Make Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 a full-fledged USB-The modem is simpler than it seems, and it allows you to distribute mobile Internet to a computer, laptop, or even a game console through a cable, without the speed losses that are typical of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. MIUI They often face nuances: somewhere the menu item is missing, somewhere Windows does not see the connection, and sometimes the modem simply shuts down after 5 minutes. USB-Redmi Note 9 modem (including Note 9 Pro and Note models) 9S), and also solve typical problems.
We tested all methods on MIUI 12.5-14 and Android 10/11 firmware, so the instructions will work regardless of the software version. Particular attention was paid to the hidden developer settings that help bypass the limitations of operators and increase connection stability. If you have previously tried unsuccessfully to configure a modem, check the error-solving section: there are cases when the PC does not detect the phone or the connection breaks under high load.
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1.Preparation of the phone: what to do before connecting
Before you turn on USB-Modem, make sure your Redmi Note 9 is ready to give away the Internet. Skipping these steps often leads to errors like "Device not recognized" or missing a point «USB-modem.
First, check the balance and the tariff. Many operators (e.g. MTS, Beeline) block the distribution of Internet on tariffs without the option "Modem" or with zero balance. Check the terms with your provider - sometimes it is enough to send USSD-request, *111*77# body2), activate.
Second, update the firmware. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest patches. MIUI (below 12.0.3) were bugs with USB-The modems that were corrected in subsequent updates.
Three, get the cable ready. Use the original. USB-A kit cable or a certified analogue (e.g. from Anker) cheap cables often don't support data transfer, only charging.
- 📱 Check the tariff: check with the operator whether the distribution of the Internet is allowed (sometimes you need to connect the option).
- 🔄 Update. MIUI: Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest patches.
- 🔌 Use quality cable: non-original cables may not support data transmission.
- 🔋 Charge your phone: with a low battery level (<20%) The modem can be turned off automatically.
⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi Note 9 with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the feature is USB-The modem may not work properly, and in this case, it is recommended to return to the official modem. MIUI install a module USB Tethering Enabler via Magisk.
Method 1: standard inclusion USB-modem through settings
The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI settings, which works on most devices without any additional manipulation.
Open the Settings. → Connections and sharing → Modem mode. Here you'll see three options for Internet distribution: Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth modem, and USB-Select the last item and move the slider to the "On" position.».
If the paragraph «USB-No modem, don't panic. This is a typical problem in some regions (e.g., devices purchased in China) and the solution is to turn on the developer mode and activate the hidden option.
Once activated, the modem should be defined on your computer as a network device. In Windows, check the list of connections in Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network connections – there will be a new connection called Remote NDIS or Xiaomi Composite Device.
☑️ Connection check USB-modem
3. Method 2: Enable through Developer Mode (if the item is not in the menu)
On some firmware Redmi Note 9 (especially on Chinese or custom) item «USB-The modem is hidden. To unlock it, you need to activate the developer mode and change the settings. USB-configuration.
First, turn on the developer mode:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Click 7 times in a row on the MIUI version (you will be notified “You became a developer!”).
- Return to the main settings menu – there will be a new section for developers.
Now open the Settings. → For developers and find the configuration option USB by default. Select from the list RNDIS (USB Ethernet or MTP + RNDIS. After that paragraph «USB-Modem will appear in the modem modem menu.
If there is no RNDIS option, update the firmware or install drivers manually (links to official Xiaomi drivers are given in the error-solving section).
What to do if the developer mode is not turned on?
4. Computer configuration: drivers and network parameters
Even if USB-The modem is on on the phone, the computer may not recognize the connection, most often due to the absence of drivers or improper network settings.
For Windows 10/11, drivers are usually installed automatically, but if they don’t:
- Download the official Xiaomi drivers from MIUI Downloads (select your model in the Driver section).
- Connect the phone to the PC and wait for the driver installation to be completed.
- If Windows gives an error "Device not recognized", try connecting the phone to another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0, marked in blue).
