Using a smartphone as a source of high-speed Internet for a computer is a standard practice that helps on business trips, when there are interruptions with a home provider or when traveling. Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices often face the need to quickly organize an access point, but built-in shell features MIUI Or HyperOS can hide some nuances, and unlike just turning on Wi-Fi, wired connections through the Internet. USB-The modem provides a more stable signal and lower latency, which is critical for online gaming or video conferencing.
The process of activating the modem modem on the devices of the Chinese giant is technically simple, but users often do not find the right switch in the menu, since it becomes active only under certain conditions, USB-The modem will not turn on if the cable is simply connected to charge without data transmission, and some firmware versions require manual adjustment of the access point. APN, to ensure that the operator correctly determines the type of traffic and does not block the distribution.
In this article, we will take a look at all the steps of connection, from choosing the right cable to deep network settings, how to get around the possible limitations of the operator and how to make the computer see the smartphone as a full-fledged network device. The key is to use the original data-enabled cable, since charging-only cables cannot physically transmit the signal.
Preparation of equipment and compatibility check
Before you go to software settings, you need to make sure that the hardware is ready. USB-cable is suitable for data transmission; many cheap analogues, complete with portable speakers or toys, have only two power veins. USB-The modem requires a full standard cable. USB 2.0 or 3.0 with data lines soldered.
It's also worth checking the computer port. If you're using a desktop PC, plug the smartphone directly into the motherboard at the back, avoiding the front panels of the case or USB-It's a hub without power, and it's a power supply that's going to be strong enough to keep the connection stable. USB 3.0 (usually blue), although modem modem is also available on the USB 2.0.
Make sure that the Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone itself has the latest firmware installed. Older versions of MIUI may have encountered bugs that block network functions. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone. If the system requires a reboot after an update, do it.
Dust and pile stuffed into a USB Type-C or Micro-USB port can prevent dense contact of data lines, even if charging is going well. Carefully clean the connector with a dry soft brush or wooden toothpick before connecting.
Step-by-step activation of USB modem
The basic process of turning on the function takes no more than a minute if all physical conditions are met. First connect the smartphone to the computer with a cable. On the phone screen, you may see a request for permission to access data (especially when you first connect to a new PC) – click “Allow” or “Always allow from this computer”.
Then you go to settings. The path may vary slightly depending on the shell version, but the logic remains the same: Open the Settings menu, find the Connection and Sharing (or Access Point and Modem) section, and that's where the switch is hidden.
☑️ Incorporation algorithm USB modem
After the slider is turned on USB-The modem should emit a characteristic device connection sound, and in the computer tray (in the area of Windows notifications) will appear the icon of the new network connection. Usually Windows 10 and 11 automatically install the necessary drivers. RNDIS or NDIS few seconds.
⚠️ Warning: If after turning on the slider, the network icon does not appear on the computer, try to switch the cable to another one. USB-Also make sure that the smartphone screen is unlocked, as some security settings are available. MIUI Block data transmission on a locked screen.
In some cases, especially on older versions of Windows (7, 8), drivers may not stand up automatically. Then an unknown device with a yellow exclamation mark will appear in Device Manager, in which case you will need to manually install Xiaomi USB Driver drivers or update the driver through Device Manager by selecting the Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing Device model from the list.
Setting up an APN access point for operators
Often, users are faced with a situation where the phone is connected, the drivers are standing, but the Internet on the computer does not work, which means that the carrier does not see the correct connection parameters or blocks the distribution, the solution lies in the settings of the APN access point (Access Point Name).
To enter the settings menu, go along the way: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choice SIM-maps (for the Internet) → Access points (APN). Here you will see a list of your carrier profiles. You need to create a new access point or edit an existing one.
| Parameter | Value for most operators | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Name (Name) | Internet (or any other) | |
| APN | internet | The main parameter, often register-independent |
| Type APN | default,supl,dun | |
| Protocol APN | IPv4/IPv6 | Recommended option |
The most important parameter in the table above is the APN type. By default, it often only has default,supl. Adding the dun (Dial-Up Networking) parameter tells the networks that you are using the connection for a modem, not just for a mobile browser. Without this tag, many operators (for example, Beeline, MTS, Megafon) can block data transfer to a PC.
What to do if the operator blocks the distribution?
After making changes, be sure to click the menu (three dots in the corner) and select Save, and then activate this new profile by putting a dot next to it.Rebooting your smartphone after changing the APN helps you apply the settings correctly.
Solving driver problems in Windows
Windows sometimes misidentifies a Xiaomi device by installing drivers for charging or media player instead of a network adapter, in which case you can see the device in the Device Manager section under “Other Devices” or “Portable Devices”.
To fix this, right-click on your device and select “Update driver.” Then click “Select driver from the list of available drivers on your computer.” In the list of categories, find “Network adapters.”
In the list of manufacturers that appears, select Microsoft, and in the list of models - USB RNDIS or Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing Device. After installing this driver, the device should be identified as a network card.
⚠️ Note: If there is no driver in the list RNDIS, In the driver selection window, click "Install from Disk" and specify the path to the Windows system drivers, or download the universal Google driver. USB Driver from the official Android website.
For advanced users facing persistent communication breaks, disabling the power saving function for the USB-In the Device Manager, find Root. USB-hub, go to properties, tab "Power management" and uncheck the box from the item "Allow disconnection of this device to save energy».
Features of work in HyperOS and MIUI 14
Xiaomi’s latest shells bring changes to the interface and logic of network modules. With HyperOS, the settings menu has become more compact, and some items can be hidden in the “More” or “Advanced” submenus, and increased protection against unauthorized access, which may require re-confirmation of trust every time you connect to a PC.
Smartphone owners with global firmware may notice that the function USB-The modem is more stable than the Chinese versions (CN ROM), where some certificates may not be available for European or American operators. If you have a Chinese version, it is recommended to switch the region in the settings (Settings) → Advanced settings → Region) to India or Singapore, which sometimes helps unlock hidden network features.
💡
Use Charge Only mode when connecting to other computers, which will protect your data from possible copying, but will not allow you to turn on the modem, switch the mode through the notification curtain after connecting.
Another feature is aggressive energy saving, so if the smartphone battery runs out, the system can automatically shut down. USB-To avoid this, add the Settings app or system process to the battery exception list (Settings) → Battery → Battery protection, although this may not be available for system services.
Traffic safety and optimization
Using your smartphone as a modem, you turn it into a gateway for all your computer traffic.This means that any viruses or miners on your PC can start consuming your mobile traffic.
In the hotspot settings (Settings → Connection & Sharing → Wi-Fi hotspot – yes, the limit is often set up in the next menu, but also affects the overall flow rate), set a monthly limit or daily limit. This will save you from unexpected bills for communication.
- 📱 Watch the temperature of the case: long-term operation in modem modem strongly warms the processor and modem of the smartphone.
- 🔒 Use a complex password for a Wi-Fi hotspot if it’s enabled in parallel so neighbors don’t connect to your internet.
- 📉 Turn off automatic updates of Windows and games while working through the mobile network, so as not to exhaust a package of gigabytes in an hour.
Also worth mentioning is data security: When connecting to public computers (libraries, copy centers), never turn on modem without antivirus on your PC. Attackers can use RNDIS protocol vulnerabilities to attack your phone.
💡
USB-The modem provides a more stable connection and less ping compared to Wi-Fi, but requires quality cable and proper setup. APN bypassing operator locks.
In conclusion, you can turn your Xiaomi Redmi into a USB-The modem is a powerful tool that every user should have in their arsenal, and when set up correctly, you can get speeds close to home fiber at any point in the coverage. 4G/5G network.