How to turn it on USB-Modem on Xiaomi Redmi phone: a complete guide with setting APN problem-solving

Introduction: Why is it necessary USB-Smartphone modem and when it will be useful

USB-The modem on the Xiaomi Redmi smartphone is a non-standard, but extremely useful solution for situations where Wi-Fi is not available and mobile Internet is malfunctioning. Imagine: you are on a trip where the operator provides only the service. 2G, And the laptop needs a stable one. 4G. Or your main router has broken down, and you need to connect your tablet to the network. USB-modem becomes a full-fledged replacement for the router - just connect it to another device through a cable and configure the distribution of the Internet.

However, not all users know that Xiaomi Redmi supports the company. USB-firmware-level modem MIUI, But the function is often hidden in the depths of the settings. APN (hotspots, choose a compatible cable, and sometimes even update the firmware. In this article, we'll go through all the nuances, from preparing the phone to solving common bugs like «USB-device not recognized or lack of Internet on the connected gadget.

It's important: USB-The modem is different from the usual Wi-Fi distribution, it provides a more stable and faster connection (especially over long distances), but requires a physical cable connection. 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and other models with support USB OTG.

What Xiaomi Redmi models support USB-modem

Function USB-The modem is available on most Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, but there are nuances.First, the phone should support mode OTG (On-The-Go, which allows you to connect peripherals, and secondly, you need an up-to-date version. MIUI (Below is the table of compatibility of popular models:

If your model is not in the table, check the support OTG: Put a flash drive on the phone through an adapter if the device is determined — USB-The modem will work, too. Except for some budget models like the Redmi. A1 Redmi Go may not support the function due to iron limitations.

What you need to connect USB-modem

Before you turn on USB-Modem, get everything ready. Without the right cable or drivers, you're going to be wasting your time:

• 📱 Xiaomi Redmi smartphone with support OTG (see the table above).
• 🔌 OTG-cable or adapter (depending on the phone connector: Type-C) → USB-A or micro-USB → USB-A).
• 💻 Connection device: laptop, PC, tablet or even another smartphone (if USB-host supports).
• 📶 Active. SIM-card with a tariff allowing the distribution of the Internet (some operators have restrictions).
• 🔧 Windows Drivers (if you connect to a PC) can be downloaded on the Xiaomi website or through Mi PC Suite.

It's important about the cable: not everything OTG-The adapters are the same. Cheap Chinese cables don't have to transmit data, they just charge the device. USB-modem needs a full-fledged OTG-Data-enabled cable (usually labeled "Data Transfer"). How do you check? Connect your mouse or keyboard to your phone -- if they work, the cable fits.

⚠️ Attention: On Windows devices 7/8 You may have problems recognizing your phone as a modem. 10/11 macOS.

Check support OTG phone-on|Buy quality OTG-data-line|Update MIUI last-minute|Download drivers for PC (if necessary)|Make sure the tariff allows the distribution of the Internet-->

Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on USB-modem on Xiaomi Redmi

Now let’s get to the main thing – the setting. USB-Modem: The instruction is universal for all supported models, but there may be minor differences in the layout of menu items.

Step 1. Enable the OTG mode

First, make sure that the phone recognizes USB-connected devices:

1. Connect. OTG-cable to the phone (leave the second end free).
2. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → OTG.
3. Activate the USB OTG switch (if it isn’t, your cable is faulty or your phone doesn’t support OTG).

Step 2. Activate. USB-modem

Now we turn on the Internet distribution function itself:

1. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
2. Tap on point. USB-modem (may be called modem "USB-web-based").
3. Confirm the inclusion if a permission request appears.

A notification will appear on the screen «USB-If it's not, check the cable or restart the phone.

Step 3: Configure APN (if the internet is not working)

Sometimes the operator blocks the Internet distribution via USB without the correct APN settings.

