Smartphone Xiaomi as well as USB-Modem: full instructions for setting up and eliminating errors

In the era of remote work and the constant need for a stable Internet connection, the ability to turn a Xiaomi smartphone into a full-fledged smartphone. USB-The modem is not just a useful skill, but sometimes a rescue. Whether you find yourself in a place with poor Wi-Fi, your main provider failed, or you just need to urgently connect your laptop to the network - mode USB-modem on Redmi devices, POCO Xiaomi will do the job, but how do you do it right, avoiding the typical mistakes and achieving maximum speed?

This article will not just list the steps of activating the function, but will reveal the hidden settings. MIUI, which affect the stability of the connection, explain why the speed of the USB It can be different from the Wi-Fi hotspot, and it will provide relevant solutions for the models of 2022-2026, and we will also explore alternative ways of distributing the Internet if you want to use it. USB-The port suddenly stopped working, and we'll give you some recommendations on how to choose the modem fare. Ready to turn your Xiaomi into a reliable source of Internet.

What is the regime? USB-Modem and how it works on Xiaomi

Regime. USB-modem (or USB tethering) allows Xiaomi to act as a wired modem for other devices — usually laptops, desktops or even gaming consoles. Unlike a Wi-Fi hotspot, where the signal is transmitted through the air, it uses a wireless hotspot. USB-cable, which provides a more stable connection and less power consumption of the phone battery.

So technically, the way it works is that the smartphone connects to the PC via a cable, and the MIUI operating system creates a virtual network adapter, and all the data from the mobile Internet (3G/4G/5G) is transmitted over USB in encrypted form, and the computer perceives this as a normal wired connection.

• 🔌 Speed is limited not only by the operator’s tariff, but also by the version. USB-Port quality (2.0 vs 3.0) and cable quality.
• 📶 Network type: on 5G-Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) The speed can reach 1 Gbps, but only with operator support.
• 🔋 Charging: In modem modem mode, the phone consumes power and charges simultaneously – this is normal but can heat up.

Advantage USB-modem in front of the Wi-Fi hotspot - less latency (ping) and no interference from other wireless devices. However, there are also disadvantages: for example, the inability to use the phone for other tasks during active distribution (unless the option "Allow access to data when you use it is enabled) USB-modem in the developer settings).

Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on USB-modem

Activation of the regime USB-The modem on Xiaomi smartphones takes less than a minute, but requires a few key conditions to be met:

• 📱 Original. USB-cable (preferably from the kit) – cheap analogues may not support data transmission.
• 🔄 Mobile Internet on the phone (icon) 4G/5G status-line).
• 💻 Drivers installed on PC (Windows usually installs them automatically when you first connect).

Now, let's get to the settings. Open the Settings app and follow the instructions:

1. Go to the section Network and Internet → Access Point and modem.
2. Activate the slider USB-Modem (on some models it can be called a modem) USB-web-based).
3. Confirm the permission to connect if a request from the system appears.
4. On PC, check for a new network connection (in Windows – in Control Panel → Network Connections).

If the modem does not work after turning on, check:

• 🔌 Port port USB on PC (try a different connector, especially if you use it) USB 3.0).
• 📱 Data mode on the phone: in the notification curtain when connecting the cable, select "File Transfer" or "USB-modem" (not "charging").
• 🔄 Rebooting both devices – sometimes it solves driver problems.

💡

If Windows does not recognize the device, download the official Mi PC Suite drivers from Xiaomi’s website or use Google USB Driver for Android.

Why? USB-Xiaomi modem is slow or not connected

One of the most common problems is the low speed of the Internet through the Internet. USB-despite the stable signal 4G/5G The reasons may lie in both hardware limitations and settings. MIUI Or the operator. Let's look at typical scenarios and solutions:

Particular attention should be paid to settings APN. Many operators (for example, MTS, Beeline) block or limit the speed of the USB-modem, if in profile APN No default,mms,supl,hipri setting in the Type field APN. To change that:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
2. Select a current profile or create a new one.
3. In the APN type field, type default, dun,supl (for some operators default,hipri is suitable).
4. Save and restart the phone.

Another nuance is operator restrictions: Some tariffs (especially "no-limit") have hidden limits on modem traffic (for example, 10 GB per month). After exceeding the speed can drop to 64-128 Kbps. Check the terms with your provider or use specialized rates for modems (for example, MTS Connect or Tele2 Internet for devices).

Comparison USB-modem with Wi-Fi hotspot and Bluetooth modem

USB-The modem isn't the only way to distribute the Internet from a Xiaomi smartphone. Each method has pros and cons, and the choice depends on your tasks:

The table shows that USB-The modem is optimal for stationary use - for example, when you work at home or in the office. Wi-Fi hotspot is more convenient for connecting multiple gadgets (tablet) + smart watches, but it puts the battery faster. Bluetooth modem is suitable only for emergency transfer of small data (for example, updating maps in the navigator).

