Why the hotspot on Xiaomi phone is not turned on: a complete troubleshooting guide

You try to distribute the Internet from your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, but the access point stubbornly refuses to turn on? a gray button appears, an error “failed to turn on the access point” or the device simply does not see your network? This problem is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi smartphones – and the reasons can lie in both software failures and hardware limitations.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible reasons why a hotspot on Xiaomi doesn’t work, from simple setup errors to hidden carrier limitations, you’ll get step-by-step instructions with illustrations, model compatibility tables and answers to frequent questions, and if the problem gets deeper, learn how to distinguish between a software failure and a hardware failure so you don’t waste time.

We warn you right away that some solutions require root rights or system file tampering, and if you're not sure about your skills, skip these methods and try safer options. Let's start with the simplest ones.

1. Checking basic settings: what you might have missed

Before digging deep, make sure the problem isn't on the surface. About 30 percent of the cases of a broken access point on Xiaomi are due to trivial omissions in settings.

• 📶 Is the mobile Internet on? The access point will not work if the mobile traffic on the phone is turned off. Check the network indicator in the top panel.
• 🔄 Is Airplane Mode off? Even if you didn't manually activate it, the failure could have turned it on automatically.
• 📱 Does the SIM card support data transfer? Some tariffs have operators blocking the distribution of the Internet.
• 🔒 No traffic restrictions? Xiaomi's settings have a Traffic Limit feature that can block the access point.Path:Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Transfer of data → Traffic restriction.

If all of the above is in order, but the access point is still not turned on, then we move on to the next step. Note: some Redmi models (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro) after upgrading to MIUI 14, a bug appeared that displays the access point button — it can be hidden if you have not previously used this feature. The solution is simple: try to enable it through Settings → Access Point and modem.

2. Network reset: a universal solution for MIUI

If the basic checks don't work, the next step is to reset the network settings, which will delete all the stored Wi-Fi networks, passwords and mobile Internet settings, but often solves the access point problem.

1. Open Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks.
2. Slip on Reset Network settings (on some models, path: Settings → Memory → Resetting → Network settings reset).
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

After the reboot, try to turn the hotspot back on. If the problem was a setting conflict, it should disappear. Xiaomi models with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset (such as the Xiaomi 12 Pro) may need to re-activate the SIM card through the operator after the reset.

Check your mobile internet connection |Reboot your phone |Try to re-enable the access point |Tune your network name (SSID) and password

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If the reset didn't work, the reason could be operator restriction: Many Russian and foreign operators (e.g. MTS, Beeline, Tele2) block the distribution of the Internet at some rates, to check this:

• 📞 Call the operator and check if the access point is allowed on your tariff.
• 💳 Check your personal account – sometimes the restriction can be removed through the option “Distribute the Internet” (paid).
• 🔄 Try inserting another carrier’s SIM card (e.g. Yota or Tinkoff Mobile) where the handout is allowed by default.

3. Firmware conflicts: MIUI bugs and how to get around them

MIUI firmware is known for its surprises, and the hotspot is one of the most problematic features, especially the MIUI 13/14-based POCO and Redmi models, where the Internet is often lost after an upgrade.

• 🔘 The access point button is gray and not pressed.
• 🔄 When you turn on, an error appears: “I failed to turn on the access point».
• 📵 The point is turned on, but the devices cannot connect (infinite receipt) IP).

The solutions depend on the firmware version:

For MIUI 14, there is a radical solution via ADB (computer required):

adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0

This command disables the operator's Internet check, and then you'll be alert: Restart your phone after you've done it.

Hardware restrictions: when the problem is in the "iron"

If the software methods didn't work, maybe the problem is the hardware, and here are the typical irony reasons:

• 📡 Damaged. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-If the phone fell or got wet, the module could have malfunctioned.
• 🔋 Weak battery. Wearing batteries (capacity) < 70% – The phone can automatically turn off power-intensive functions, including the access point.
• 📶 Mobile network antenna. If the network signal is weak or disappears, the Internet will not be distributed. → SIM cards. → Network signal.

How to diagnose a hardware malfunction:

1. Check Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: if they don’t work, the problem is in the module.
2. Connect charging: if the access point is working, the battery is to blame.
3. Try another SIM card: if everything works with another SIM, the problem is in the antenna or slot.

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If the phone is warming up when trying to turn on the access point, it may indicate a malfunction of the processor or communication module, in which case it is better to contact the service center.

On Xiaomi models with 5G support (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5), the access point may not work due to conflict with new generation networks.

1. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Network type.
2. Choose 4G (LTE) only instead of Auto or 5G.
3. Restart your phone and try to turn on the access point.

5. Hidden settings and engineering menu

Xiaomi has hidden settings that can block the hotspot, such as some Redmi models that have the default Disable Hotspot option activated in the engineering menu to turn it off:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
2. Select Phone Information (or Engineering Mode).
3. Scroll down and find Wi-Fi hotspot or Tethering.
4. Make sure that the Hotspot enabled is Yes.

If you don’t find this, try another way through ADB:

adb shell settings list | grep tether

This command will show you all the settings associated with the distribution of the Internet. tether_dun_required or tether_entitlement_check_enabled — their significance must 0.

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On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A) There may be no engineering menu, in which case you can use only the ADB-team.

Another hidden reason is the limit of connected devices, and by default, MIUI limits the access point to 8 devices, but on some firmware, this value is lost.

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open ADB.
2. Adb shell settings put global settings tether_max_clients 10
3. Reboot the phone.

6. Alternative ways of distributing the Internet

If the standard access point never worked, try alternative methods:

• 🔌 USB-Modem: Connect your phone to your computer through USB and turn on USB-modem in settings (Settings) → Access Point and modem).
• 🔄 Bluetooth modem: suitable for distribution to laptops or tablets. Included in the same settings.
• 📡 Distribution applications: for example, PdaNet+ ClockworkMod Tether (requires root).

For USB-Windows modems may need to install Xiaomi drivers. Download them from the official website or through Mi PC Suite: If the computer can't see the phone in modem modem:

1. Check if the debugging is enabled via USB.
2. Try another one. USB-cable (preferably original).
3. Update the drivers in Windows Device Manager.

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On macOS for USB-The modem may require additional software, such as HoRNDIS, to be installed before connecting the phone.

If you are using a Bluetooth modem, consider:

• The speed will be lower than Wi-Fi.
• On some laptops, you need to manually add Bluetooth PANs to network adapters.
• The battery will go down faster than when USB-connection.

7. When to contact the service center

If none of the methods worked, you may need professional intervention.

• 🔧 The access point does not work on any firmware (including customized ones).
• 📵 The phone doesn't see any Wi-Fi networks (module problem).
• 🔥 The phone overheats or turns off when you try to turn on the access point.
• 🛠️ You're falling down on your phone or he's been in contact with water.

Before the service visit:

1. Make a backup of the data (Settings → About Phone → Backup).
2. Write down the phone's IMEI (type *#06#).
3. Check whether the warranty is maintained after repair (on some POCO models, the warranty is valid only for repairs in authorized centers).

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The cost of repairing a Wi-Fi module on Xiaomi in 2026 is from 1,500 to 4,000 rubles depending on the model. On flagships (for example, Xiaomi 13T), the price may be higher due to the complexity of disassembly.

If the phone is warranty, don't try to disassemble it yourself - this will void warranty obligations. In case of a software failure, the service center can reflash the device for free.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the access point on Xiaomi