How to turn on and set up USB-Modem on Xiaomi phone: full instruction

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

USB-Modem on Xiaomi smartphones is a feature that allows you to distribute mobile Internet to other devices through USB-Unlike a Wi-Fi hotspot or Bluetooth modem, it offers more stable speeds, lower battery consumption and no interference problems, especially for laptops, desktops or even some routers where Wi-Fi can run unstablely.

But why? USB-First, when transmitting data over a cable, the speed is limited only by the capabilities of your tariff and the operator's network - there are no losses on wireless transmission. Second, it is the only way to distribute the Internet if the device is broken Wi-Fi module or blocked by corporate policy (for example, on a work laptop, USB-modem consumes 20-30% less power compared to Wi-Fi hotspot, which is critical for long-term battery life.

In this article, we will analyze not only the basic settings, but also nuances that are often missed: why the modem may not turn on some firmware MIUI, How to get around the limitations of operators and what to do if the computer can not see the connection. POCO Android-based 11-14 and MIUI 12-15.

Preparing the phone: what to do before turning on USB-modem

Before activating. USB-Modem, make sure your smartphone is ready for this. In many cases, the connection problems are due to missed preparatory steps:

• 🔋 Battery charge – if the level is below 20%, some Xiaomi models block the Internet distribution to avoid a sudden shutdown.
• 📶 Mobile network signal — USB-The modem won't reinforce the bad coverage. 1-2 If you divide the network, the speed will be extremely low.
• 🔄 Updates to the software - on the old versions MIUI (up to 12.5) there may be bugs with USB-Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔌 Cable and port – use the original Xiaomi cable or a certified USB-Type C. Cheap cables may not support data transfer, only charging.

Pay special attention to mobile network settings if you have Saving Traffic or Background Limitation mode activated, USB-The modem may not work smoothly. Turn off these options in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data.

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

Now, to turn the function on directly, the process is slightly different depending on the version of MIUI, but the general logic is maintained.

1. Connect your phone to your computer or laptop using USB-Wait until the notification about the connection type appears on the smartphone screen (usually Charging via a charger). USB).
2. Swipe down the notification panel and tap on the notification USB-Connection. In some versions MIUI You must first select File Transfer or Photo Transfer and then return to this menu.
3. In the window that opens, select a paragraph USB-modem USB-If there is no such item, proceed to the next step.
4. Open the Settings. → Access Point and Modem (or Settings) → Connections → Access point and modem on new versions. Activate the switch USB-modem.

If the Internet does not appear on your computer after these actions, check:

• 🖥️ A new device should appear on a PC in Network Connections (usually called Remote). NDIS Xiaomi...).
• 🔄 Restart both devices – sometimes drivers are only installed after a reboot.
• 🛠️ On Windows, you may need to manually install drivers (you can download them on the official Xiaomi website in the support section of your model).

Solving the Problems: Why USB-The modem does not work on Xiaomi

Even with the right settings USB-The modem may not function. Let's look at the typical causes and ways to fix them:

One of the most common problems is that the operator has blocked the distribution, and many tariffs limit the ability to use the phone as a modem, so you can get around this.

• 📞 Call for support and activate the option "Modem" (sometimes paid).
• 🔒 Use it. VPN-App on your phone (e.g. 1.1.1.1 or ProtonVPN).
• 📱 Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-map → Resetting network settings.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI China (CN-version USB-The modem can be disabled at the system level, in which case you will need to unlock the bootloader and install global firmware (EU or Global).

Optimizing your work: how to increase speed and stability USB-modem

If the modem is working but the speed leaves much to be desired, try these tips for optimization:

1. Disable background apps on your phone. Programs like YouTube, TikTok, or instant messengers can consume traffic in the background, reducing the speed of the modem. Close them through Recent apps or activate Data Saving mode for individual applications.
2. Switch to the network. 5G or LTE. In the settings SIM-maps (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred network type: Select only 4G (LTE) or 5G (This will eliminate automatic switching to slow networks. 3G/2G.
3. Use USB 3.0. If your phone and computer support USB 3.1 Type-C, use the appropriate cable. This will increase the bandwidth to 5 Gbps (versus 480 Mbps for USB 2.0).

For advanced users, there is another way to speed up the connection – change the settings. MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit. ADB:

adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0


adb shell ifconfig rndis0 mtu 1420

These commands will reduce packet size, which can reduce data loss during transmission, but beware: wrong MTU values can, on the contrary, degrade the connection.

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If you use it often USB-Modem, add a shortcut to quickly turn on the main screen. To do this, hold your finger in the free space of the screen. → Widgets → Find the Access Point and modem and drag it to the desktop.

Security: How to Protect Your Connection When Using Your Service USB-modem

USB-The modem, unlike Wi-Fi, is considered more secure from external attacks, but there are risks:

• 🖥️ Data Leakage – If your computer is connected to third-party devices, they can access the local network.
• 📡 Traffic interception – although unlikely when USB-In connection, some viruses on the PC can analyze the transmitted data.
• 🔋 Physical access – if your phone remains connected to a public PC (such as an internet cafe), someone can copy your data.

To minimize the risks:

1. Always use a screen lock on your phone (PIN, pattern lock, or fingerprint).
2. Turn it off. USB-modem when not needed – long-term connection increases the chances of vulnerability.
3. On your computer, turn on the firewall and check that the network created through USB-The modem was labeled as Private (not Public).

⚠️ Warning: If you connect your phone to someone else’s device (such as a service center or friends), turn it off before you do so. USB-debugging → The phone. → Version. MIUI (7 times tap the version, then return to the Additional settings → For developers, this will prevent unauthorized access to data.

Alternatives USB-Modem: when to choose another way of distribution

USB-A modem is not always the best solution. In some scenarios, it is better to use other methods of distributing the Internet:

If you need to connect a game console (such as PlayStation or Nintendo Switch), USB-The modem may not work -- many consoles don't support this connection:

• Use a Wi-Fi hotspot (if the console is near your phone).
• Connect your phone to the router via USB, and the console to the same router via Wi-Fi (if the router supports USB Tethering).
• Buy a special one. USB-console adapter (e.g, LAN-USB adapter PS5).

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USB-A modem is the best choice for a stable distribution of Internet to one device (laptop or PC), especially if speed and battery saving are important. For multiple devices or mobile gadgets, it is better to use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about USB-modem on Xiaomi