to understand that when using modem mode, traffic consumption increases by 1.5-2 times compared to a direct connection on the phone, this is due to service packets that are exchanged by devices when transmitting a signal, and it is worth considering that some mobile operators block the distribution of the Internet or charge an additional fee for it (especially at unlimited rates).

Three ways to turn on modem modem on Xiaomi

Depending on the Xiaomi model and the MIUI version, there are three main ways to distribute the Internet.

1. Distribution over Wi-Fi (access point)

The most popular and convenient method, which allows you to connect up to 10 devices at a time (on some models, the limit is 5 devices), speed depends on the support of Wi-Fi standards 5/6 your smartphone.

Make sure that the mobile internet is turned on

Check the remaining traffic at the rate

Charge your phone at least 30%

Turn it off. VPN (may block the distribution)-->

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet (or Connections on older versions of MIUI).
2. Select Access Point and modem (on some models – Modem Modem).
3. Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point slider.
4. Click Access Point Settings to set a network name (SSID) and password.

By default, the network will be called Xiaomi_XXXX (where XXXX — last-minute IMEI The password is automatically generated, and we recommend changing the name to more memorable, and the password to more complex (at least not less). 8 numeral).

2. Distribution through USB (USB-modem)

This method is suitable for connecting to a laptop or PC, the advantages of a more stable connection and lower battery consumption (the phone charges in parallel). USB-Data-enabled cable (not all charging cables are suitable!).

How to turn on:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB.
2. In the phone settings, go to Access Point and modem.
3. Activate the option. USB-modem.
4. On the computer, wait for the driver to install (it may take a few minutes).

💡

If Windows does not recognize USB-Download the Mi Phone Manager driver from the official Xiaomi website or update the driver manually through Device Manager

3. Bluetooth distribution

Less popular because of its low speed (usually less than 3-5 Mbps) is suitable for devices that do not support Wi-Fi (for example, some smartwatches or older tablets), the advantage is the minimum charge consumption of the phone.

Procedure:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. Then, add them to the same sign.
3. In the phone settings, go to Access Point and modem → Bluetooth modem.
4. Activate the slider and confirm the connection on the second device.

💡

For stable operation of Bluetooth modem, the distance between devices should not exceed 10 meters, and there should be no physical obstacles (walls, furniture).

Access Point settings: optimization and security

By default, the access point settings on Xiaomi are not always optimal. To improve network speed, stability and security, we recommend making the following changes:

To change these settings, go to Settings → Access Point and Modem → Access Point Setting → Additional. Some models (POCO F5, Xiaomi 13) have advanced options available, such as Power Saving Mode (reduces battery consumption but reduces speed) or Network Priority (choice between 4G/5G for distribution).

Typical problems and their solutions

Even when set up properly, the modem can be unstable, and here are the most common errors and ways to fix them:

1. Devices do not connect to the access point

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Wrong password: check the letter register (password is sensitive to it.
• 📶 Weak signal: Close devices to each other or switch to 2.4 GHz (long range, but lower speed).
• 🔒 Operator blocking: some tariffs (e.g. Tele2's "Unlimited for Yours") block distribution.
• 🤖 Limitations MIUI: Some firmware has a bug where the access point goes off after 5 minutes. MIUI last-minute.

2. Slow Internet speeds

If the speed is much lower than when connecting directly to a mobile network, try:

• 📡 Switch from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz (if supported).
• 📱 Disable background apps on your phone (they may consume traffic).
• 🔄 Reboot the phone and the device that connects.
• 📊 Check network coverage: in weak signal 4G/5G speed drops in 2–3 once.

3. The battery goes down fast.

Modem mode is one of the most energy-consuming functions of a smartphone, to reduce charge consumption:

• 🔋 Connect your phone to charge (even when you give it away) USB battery).
• ⚡ Enable Power Saving Mode in the access point settings (limits maximum speed but extends running time).
• 🌡️ Avoid overheating: Do not cover your phone or use it in direct sunlight.

💡

If you use modem modem mode frequently, purchase powerbank with a capacity of 10,000 mAh. This will allow you to distribute the Internet for 6-8 hours without recharging.

Operator restrictions: how to bypass the distribution block

Many Russian operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) impose restrictions on the distribution of the Internet, even if the tariff indicates “no limit”, this is done to prevent abuse (for example, using the phone as the main source of Internet for the home).

How to check if the operator is blocking the distribution:

1. Turn on the access point and connect another device.
2. Open your browser and try to load any page.
3. If a restriction notice appears instead of a site, your operator blocks the distribution.

Ways to bypass the lock:

• 📲 Shift. APN: Sometimes it helps to create a new access point (APN) For example, for MTS, you can try Internet.mts.ru instead of the standard one.
• 🔗 VPN On your phone: install the 1.1.1.1 or Proton app VPN And turn it on before you hand it out. It masks traffic, but it can slow down.
• 💳 Change of tariff: some operators offer special options for distribution (for example, "Unlimited for distribution" at Tele2).

⚠️ Attention: Use VPN To circumvent the restrictions, the operator may violate the terms of the user agreement. SIM-Before using such methods, specify the rules of your tariff.

Hidden Modem Modem Features on Xiaomi

In addition to the basic settings, MIUI has several hidden features that make it easier to use modem modem:

1. Quick activation through the notification panel

To avoid going into the settings every time, add the access point shortcut to the Quick Access Panel:

1. Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
2. Click on the icon. ⚙️ ("Edit").
3. Find the Access Point tile and drag it to the active area.

2. Separation of traffic by device

On smartphones with MIUI 14+, you can use the traffic restriction feature for connected devices, which is useful if you're sharing the Internet with multiple people and want to avoid overspending.

1. Open the Settings. → Access Point and modem.
2. Press Connected Devices.
3. Select a device and set a traffic limit (e.g. 1 GB per day).

3. Automatic shutdown at low charge

To prevent the phone from running out to zero, set up an automatic shutdown of the access point at a critical battery level:

1. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance.
2. Select Automatic Shutdown.
3. Set a threshold (e.g. 15%) and activate the access point option.

FAQ: Frequent questions about modem modem on Xiaomi