Why Xiaomi phone doesn’t turn on USB-modem and how to fix it

You are trying to connect Xiaomi smartphone to the Internet through USB-The modem, but the device stubbornly ignores the connection? The situation is familiar to many: the cable is inserted, but there is no mobile network icon, and in the settings USB-The connection is defined as Charging or File Sharing. In this article, we will discuss all the possible reasons why. USB-The modem is not activated on Redmi phones, POCO or Mi – from banal errors in settings to hardware malfunctions.

The problem may be the software limitations of MIUI, or the physical damage to the port or cable, and we're not going to limit ourselves to standard tips like "reset the phone" but instead to a diagnostic algorithm that can help identify the root of the problem, and for owners of older models like the Redmi Note 4X or Mi A1, we have separate recommendations tailored to the specifics of their firmware.

Before you start making a decision, make sure you use the original one. USB-Data-enabled cable (not all charging cables are suitable for modems) and check if it works. USB-modem on other devices – this will help to weed out hardware malfunctions.

1. Checking the basic conditions for work USB-modem

Let's start with the obvious: USB-Xiaomi modem won’t turn on unless minimum requirements are met:

• 🔌 Cable and port USB: Use a cable that comes with your phone or is certified for data transmission. Cheap "noname" cables often don't support modem modem. USB The phone should be clean (check for dust or damage).
• 📶 Mobile network: USB-The modem distributes the Internet, which receives the phone. Make sure that the smartphone has a stable signal of the mobile network (2G/3G/4G/5G) and mobile internet enabled in settings.
• 🔋 Battery Charging: Some Xiaomi Models Are Blocking USB-modem at a charge level below 20%. Connect your phone to charge if the battery is drained.
• 🖥️ Computer or consumer device: Xiaomi drivers must be installed on your PC/laptop (usually installed automatically when you first connect). USB in the section "For developers".

If at least one of these conditions is not met, USB-The modem won't work, for example, on Xiaomi models with a MediaTek processor (for example, Redmi). 9A) USB-The modem may not be activated when active VPN Proxy or Proxy is a feature of firmware that is often overlooked.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with MIUI 12.5+ and newer versions USB-The modem is disabled by default for security reasons, and you need to manually activate it in the "Modem Mode" settings".

2. Settings USB-modem MIUI: Where to look and what to include

The most common cause of non-working USB-The modem is the wrong setting in MIUI. The manufacturer hides some options, so users just don't know where to look for them. Here's a step-by-step guide for different versions of the firmware:

For MIUI 14/13/12.5:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose an active one SIM-card (if two of them).
3. Slip on modem modem (or access point and modem in older versions).
4. Activate the switch. USB-modem.
5. Connect your phone to a PC or other device – a notification about modem mode should appear.

For MIUI 11 and older:

• The path may be different: Settings → Additional → Modem mode.
• On some models (e.g. POCO F1), the option is hidden in Settings → Wireless Networks → More → Modem Modem.

If the paragraph USB-There is no modem at all, that could mean:

• 📱 Your Xiaomi model doesn’t support you. USB-modem (rare but found in low-end devices for some regions).
• 🔧 In the firmware disabled option (relevant for custom firmware or "raw" global versions).
• 🛠️ Hardware failure of the controller USB (Diagnostics are required at the service center).

3. Problems with drivers on the computer (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Often USB-The modem doesn't work because of the phone, but because of the absence or conflict of drivers on the device you're connecting to:

For Windows 10/11:

• 🖥️ When you first connect, the system must automatically install the Xiaomi Composite driver. MDB Interface, if that didn't happen:

Xiaomi

Mi PC Suite

For macOS:

• 🍎 On Mac, drivers are usually installed automatically, but sometimes you need to allow connection to System settings. → Protection and security → General (allow downloading software from Xiaomi Inc. developer.).
• 🔌 If the modem is not defined, try using an adapter. USB-C → USB-A (on the new MacBook with ports USB-C).

For Linux (Ubuntu, Mint, etc.):

• 🐧 In the terminal, execute a command to check the connected device:
• If the device is detected but the modem is not working, install the usb-modeswitch package: