How to turn it on USB-Xiaomi modem: A complete guide to problem solving

Connecting Xiaomi phone to the Internet via USB-Modem is a useful feature when there is no Wi-Fi or mobile network at hand. brand smartphones (including Redmi lines, POCO and Mi support this option, but activation is often questionable, USB-The modem requires additional settings on the computer and sometimes - special drivers.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for all versions. MIUI (including MIUI 14/15), lists of compatible models, and solutions to typical problems, from the lack of drivers to connection errors, we also discuss how to check the operator's rate for modem support and how to do this. USB-Connection is different from Bluetooth binding.

What is it? USB-modem and why you need it

Regime. USB-The modem allows you to use a Xiaomi smartphone as an external modem to access the Internet from a computer, laptop or even another phone:

• 🔌 Saves battery power – the phone does not consume energy to transmit a signal through the air.
• 🛡️ Safer – the connection cannot be intercepted by any foreign devices (as is the case with Wi-Fi).
• ⚡ Stable – no interference from other wireless networks.
• 💻 More convenient for PC – does not require a password, as when connecting to Wi-Fi.

However, the method has disadvantages: some operators block the USB-modem SIM-cards (for example, unlimited Internet rates only for smartphones) In addition, you will need to work OTG-adapter (if the phone has a connector) USB-C), And on the computer, the correct drivers.

Comparison. USB-modem with other ways of distributing the Internet:

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi phones with MIUI for China (version) CN) function USB-The modem can be disabled by the manufacturer, in which case you will need to unlock the bootloader and firmware global version of the software.

What Xiaomi models support USB-modem

Function USB-The modem is available on most Xiaomi smartphones released after 2018:

• 📱 Flagship models (Xiaomi) 13/14, Redmi K60, POCO F5) — Support without restrictions, including high-speed connection 4G+/5G.
• 📱 Mid-size segment (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5) — work-in 4G, But may require manual installation of drivers on the PC.
• 📱 Budget models (Redmi) A2, POCO C55) — Supported, but limited speed 3G (depends on the operator).
• ❌ Outdated devices (Redmi) 4X, Mi A1) — They may not have any function or may work in an unstable manner.

You can check the support in the Settings menu. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access point and modem, if the points USB-No modem, your model is not compatible.

Also, you should consider the version. MIUI:

• 🔹 MIUI 12/13/14 — Full support, automatic driver installation on Windows 10/11.
• 🔹 MIUI 11 and older – you may need to manually download drivers (download on the official website).
• 🔹 Custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) – often break the modem function.

⚠️ Note: On dual-SIM phones USB-The modem will use the one SIM-The card that is selected as the primary data transfer card. Switch it to Settings → SIM-map → Mobile Internet.

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

The process of activating modem connection mode consists of three steps: setting up the phone, connecting to the computer and configuration of the PC.

1. Activation of the mode on the phone

Open the Settings menu and follow the following steps:

1. Go to section. SIM-maps and mobile networks (on some models - Data transfer).
2. Select Access Point and modem (or modem modem).
3. Activate the switch. USB-modem.
4. Confirm the permission to transfer data (if a request arises).

A notification will appear on the screen. USB-If the modem is active, check if the phone is connected to the computer through the phone. OTG-adapter (for USB-C).

2. Connection to a computer

Use the original cable (or certified cable) USB 2.0/3.0) and do it:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC via port USB 3.0 (blue) for maximum speed.
• 🖥️ On your computer, select File Transfer Mode (MTP) or only charging (if) MTP doesn't work).
• 🔄 Wait for drivers to install (on Windows, it can take 1-2 minutes).

Enable mobile internet on Xiaomi

Use the original USB cable

Activate the regime USB-modem

Connect to the port USB 3.0 on PC-->

If drivers are not installed automatically, download them from the official Xiaomi website (Support section) → Windows 7 may require manual installation through Device Manager.

3. Network settings on the computer

After connection:

1. On Windows: Open the Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network connections. There's a new Remote connection coming up. NDIS Xiaomi Mobile Network.
2. Nana macOS/Linux: Check the list of network interfaces in the terminal with the ifconfig command | grep Xiaomi
3. Launch your browser and check your internet access.

If no connection is available:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and computer.
• 🔧 Check if the connection is blocked by firewall or antivirus.
• 📶 Make sure that the phone is on mobile internet (icon) 4G/5G status-line).

💡

If the computer can't see USB-modem, check the cable and port first. 60 percent of the time, the problem is with the physical connection, not the settings.

Solving problems with USB-modem on Xiaomi

Even with the right setup, users are faced with errors.-5 problems and ways of eliminating them.