No additional drivers are required for macOS or Linux, but you may need to manually configure the network. On a Mac, open System Settings → Network and add a new USB connection. On Linux, run on the terminal:
sudo dhclient usb0If the internet does not appear, check the settings. APN Go to the settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [yours SIM] → Access points (APN) And make sure that you have the right parameters for your operator:
- Name: MTS
- APN: internet.mts.ru
- Type of authentication: PAP
5. Typical errors and their solutions
USB-The modem on the Redmi Note 9 can run unstable due to software limitations or hardware problems.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| PC doesn't see USB-modem | There are no drivers or incorrect drivers. USB-configuration | Install drivers manually or select RNDIS in the developer settings |
| The connection breaks in 5-10 minutes. | MIUI Energy Saving Shuts Down Modem When Inactivity | Turn off battery optimization for Settings app (Settings → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Battery → No Limits) |
| There is no internet connection, although there is a connection. | Incorrect APN settings or operator lock | Check the APN (see Section 4) or contact the operator to activate the Modem option. |
| USB-The modem is switched on, but the speed is very low. | USB 2.0 is used or background applications consume traffic | Connect to USB 3.0 port and close the background apps on your phone |
If none of these solutions worked, try resetting your network settings. Go to Settings → Connections & Sharing → Network Reset, which removes all stored Wi-Fi networks and passwords, but often solves modem problems.
⚠️ Note: On some Redmi Note 9 firmware (especially on Chinese versions), the operator may block the device. USB-modem IMEI. In this case, only the replacement of firmware for a global one will help (MIUI Global or alternative distribution methods (Wi-Fi or Bluetooth).
6. Alternative ways of distributing the Internet
If USB-The modem is still down, so consider alternatives, which are less stable, but can help in a critical situation.
Wi-Fi hotspot is the most versatile method, but it drains the battery faster and can be limited to the operator.
- Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Modem Modem.
- Select a Wi-Fi hotspot and set up a network name and password.
- Connect to this network from a computer.
Bluetooth modem is suitable for saving charge, but the speed will be lower than USB. Activated in the same menu Modem Modem.
- Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and PC.
- Connect the devices (confirm the connection code on the phone).
- In the modem menu, select a Bluetooth modem.
Reverse tethering (internet transfer from PC to phone) can be useful if you want to connect your phone to the network through a computer.
- Connect your phone to your PC via USB.
- On PC, open Settings → Network and Internet → Mobile hotspot (Windows 10/11).
- Select a sharing connection (e.g. Ethernet) and enable the option.
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If you need to give out the internet regularly, buy it. OTG-You can connect it to the Redmi Note 9, and you can use the wired connection without loading your phone battery.
7. Optimization of connection speed and stability
USB-The modem on the Redmi Note 9 can run slower than expected due to background processes or operator limitations:
1. Disable background apps. Go to Settings → Apps → App management and suspend programs that consume traffic (e.g. YouTube, Telegram in auto-update mode).
2.Use USB 3.0. Connect your phone to a blue port (USB 3.0/3.1) – this will increase the data rate to 480 Mbps versus 40 Mbps on USB 2.0.
3. Set traffic priority. In Developer Mode (Settings → Developer) find the option Background Process Limitation and select Without Background Processes. This will free up resources for the modem.
4. Check the operator's restrictions. Some tariffs limit the speed of Internet distribution. For example, MegaFon on the All for Yours tariff reduces the speed to 64 Kbps after 10 GB of traffic.
- 🚀 Increase speed: connect your phone to USB 3.0 and close the background applications.
- 🔋 Save charge: reduce screen brightness and turn off autosynchronization.
- 🛡️ Protect the connection: use VPN, If you connect to public networks via modem.
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USB-The Redmi Note 9 modem consumes less power than the Wi-Fi hotspot, but requires quality cable and the right drivers. If speed is critical, opt for a wired connection.