How to turn it on USB-Modem on Xiaomi phone: full instruction with error solutions

Regime. USB-modem on Xiaomi smartphones allows you to distribute mobile Internet to a computer, laptop or even a game console through a computer USB-This is especially useful when Wi-Fi is not available and cable traffic is more stable and cost-effective than wireless networking. MIUI If you don't show the option on the menu, Windows doesn't recognize the device, the operator blocks the data transfer, and in this article, we'll look at all the nuances, from basic settings to solving rare errors.

It is important to understand that functionality USB-The modem depends on three factors: version MIUI (or HyperOS on new models, phone firmware and your mobile operator's policies, such as some MTS and Tele2 rates, giving out the Internet via the Internet USB It may be blocked at the level SIM-And we tested the instructions on the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ before POCO F5 — all steps are relevant MIUI 14 and newer.

1.Phone preparation: compatibility check and presettings

Before you turn on USB-Modem, make sure your Xiaomi supports this feature.Virtually all models since Redmi 9 and Mi 10 have built-in option, but there are exceptions:

• ✅ Support: All smartphones on the MIUI/HyperOS Android 10 and above (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T, POCO X5 Pro, Redmi A2+).
• ⚠️ Restrictions: Some operators (e.g. Yota or corporate tariffs) block the distribution of the Internet.
• ❌ Not Supported: Outdated Android Models 8-9 (Like Redmi. 6A) You may not have options on the menu.

Also check:

• 🔌 USB-cable: Use the original cable or a certified USB-Type C (for new models). Cheap cables often don't transmit data.
• 📶 Mobile Internet: Make sure your phone has a stable network connection (3G/4G/5G). Check the balance and activity of the traffic packet.
• 🔄 Developer Mode: On some firmware options USB-The modem is hidden. To unlock it, you may need to turn on Debugging. USB (below).

⚠️ Note: If you are using duality SIM-map, USB-The modem will only work with the SIM, which is selected for data transmission in the Mobile Network settings → Name of the access point (APN).

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

Mode activation: The instructions are universal for most models, but there may be minor differences in the layout of menu items.

1. Connect your phone to your computer through USB-On the phone screen, select File Transfer Mode (if you request it).
2. Open Settings and go to Network and Internet (or Connections and Sharing on newer versions of MIUI).
3. Select Access Point and Modem (or Modem Modem).
4. Activate the switch. USB-If you do not have an option, see the "Problem Solving" section below.
5. On your computer, wait for the driver installation (Windows may request permission to install the Xiaomi Composite MDB Interface).

After activation in the notification panel of the phone will appear icon USB-modem, and on the computer, a new network connection, to check the work:

• 🖥️ On Windows: Open the settings → Network and Internet → Ethernet. It should show a connection called Remote. NDIS.
• 🐧 On Linux: Enter ip a in the terminal and find the usbx interface (where x is a digit).

USB-original and serviceable cable

There's a badge on the phone. USB-modem

Computer identifies new network device

The Internet is working (check through the browser)-->

3. Computer configuration: drivers and network parameters

Often problems with USB-The modems don't originate on the phone, but on the PC. Let's look at typical scenarios and their solutions.

If Windows can’t automatically install drivers, download them manually:

1. Open Device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager).
2. Find a device with an exclamation point (usually in the Network Adapters or Other Devices section).
3. Right-click → Update the driver → Search on this computer.
4. Select the Remote NDIS or CDC Ethernet driver from the list.

⚠️ Attention: On MacOS to Work USB-The modem requires additional software, such as HoRNDIS or Android File Transfer, without which the system does not recognize the smartphone as a network adapter.

Windows 10/11

MacOS

Linux

Android (tablet)-->

4 Problem Solving: Why It Doesn't Work USB-modem

If after all the manipulations the Internet via USB did not work, check the following points:

• 📵 Operator Block: Some tariffs (e.g. MegaFon's "For Devices") prohibit Internet distribution. Check the fare conditions or call support at *105#.
• 🔧 Wrong settings APN: Remove the current access point and create a new one with your operator’s options (they can be found on the official website).
• 🔒 Prohibiting Developer Settings: Go to Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to unlock Developer Mode, then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers and make sure that the item is included USB-debugging.
• 🛠️ Firmware failure: If after updating MIUI USB-The modem is missing, try resetting the network settings in Settings → The Internet and the Internet → Resetting network settings.

For diagnosis on the phone:

1. Open Settings → Special features → Logs and turn on Log Recording.
2. Connect. USB-modem and make the error.
3. Export logs through Settings → About Phone → Review and send them to Xiaomi Support.

5. Optimization of connection speed and stability

USB-The modem is usually faster than the Wi-Fi hotspot, but the speed depends on several factors:

• 📡 Signal strength: The weaker the network (e.g, 1-2 So, dividing the antenna, the slower the speed. Use applications like NetMonster to find the best tower.
• 🔌 Version. USB: USB 3.0 provides speeds up to 5 Gbps, whereas USB 2.0 is limited to 480 Mbps. Check the port on PC and cable.
• 📶 Network type: In the coverage area 5G speed will be higher than in 4G. Switch to the Mobile Network settings → Network type Only 4G/5G.
• 🖥️ PC load: Antiviruses and VPN They can inhibit the connection.

For maximum productivity:

1. Disable background apps on your phone that consume traffic (e.g. YouTube, TickTock).
2. In the developer settings (Settings → Additional → For developers), turn off the absolute volume level – this will reduce the load on the processor.
3. Use a cable no longer than 1 meter long – long cables can cause packet losses.

💡

If the speed is USB-modem falls sharply through 5-10 Just a minute, check the power saving settings on your phone. → Battery → Performance mode select High Performance or add Settings app to optimization exceptions.

6. Alternative ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi

If USB-The modem doesn’t work or isn’t suitable for your task, consider alternatives:

To enable Wi-Fi hotspot:

1. Go to Settings → Access Point and Modem → Wi-Fi Access Point.
2. Set up a network name (SSID) and password.
3. Activate the switch and connect the devices.

For Bluetooth modem:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and computer.
2. Connect the devices to Settings → Bluetooth.
3. In the Access Point and modem section, activate the Bluetooth modem.

💡

USB-The modem is the most energy-efficient way to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi, as the phone charges while running.It is ideal for long-term use (for example, at work or on a trip).

7.Security: How to Protect Your Connection

Distribution of the Internet through USB-The modem creates a direct connection between the phone and the computer, which can be risky if the PC is infected with viruses:

• 🔐 Turn off the debugging. USB, This feature gives you access to the system files of the phone.
• 🛡️ Use antivirus software on your computer (such as Kaspersky or Bitdefender).
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — In new versions, vulnerabilities are closed.
• 📱 Do not connect your phone to public PCs (such as Internet cafes) to avoid data theft.

If you use it often USB-modem in public places, consider the following measures:

• Install the NetGuard app to monitor USB traffic.
• In the developer settings, disable Installation via USB and Debugging via USB (Safe Mode).
• Use a VPN on your phone (like ProtonVPN) to encrypt the data you are transmitting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)