Smartphones are no longer just call devices, but they are universal communication tools. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices often face the need to distribute the Internet to a laptop or tablet when wired connections are not available.
With MIUI and the new HyperOS, activation is as simple as possible, but has a number of hidden settings that affect connection speed and stability. Proper configuration of the frequency range and security standard will help avoid problems with connecting old devices or excessive traffic consumption. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of the configuration.
Before we get into the instructions, it's worth noting that the name of the feature can vary depending on the firmware version and region, somewhere it's "Wi-Fi hotspot" and in other cases it's "Personal hotspot." Regardless of the wording, the essence remains the same: wireless mobile Internet.
Quick activation through the notification curtain
The easiest way to start modem modem mode is to use the Quick Access Panel, which takes just a few seconds and doesn't require diving into the deep settings menus, but it does activate the default settings, which may not always be optimal.
First, you need to unlock your smartphone screen and swipe from top to bottom to open the control center. Depending on the version of MIUI, you may need to swipe twice or click on a special menu extension icon. Find the "Access Point" or "Hotspot" icon.
If you don't see the icon you want, it's probably hidden in the second page of the widgets. Click on the edit button (usually a pencil or three dots) and drag the item to a prominent location. Once activated, the icon will light up, signaling that the device is ready to connect.
Remember that fast activation doesn't always immediately turn on data if the mobile internet has been turned off. Make sure the data slider is also active, otherwise the connected devices won't be able to log in. Sometimes the system itself suggests turning on mobile traffic when you try to run a hotspot.
Detailed configuration through the parameter menu
For those who want to control the network name, password, and other important settings, go to the full settings menu, which hides the features that are not available through the notification curtain, such as selecting a frequency range and limiting the number of users.
To get to the right section, open Settings and find Wi-Fi Access Point, which may be inside Connection and Sharing or Additional Features menus in some versions of the firmware.
In the menu that opens, you'll see the status switch and the "Setting Up the Access Point" button, which is where the basic configuration is made, and you'll want to change the standard network name (SSID) immediately to easily identify your device in the list of available connections.
☑️ Checking the settings of the access point
The default password field often generates a complex combination that is difficult to remember. Replace it with a memorable but secure phrase using letters and numbers. The minimum password length is usually 8 characters.
Selection of frequency range and safety standard
One of the most important settings is the choice of frequency range. In the configuration menu, you can choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the conditions of use and the devices connected.
The 2.4 GHz band provides better signal penetration and compatibility with older gadgets that don’t physically support the 5 GHz standard. However, data rates here are lower, and the airwaves are often jammed with signals from neighboring routers and household appliances.
The 5GHz range offers significantly higher speeds and connectivity stability, which is critical for watching 4K video or online games. But the range of this signal is smaller and it travels through walls worse. If the laptop is near the phone, you better choose this option.
⚠️ Attention: When choosing a range 5 GHz old devices (e.g. tablets) 5-7 You may not see your network in the list of available connections.
Also in this section, you set up a security standard: Always choose WPA2-Personal or WPA3 if your devices support the new protocol. Using an open network or outdated WEP encryption makes your data vulnerable to interception.
What is the difference between WPA2 and WPA3?
Keep in mind that choosing a higher security standard can slightly increase the load on the smartphone’s processor, but in modern Xiaomi models, this has little to no effect on autonomy.
Configuring a hidden network and limiting users
To increase privacy, you can hide your access point, in which case the network will not appear in the general list of available connections on other devices, and you will need to manually enter the network name (SSID) and password to connect.
Hidden Network is useful in crowded areas where the list of available Wi-Fi networks is crowded, and it also prevents random users from connecting to your Internet, even if they somehow recognize the password.
Another important thing is to limit the number of connected devices, so you can set a limit on, say, 3 or 5 gadgets, which will protect you from a situation where someone next door will get on your traffic and start downloading heavy files, reducing the overall speed.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency range | 5 GHz (for speed), 2.4 GHz (for compatibility) | Speed and radius of coverage |
| Security | WPA2-Personal | Data protection against hacking |
| Max users | 3-5 devices | Control of channel load |
| Timeout shutdown | 10 minutes. | Savings in battery charge |
In the same menu, you often find a timeout setting, which means that if no one connects to the access point for a given time (for example, 10 minutes), it will automatically shut down, a useful feature to save battery power so that the phone does not run out at the most inopportune moment.
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Optimal timeout setting (10-15 minutes) will prevent your phone from discharging if you forget to turn off the access point manually.
Use of the USB-modem and Bluetooth
It is not always convenient to use Wi-Fi to distribute the Internet, especially if you want to save battery power or ensure maximum stability of the connection. USB-modem.
For activation USB-In the modem, connect the smartphone to the computer using a high-quality cable. Then, in the menu of the access point, find the switch «USB-The computer recognizes the phone as a network device, and the Internet will appear automatically.
The advantage of this method is that the phone simultaneously receives a charge from the computer, and the connection speed is usually higher and more stable than over a wireless channel. USB-The modem cannot be intercepted from a distance, which guarantees security.
⚠️ Attention: When in use USB-Make sure the drivers are installed on your computer. In Windows 10 and 11, they are usually installed automatically, but older OSes may require manual driver search. ADB or Mi PC Suite.
There's also the ability to distribute the Internet via Bluetooth, which is the slowest method, and is only suitable for texting or mail when other options are not available, activated in the same menu, but requires pairing devices.
The solution: Why the access point is not working
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the access point is turned on, but the Internet is not working or devices cannot connect, most often the problem lies in the settings of the mobile operator or overflowing cache of network services.
Check the balance and availability of available traffic first. Many plans have restrictions on tethering or require an option to be connected. If the operator blocks the distribution, changing the APN (access point) will help.
For modification APN Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Select a SIM card. → Access points (APN). Create a new point by entering your operator’s data and in the type field APN Adding the dun parameter often bypasses the operator's locks.
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If the internet is gone after the MIUI update, try resetting your network settings, which won’t delete your photos or contacts, but will return factory settings to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Another reason may be the conflict. IP-Addresses or overflowing list of connected devices. Try to reboot your smartphone and forget the network on the connected device, and then reconnect with a password.
In rare cases, the problem lies in the antivirus or firewall installed on your smartphone. Check your security settings and make sure they don't block incoming connections for system services.
The effect of Wi-Fi on battery and heating
Active Internet distribution is an energy-intensive process. Wi-Fi module operates in a constant signal transmission mode, which leads to increased energy consumption and heating of the device body, especially in the area of the camera.
If you use the hotspot for long periods of time in hot weather or in the direct sun, your smartphone can heat up to critical temperatures, in which case the system will automatically limit performance or turn off the hotspot altogether to protect components.
To minimize heat, remove the protective case if it is dense and does not remove heat, it is also recommended to reduce the brightness of the screen or turn it off altogether, since the display is one of the main sources of heat in the active state.
⚠️ Warning: Do not leave the access point on the charge under a pillow or blanket.The combination of heat from charging and operation of the communication module can lead to overheating of the battery and shorten its life.
Using the original fast-charging charger will help offset the energy consumption, but the heat will be higher than normal anyway.Try to take breaks if you feel the phone is getting too hot.