Tethering on Xiaomi: how to distribute the Internet from your phone over Wi-Fi, USB Bluetooth

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you only have a Xiaomi smartphone with mobile Internet at hand, and you need to urgently connect a laptop, tablet or even another phone to the network? Tethering (or “binding”) mode is just for this – it allows you to turn your Xiaomi into a full-fledged modem that distributes Internet over Wi-Fi, via the Internet. USB-cable.

Despite the apparent simplicity, users often have questions: why the access point is not turned on, how to save battery power when distributing the Internet, or what settings are optimal for a stable connection. In this article, we will break down all the nuances of tethering on Xiaomi, from basic setup to solving typical problems, and you will also learn which models (for example, Redmi Note 12 or the other two). POCO X5) Support simultaneous distribution of Internet over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth – a feature that many do not even suspect!

What is tethering and why is it needed in Xiaomi

Tethering is a technology that allows you to use your smartphone as a modem to distribute mobile Internet to other devices, and Xiaomi has implemented this mode in three main ways:

• 📶 Wi-Fi hotspot, the most popular method, creates a local network to which up to 10 devices can be connected.
• 🔌 USB-modem – connection via cable, provides stable speed and charging of the device.
• 🔵 Bluetooth modem is an economical option for distributing Internet at a close distance (for example, on a smart watch or laptop).

Main use cases:

• 💻 Working on a laptop on the road or a cafe where there is no stationary Wi-Fi.
• 🎮 Connecting a game console (such as Nintendo Switch) to the mobile Internet.
• 📱 Transfer the Internet to a second phone if it does not have SIM-maps or traffic is out.
• 🖥️ Set up smart devices (such as Xiaomi Smart Home) that require a network connection.

It is important to understand that tethering consumes traffic from your mobile tariff. Some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) may block the distribution of the Internet or charge an additional fee. Before using, check the terms of your tariff - especially if you plan to distribute large amounts of data (for example, for online games or download files).

How to enable Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi (Step-by-step instructions)

Setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi takes less than a minute, but there are a few nuances that will help avoid connection issues. MIUI 12/13/14 HyperOS and new models like Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+).

Steps to include:

1. Open the Settings. → Network and Internet (or Mobile Network on older versions) MIUI).
2. Select Access Point and modem (on some models – Modem Modem).
3. Slip on the Wi-Fi Access Point and move the slider to the On position.
4. Set up network settings: Network name (SSID) — Think of a unique name (for example, Xiaomi_Hotspot_123). Password minimum 8 Symbols (we recommend using a combination of letters and numbers). WPA2-PSK (The most reliable option — 2.4 GHz (better for range) or 5 GHz (faster but smaller radius).

Save the settings and connect the devices to the network you have created.

Mobile Internet is on and working

The phone has enough charge (minimum 30%)

Password for the access point is recorded or saved

On the connected device, it's off. VPN (can block the connection)-->

If the access point is not turned on, check:

• 🔄 Restart your phone – sometimes helps with Wi-Fi module failures.
• 📱 Update the firmware: go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → The Internet and the Internet → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) The access point can automatically shut down after 5-10 minutes without active connections. To avoid this, activate the option to Always turn on the access point in the modem settings.

USB-Xiaomi modem: how to connect and why it is better Wi-Fi

Distribution of the Internet through USB-Cable has several advantages over Wi-Fi:

• ⚡ Stable speed – no signal loss, as with wireless connection.
• 🔋 Charging the device – the phone simultaneously distributes the Internet and charges from a laptop / PC.
• 🛡️ Security – the connection is physically secure, there is no risk of data interception.

How to set up USB-modem:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via the original cable (importantly, not all cables support data transmission).
2. On the phone, select the connection mode: In the drop-down notification, tap on Charging through USB. Select the Transfer of Data or USB-modem (name depends on the model).

Settings → The Internet and the Internet → Access Point and modem → USB-modem

• Windows: Open the Web and the Internet → Status. → Change the connection properties and make sure the network is designated as Private.
• Mac/Linux: Usually the connection is automatic, but you may need to install drivers (for example, for Ubuntu – usb-modeswitch package).

If the computer can't see USB-modem:

• 🔌 Try another cable (preferably the original one from Xiaomi).
• 🖥️ Update drivers on PC (via Device Manager in Windows).
• 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB In Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI (tap 7 times) → Additionally. → For developers.

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If the speed is USB-modem lower than Wi-Fi, check your settings APN Sometimes it helps to reset your operator. APN to the default values in the settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN)

Bluetooth modem: an economical way to distribute the Internet

Bluetooth modem is the least popular, but most economical method of tethering.

