How to turn it on USB-Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro modem: a complete guide with error solutions

Introduction: Why is it necessary USB-modem on Xiaomi smartphone

USB-Modem on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro allows you to distribute mobile Internet to other devices through USB-cable is an alternative to Wi-Fi access points, where you need a stable connection with minimal delays, and this is the way to connect to laptops without a Wi-Fi module, desktop PCs or in situations of severe wireless interference, USB-The modem does not consume the battery of the smartphone so intensively and provides a higher data transfer rate.

However, on the Redmi Note 8 Pro (begonia model) function USB-The modem may work unstable due to the features of the firmware MIUI In this article, we will discuss not only the standard way to turn on the mode, but also solve typical problems, from the lack of an option in the settings to connection errors on the device. Windows/Linux. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden mode of diagnosis ##717717##, activates advanced network functions on some versions MIUI.

Before you start, check:

  • πŸ”Œ Are you using the original? USB-cable (not all cables support data transmission)
  • πŸ“± Version MIUI on a smartphone (in Settings) β†’ The phone)
  • πŸ’» Operating system on the device you connect to (Windows) 10/11, macOS, Linux)

πŸ“Š How do you usually distribute the Internet from a smartphone?
Wi-Fi.
Through Bluetooth.
Through USB.
Not giving.

Equipment and software requirements

For successful connection USB-The modem on the Redmi Note 8 Pro must meet several key conditions. First, your smartphone must support modem (USB-tethering) at the firmware level. MIUI 12-14 this function is present, but can be hidden or disabled by the carrier. Secondly, the connected device (PC, laptop) must correctly recognize the smartphone as a network adapter.

Minimum requirements:

  • πŸ“± Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro with a MIUI 12 or newer (firmware not lower than V12.0.1.0.QGGCNXM)
  • πŸ”Œ Cable USB Type-C with data transfer support (not charger!)
  • πŸ’» On PC: Windows 7/10/11, macOS 10.15+, Linux (kernel) 5.4+)
  • πŸ“Ά Active tariff with data transfer (without restrictions on modem modem mode)

Pay special attention USB-Cheap cables often don't have contacts to transmit data, only working on charging. You can check the cable by connecting your smartphone to a PC - if the device manager (Windows) or lsusb (Linux) defines the phone as MediaTek Preloader or Xiaomi Composite Device, the cable is suitable.

ComponentMinimum versionRecommendations
MIUI12.0.1.0Update through Settings β†’ Update of the PO
Drivers (Windows)Mi USB Driver 2.0.1Download from the official website
Linux kernel5.4+For older distributions, install Linux-headers
macOS10.15 (Catalina)Use Android File Transfer to check your connection

πŸ’‘

If your operator is blocking modem modem, try inserting SIM-card of another provider or contact support to activate the option "Data transfer".

Standard incorporation USB-modem

In most cases, activate USB-You can use the Redmi Note 8 Pro modem via the standard settings menu:

  1. Connect your smartphone to your PC/laptop with the original USB-cable.
  2. Unlock your phone screen (important!)
  3. Open Settings β†’ Connection and Sharing.
  4. Select Modem Modem (or Access Point and Modem in new versions) MIUI).
  5. Activate the switch. USB-modem.

After turning on, a notification about the active modem will appear on the screen, and the PC should automatically determine a new network connection. In Windows Device Manager, check for Remote device NDIS Internet-based Sharing Device in Network Adapters.

Check the cable for performance|Update. MIUI last-minute|Install Xiaomi drivers on PC|Activate mobile internet on your smartphone|Unlock the phone screen before connecting-->

If you're optional USB-The modem is not on the menu, which may mean:

  • πŸ”„ Firmware MIUI modified (castomic)
  • πŸ“΅ The operator has blocked the function
  • πŸ”§ In the developer settings, debugging mode is disabled
What to do if there is no paragraph "USB-modem in settings?
If there is no option in the modem menu USB, Try: 1. Enter ##717717## in the dialer, which will activate the hidden diagnostic menu. 2. Go to Settings β†’ About the phone and 7 times click on the version MIUI, to enable the developer mode. 3. in Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ For developers, find the Configuration item USB by default and select RNDIS (USB Ethernet. 4 Restart your phone and check for the option again.

