Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones have long since ceased to be just callers, becoming powerful tools for building mobile networks. The ability to quickly turn your device into a full-fledged router becomes critical when you are in a hotel with paid Internet, on a train or just with a friend where there is no Wi-Fi. The access point allows you to instantly distribute mobile Internet to a laptop, tablet or other phone, providing a stable connection where it is needed.
With MIUI or the new HyperOS, the setup process can have its own nuances that aren’t always obvious at first glance. Users often find that other devices can’t see the network or can’t connect to it due to incorrect security settings. In this article, we’ll take a look at all the steps in activating modem modem mode, explain the frequency difference, and help set up traffic limits to save your budget.
Understanding the WLAN in the handout mode will help you avoid common errors and ensure maximum data transfer speed. We will look not only at standard on-board methods, but also at hidden settings that can be useful in specific situations. Readiness of your smartphone as a router is a basic skill that greatly expands the functionality of the gadget.
Basic activation through the notification curtain
The fastest way to start modem modem modem is to use the Quick Access Panel, which is a standard procedure that takes literally a few seconds and doesn't require a deep dive into the settings menu, you just have to swipe from the top edge of the screen down to reveal the full list of system control widgets.
Find an icon that usually looks like two linked rings or is marked with the caption "Access Point." Clicking on this element activates the function and the smartphone will start broadcasting the signal. If the icon is not on the first page, swipe left or click the panel edit button to add it to a convenient place.
- 📶 Instant Start Without Logging Into Deep Settings Menu.
- 🔒 Quickly change the network name and password through a long click on the icon.
- 👁️ Visual indicator in the status bar shows the number of connected devices.
However, it is worth considering that this method activates the point with the last parameters used. If you have previously changed the security settings or the frequency of the range, they will remain. For initial configuration or detailed configuration, you still need to go to the full system menu, where advanced network management functionality is available.
Detailed settings in the system menu
To fully control your network settings, go to the settings section. Open Settings, find Connection and Sharing (or “Additional Features” in older versions of MIUI) and select Wi-Fi Access Point, which hides all the important parameters that affect the stability and security of the connection.
First of all, look at security settings. The default is WPA2-Personal, which is the optimal balance between data protection and compatibility with older devices. Using an open network without a password is highly discouraged, as it allows any attacker to intercept your traffic.
☑️ Checking settings before switching on
You can also change the network name (SSID) in this section, and don't use the standard phone model name, because it gives information about your device to potential attackers, but you'd better use a neutral name that doesn't attract too much attention in the list of available networks.
⚠️ Note: Do not use special symbols or emojis in the name of the network (SSID), If you plan to connect old laptops or game consoles, as they may not display such symbols correctly and refuse to connect.
Choice of frequency range: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz
One of the most important parameters that affect signal speed and range is frequency range. The Xiaomi access point menu often offers the option of choosing between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Understanding the difference between the two will help you customize your network for specific tasks.
The 2.4 GHz band has better penetration and works over longer distances, but it is often overloaded with signals from neighbouring routers and Bluetooth devices. This can lead to unstable speeds and high pings. Choose this option if you need to distribute the Internet to a device in another room or across a wall.
The 5GHz band provides significantly higher data rates and is less prone to interference, but has a smaller range.Using 5GHz is critical for watching 4K video or online games where low latency is required.However, many older smartphones and laptops may simply not see the network in this range.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Speed. | Up to 450 Mbps | Up to 1300 Mbps |
| Range. | Tall. | Medium |
| Wall penetration | Good. | Low. |
| Compatibility | All devices. | Only modern gadgets |
If you’re not sure which range to choose, leave a value of “Auto” or “Preferably 2.4GHz” for maximum compatibility.Switching to 5GHz only makes sense when the receiving device is in close proximity to the smartphone and supports this standard.
Why does 5GHz not work on some phones?
Connected Device Management and Security
Controlling who is using your traffic is a critical security aspect. Redmi has a handy list of connected customers that displays the data. MAC-Regularly checking this list allows uninvited guests.
If you notice an unknown device, you can lock it instantly, and not only does the system disable a specific user, but it also completely disables new connections, even if the password is known, which is a useful feature if you suspect that your password has been compromised.
- 🚫 Possibility of blocking specific MAC-single-click addresses.
- 📊 Display the amount of traffic consumed by each device.
- ⏱️ Setting up the timer for auto-disconnecting the access point in the absence of activity.
It is also recommended to set a limit on the number of connections. Even if you have an unlimited tariff, the simultaneous operation of 5-6 devices can severely load the processor of a smartphone and cause it to overheat. The optimal value for stable operation is 2-3 devices.
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Set the access point to auto-disable after 10 minutes of inactivity, which will save the smartphone battery from fast discharge if you forget to turn off modem mode after use.
Traffic Limits and Battery Savings
Wi-Fi is one of the most energy-intensive processes for a mobile device; the active operation of the radio module in broadcast mode quickly heats the case and consumes charge; to avoid suddenly turning off the phone, the system offers tools to monitor and limit consumption.
In the hotspot settings, you can set a traffic limit, for example, you can specify that after using 1 GB of data, the distribution should automatically stop, and the traffic restriction function is especially relevant for packet Internet plans, avoiding unnecessary costs.
In addition to software limitations, you should also consider physical aspects. During prolonged operation in router mode, the phone can get very hot, in such cases, it is recommended to remove the protective case to improve heat removal and not put the device down on soft surfaces.
⚠️ Warning: If the smartphone is heated to a state where the system warns of overheating, immediately stop using the access point. Prolonged overheating can lead to battery degradation and damage to internal components.
To maximize energy savings, turn off your smartphone screen after connecting customers, and you can also turn on Invisibility mode (SSID hide), although this will make it harder to connect new devices, since the network name will have to be entered manually.
The solution: why devices are not connected
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the access point is turned on, but other devices either do not see it or cannot connect, most often the problem lies in the incompatibility of encryption standards or frequency bands, as discussed above.
If your laptop says, “I can’t connect to this network,” try changing the security protocol from WPA3 to WPA2-Personal in the AP settings on Xiaomi, and the new security standards sometimes conflict with the network card drivers on older computers.
Another common reason is a crowded customer list: If you have previously set a limit on the number of connections (for example, 1 device), the second gadget will simply not let the network.
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90% of connectivity problems are solved by switching from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz or changing the security type to WPA2.
In rare cases, you may need to reset your network settings. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. Note that this action will remove saved passwords from all Wi-Fi networks you know.