Modern smartphones have long ceased to be just devices for calls, becoming universal communication tools. In situations where fixed Internet is absent or unstable, Android gadgets allow you to instantly organize an access point. Especially relevant is the question of how to use Xiaomi as a modem for PC, since the shell MIUI and HyperOS have their own unique configuration features.
Mobile Internet now covers most of the settlements, and the speed of the Internet is very high. 4G/5G Networks often exceed the old ones. ADSL-Making Xiaomi a full-fledged router is not just a temporary solution, but a full-fledged working scheme for many professionals. You do not need complex drivers or specialized software, since all the necessary functions are built into the system.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available ways to distribute traffic, from classic Wi-Fi to a more stable wired connection via USB. You will learn about hidden power saving settings that can block modem operation, and learn how to bypass carrier restrictions. This guide will help you stay online always using only your smartphone.
Choosing a Connection Method: Wi-Fi vs USB
Before setting up, it is important to decide on how to transfer data, because each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. Wi-Fi wireless connection is the most popular and versatile option. It allows you to connect several devices to the network at once, including laptops, tablets and even smart equipment.
On the other hand, the use of USB-The modem provides more stable ping and higher data rates.The wired connection is ideal for desktop computers that do not have a Wi-Fi module, or for tasks that require minimal signal delay, such as online games or video conferencing. In addition, when working through the cable, the phone is simultaneously charged from the computer, which is critical for long sessions.
⚠️ Warning: When using Wi-Fi access point, the phone can get very hot. Do not cover the device with a cloth and avoid direct sunlight while operating in modem modem mode.
Older USB 2.0 ports can limit the maximum speed that a modern 4G+ smartphone can deliver. If your PC is equipped with USB 3.0 ports or higher (usually blue), it is recommended to use them for the best results. Cable also plays a role: cheap charging wires often do not support data transfer.
Setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi
The fastest way to distribute the Internet is to activate the wireless access point. In the MIUI and HyperOS shells, this process is optimized for user convenience. You need to lower the notification curtain and find the Access Point icon. If it is not on the first screen, click on the menu editing pencil and add a widget. For more fine-tuning, you should go to the deep menu of the system.
Go to Settings → Wi-Fi Access Point. Here you can change the network name (SSID) and set a strong password. The system will offer you to choose the frequency range: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. The first option provides better compatibility with older devices, the second one is higher speed and less Ether load. For modern laptops, it is preferable to choose the 5 GHz band.
The WPA2-Personal encryption protocol is the standard, but if your devices support WPA3, it’s better to choose it for maximum traffic protection, and the access point menu often hides the “Hide SSID” feature, which makes the network invisible to unauthorized scanners, requiring manually entering a name to connect.
- 📶 Set a complex password containing letters and numbers to avoid unauthorized access.
- 🔋 Turn on the access point shutdown timer to save battery power if you need the internet for a short time.
- 👥 Limit the number of connected devices in the settings to keep speed for the main PC.
Using Xiaomi as a way to USB-modem
Wired connectivity requires a few extra steps, but the result is worth it. First, connect your smartphone to your computer using a quality cable. By default, the phone can only go into charging mode. You need to manually activate data mode. On the screen of your smartphone, you may have a request for debugging permission or data access that you need to confirm.
After the physical connection, go to the phone's settings menu.The path may vary slightly depending on the shell version, but it's usually in the Settings section. → Connection and sharing → USB-Activate the switch. The system will automatically install the required drivers. RNDIS It can take up to one minute to get to a computer.
☑️ Connection check USB-modem
If the computer can't see the network, check Device Manager. A new device should appear in the Network Adapters section, often referred to as Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing Device. If you see an unknown device with a yellow exclamation point instead, it may be that the system lacks basic Windows drivers and will need to update through the Update Center.
💡
Use the original cable from the kit or a certified counterpart with support for high data rates to avoid connection breaks.
Solving problems with drivers and device definition
A common problem with wired modem configuration is the lack of response from the Windows operating system, which is often due to the lack of the right drivers or conflict of versions. Unlike older phones, modern Xiaomi uses standard protocols, but sometimes Windows 10 or 11 can not automatically pick up the right component, in which case manual intervention is required.
Open Device Manager on your PC, find an unknown device or device with an error. Right-click and select "Update Driver." Select search automatically. If that doesn't work, you can try to select a driver from the list of available: Network adapters → Microsoft → Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing Device. This is a universal solution for most Android smartphones.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The computer can't see the phone. | Faulty cable | Replace the cable with a data cable |
| No Internet access | Blocking by the operator | Changing TTL or using VPN |
| Low speed. | USB 2.0 port port port | Connect to USB 3.0 port (blue) |
| Frequent communication gaps | Energy conservation | Turn off energy savings for USB |
It's also worth checking if an antivirus or firewall is blocking a new network connection. Sometimes security systems perceive the phone as a potentially dangerous network device, and adding it to a list of trusted devices often solves the problem of unstable connections.
Bypassing operator restrictions and setting up TTL
Many mobile operators can detect that traffic is being sent to another device, and can block this feature or charge extra fees, this is done by analyzing the TTL (Time To Live) setting. By default, this option is different in Windows from the value in Android. To hide the fact of the distribution, you need to align these values.
For modification TTL On a Windows computer, open the registry editor by pressing Win + R and enter the regedit command. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters. Create a new parameter DWORD (32 bit) with the name DefaultTTL and set its value in the decimal number system equal to 65 (or 64, After the PC restart, the changes will take effect.
Alternative way to change TTL via command line
On the smartphone side, depending on the Android version and access rights, changes may also be required. If you have root rights, you can use apps to change TTL systemically. Without root rights, it often helps to turn on flight mode for a few seconds after you set up your PC, which forces the network to re-register with new options.
⚠️ Note: Bypassing operator restrictions may be contrary to your plan.Be careful and read the contract before making system changes.
Energy saving and stability of connection
Aggressive battery optimization in MIUI And HyperOS is the main enemy of stable connection. USB-If the application is not active, you need to configure exceptions for the system processes that control the network to avoid this.
Go to the battery settings and find a list of applications. You need to find processes related to the access point (often Android or MIUI system services), set the "No Limits" mode for them, and in the Battery menu, turn off the "Saving Mode" function while using the phone as a modem, as it forcibly reduces the performance of the processor and radio module.
- 🔌 Turn off autostart of optimizer applications (Cleaner, Battery Saver) while the modem is running.
- 📉 Make sure that there is no background activity restriction for system services in Wi-Fi settings.
- 🌡️ Watch for body temperature; overheating can lead to trottling and reduced internet speeds.
💡
For long-term operation in modem modem, it is better to keep the phone connected to the charger and remove the protective case for better cooling.