Xiaomi smartphone as a modem for a computer via USB: the full guide

Turning Xiaomi smartphone into a full-fledged USB-A computer modem is a task that users face when they don't have fixed Internet or when they're traveling. USB-cable, which is often more stable and safer than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but not everyone knows that to work properly requires not only activating the function in the settings, but also setting the driver correctly on the PC, and sometimes bypassing the operator's restrictions.

In this article, we will look at all the stages of connection, from smartphone preparation to diagnosis of typical errors, focus on Xiaomi models based on MIUI 12-14, as well as the nuances of working with operators that block modem mode. If you have previously encountered problems like “no Internet access” or “device is not recognized”, here you will find solutions.

Spoiler: Some models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or the POCO X3 Pro) may need to unlock the engineering menu.

Why? USB-Modem is better than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth?

Distributing the Internet via USB has several key advantages over wireless alternatives:

• 🔋 Minimum battery consumption, unlike the Wi-Fi hotspot, which discharges a smartphone in 2-3 hours, USB-Connectivity has almost no effect on autonomy – power comes directly from the PC.
• 🛡️ Security: No risk of connecting third-party devices to your network, as with open Wi-Fi.
• 📶 Stability of connection. USB Provides faster speeds and lower latency than Bluetooth, especially in low signal conditions.
• 🔌 Universality. It works even on a PC without a Wi-Fi adapter or with a damaged antenna.

However, there are limitations, such as some operators (like Tele2 or Iota) blocking modem modem at the level of the system. SIM-In such cases, you'll need to go through PDANet.+ Also, it is worth considering that on Xiaomi models with a MediaTek processor (for example, Redmi). 9A) You may need to install additional drivers on the PC.

Preparation of Xiaomi smartphone to work in modem

Before connecting, make sure that:

The smartphone is charged at least by 30%|USB-The cable is good (it is better to use the original cable)|On the PC installed drivers for Xiaomi (download from the official site](https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index))|Mobile Internet on a smartphone works (check the speed in the browser)|Disabled. VPN and proxy on both devices-->

Follow the following steps on your smartphone:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-Card and activate the option "Mobile data".
3. Return to the main settings menu and open the modem modem and access point.
4. Activate the switch "USB-modem".

If the paragraph USB-The modem is not on the menu, so your model requires additional actions. 11T Pro must first enable debugging by USB:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → The MIUI version and tap it 7 times to activate the developer mode.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable “Debugging by USB”.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.

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After the connection USB-The modem is not activated, try restarting the smartphone with the cable connected. Sometimes this resets driver conflicts.

Setting up a computer to work with a USB-modem Xiaomi

Even if the smartphone is set up correctly, the PC may not have the necessary drivers.

For Windows 10/11:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC via USB.
2. Open Device Manager (click Win + X and select the appropriate option).
3. Find an unknown device (usually with an exclamation mark) in the list of "Other Devices" or "Network Adapters".
4. Right-click on it → Update the driver → Search for drivers on this computer.
5. Specify the path to the driver folder (download them in advance from [Xiaomi](https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index) or use Mi PC Suite).

For macOS/Linux:

On these systems, drivers are usually installed automatically.

• 🍎 On Mac: Check network settings in System settings → Network – a new connection should appear USB Ethernet.
• 🐧 On Linux: run in the terminal: sudo dhclient usb0 (where usb0 — Interface name, check through ifconfig).

Solving typical USB-modem problems on Xiaomi

If after all the manipulations the Internet on the PC did not appear, use this table:

You should pay special attention to the operator lock, some tariffs (for example, "For a smartphone" from MTS) limit modem mode. SIM-The card to another phone and trying to activate USB-If it works, the problem is the tariff.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) 11 Lite after updating to MIUI 14 missing the opportunity to turn on USB-In this case, a rollback to the previous version of the firmware or use will help. ADB-Adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0

Optimization of connection speed and stability

To maximize the quality of the connection:

• 📡 Select the network manually. SIM-maps (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network type) Install only LTE (This will reduce the delays in switching between 3G/4G.
• 🔌 Use it. USB 3.0. Connect the cable to the blue port on the PC – this will increase bandwidth.
• 🛠️ Turn off background updates. On your PC, pause downloading Windows or app updates to avoid loading the channel.
• 📱 Activate the plane mode for 10 seconds, sometimes resetting the network settings of the smartphone and eliminating the "hang" of the connection.

To check the real speed, use services like Speedtest.net or Fast.com. If the speed is lower than expected, try:

• Reconnect. USB-cable.
• Turn off the VPN on your smartphone.
• Change location (for example, go to the window for a better signal).

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Best results USB-The modem shows at a mobile Internet speed above 30 Mbit / s. If your tariff is limited to 10 Mbit / s, the difference with the Wi-Fi hotspot will be minimal.

Alternative ways to distribute the Internet with Xiaomi

If USB-The modem is not suitable for some reason, consider other options:

• 📶 Wi-Fi hotspot. Convenient for connecting multiple devices, but consumes battery. Activated in Settings → Modem mode → Wi-Fi hotspot.
• 🔵 Bluetooth modem. Slow down. USB, It is more economical than Wi-Fi. It is enabled in the same settings (modem mode). → Bluetooth modem).
• 🔄 Reverse Tethering: Sharing the Internet from PC to smartphone is useful if you have a wired connection on your computer, requires root rights or ADB.

Comparison of methods by key parameters:

Security when using Xiaomi as a modem

Smartphone Internet access opens up potential vulnerabilities.

• 🔒 Turn off modem modem when you don't need it. A constantly active connection increases the risk of attack through USB.
• 🛡️ Use it. VPN It'll hide your real life. IP-address from the operator and protect traffic from interception (for example, in public networks).
• 📱 Update. MIUI. Older versions of firmware have vulnerabilities that allow attackers to access the device through USB.
• 🔍 Check the connected devices. In Settings. → Connected devices can be seen by all gadgets that have ever connected to your smartphone.

⚠️ Note: On corporate or working PCs use USB-Some antiviruses (e.g. Kaspersky Endpoint Security) block such connections as potentially dangerous ones.

FAQ: Frequent questions on USB-modem on Xiaomi