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Access points (APN).
2. Click on the current APN profile and check the parameters. For most Russian operators, you will be able to:

Name: Internet


APN: Internet (or Internet.mts.ru for MTS, Internet.beeline.ru for Beeline)




Type of authentication: PAP




APN Protocol: IPv4/IPv6

Save the changes and restart. USB-modem.

Step 4: Connect the device to the phone

Now connect. OTG-laptop-line:

• 🖥️ On Windows, the phone will be defined as a network adapter. Go to the Control Panel. → Network connections and check the new connection.
• 🍎 On macOS: the modem will appear in the list of network interfaces automatically.
• 📱 On Android Tablet: You may need to turn on USB-Internet in connection settings.

💡

If Windows does not recognize your phone as a modem, download the Mi USB Driver driver from Xiaomi’s official website and install it manually through Device Manager.

Typical errors and their solution

Even with the right setup USB-The modem may not work. Let's look at some of the most common problems and how to fix them.

1.The telephone is not defined as a modem

If nothing happens when the cable is connected:

• 🔄 Try another one. OTG-cable (possibly current only for charging).
• 📱 Restart your phone and PC.
• 🔧 Update your drivers on your computer (especially relevant for Windows) 7/8).
• 🛠️ Put the debugging on. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Tap 7 times according to version, then return to additional → For developers).

2.The Internet via USB is slow.

Speed. USB-modem depends on several factors:

• 📶 Check the signal level of the mobile network (in the basement or elevator, the speed will be low).
• 🔌 Use the cable. USB 3.0 (blue connector) for maximum speed.
• 📵 Disable background apps on your phone that consume traffic (such as updates or cloud backups).
• 🔄 Switch to another network range (e.g., from 4G on 3G, if the first one is overloaded).

3.The operator is blocking the distribution of the Internet

Some tariffs (especially unlimited ones) limit the distribution of the Internet.

• 📞 Call the operator and check if the distribution is allowed on your tariff.
• 🔄 Try changing. APN on alternative (for example, for MegaFon instead of the Internet use Internet.megafon.ru).
• 💳 Buy an additional option for distribution (Beeline has a Modem, MTS has an Internet for devices»).

⚠️ Attention: Some tariffs are artificially limited by operators to the speed of distribution to 64-128 Kbps. This is not a problem of the phone, and the feature of charging.

Alternative ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi Redmi

USB-A modem isn't the only way to share the Internet from a smartphone. If you can't set it up or cable is inconvenient, consider alternatives:

• 📶 Wi-Fi hotspot: the easiest way, but consumes the phone's battery. → Access Point and modem → Mobile access point.
• 🔵 Bluetooth modem: Suitable for connecting to a laptop or tablet without cables. USB, But the battery goes down slower.
• 🔌 Reverse Tethering: If you want to connect your phone to the PC Internet (for example, to update your firmware), requires root rights or ADB.

Comparison of distribution methods:

If you need to connect multiple devices at the same time, it is better to use a Wi-Fi hotspot) USB-Modem is preferable - it does not heat the phone and almost does not consume charge.

💡

USB-Modem is the best choice for stable connection of one device (for example, a laptop) with minimal battery consumption of the phone.

Safety in use USB-modem

Distributing the Internet via USB seems secure, but there are risks that few people know about: First, a connected device accesses the phone’s local network, which could theoretically be used to attack; and second, some public networks (such as in cafes or airports) can intercept traffic.

How to defend yourself:

• 🔒 Use it. VPN on a connected device (e.g., ProtonVPN or Warp from Cloudflare).
• 🛡️ Turn off the debugging. USB after setting up the modem (if it was turned on).
• 🔄 Update your firmware regularly MIUI — In new versions, vulnerabilities are closed.
• 📵 Don’t connect your phone to unknowns. USB-Ports (for example, in public charging).

It is also important to remember that when active USB-The modem makes the phone more vulnerable to phishing, for example, if you're connected to someone else's Wi-Fi and you're sharing the Internet at the same time. USB, An attacker may try to reroute your traffic. To avoid this, turn off the modem when it is not needed, and use only trusted networks.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions