Smartphone Xiaomi as well as USB-modem: full guide

In situations where the Wi-Fi router is unavailable or the mobile Internet on the computer is unstable, the smartphone becomes the only salvation. Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices can quickly turn their gadget into a reliable source of Internet for a laptop or desktop PC. USB-Kaela in this case provides undeniable advantages over wireless connection over Bluetooth or creating a Wi-Fi access point.

The main advantage of a wired connection lies in the stability of the signal and the absence of loss of data packets, USB-The modem allows you to simultaneously charge the battery of the smartphone, which is critically important when actively consuming traffic, since the distribution of the Internet significantly consumes charge. Modern Snapdragon and MediaTek processors used in the brand’s phones provide high data transfer speeds comparable to full-fledged ones. 4G-modem.

In this article, we will discuss the process of activating modem mode, look at the nuances of installing drivers in the Windows operating system and offer solutions for typical errors. You will learn how to set the priority of networks and why the cable matters. To operate the modem mode at the operator's tariff, the service of distribution of traffic (tethering) must be turned on, otherwise the Internet on a PC may not work even with a successful connection.

The advantages of wired USB connection over Wi-Fi

Using a smartphone as a USB-The modem is often ignored by users who habitually include a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, for stationary workstations or laptops requiring maximum connection reliability, the cable method is preferred. The signal is not subject to interference from microwave ovens, neighborhood routers or Bluetooth devices, which often happens in apartment buildings.

Another important aspect is power consumption: when operating in Wi-Fi hotspot mode, the smartphone heats up and discharges quickly, which can negatively affect battery life in the long run. USB-The port of a computer or charger allows you to maintain the charge level, ensuring continuous operation throughout the day without voltage surges.

⚠️ Warning: Prolonged operation of the smartphone in mode mode mode with the screen on and active heating can lead to battery degradation.

From a security perspective, wired connectivity also benefits: data is transmitted over a physical channel that cannot be intercepted remotely, unlike Wi-Fi radio waves, which is especially true when dealing with sensitive information in public places or when using untrusted networks.

Preparation of equipment and checking operator settings

Before you start configuring the software part, you need to make sure that the hardware is physically ready. USB-cable is suitable for data transmission: many complete cords are only for charging and do not have internal lines for exchanging information.

You should also check your mobile operator's settings. Some data plans limit or block the ability to distribute the Internet to other devices (tethering). If after connecting, the computer sees the device but the Internet does not work, the problem is likely to lie on the provider's side.

• 📱 Make sure you're on SIM-The card is active mobile Internet and there is available traffic.
• 🔌 Use it. USB-port version 2.0 or 3.0 directly on the PC motherboard, avoiding front panels of the case or USB-hub.
• 📶 Check the signal level of the cellular network: for stable operation of the modem, it is desirable to have at least 3-4 status-bar.

It is important to note that in the settings of the Xiaomi smartphone (MIUI shell or HyperOS), there may be restrictions associated with the energy saving mode.

Step-by-step activation USB-modem on Xiaomi and Redmi

The process of enabling modem modem in the operating system Android based on MIUI is quite simple, but has its own features of the location of the menu. First you need to activate mobile data in the notification curtain or through settings.

After connecting the cable to your computer and smartphone, Android typically suggests choosing USB mode. If that doesn't happen, you need to go to the settings menu manually. The path may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same.

You need to go to Settings, then select Connect and Sharing (or Additional Features in older versions). USB-In some cases, it may be inactive (grey) until the phone is connected by cable to the PC.

⚠️ Warning: Windows can install drivers for a long time on the first connection. Do not turn off the cable until unknown devices disappear in Device Manager.

After activating the switch in the status bar of the phone will appear icon USB, And the computer needs to have a new network connection, and normally the system automatically determines the type of network and assigns it. IP-address DHCP.

Installation of drivers and problem solving in Windows

Windows 10 and 11 most often automatically finds the drivers you need for Xiaomi using the standard RNDIS or CDC ECM libraries. However, in some cases, especially on older versions of Windows 7 or 8, manual installation may be required.

If the device displays a device with a yellow exclamation mark or as "Unknown Device", you need to update the driver manually. To do this, select the device, right-click and select "Update driver". Then specify the path to the folder with drivers that can be found in the ADB driver installation folder or download from the official website.

In rare cases, antivirus software or firewalls may block the creation of a new network adapter. If the connection is installed but the internet is not working, try temporarily disabling third-party firewalls for diagnosis.

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Use USB 2.0 ports (black) if the 3.0 ports (blue) are unstable. Sometimes USB 3.0 controllers conflict with the wireless modules of the smartphone, causing connection breaks.

Frequency setting and connection speed optimization

For users seeking maximum speed, it is important not only to set up the phone, but also to choose the right network frequency. In hidden engineering menus or through special applications, you can try to lock the smartphone at LTE (4G), avoiding falling into 3G or 2G.

The standard Android interface doesn’t always allow you to flexibly manage your preferred network type. However, a hidden test mode is often available on Xiaomi phones. To activate it in the Phone app (set), type in the code ##4636##. From the menu that opens, select Phone Information.

In the "Install preferred network type" section, select an option that contains LTE Only or LTE/TD-SCDMA/WCDMA. This will prevent you from switching to slower communication standards when the 4G signal is temporarily weakened. Be careful: by choosing "LTE Only", you may lose the ability to make voice calls if the operator does not support VoLTE technology.

• 🚀 Choose the mode for maximum speed LTE Advanced if available in your area.
• 📡 Avoid the regime "2G/3G/4G (auto” as the phone can often switch between standards, causing lags.
• 🔒 Make sure that the access point settings (if hybrid mode is used) have a security standard in place. WPA2-PSK.

Optimization also applies to the settings of Windows itself: check if there is a limited background activity for a new network connection. In the adapter properties in the network control panel, make sure that the check box is "Allow all users to use this connection."

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Fixing LTE Only significantly increases ping stability, but disables voice communication. Switch back to automatic call mode.

Diagnostics of problems and frequently asked questions

Even if you set it up properly, you can have situations where your computer can't see your phone or the Internet isn't working. First, check the cable: try replacing it with a serviceable one. The second most common cause is a malfunction in your Android network services.

Try rebooting both devices. If the problem persists, reset the network settings on your smartphone.This action will remove stored Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but often resolves the communication module issues. Path to reset: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.

In some cases, switching the mode helps. USB In the Developer menu, find the "Configuration" item. USB by default and select "USB-modem "MTP". Then reconnect the cable.

To sum up, we can say that the use of Xiaomi as a USB-A modem is an efficient way to get a stable Internet connection on your computer, and the key is to use a high-quality cable and monitor network settings.