Solving Connection Problems on Windows

Most often, it's difficult to connect to Windows computers, such as "Network cable not connected," "Unidentified device," or no Internet connection when an active modem is running, and let's look at the solutions for each.

1. Device not detected (error code 43)

If the Redmi Note 8 Pro Device Manager displays with a yellow exclamation point:

  1. Remove the device through the context menu (Delete the device).
  2. Turn off and reconnect the cable.
  3. Install drivers manually: PCM by device β†’ Update the driver β†’ Perform a search on this computer β†’ Select from the list β†’ Network adapters β†’ Remote NDIS Compatible Device

2. no access to the Internet when actively connected

If the connection is established but the pages are not opened:

  • πŸ”§ Check the settings. IP: Control panel β†’ Network connections β†’ PKM for Ethernet" β†’ Properties β†’ IPv4 (Set automatic receipt IP and DNS)
  • πŸ“΅ Turn it off. VPN or proxy on PC.
  • πŸ”„ Reboot both devices.

πŸ’‘

Windows. 10/11 Sometimes you need to disable the Battery Saving feature for the network adapter, as it can block data transmission through the network. USB.

⚠️ Attention: If after connection USB-The modem stops working. Charging the phone is normal behavior. USB It switches to data instead of power. Use a separate charging cable to power your smartphone.

Setting up USB-Linux and macOS modem

On Linux systems, Redmi Note 8 Pro is usually determined automatically thanks to built-in kernel drivers, but additional actions may be needed to activate the network. On macOS, the process is similar to Windows, but there are nuances with drivers.

For Linux (Ubuntu/Debian/Fedora)

If the connection is not working:

  1. Install usb-modeswitch: sudo apt install usb-modeswitch # Debian/Ubuntu sudo dnf install usb-modeswitch # Fedora
  2. Check the kernel logs for errors: dmesg | grep -i usb
  3. Manually activate the interface: sudo ifconfig usb0 up sudo dhclient usb0

For macOS

On the Mac, you may need to install additional software:

  • πŸ“₯ Download HoRNDIS from the official website.
  • πŸ”§ Install the driver by following the instructions (you may need to disable System Integrity Protection).
  • πŸ”„ Restart your Mac and connect your phone again.
OSTypical problemDecision
Windows 10/11"Network cable not connected"Update the driver on Remote NDIS
Linux (Ubuntu)Interface. usb0 receiver IPsudo dhclient usb0
macOSDevice not definedInstall the Horndis

Alternative methods of distributing the Internet

If USB-The modem is not working or is not available, consider alternative ways to distribute the Internet with the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

1. Wi-Fi access point

The most common method, but with a large battery consumption:

  • πŸ“Ά Go to Settings. β†’ Connection and sharing β†’ Access point.
  • πŸ”‘ Set up the network name (SSID) password.
  • ⚑ Enable the option Wi-Fi Access Point.

2. Bluetooth modem

Suitable for devices without Wi-Fi, but with low speed:

  • πŸ”΅ Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
  • πŸ“± On a smartphone: Settings β†’ Bluetooth β†’ Modem mode.
  • πŸ’» On PC: Connect to your phone as a network device.

3. reverse tethering (Reverse Tethering)

If you want to connect your smartphone to the PC Internet (not vice versa), use:

  • πŸ”Œ Apps like ClockworkMod Tether (require root).
  • πŸ“₯ ADB-Adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0

⚠️ Note: When using Wi-Fi access point on Redmi Note 8 Pro MIUI 13+ The speed limit may be triggered after 5-10 GB of data is transmitted. USB-The modem is free of this restriction.