On Xiaomi models with Wi-Fi 6 support (such as the Xiaomi 12T Pro or Redmi K60), the speed difference between USB and Wi-Fi is minimal, but the wired connection still benefits in stability. On budget devices (Redmi 10A, POCO M5), USB 2.0 can become a bottleneck, in which case it is better to use Wi-Fi at 5 GHz.

💡

For maximum speed on flagship models Xiaomi combine USB-plug-in modem 5G-This will allow you to reach speeds of up to 500-700 Mbps with good coverage of the operator.

Settings MIUI optimizing USB-modem

MIUI Offers a few hidden features that can improve the job USB-Most of them are in the Developer Settings, which you need to activate first:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Click on the MIUI version 7 times until the notification “You are a developer!” appears.
3. Go back to the main settings menu and find a new section for developers.

Now let’s look at the key parameters that affect the modem:

• 🔧 Debugging by USB: Turn it on if you plan to use it. ADB diagnosing problems.
• 📶 Default modem: Select the modem USB In the Network section (if available).
• 🔋 Battery Optimization: Turn it off for the Settings app to avoid connection breaks.
• 🔄 Network Switching: Always activate 4G/5G, If the operator maintains these standards.

Pay special attention to the parameter "Allow access to data in case of USB-modem" (located in Settings → Special facilities → For developers → If it is disabled, the phone will block background traffic from other applications (e.g. Telegram or WhatsApp) while sharing the Internet.

💡

On models with MIUI 14+, the Smart Modem feature has been introduced, which automatically switches between USB and Wi-Fi depending on the load. To turn it on, go to Settings → Access Point and Modem → Additional.

Another useful trick is prioritization. USB-If you connect your phone to a PC with multiple network interfaces (Ethernet) + Wi-Fi + USB), Windows can take a suboptimal route to fix it:

1. On PC, open the Control Panel → Network Connections.
2. Press Alt to open the menu and select Additional options.
3. Move your USB network connection to the top of the list.

Alternative ways to distribute the Internet, if USB-The modem is not working.

Sometimes. USB-The modem may not be available due to hardware problems (damaged port, faulty cable) or software limitations (e.g. corporate policy on the desktop), and alternative methods may be useful in such cases:

• 📶 Wi-Fi Hotspot: classic, but with high battery consumption. To save charge, reduce the Wi-Fi range in the access point settings (Settings) → Access Point and modem → Setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot → Range).
• 🔵 Bluetooth modem: slower but more reliable in jammed environments, suitable for small data transfers (e.g., application updates).
• 🔌 Back Teter: If you have access to a PC with the Internet, you can distribute the connection to your phone via the Internet USB (required ADB Special applications such as ClockworkMod Tether).
• 🌐 VPN-Bridge: Some applications (e.g. NetShare) allow you to bypass the operator's modem modem restrictions through the VPN.

For Xiaomi models with Wi-Fi Direct support (such as the Xiaomi 11T Pro), there is another option: WPS connection. This method allows you to connect your phone and PC without entering a password, but requires WPS support on your router or computer network card.

1. On the phone, open Settings → Wi-Fi → Additional → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. On PC, enable device search via WPS (in Windows, through Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices).
3. Confirm the connection on both devices.

If none of these methods work, check if your operator is blocking modem mode. Some rates (especially corporate or "social") completely disable this function, in which case only changing the tariff or using external ones will help. 4G-modem.

Safety and traffic savings when using USB-modem

Using a Xiaomi smartphone as a modem presents opportunities as well as risks. First, your traffic becomes vulnerable to interception, especially if you connect to public networks via your phone. Second, many applications on a PC can consume traffic in the background, quickly exhausting the limit.

• 🔒 VPN on the phone: turn it on in settings (Settings) → VPN) Or install an app (like ProtonVPN) that encrypts all traffic that passes through the modem.
• 📊 Traffic monitoring: in MIUI There is a built-in counter (Settings) → SIM-map → Set a limit and alerts.
• 🚫 Background data lock: Turn off automatic app updates on PC and phone during modem modem.
• 🔄 Data compression: in Chrome browser on PC, enable the option "Saving traffic" (Settings) → Additional tools).

Pay special attention to your firewall settings on your PC. By default, Windows allows all programs to access the network through a new connection (USB-To limit this to:

1. Open Control Panel → Windows Firewall → Additional settings.
2. Go to the Rules for outbound connection.
3. Create a new rule to block unnecessary applications (such as games or torrent clients).

Another threat is intruders on the local network, and if you connect to the modem through a public PC (like an Internet cafe), someone might try to access your phone.

• Turn off USB debugging after setting up the modem.
• Use only trusted cables (some smart cables may transmit data without your knowledge).
• Set the password on the phone lock screen.

💡

If you use it often USB-In a public modem, consider creating a separate user profile on a restricted PC, which will protect your data even if the device is stolen.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about USB-modem on Xiaomi