Xiaomi smartphones have long ceased to be just devices for calls — they have become full-fledged hubs for distributing the Internet. Modem mode (or tethering) allows you to share mobile traffic with laptops, tablets and even other phones when there is no Wi-Fi at hand. But how to set up this feature on Redmi, POCO or Mi? What pitfalls await users in 2026?
In this article, we’ll take a look at all the ways you can distribute the Internet — USB, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth — with the latest MIUI 14/15 updates, how to get around carrier restrictions, save battery life and speed up connectivity, and we’ll also look at which Xiaomi models are best at serving as a modem in 2026.
What is a modem modem and why it is needed
Modem modem (tethering) turns your smartphone into an access point that relays mobile Internet to other devices, this is true in several cases:
- 🌍 No access to stationary Wi-Fi (in a trip, in a country, in a cafe without a network).
- 💻 You need to connect your laptop to the Internet for work or study.
- 📱 You need to distribute the Internet to a tablet or second phone (for example, to update the software).
- 🔄 The main router broke down, and there is no time to wait for repairs.
On Xiaomi, the modem is implemented at the MIUI level and is supported by all devices based on Android 10 and later. However, there are nuances: some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) can block this feature on unlimited Internet tariffs to prevent traffic abuse.
Important: when you distribute the Internet, the smartphone consumes battery life 1.5-2 times faster than in normal mode. If you plan to use the modem for a long time, connect the device to charge in advance.
Three ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi: pros and cons
Xiaomi smartphones support three types of connection in modem mode, each of which has its own characteristics:
| Method | Speed. | Battery consumption | Convenience | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | ⚡ High (up to 867 Mbps on Wi-Fi 5) | 🔋 Average (3-5% per hour) | ✅ Suitable for several devices | ❌ It may conflict with other networks. |
| USB | ⚡ Maximum (limited only by speed) 4G/5G) | 🔋 Minimum (phone charged) | ✅ Stable connection | ❌ It only works with one device. |
| Bluetooth | 🐢 Low (up to 25 Mbps) | 🔋 Low (1-2% per hour) | ✅ Saves charge, suitable for transferring files | ❌ Slower Wi-Fi 10-20 times |
For most tasks, Wi-Fi is optimal – it provides high speed and allows you to connect up to 10 devices at a time. USB-The modem will help if you need to distribute the Internet to a laptop with minimal battery consumption. Bluetooth should be used only in extreme cases when other methods are not available.
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) activated USB-The modem may turn off charging via the same port. To avoid this, use Settings → Special facilities → Physical buttons → Shut down. USB-plug-in.
Step-by-step setting up a Wi-Fi modem on Xiaomi
Activating the hotspot over Wi-Fi is the easiest way.
- Open Settings → Mobile Network → Access Point and modem.
- Slip on the Wi-Fi Access Point.
- Turn on the Wi-Fi Access Point slider.
- Set up a network name (SSID) and password (WPA2-PSK is recommended).
- Select the 2.4 GHz band (for compatibility) or 5 GHz band (for speed).
Once activated, other devices will be able to connect to your network. If the access point is not turned on, check:
Check if the mobile internet is enabled|Make sure that SIM-The card supports data transmission|Reboot your smartphone|Update. MIUI last-minute|Check operator restrictions (possibly tethering locking)-->
Advice for advanced: If the Wi-Fi speed is lower than you expect, try changing the channel manually.
- In the settings of the access point, tap additionally.
- Select Channel and set a value of 6 or 11 (they are least affected by interference).
USB-Modem: how to connect a laptop to the Internet through a cable
USB-The connection provides the most stable speed, but requires a physical connection:
- Connect your smartphone to a laptop or PC via USB-C (or Micro-USB for older models).
- In the phone settings go to Access Point and modem → USB-modem.
- Activate the slider USB-modem.
- On the computer, wait for the driver to install (usually they are installed automatically).
If Windows does not recognize the connection:
- 🔧 Install Mi drivers PC Suite from the official Xiaomi website.
- 🔄 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 3.0).
- 📱 Turn on Developer Mode and activate Debugging by USB.
⚠️ Note: Some laptops with Windows 11 USB-The modem may not work as smoothly due to the energy saving policy. To fix this, open Device Manager. → Network adapters → Remote NDIS, Go to Power Management tab and uncheck the tick from Allow disconnection of this device to save energy.
Xiaomi models with Quick Charge 4 support+ (For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) USB-The modem can work simultaneously with fast charging if you use the original cable and power supply from 30 watts.
Bluetooth modem: when it will be useful
Bluetooth Internet is the slowest, but also the most economical way, and it's good if you:
- 📵 No. USB-cable or wifi disabled.
- 🔋 You need to save battery power (for example, on a trip).
- 📱 You need to give the Internet to a device that does not support Wi-Fi (rarely, but sometimes).
To activate the Bluetooth modem:
- Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
- Connect them (on your smartphone: Settings → Bluetooth → Device Search).
- Return to Access Point and Modem → Bluetooth modem and turn on the function.
The speed will be limited to the Bluetooth version:
- Bluetooth 4.2 (older models): up to 2 Mbps.
- Bluetooth 5.0 (since 2018): up to 25 Mbps.
- Bluetooth 5.2 (Xiaomi 12/13 series): up to 50 Mbps (theoretically).
In practice, even on Bluetooth 5.2, the speed rarely exceeds 10-15 Mbps, so this method is suitable only for easy tasks: checking email, messengers or reading news.
💡
If the Bluetooth modem is unstable, try turning off the Absolute Volume feature in the Bluetooth audio settings, which can interfere with data transmission.
Operator Limitations: How to Bypass Tethering Block
Many Russian operators (e.g. Tele2, Iota) block Internet distribution at unlimited traffic rates. If you see a notification when you turn on the modem, "Connection is forbidden by the operator", try these methods:
- 🔄 Reset APN: Go to Settings. → Mobile network → Access points (APN), Select the current profile, click Reset to factory and reboot the phone.
- 📡 VPN: Install the 1.1.1.1 or ProtonVPN application and activate it before the modem is turned on.
- 🛠️ Change of change TTL: With help. ADB change TTL, So the modem traffic looks like normal mobile traffic. tether_dun_required 0 setprop net.tethering.noprovisioning true
Attention: Use VPN alteration TTL The operator may violate the rules of your fare. SIM-map when circumventing restrictions.
What is TTL and why is it being changed?
How to save battery power when using a modem
Internet distribution is one of the most energy-intensive functions of a smartphone, and to extend the time of operation:
- 🔌 Connect your phone to charge (even) USB-The modem uses energy to process data).
- 📴 Turn off the background activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
- 🌙 Activate the Dark Theme and reduce the screen brightness to 30–40%.
- 📶 Switch to the switch. 3G, If you do not need a high speed (in Settings) → Mobile network → Type of network).
On models that support Quick Charge (for example, Xiaomi 11T Pro) you can simultaneously distribute the Internet and charge the phone without losing battery capacity.
- Use the original power supply from 33 watts.
- Turn on the settings → Battery → Quick charging.
- Connect the phone to charge before activating the modem.
Important: If the body temperature exceeds 40°C, turn off the modem and let the device cool. Overheating can lead to trottling (automatic performance reduction) or even battery damage.