Connecting Xiaomi to your computer as a modem USB: full instruction 2026

Distributing the Internet from Xiaomi to a computer through USB-A modem is one of the most stable ways to access a network when you don't have Wi-Fi or Ethernet cables on hand, USB-The connection provides faster data transfer speeds, lower latency and saves battery power for the smartphone. However, many users face problems: the phone is not defined as a modem, drivers are not installed, or the connection is constantly broken.

In this article, we will analyze the unique nuances of the setting USB-modem on Xiaomi devices (including models on the MIUI 14/15 And HyperOS, which are often overlooked in the general instructions, you'll learn how to activate modem modem properly, what drivers you need for Windows. 10/11, How to avoid common errors (e.g. code) 10 We'll also look at alternative ways of distributing the Internet if you want to use the Internet. USB-The modem doesnโ€™t work for some reason.

Why? USB-Modem is better than Wi-Fi distribution?

Before proceeding to the setting, it is worth understanding in which cases USB-connection is preferable to wireless:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Battery savings: with USB-The phone is charged from the computer, rather than wasting energy on maintaining the Wi-Fi network.
  • ๐Ÿš€ Speed and stability: throughput USB 2.0/3.0 higher than Wi-Fi 4 (before 480 Mbit/s versus 150 Mbps, plus no interference from other devices.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Security: Data is transmitted via cable rather than hanging in the air, reducing the risk of interception.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Universality: works even on PCs without a Wi-Fi adapter or with a damaged antenna.

But there are downsides to this method: cables limit mobility, and some older computers may have driver problems, and if you want freedom of movement, you might want to use alternative ways of distributing.

๐Ÿ“Š What Internet Distribution Method Do You Use More Often?
Through USB-modem
Wi-Fi (access point)
Through Bluetooth.
I don't use the handout.

Preparing Xiaomi phone for modem modem

Before connecting to the computer, you need to activate the appropriate settings on the smartphone itself. The process is slightly different depending on the firmware version (MIUI HyperOS, but the general algorithm is retained:

  1. Open the Settings. โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
  3. Go to Access Point and Modem (in HyperOS, it can be called Modem Modem).
  4. Activate the switch. USB-modem.

On some models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5) Additional confirmation may be required via Allow access to data โ€“ this is a normal security measure MIUI. If you're optional USB-The modem is inactive (grey), check it out:

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Connection to a mobile network (should be at least one) 2-3 splitting).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Data transfer mode (c Settings) โ†’ Mobile network must be enabled Mobile Internet).
  • ๐Ÿ”’ No operator restrictions (some tariffs block distribution).

Turn on the mobile Internet

Check the signal of the network (2)+ division)

Activate "USB-modem in settings

Connect the original USB-cable

Allow access to data (if requested)-->

โš ๏ธ Note: On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) post-activation USB-The modem may be notified of background restriction, it must be turned off, otherwise the connection speed will be artificially low.

Setting up a computer to work with USB-Xiaomi modem

Even if the phone is properly configured, there can be problems on the PC side, most often due to the absence or incorrect operation of drivers. Consider the step-by-step instructions for Windows 10 and 11:

1. Connecting the phone to the computer

Use the original. USB-Xiaomi cable -- cheap analogs may not support data transfer. USB-port 3.0 (usually blue) for maximum speed. From the phone's notification menu, select File Transfer Mode (MTP) โ€” It's temporary, and then it automatically switches to USB-modem.

Installation of drivers

In most cases, Windows itself finds and installs drivers for Xiaomi, but if an unknown device with a yellow exclamation point appears in Device Manager, you will have to install them manually:

  1. Download the official driver package from the Xiaomi website (Driver section).
  2. Unpack the archive and run the MiPhoneManager.exe file.
  3. Follow the instructions of the installation wizard (reboot may be required).

