Modern smartphones, and in particular Xiaomi devices, often replace full-fledged routers, allowing you to organize mobile Internet for a laptop or tablet at any time. This feature becomes critical for business trips, travel or temporary absence of a stationary provider. In the MIUI shell, the setup process is as simple as possible, but the presence of many hidden settings allows you to flexibly manage the connection.
Turning on the modem modem requires minimal action, but for stable network operation and security of transmitted data, you should pay attention to a number of parameters: the Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi is created instantly, turning your phone into a full-fledged node for distribution of traffic. Below we will discuss all the nuances of this feature in detail.
Before you start setting up, make sure that the SIM card has packet internet activated and network coverage. Without an active connection with the cellular operator, data distribution is technically impossible, even if the Wi-Fi module itself is running correctly.
You don't need any special apps or superuser rights to get started, all the functionality you need is built into Android and is available out of the box, and you just need to activate the appropriate switch in the menu.
Basic activation through the notification curtain
The fastest way to get the Internet distributed is to use the Quick Access Panel, which is ideal when you need to give access to the network to another device, and you don't have to go into the wilds of system settings.
Swipe from top to bottom across the screen to open Control Center. Find the Access Point icon (usually two arcs or an antenna) among the icons. If the icon is not visible immediately, move the panel to the right or tap on the pencil to edit the menu.
Click on the icon and it will light up, which means activation mode. Now your Xiaomi phone broadcasts a network to which you can connect. Network name and password are listed by default under the icon or in the notification.
- 📱 Swipe down to open the curtains.
- 📡 Find and click the icon "Access Point».
- 🔗 Connect another device to the network that appears.
This method is good for its speed, but it doesn't allow you to change your security settings or network name on the fly. For the initial configuration, you'd better go to the full settings menu.
Configure network parameters in MIUI
To create a reliable and secure network, you need to go deep into the system settings, where you can change the name of the access point (SSID), set a complex password, and select a frequency range, which is especially important if you are in a crowded place.
Go to Settings, then select Wi-Fi Access Point. In some firmware versions, this option may be called Modem Mode or be located under Connection and Sharing, and that's where the basic controls lie.
In the menu that opens, click on your network name or the "Setting up the hotspot" button, where you change the key settings: SSID (name) that other users see and password. It is recommended to use WPA2 PSK encryption for maximum data protection.
⚠️ Note: Do not use simple passwords like “12345678.” In a public place, an attacker can intercept traffic or connect to your network if the password is too obvious.
You can choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, the first option provides greater range and compatibility with older devices, the second one provides higher data rate, but at a shorter distance.
- 🔐 Use encryption. WPA2/WPA3 traffic protection.
- 📶 Choose the 5GHz range for high speed near your phone.
- 📝 Change the standard network name to avoid attracting too much attention.
☑️ Network security check
Hiding the Network Name (SSID) for Security
The network name-hiding feature makes your access point invisible to outsiders. In the list of available Wi-Fi networks on other people's devices, your phone will simply not show up. It's an effective method of protecting against unwanted connections.
To activate this option, in the access point settings menu, find the “Hide Device” or “Hide SSID” switch. Once this function is enabled, the connection will only be possible if you manually enter the exact network name.
It is important to remember the exact name of your network, because when you turn on the cover, the phone will not find familiar networks by itself. You will have to manually enter SSID on the plug-in gadget. This adds a step to the connection process, but greatly improves security.
Hiding the network does not encrypt the data being transmitted, it only removes the beacon from the airspace, so using a strong password is still a must.
- 🙈 Network disappears from the list of available Wi-Fi.
- ⌨️ Manual network name entry required to connect.
- 🛡️ Reduces the likelihood of password-extortion attacks.
This is especially useful in hotels or offices where there are many open networks, and your hotspot gets lost among hundreds of others, leaving it only to you.
Limiting the number of connected devices
A smartphone is not a professional router, and connecting a large number of customers at the same time can lead to overheating of the processor and rapid battery discharge. MIUI allows you to limit the number of connections.
In the hotspot menu, look for "Connected Devices" or "Device Management," and here's a list of all the gadgets that are currently using your Internet. MAC-addresses and amount of data transmitted.
The system allows you to set a hard limit, like 1 or 2 devices, so if someone tries to connect third, the system will automatically reject the request, which saves the battery and saves the Internet speed for basic tasks.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum of devices | 1-3 pcs. | Reduces the load on the battery and CPU |
| Frequency range | 5 GHz | Increases speed, reduces radius |
| Time out | 10 minutes. | Automatic shutdown when simple |
| Encryption | WPA2 PSK | Provides basic data protection |
Connection control also helps identify “neighbors” who may have picked up your password, and if you see an unfamiliar device, change your password immediately and block access.
Distribution of Internet via USB and Bluetooth
It is not always convenient to use Wi-Fi, especially if maximum connection stability is important or you need to save the battery power of the receiving device, in such cases, wired and alternative wireless methods come to the rescue.
To connect through USB You're going to need a cable. Connect the phone to your computer, then activate the access point menu «USB-The computer will determine the new network connection as if you were connecting an Ethernet cable.
Advantage USB-And the connection is that the phone is simultaneously charging from the computer, and this is critical for long-term use, because Wi-Fi is very energy-intensive. The data transfer speed over the cable is also higher and more stable.
⚠️ Note: When connecting through USB You can automatically install drivers on your computer. Wait until the installation process is complete before you activate the switch in the menu.
Bluetooth modem is an option for older laptops or devices without Wi-Fi modules. The speed here will be low, sufficient only for messengers or page loading, but the connection is established reliably.
- 🔌 USB-The modem provides charging of the phone during operation.
- 📉 Bluetooth is only suitable for light traffic due to low speeds.
- ⚡ Wireless connection is more stable than wireless in the conditions of interference.
The choice of method depends on your priorities: speed and charging (USB) or wireless freedom (Wi-Fi).
Solving Connection Problems
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the access point is turned on, but the Internet is not working or the devices can not see the network, most often the problem lies in the APN settings or operator restrictions.
Check if mobile data is enabled. The access point can't work if the phone itself doesn't have internet access. Also make sure that Traffic Savings mode is not activated, which can block the distribution.
If devices are connected but pages aren't loading, try rebooting your phone. This will reset network services and update it. IP-In rare cases, resetting the network to the factory helps.
Communications operators can block the distribution of traffic (TTL). If you notice that the speed drops to zero after you plug in the laptop, it's possible that the provider has identified the type of device. TTL In the engineering menu, but this is an advanced level.
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Competent hotspot settings on Xiaomi make your smartphone a powerful tool to work anywhere in the world. Use that knowledge to stay online forever.