How to Enable USB Modem on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Modern Xiaomi smartphones often act not just as a means of communication, but also as a full-fledged tool for providing Internet access on other devices. When a Wi-Fi router is unavailable or unstable, using a mobile device as an access point becomes the only option, especially for laptop owners without built-in laptops. SIM-cards or tablets with Wi-Fi only module.

Unlike standard Wi-Fi, wired connectivity has a number of undeniable benefits that are often ignored by users. USB modem provides a more stable signal, eliminates speed losses due to radio interference and, crucially, allows you to simultaneously charge the battery of a smartphone, this solves the problem of fast discharge characteristic of wireless access point mode.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the configuration process that MIUI and HyperOS users face, learn how to activate the desired mode in hidden menus, what drivers may be needed for Windows, and how to avoid typical errors when connecting to a computer.

Advantages of wired connection over Wi-Fi

Using a cable to transmit data is a choice for stability, and wireless networks are affected by many factors: walls, neighborhood routers, microwave ovens, even mirrors. USB-The connection transmits the signal directly, without loss of data packets, which is especially important in online games or video conferencing.

Another important aspect is power consumption: when operating in wireless access point mode, the smartphone heats up very much, as the radio module runs at its limit. In wired mode, the main load is placed on the power controller, and the energy comes from the computer, saving the battery life of Xiaomi.

Data security is also important: Open Wi-Fi networks in public are often targeted by hackers; a cable connection creates a direct line between two devices, eliminating the possibility of third parties intercepting traffic through the air, making it ideal for dealing with sensitive information.

πŸ“Š What is more important to you when giving the Internet?
Connection speed
Ping stability
Battery retention
Universality of connectivity

Conditions and equipment preparation

Before you start setting up, make sure your equipment meets the minimum requirements. Not every cable is capable of transmitting data; many cheap analogues only support charging. You will need a quality cable labeled Data or an original wire from the delivery kit.

The basic drivers must also be installed on the computer side. In modern versions of Windows 10 and 11, they boot automatically, but older systems such as Windows 7 may require manual installation of ADB components or Qualcomm/MediaTek drivers.

Check your status. SIM-Make sure the tariff does not run out of traffic and activate the data service. PIN-code on the SIM card before connecting, as the unlock request may interrupt the process of establishing a connection with the PC.

  • πŸ“± Smartphone Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco tariff-plan.
  • πŸ”Œ Correct. USB-data-couple.
  • πŸ’» Computer with worker USB-port and operating system.
  • πŸ”‹ Battery charge of the smartphone at least 20% (in case of failure).

πŸ’‘

Use USB 3.0 (blue) ports on your computer for maximum bandwidth, although USB 2.0 is enough for the internet.

Step-by-step activation of USB modem

The process of enabling the function in the MIUI shell is as simple as possible, but has one feature: the menu item is often hidden until the cable is physically connected, this is done in order not to clutter the interface with unnecessary options.

First, connect your smartphone to your computer. Once you have a charging notification, go to settings. You need to find the partition responsible for connecting and sharing the Internet. The path may vary slightly depending on the version of Android.

In the menu that opens, you'll see a item that was previously unavailable (gray). Now it should activate. Switch the switch to "On" position. The computer will emit a characteristic sound of connecting the new hardware, and in the tray will appear a wired connection icon.

β˜‘οΈ Algorithm for modem inclusion

Done: 0 / 1

If the computer doesn't have Internet after switching on the switch, try switching USB mode. Sometimes the default mode is "Charge Only", which blocks data transfer, change it to "File Transfer" or "MTP", and then re-activate the modem.

Configuring network parameters on the computer

After successful activation of the mode on the smartphone, the computer operating system should automatically receive IP-address DNS-However, in some cases, manual verification of network settings is required, especially if corporate networks or specific configurations are used.

In Windows, open Network Options and the Internet and go to Adapter Settings. You should see a new connection, commonly referred to as "Ethernet" with a phone number or brand name. If the status is "Unidentified Network," try restarting the network adapter.

