Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi phone: A complete guide to setup and use

Xiaomi's modern smartphones can not only connect to Wi-Fi, but also become the source of Internet for other devices. The access point function (or "modem mode") turns your phone into a mini-router that distributes mobile traffic wirelessly, which is indispensable for traveling, in the country or when the home Internet suddenly goes down. But how to set this feature up correctly so that it works consistently and safely?

In this article, we’ll look at everything from basic hotspot activation to typical problems (like when devices are connected but the internet isn’t working), and focus on security settings — why you can’t use a standard password and how to protect your connection from outsiders, and learn which Xiaomi models are best at handling the role of a mobile router and how to save battery power while providing long-term Internet service.

If you've ever experienced a Xiaomi hotspot spontaneously shut down or the speed of the connection leaves much to be desired, here you will find proven solutions. MIUI, which allow fine-tuning of network settings (e.g., changing the Wi-Fi channel or limiting the number of connected devices).

What is an access point on a smartphone and why you need it

Wi-Fi Hotspot is the mode of operation of a smartphone, in which it turns into a wireless router. Your Xiaomi uses mobile Internet (3G/4G/5G) And it gives it to other devices, laptops, tablets, second phones, even smart speakers:

• 🌍 No access to stationary Wi-Fi: in nature, in a cafe without a network or in a hotel with paid Internet.
• 💻 Urgent work on a laptop: when you need to urgently send a file or hold a video conference, and there is no wired connection.
• 🎮 Game consoles and smart TV: Connecting PlayStation, Nintendo Switch or TV to the Internet via phone.
• 🚗 Travel and travel: giving Internet to passengers in a car or bus.

It is important to understand that the access point consumes significantly more battery power and mobile traffic than normal phone use. For example, watching video on a laptop via a handout from Xiaomi can “eat” up to 1-1.5 GB of traffic per hour (depending on quality), and some mobile operators limit speed or block the distribution of Internet – we will talk about this below.

On Xiaomi, the access point function is implemented through the company shell MIUI, It offers more settings than naked Android, for example, you can limit the number of connected devices, change the frequency range (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz), or even set up an automatic shutdown of the access point in the absence of active connections.

How to enable access point on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

There are several ways to activate the hotspot mode on Xiaomi smartphones. We'll look at two main ones: through the Quick Settings Panel and through the settings menu. The first one is faster, but it doesn't allow you to configure the network, and the second one gives you full control over all the parameters.

Method 1: Quickly turn on through the curtain notifications

This is the easiest way to distribute the Internet:

1. Swipe your finger down to open the notification panel.
2. Swipe down again to reveal the full Quick Settings panel.
3. Find the Access Point icon (usually it looks like radio waves or a Wi-Fi icon with your phone).
4. Slip the icon – the access point will turn on with the last used settings (network name and password).

⚠️ Note: If you have never set up an access point before, the network will be called something like. Xiaomi_XXXX (where XXXX — last-minute IMEI The password will be generated automatically, and you can find it in the settings menu (see method). 2).

Method 2: Complete configuration through system parameters

This method allows you to change the name of the network (SSID), Password, security type and other parameters:

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the Connections and Sharing section → Access Point (on some models, the path may be different: Network and Internet) → Access Point and modem).
3. Activate the portable access point switch.
4. Switch to "Access Point Settings" to change:

• 🔄 Name of the network (SSID): It is better to use Latin and numbers (for example, MiHotspot_Name).
• 🔐 Type of security: choose WPA2-PSK (most reliable).
• 📝 Password: minimum 8 symbols, with a combination of letters, numbers and special characters (for example, Mi@2026_Hotspot).
• 📶 Frequency range: 2.4 GHz (better for range) or 5 GHz (faster but smaller radius).

Once you save the settings, the access point will be active, and you can now connect to it from other devices by selecting its name from the list of available Wi-Fi networks.

Hidden MIUI settings for experienced users

Shell MIUI It hides a few useful options that are not visible in the standard interface, and these settings allow you to optimize the operation of the access point, for example, limit the speed for connected devices or change the Wi-Fi channel to reduce interference.

How to Open the Engineering Menu of the Access Point

To access hidden parameters:

1. Enable the access point through settings (see previous section).
2. Open the phone keyboard and enter the code: ##4636###
3. In the menu that opens, select "Information about Wi-Fi".
4. Scroll down to the "Wi-Fi" section. AP Configuration (access point settings).

Here you will find additional parameters:

⚠️ Note: Not all Xiaomi models support the engineering menu with these settings. On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 10 and later), some settings may be blocked. It is also not recommended to change the settings if you do not understand their meaning – this can lead to unstable operation of the access point.

Typical problems and their solutions

Even after setting up the hotspot correctly, the Xiaomi hotspot can be unstable, and let’s look at the most common bugs and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Devices are connected, but the internet is not working

This is the most common situation. Causes and solutions:

• 📵 No mobile internet on your phone: check if mobile internet is enabled in your settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks, traffic may have run out or SIM-map not recognized.
• 🔄 Operator restrictions: some mobile operators (e.g. Tele2 or Iota) block the distribution of the Internet or require a special tariff connection.
• 🛠 Failure in settings APN: Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Access points (APN) And make sure that you have the right settings for your operator.

