In today’s digital world, stable internet access is becoming a critical condition, especially when a fixed router is unavailable or overloaded. Xiaomi smartphone owners often use their devices not only to communicate, but also as a reliable source of traffic to other gadgets. Redmi 9, despite its budget, does a great job as a portable router, providing users with flexible tools to configure network connections.
One of the most stable and fastest ways to transfer data is a wired connection known as a wired connection. USB-Unlike Wi-Fi, cables provide lower latency and allow simultaneous charge, which is critical for long sessions of transmission of large amounts of data. However, unlike the usual Wi-Fi access point activation, wired mode activation requires several additional steps and an understanding of the principles of Android interfaces.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the setup process, possible problems with drivers on the computer side, and the specific features of the MIUI shell that can affect connection speed, you will learn how to properly prepare the cable, what security settings are worth checking, and how to make the system see your phone as a network adapter without unnecessary movements.
Equipment preparation and cable inspection
The first and most important step is the physical connection. USB-Redmi 9 modems are not enough to plug a cable into the connector, as many complete cords are designed solely for charging and do not have internal data lines. USB 2.0 or higher, capable of transmitting signals between ports.
Note the state of the connectors. The USB Type-C nest on Xiaomi's smartphone is quite compact and often clogged with pocket dust, leading to poor contact. If the phone is only charging when connected to a computer but does not emit the characteristic connection sound of the device, try gently cleaning the port with a dry soft brush or compressed air. It is also important to check the port on your computer: it is better to use the connectors on the back of the system unit, since they are connected directly to the motherboard and provide more stable power.
After a physical connection, Android defaults to Charge Only, a standard behavior to protect user data from unauthorized access when connecting to unknown ports. To change this setting, you need to access a hidden USB settings menu that activates automatically when an active host is detected at the other end of the wire.
⚠️ Note: Using cheap cables without shielding can lead to significant drops in data rates and periodic connection breaks, even if the phone displays connection status.
Activation of the regime USB-modem MIUI
The process of enabling the feature on Xiaomi Redmi 9 differs from stock Android by the location of menu items. After you connect the cable to your PC, take your smartphone in your hands and unlock the screen. Go to the main device settings, scroll down to the Connection and Sharing section (in some versions of the firmware it may be called “Connections”).
In the menu that opens, find the item USB-Modem. The slider will initially be turned off and will most likely be inactive (grey) until the phone determines the correct connection to the computer. Once the system recognizes the host, the switch becomes active. Press it to activate mode. The smartphone screen can blink, and in the status bar will appear icon USB-linkage.
If the menu item remains gray, try the following:
- 🔌 Reconnect the cable while waiting. 5-10 seconds between switching off and switching on.
- 💻 Try another one. USB-port on the computer, preferably USB 3.0 (blue).
- 📱 Reboot the Redmi 9 smartphone to reset service errors.
To transfer files, you will need to temporarily disable the modem.
☑️ Activation checklist
Configuring drivers on a Windows computer
The most common problem users face when trying to include USB-The modem on Xiaomi is not in the phone, but in the operating system of the computer. Windows 10 and 11 usually automatically find the necessary drivers, but sometimes this process goes wrong, and the device is defined as an “Unknown device” or simply as a charger.
For manual check and install drivers, follow the following steps:
1. Right-click on the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Open the section Network adapters.
3.Look for a device called Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing Device or similar that contains the word Xiaomi or Android.
If you see a device with a yellow exclamation mark instead in the Other Devices section, you need to update the driver manually. Right-click on the device → Update the driver → Search for drivers on that computer → Select a driver from the list of available drivers. From the manufacturer list, select Microsoft, and from the model list, Remote NDIS compatible device. After confirmation, the system will install the underlying driver, and the Internet should work.
⚠️ Note: Do not install drivers from third-party aggregator sites, use only Windows built-in tools or official tools from Xiaomi to avoid malware introduction.
Using USB debugging mode for stability
In some cases, standard inclusion is not enough and requires activation of the developer mode. This is especially true if you plan to use the device. USB-modem on a regular basis or using specific network settings. Debugging mode allows you to more deeply manage the connection between Redmi 9 and PC.
To activate Developer Mode, go to Settings → About Phone. Find the MIUI Version string and quickly click on it 7-10 times in a row until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears. Then go back to the main settings menu, go to Additional → For Developers. Find the USB Debugging Switch and activate it. Confirm the action in the pop-up.
Also in this menu it is useful to check the item Configuration USB Make sure that you select "File Transfer" or «USB-modem, if available in your firmware version, will help the system determine the required mode of operation faster each time the cable is connected.
What does the modem developer mode give?
Comparison of Internet Distribution Methods
Choosing between Wi-Fi access point, Bluetooth panel and USB-The modem depends on your current tasks. Redmi 9 supports all three, but each has its own technical limitations and advantages. Understanding these differences will help you choose the best option for a particular situation.
Below is a comparative table of distribution methods:
| Parameter | USB-modem | Wi-Fi Access Point | Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission speed | High (up to 400+ Mbps) | Medium/High (depending on range) | Low (up to 2-3 Mbit/) |
| Delay (Ping) | Minimum | Medium | Tall. |
| Battery consumption | Charging from a PC | High-end spending | Average expenditure |
| Number of clients | 1 | Up to 10 devices | 1 |
As you can see from the table, USB-The modem is the uncontested leader in stability and ping, making it ideal for online gaming or video calling.WI-Fi wins in versatility by allowing you to connect a laptop, tablet and smartwatch at the same time. Bluetooth is a niche solution for situations where other interfaces are not available or where maximum energy saving is required when transferring small text packets.
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For stationary work on the laptop USB-Modem is always preferred over Wi-Fi due to the lack of radio interference and the possibility of simultaneous charging of the smartphone.
Solving Typical Problems and Errors
Even if you follow the instructions correctly, you can have situations where the computer sees the phone but the Internet doesn't work. Often the problem lies in the settings of the mobile operator. Some tariff plans prohibit the distribution of traffic (Tethering), in which case the speed can be limited to zero or redirected to the payment page.
Another reason may be static. IP-In the settings. USB-Network on a computer (in protocol properties) IPv4) Try to put in a receipt. IP-If that doesn't work, you can manually write out addresses: IP-192.168.42.100, mask 255.255.255.0, gateway 192.168.42.129.These values are relevant for standard Android modem settings.
It's also worth checking antivirus software on your computer. Aggressive firewalls can block a new network connection, classifying it as a high-security "Public Network." Temporarily turn off the firewall to test the hypothesis. If the Internet comes along afterward, add the connection to the exceptions.
⚠️ Attention: If the indicator 4G/5G My phone disappeared after connecting. USB, Check if the Flight mode is activated or if the traffic limit is exhausted, as the modem will not create a new connection if there is no basic connection.
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If the internet is slow, try switching your preferred network type from 5G/4G to 4G only in mobile settings. Often in areas of uncertain reception, lags cause jumps between standards, and fixed 4G works more stable.