Advanced settings and hidden functions

For experienced users who are ready to work with system settings, additional optimization opportunities are available. USB-These methods require caution and can cause the phone to malfunction.

1. Activation through the engineering menu

If standard methods don’t work, try:

  1. Enter the dialer: ##4636##.
  2. Go to the phone information.
  3. Scroll down and find the preferred network type.
  4. Choose. LTE Only (sometimes solves connection problems).

2. Set-up through ADB

To change the hidden parameters:

  1. Install. ADB on PC and connect the phone in debugging mode.
  2. Adb shell settings put global settings tether_dun_required 0 settings put global tether_entitlement_check_enabled 0
  3. Reset the device.

3. Change of configuration USB

In Developer Mode (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ 7 times according to version MIUI):

  • πŸ”§ Find the configuration. USB default.
  • πŸ“‹ Choose. RNDIS + MTP or RNDIS (USB Ethernet).
  • πŸ”„ Save and reconnect the cable.
How to reset your network settings on Redmi Note 8 Pro?
If the Internet disappeared after experimenting with settings: 1. Go to Settings β†’ SIM-2. Press Network Settings Reset (confirmation required). 3. The phone will reset and network settings will return to factory settings. Attention: this will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks and passwords!

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even when set up properly, Redmi Note 8 Pro users face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

Mistake.Probable causeDecision
"USB-device not identified"Lack of drivers or faulty cableSet up Mi. USB Driver or replace the cable
No option "USB-modem in settingsThe operator has blocked the function or custom firmwareUse the code ##717717## or change the firmware
The Internet is working, but very slowly.Operator Limitation or Background ProcessesTurn off app updates and check tariff limits
Connection breaks down in 5-10 minutesPower saving mode on PC or phoneTurn off "Sleep in modem modem" in the battery settings

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • πŸ“Ά Availability of mobile Internet on a smartphone (try to open a website in your phone browser).
  • πŸ”§ Settings APN (access point to your operator.
  • πŸ”„ Work. USB-port on PC (connect another device).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI 14 after the update, the settings are reset USB-If the function stopped working after the update, reset the network settings (Settings) β†’ Memory. β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Resetting network settings).

Can I use it? USB-Redmi Note 8 Pro modem without root rights?
Yeah, standard firmware. MIUI function USB-However, if the option is hidden by the operator, activation via the engineering menu (code ##717717##) may be required or ADB-Root is only needed for deep modification of system files, which is not recommended for most users.
Why? USB-The modem is slower than the Wi-Fi access point?
This is due to the limitations of the protocol. RNDIS, which is used USB-modem, in theory. USB It should be faster, but in practice, speed depends on: USB-cable (USB 2.0 vs USB 3.0) Drivers on PC Smartphone CPU loads For maximum speed, use the original cable and disable background apps on your phone.
Can I use it at the same time? USB-modem and charge phone?
No, in mode. USB-The modem port switches to data, and no charging happens. To distribute the Internet and charge the smartphone at the same time, you'll need to charge the smartphone: USB-externally powered hub, or wireless charging (if your Redmi Note 8 Pro supports Qi).
How to know if my tariff supports USB-modem?
Check the fare conditions on the operator's website or call in support. Most modern tariffs support modem modem mode, but some operators can: Limit speeds after a certain amount of traffic, block modem modem for corporate tariffs, charge extra for the distribution of the Internet. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you can get around some restrictions through settings APN, But it may violate the operator's rules.
What to do if you connect after you USB-The modem is missing mobile Internet on the phone?
This is a typical problem where the smartphone forgets the main connection. Solutions: Turn off. USB-modem and restart the phone. Manually select the network in Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Network Selection. Reset network settings (Settings) β†’ Memory. β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Reset network settings. If the problem repeats, check the settings APN Or contact the operator, perhaps yours. SIM-card activated service in conflict with modem modem.