1.The computer cannot see. USB-modem

Causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Cable/port problem – try another cable or port USB 2.0.
• 🖥️ There are no drivers - download Mi PC Suite from the official website.
• 📱 Lockdown MIUI — Turn off the debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times click on the version, then turn on the developer mode).

2. no Internet access with active connection

What to do:

• 🌐 Check the balance and tariff of the operator – some block modem modem (for example, Tele2 or Yota on unlimited rates).
• 📡 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-map → Resetting network settings.
• 🔄 Switch the network type from 4G on 3G In Settings → Mobile network → Type of network.

3. Low connection speed

Possible causes:

4. Mistake "USB-device not identified"

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn the phone off the PC.
2. On your computer, remove the device in Device Manager (Controllers section) USB).
3. Connect the phone again and wait for the drivers to be re-installed.
4. If it doesn’t help, install the Qualcomm driver. HS-USB Diagnostics (for Snapdragon processors).

5. USB-The modem shuts down on its own

Frequent problem on MIUI Decisions:

• 🔋 Disable Battery Optimization for the Settings app.
• 📵 Turn on Developer Mode and turn off Automatic Shutdown USB.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI last-minute.

How to check the operator's tariff for support USB-modem

Many carriers (especially those with unlimited rates) block the phone from being used as a modem, to prevent traffic from being resold, and to see if modem modem is allowed on your tariff.

1. Verification through USSD-team

Dial on your phone:

• 📞 For MTS: *111*0887# (request for tariff information).
• 📞 For Beeline: *110*180#.
• 📞 For MegaFon: *105*500#.
• 📞 For the Body.2: *155*1#.

In the answer, look for the mention of Data Transfer, Modem or Tethering. If not, modem mode is blocked.

2. Check through the personal account

Go to the operator's website and check the tariff description.

• 🚫 Ban on Internet distribution (e.g., the phrase "Smartphones only").
• 💰 Additional fee for modem modem (sometimes up to 100)₽/day-day).
• 📶 Speed limit when connecting to a PC (for example, up to 64 Kbps).

3. Alternative ways to bypass the lock

If the modem mode is blocked, but you need it, you can try:

• 🔄 Change the tariff for the business option (usually without restrictions).
• 📡 Use it. VPN (For example, Psiphon or Outline to mask traffic.
• 📱 Activate the Developer Mode and Enable USB-Debugging (sometimes bypassing the locks).

⚠️ Attention: Bypassing the operator's locks may violate the user agreement. SIM-service-card.

Comparison USB-modem with other ways of distributing the Internet

USB-The modem is not the only way to connect your computer to the Internet through Xiaomi.

1. USB-modem vs. Wi-Fi access point

USB-modem wins:

• ⚡ Speeds - no loss of air transmission.
• 🔋 Energy consumption – the phone runs out more slowly.
• 🛡️ Security - the connection cannot be intercepted.

A Wi-Fi hotspot is better if:

• 📱 You need to connect several devices (laptop) + tablet).
• 🏠 No cable on hand.
• 🎮 Low ping is required (for example, for online gaming).

2. USB-modem vs Bluetooth modem

Bluetooth is inferior in all respects, except one:

• ✅ Works without cable (comfortable for laptops on the road).
• ❌ The speed is 10-20 times lower than that of USB.
• ❌ High battery consumption.
• ❌ Frequent connection breaks.

Conclusion: USB-The modem is optimal for stationary use (at home, in the office), and Wi-Fi is for mobile scenarios. Bluetooth should be considered only as a backup option.

💡

If you need to connect several devices to the Internet, USB-The modem is not suitable, use the combination: connect the phone to the router via USB (if the router supports USB Tethering, and then distribute Wi-Fi from the router.

Additional settings for experienced users

If standard methods don’t work or fine-tuning is required, hidden features can be used. MIUI Android.

1. Enabling the developer mode

Activates extended network settings:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Press 7 times on the MIUI version.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Turn on Debugging. USB And the modem is always active.

2.Amendment APN modem-mode

If the operator blocks the modem, sometimes manual settings help. APN:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-map → Access points (APN).
2. Create a new profile with parameters:

Name: Internet




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




Type of authentication: PAP




APN Protocol: IPv4/IPv6

Save and select a new APN.

3.Use of ADB modem-involvement

If USB-The modem is not activated via the menu, try the command. ADB:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Connect your phone and do it at the terminal:

adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0

This command disables the operator’s check for modem support (does not work on all devices).

⚠️ Note: Change system settings through ADB This can cause your phone to run in an unstable way.

FAQ: Frequent questions about USB-modem on Xiaomi