• 🎧 Smartwatch Connections (Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro, Amazfit) GTR (4) to the Internet.
• 💻 Laptops or tablets when the cable is inconvenient to use, and Wi-Fi is turned off.
• 🚗 Car multimedia systems (such as Android Auto) if they support Bluetooth internet.

How to set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. On the phone, go to Settings. → The Internet and the Internet → Access Point and modem → Bluetooth modem.
3. Connect the device to your phone via Bluetooth (if not already paired).
4. Turn on the Bluetooth modem slider.
5. On the connected device, select Xiaomi as the source of the Internet (in Bluetooth or network settings).

Limitations of Bluetooth modem:

• 🐢 Speed is limited. ~1-3 Mbps (enough for messengers, but not for video in the video) 4K).
• 📏 The range of action is up to 10 meters (depending on the interference).
• 🔋 It consumes less energy than Wi-Fi, but more than USB-modem.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M5) The Bluetooth modem may conflict with the connected headphones. If the sound starts to interrupt, turn off the Internet or use the Internet. USB/Wi-Fi.

Comparison of Tethering Methods: Which One to Choose

To determine which method of distribution of the Internet is right for you, compare them on key parameters:

Selection recommendations:

• 🏡 At home or in the office — USB-Modem (maximum speed and stability).
• ☕ In a cafe or park – Wi-Fi hotspot (comfortable for multiple devices).
• 🚗 In the car – Bluetooth modem (to connect the navigator or clock).
• 🎮 For gaming devices – 5 GHz Wi-Fi (less latency).

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USB-The modem is the best choice for long-term work, as it does not land the battery and provides maximum speed. Wi-Fi is more convenient for temporary connection of several gadgets.

Typical Tethering Problems on Xiaomi and Their Solutions

Even when set up properly, tethering can be unstable, and let's look at some of the most common problems and how to fix them.

1. Access point is turned on, but devices are not connected

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔐 Incorrect password – check the letter register (password is sensitive to it).
• 📶 Wi-Fi Channel Conflict – In the access point settings, change the channel from Auto to a fixed one (for example, 6 or 11 for 2.4 GHz).
• 📵 Operator blocking – some tariffs (e.g., Tele2’s “For Tablet” bans Internet distribution. Check the terms or call support.

2.The Internet through USB-The modem is slow to work.

What to do:

• 🔌 Use a support cable USB 3.0 (usually blue).
• 🖥️ Turn off the others. USB-devices (flash drives, external drives) – they can “select” bandwidth.
• 📱 Turn on Developer Mode and activate the option to Turn off Bluetooth absolute volume (sometimes affecting the ability to use the device). USB).

3.The battery goes down quickly when you give out Wi-Fi

Savings tips:

• 🔋 Connect your phone to charge (even power bank will reduce your cost).
• 📴 Reduce screen brightness and turn off background apps.
• 📡 Switch to 2.4 GHz (5 GHz) access point consumes more power).
• ⏱️ Enable the timer for automatic disconnection of the access point (in the settings of the Wi-Fi Access Point) → Timer).

4 Devices are connected, but the internet is not working

Check the following:

• 🌐 Mobile Internet is enabled on the phone (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Mobile Internet).
• 🔄 Reboot both devices (phone and what you connect).
• 📡 Check the balance and traffic balance (sometimes the operator blocks the Internet at zero balance).
• 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → The Internet and the Internet → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

Hidden Tethering Features on Xiaomi You Didn’t Know About

The manufacturer does not advertise all the features of tethering on Xiaomi, here are a few “chips” that will simplify the use:

• 🔄 Automatically disabling the access point – you can set the timer in Settings → Wi-Fi hotspot → Timer, useful if you often forget to turn off the distribution.
• 📱 Simultaneous distribution over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth – supported on flagships (Xiaomi) 13T, Redmi K70). Included in Settings → Access Point and modem → Additionally.
• 🔒 Hidden network – in the settings of the access point, you can turn off the broadcast SSID, So that your network is not visible to outsiders.
• 📊 Traffic statistics - in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Traffic usage can be seen how much data has gone into the distribution.
• 🔌 USB-modem + Charging – on some models (for example, POCO F4) The phone is charged even when the Internet is actively distributed USB.

Another lifehack: if you need to give the Internet from Xiaomi to another phone without SIM-card, but you don't have a Wi-Fi password, use a Bluetooth modem, it doesn't require a password (sparring devices is enough) and it works even if the main network is locked.

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HyperOS models (such as Xiaomi 14) have introduced Traffic Priority in access point settings, which allows you to limit the speed of connected devices so that one of them does not eat up the entire Internet.

FAQ: Frequent questions about tethering on Xiaomi