For Redmi and POCO Sometimes you need separate drivers โ€“ they can be found on the XDA Developers (model phone) If the modem doesn't work after installing the drivers, check:

Problem.Reason.Decision
The device is unrecognizable.There is no RNDIS driverInstallation through Device Manager โ†’ Update the driver โ†’ Perform a search on this computer
Error Code 10Conflict with another network adapterShut it down. VPN Remove Virtual Adapters in Network Connections
No Internet accessNot appointed. IP-addressLaunch ipconfig /release and ipconfig /renew command-line
Slow speed.Limitation of the operator or USB 2.0Check the fare or connect to the port USB 3.0

๐Ÿ’ก

If Windows doesnโ€™t see the phone as a modem, try connecting it to another one. USB-Or use an externally powered hub, sometimes the problem is power shortages in the port.

Solving Typical Errors When Connecting

Even after you set it up properly, you can have failures, and let's look at the most common errors and how to fix them:

1. โ€œThe device RNDIS unrecognized"

This error occurs when Windows cannot recognize the virtual network adapter that creates the phone.

1. Open Device Manager (Win + X โ†’ Device Manager).


2.Look for an exclamation point device in the "Network adapters" section (e.g., "Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing Device").




3. Right-click โ†’ โ€œUpdate driverโ€ โ†’ โ€œFollow driver search on this computer.โ€




4. Select "Select a driver from a list of already installed" โ†’ "Network adapter" โ†’ "Microsoft" โ†’ "Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing Device".

2. "No Internet connection" with an active modem

If the phone is connected but the internet is not working:

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Restart your phone and computer.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Turn it off on the phone and turn it back on. USB-modem.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ On PC, run the command line on behalf of the administrator and execute: netsh winsock reset netsh int ip reset
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Check if the firewall or antivirus connection is blocked (temporary disable them).

3. Slow Internet speeds

If the speed is lower than expected:

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Check the signal level on the phone (when you are on the phone) 1-2 divisions will be low speed).
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Connect to the port. USB 3.0 (blue connector).
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Disable background updates of Windows and applications.
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Make sure that the operator does not limit the speed of distribution (for example, MegaFon and Beeline have such rates).
What to do if the operator blocks the distribution?
Some operators (e.g, Tele2 or Yota) restricts or completely blocks the ability to distribute the Internet at unlimited rates, and this can be circumvented in several ways: 1. VPN on the phone (e.g. 1.1.1.1 or ProtonVPN). 2. TTL (Packet lifetime) via the application TTL Editor (root rights required). 3. Connect to another operator with a rate that allows distribution (for example, MTS Tariff or Beeline "It's Simple"). TTL may violate the operatorโ€™s user agreement.

Optimization of connection speed and stability

To maximize speed and avoid connection breaks, follow these tips:

1. Choosing the right one USB-cable

Not all cables support data transmission. Cheap charging cables often only have 2 wires (power), whereas a modem requires all 4.

  • ๐Ÿ” Inspect the connector: inside should be 4 contacts (2 for power, 2 for data).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Connect your phone to your PC โ€“ if itโ€™s defined as a drive, a cable fits.

2. Energy saving adjustment

Windows can turn off USB-It's a port for energy saving:

  1. Open Device Manager. โ†’ Controllers USB.
  2. Find your root hub (e.g. Intel(R) USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller).
  3. Right-click. โ†’ Properties โ†’ Power management.
  4. Uncheck the tick from Allow this device to be turned off to save energy.

3.Use of alternatives DNS

Sometimes low speed is associated with DNS-Operator servers. Try replacing them with:

  • ๐ŸŒ 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) - fast and safe.
  • ๐ŸŒ 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS) โ€” stable, but can collect data.
  • ๐Ÿ”’ 94.140.14.14 (AdGuard DNS) โ€” block out.

To change DNS Windows:

  1. Open the control panel. โ†’ Network connections.
  2. Find the Remote connection NDIS (or the name of your phone).
  3. Right-click. โ†’ Properties โ†’ IP version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
  4. Choose to Use the following addresses DNS-servers and enter selected values.

๐Ÿ’ก

Use it for maximum speed. USB 3.0, original cable and disable Windows background updates. If the network signal is weak, try moving closer to the window or using a repeater.

Alternative ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi

If USB-The modem is not working or you need mobility, consider other options:

1. Wi-Fi hotspot

The most popular method, but less stable than USB. To turn on:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Access Point and Modem โ†’ Wi-Fi Access Point.
  2. Set up a network name (SSID) and password.
  3. Choose the 5GHz range (if supported) for less interference.
  4. Activate the switch.

