How to connect and configure USB-Modem on Xiaomi: full instruction with solutions to problems

Connection USB-Xiaomi’s smartphone or tablet modem can be a lifeline when there is no Wi-Fi at hand and mobile Internet is unstable, but many users face problems: the device does not recognize the modem, does not appear a network icon or gives an error «USB-This article will discuss all the ways of activation. USB-modem on Redmi, POCO and other Xiaomi devices, including customization APN, Error Solving and Alternative Connection Methods.

It is important to understand that not all Xiaomi models officially support the new model. USB-Out of the box modems, for example, MediaTek-based smartphones often require additional drivers, and Qualcomm Snapdragon devices can only work with certain modem models (e.g., Huawei). E3372 or ZTE MF823). We tested the instructions on current firmware MIUI 14/15 HyperOS, so all the steps are relevant to 2026 year-end.

1. Compatibility check: which USB-Modem is suitable for Xiaomi

Before you buy a modem, make sure it’s compatible with your device. Xiaomi doesn’t publish an official list of supported models, but by user experience, the best things to do are:

• 🔹 Huawei E3372 — universal 4G-modem supported by most devices on Qualcomm.
• 🔹 ZTE MF823/MF831 — Budget options with good compatibility.
• 🔹 TP-Link M7350 — portable modem MIUI.
• 🔹 MegaFon M150-2 — Optimized for Russian operators.

Problems are more common with modems based on HiSilicon chips (such as the Huawei E8372) or outdated devices (such as the Novatel MiFi). If your modem is not on this list, check it out on forums (such as 4PDA) - there are topics with reviews for specific models.

An important nuance: Xiaomi smartphones on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi 9A, POCO M3) may not recognize modems without manual driver installation. Devices on Snapdragon (e.g. Xiaomi 12T, POCO F4) usually work out of the box, but require APN configuration.

2. Preparation of the smartphone: enable debugging by USB and modem modem

So Xiaomi would recognize USB-modem, you need to activate the hidden settings of the developer and turn on the mode USB-- Follow your steps:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Click 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
3. Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → For developers.
4. Activate the switches: 🔧 Debugging by USB 🔧 Unlocking OEM (if) 🔧 Configuration USB default → Ethernet (RNDIS)

Then connect the modem to the smartphone through OTG-cable (required original or certified) If the modem is undecided, try restarting the device with the connected modem.

Enable the developer mode|Activate debugging by USB|Set the configuration USB on RNDIS|Use quality OTG-cable|Reboot your smartphone with a connected modem-->

Critical information: on HyperOS firmware, the path to the developer settings has changed - now you need to go to Settings → About Phone → HyperOS version (click 7 times), and then look for the “For developers” item in the “System and device” section.

3.Tune in. APN for USB-Xiaomi modem

Even if the modem is determined, without the correct settings APN (Access Point Name) the Internet will not work.

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
2. Click on + (add a new APN) and fill in the fields according to your carrier's data. Examples for popular providers:

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) after you connect USB-The modem may lose sound in the speaker, and it's due to driver conflict. Solution: disable the modem, reboot the smartphone, and reconnect the modem.

5. Alternative ways of connecting USB-modem

If the standard method doesn’t work, try these options:

Method 1: Connecting via USB Tethering

Some modems (e.g. Huawei E3372) support USB-distribution mode via proprietary software:

1. Connect the modem to your PC and install an official utility (e.g., Huawei Mobile Partner).
2. In the modem settings, activate USB Tethering mode.
3. Connect the modem to Xiaomi, it will be defined as a network adapter.

Method 2: Using a Wi-Fi router with USB-port

If your modem doesn’t want to work directly with your smartphone, connect it to your router. USB-port (for example, TP-Link) TL-MR3420), And then you connect Xiaomi to the router's Wi-Fi network, and it's universal, and it works even with incompatible modems.

Method 3: Bypassing operator locking

Some operators (e.g. Yota or Tinkoff Mobile) block the use of the USB-You can get around this:

• 📡 Buy SIM-card of another operator (for example, MegaFon or MTS with unlimited tariff for modems).
• 📡 Use it. VPN (For example, ProtonVPN for masking traffic.
• 📡 Reflash the modem to universal firmware (for example, for Huawei) E3372 There's a Hilink firmware).

💡

If your operator is blocking USB-Modems, the most reliable way to use SIM-card with a tariff for tablets or modems (for example, "MegaFon Tariff for tablet»).

6. Optimization of connection speed and stability

USB-Modems often run slower than Wi-Fi or mobile internet to improve speeds:

• 🚀 Modem Positioning – Place it to a window or a hill for a better signal.
• 🚀 Turn off background apps -- they consume traffic. Use Settings. → Annexes → Auto-start to limit background activity.
• 🚀 Change. DNS — customized APN Enter 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) in the field DNS 1.
• 🚀 Update the modem firmware - check the current versions on the manufacturer's website.

To check the real speed, use the Speedtest by Ookla app. If the speed is below 5 Mbps, try:

1. Reconnect the modem to another USB-port (if you use the hub).
2. Change location (sometimes even a 1 to 2 meter shift improves the signal).
3. Turn off traffic savings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Saving traffic.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi devices with HyperOS firmware, background traffic restriction may work for USB-To turn it off, go to Settings. → Connections and sharing → Use of data → Network Limitation and Deactivate the Option for Your Modem.

7 Security: How to protect data when in use USB-modem

USB-modems, especially used modems, can be a source of threats:

• 🔒 Check the modem for viruses – connect it to your PC and scan with antivirus (for example, Kaspersky Internet Security).
• 🔒 Turn off auto-start – in Xiaomi settings deactivate Settings → Warehouse → Auto-start for USB.
• 🔒 Use it. VPN — This will protect your data from interception, especially in public places.
• 🔒 Update modem software – outdated firmware may contain vulnerabilities.

If you buy a used modem, be sure to reset to the factory settings.

1. Connect the modem to the PC.
2. Open the modem web interface (usually at 192.168.8.1 or 192.168.1.1).
3. Find the System → Reset section and confirm the reset.

Xiaomi does not provide built-in scanning tools USB-devices, so to check the modem for malware you will have to use third-party applications, such as Malwarebytes.

FAQ: Frequent questions on USB-Xiaomi modems