For macOS users, the process is even smoother, with a new RNDIS/Ethernet Gadget profile appearing in the network settings menu. Apple's system usually tightens all the configurations it needs, making the process almost invisible to the user.

Operating systemType of connectionNeed for driversAverage speed
Windows 10/11RNDISAutomatically.Up to 100 Mbps
Windows 7RNDISOften requiredUp to 40 Mbps
macOSEthernetNot requiredUp to 100 Mbps
Linux (Ubuntu)USB EthernetIn the core.Up to 100 Mbps
What to do if your computer can’t see your phone?
Make sure the cable supports data transfer, not just charging. USB-port, preferably located on the motherboard behind the system unit. Also check if debugging is enabled USB developer menu.> For users who need to fine-tune the connection, there are hidden options in the developer menu. To get there, you need to click on the build number several times in the About section. This will unlock access to engineering functions. In the section "For developers" find the item "Select configuration" USB". You can force a regime here. USB tethering immediately when you connect the cable, bypassing manual activation in the settings. This is convenient for frequent use of the function. Xiaomi’s standard system likes to alert other devices to connect, but in developer mode, it can be turned off to avoid receiving constant notifications. ⚠️ Warning: Changing the settings in the developer menu can affect the stability of others USB-If after the changes, the phone stopped seeing the computer in file transfer mode, reset the settings. USB Another useful feature is the ability to change. MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit: The standard value is usually optimal, but if some heavy pages are not loading, you can try to reduce it to 1400 or 1300 bytes. Solving Typical Connection Problems and Errors One of the most common problems is when the phone is charging but the modem mode is not turned on or is lit in gray. This is a classic feature of a poor cable, where only power contacts are soldered and no data lines are available, and replacing the wire solves the problem 90 percent of the time, and if the drivers are installed incorrectly, a device with an exclamation mark may appear in Windows Device Manager. In this case, you need to manually update the driver, selecting from the list "RNDIS" or "Remote" NDIS Internet-based Sharing Device. Sometimes an antivirus or firewall will block a new network connection, considering it potentially dangerous. Check your security settings and add your phone network to your trusted list. πŸ”„ Restart both devices – smartphone and computer. πŸ”Œ Use the original cable from the delivery kit. πŸ›‘οΈ Disable Third Party Antiviruses Temporarily for Verification. πŸ“Ά Make sure your phone is not on flight mode. ⚠️ Warning: If your computer starts to make a cyclic sound when you connect, immediately turn off the cable, which is a sign of a short circuit in the port or power controller, which can cause the motherboard to burn. Although wired mode is less energy intensive than Wi-Fi, it still puts a strain on the processor that encrypts and transmits packets. However, since the phone is connected to the power source, this factor is offset. It is important to monitor the temperature of the case. During prolonged operation in modem modem modem, especially if you are downloading in parallel, the smartphone can heat up. In modern Xiaomi models, there is protection that can temporarily slow down the Internet speed or turn off the function in case of critical overheating. System logs can become overloaded during a long session, which sometimes leads to slowing down the interface. If you plan to keep the modem on for a day, it is recommended to periodically restart the device to clean RAM. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Why does a computer see a phone as a charger, but not as a modem? Most likely, the notification curtain has a "Charge Only" mode. USB and select "File Transfer" or "USB-modem. Also check the cable. Can I give you Wi-Fi over the phone? USB cable? Yes, if your phone is catching Wi-Fi, but there's no mobile network. In the hotspot settings, select the Wi-Fi source and then turn on the Wi-Fi source. USB-The computer will be able to access the phone's Wi-Fi channel. USB Xiaomi modem with locked screen. However, some aggressive energy saving settings MIUI They can turn off data to save power. Add System Services or Modem to battery exclusions. How do you know how much traffic a connected PC has consumed? In a standard shell. MIUI There is no detailed counter specifically for USB-The total flow rate can be viewed under "Security" β†’ "Traffic, but divide mobile and USB-Traffic is difficult there without third-party apps. Do you need Root rights to enable USB No, the feature is standard for Android and is available on any Xiaomi devices without the need to obtain superuser rights or unlock the bootloader.