To save battery, reduce the time of disconnection when inactivity (in the settings of the access point).

2. Distribution via Bluetooth

Suitable for slow tasks (email checks, messengers) speed is limited. ~3 Mbps, but low battery consumption:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and PC.
  2. Connect the devices (enter the same code).
  3. On your phone, activate the Bluetooth modem in Settings โ†’ Access Point and modem.
  4. On PC in Settings โ†’ Devices โ†’ Bluetooth select your phone and click Connect via โ†’ Access point.

3. reverse tethering (Reverse Tethering)

If you want to connect your phone to the Internet from your computer (not the other way around), use the reverse tether.

  • Install ClockworkMod Tether or ReverseTether NoRoot on PC.
  • Put the phone on. USB and enable debugging (Settings) โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Version. MIUI (7 times) โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ For developers โ†’ Debugging by USB).
  • Run the program on PC and follow the instructions.

โš ๏ธ Note: The reverse theter may violate the terms of use of some applications (for example, banking), as it changes the real one. IP-Device address: Do not use it to work with financial services.

Safety in use USB-modem

Distribution of the Internet through USB It creates a direct channel between your phone and your computer, which is potentially dangerous:

  • ๐Ÿ” Use the original cable โ€“ cheap analogues can contain chips to steal data.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Turn off the debugging. USB after setting up (if it was included).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Update regularly MIUI/HyperOS โ€” New versions are closing vulnerabilities.
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Do not connect your phone to public PCs (in internet cafes, hotels).

If you use it often USB-modem on your computer, configure the Windows firewall to block unauthorized access:

  1. Open Control Panel โ†’ Windows Firewall โ†’ Additional settings.
  2. Go to the Inbound Connections Rules โ†’ New Rule.
  3. Select Customizable โ†’ All programmes.
  4. In the Area section, specify the Local Network and add IP-Your phone address (can be found in Settings) โ†’ The phone. โ†’ General information โ†’ Status โ†’ IP-address).
  5. Set the action to Block and keep the rule.

FAQ: Frequent questions on USB-modem on Xiaomi

My Xiaomi is not defined as a modem, although the drivers are installed.
Try these steps: Turn off your phone, restart your PC, plug in your phone, wait for the device to identify you. If it doesn't work, check if it's off. USB-Modem in the developer settings (Settings) โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ For developers โ†’ Network debugging on some models (Redmi 9, POCO M3) Helps reset network settings (Settings) โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Resetting network settings).
Can I use it? USB-modem?
Yes, but the setting is different: Mac: drivers are usually installed automatically. If not, download HoRNDIS from the official website. Linux: check if your model is supported in the kernel (lsusb command). If necessary, install usb-modeswitch. Ubuntu and Fedora may require manual network interface configuration via nmcli.
Is it true that USB-Modem consumes less traffic than Wi-Fi?
No, it's a myth. Traffic consumption depends only on your actions (downloading, watching videos, etc.). USB-The modem can reduce overhead costs due to: No encryption of traffic (unlike Wi-Fi, which is used). WPA2/WPA3). More direct data transmission without interference loss, but the difference usually doesn't exceed 5-10%, Therefore, to save traffic, it is better to follow background applications.
Can I use it? USB-modem?
Technically yes, but there are nuances: ๐ŸŽฎ Ping will be higher than when connected directly to a router, due to dual routing (phone) โ†’ PC). ๐Ÿ“ก Stability depends on the signal of the mobile network. 4G/5G with good coverage delays are minimal. โšก For CS:GO, Dota 2 Valorant is better to use Ethernet or Wi-Fi 6. If you play through USB-modem, disable background updates (Steam, Epic Games) and use a wired gamepad to reduce the load on the port.
How to Check How Much Traffic is Spending USB-modem?
Xiaomi phones have a built-in counter: Go to Settings โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Use traffic. Choose yours. SIM-You can set the report period (e.g., from the 1st of the month) and then you can see the application-by-app flow chart below. For more detailed statistics, install My Data Manager or GlassWire (real-time flow).