If the problem persists, try restarting your phone or resetting your network settings (Settings). → System and device → Resetting settings → Resetting network settings).

Problem 2: Access point is spontaneously shut down

This can happen for several reasons:

• 🔋 Savings in battery charge: MIUI It can disable the access point when the charge level is low (usually below 15%). → Battery and productivity → Saving charge → Additionally.
• ⏱ Timeout of inactivity: by default, the access point is disabled after 5-10 minutes if the devices are not connected to it. To avoid this, in the engineering menu (see previous section), find the Timeout option and set the value 0 (no timeout).
• 📱 Overheating of the phone: with prolonged Internet use, the processor heats up, and the system can force the access point to be turned off. Use the phone in a cool place or reduce the brightness of the screen.

💡

If the access point often shuts down due to overheating, try using the performance mode in the battery settings. → Battery and productivity → Performance mode and select High Performance, which will reduce CPU trottling, but increase charge consumption.

Problem 3: Internet speed is low

If the speed through the access point is significantly lower than when connecting directly to a mobile network, try the following:

• 📶 Change the frequency range: if you use 2.4 GHz, try switching to 5 GHz (and vice versa). In the access point settings, select Range: 5 GHz (if your phone and connected devices support this standard).
• 🔄 Change Wi-Fi Channel: In the Engineering Menu (code #4636###) select a less loaded channel (e.g. 1, 6 or 11 for 2.4GHz).
• 📱 Disable background applications: Some programs (such as torrents or cloud services) may consume traffic in the background. Close them through Settings → Annexes → Launched.
• 📡 Check network coverage: if the mobile Internet signal is weak (1-2 divisions), the speed will be low regardless of the settings. Try moving closer to the window or using a signal amplifier.

It’s also worth checking if your mobile carrier is speed limiting, for example, some Yota or Tele2 rates have a limit on the distribution of traffic (for example, 10 GB per month), after which the speed is reduced to 64 Kbps.

Security: How to Protect Your Access Point

An open or poorly secured access point is an easy target for hackers, who can not only steal your traffic, but also intercept data (passwords, messages) from connected devices.

1. Use a strong password

Standard passwords like 12345678 or password are broken in seconds.

• 🔐 Password length: minimum 12 characters (preferably 16)+).
• 🔤 Combination: upper and lowercase letters + figure + Special symbols (e.g. Mi)@2026_Hot$pot!).
• 🚫 Avoid: names, dates of birth, device names (e.g, Xiaomi12Pro).

To generate a strong password, use password managers (Bitwarden, KeePass) or online generators (e.g. passwordsgenerator.net).

2. Set up the type of security

In the access point settings, select WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK (If it's supported, these protocols are more reliable than the old ones. WEP, It's a security that gets hacked in minutes to change the type of security:

1. Go to Settings. → Connections and sharing → Access point → Setting up the access point.
2. Slip it on the security field.
3. Choose. WPA2-PSK or WPA3-PSK.

3. Limit the number of connected devices

The more gadgets you have connected to your hotspot, the more stress you have on your phone and the risk of unauthorized access. In the engineering menu (code ##4636##), find Max clients and set a value of 4-5 (if you don’t need more).

4. Track connected devices

To check who is connected to your access point:

1. Open the access point settings (Settings) → Connections and sharing → Access point).
2. Put it on "Connected Devices."
3. If you see an unfamiliar device, change your password immediately.

⚠️ Warning: If you notice suspicious activity (such as unknown activity) MAC-address in the list of connected devices, immediately disable the access point, change the password and check the phone for viruses using Malwarebytes or Dr.Web.

💡

Never use a public hotspot (without a password) in public places, which allows anyone to connect to your network, intercept traffic, or even infect your phone with viruses through vulnerabilities in protocols.

How to Save Battery when Using an Access Point

Wi-Fi distribution is one of the most energy-consuming functions of a smartphone. To extend your phone’s life, follow these tips:

1. Optimize battery settings

Turn off unnecessary background processes:

• 🔄 Go to Settings. → Battery and productivity → Saving charge.
• 📴 Enable Balanced Mode (not High Performance").
• 🚫 Turn off autosynchronization for apps (such as email or social media) in Settings → Accounts and synchronization.

2.Use an external battery

If you need to give out the Internet for a long time (for example, on a trip), connect your phone to a powerbank with a capacity from the Internet. 10 000 This will avoid sudden blackout due to discharge.For Xiaomi models with support for fast charging (for example, Xiaomi) 13 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) Select Powerbank with Quick Charge Support 3.0/4.0.

3. Reduce the brightness of the screen and turn off unnecessary modules

The less the load on the phone, the longer it will work in the mode of the access point:

• 🌓 Reduce the brightness of the screen to 30-40%.
• 📍 Turn it off. GPS and NFC, unless they are used.
• 🎧 Turn off Bluetooth (if not needed).
• 🔕 Put your phone in Do Not Disturb mode so that notifications don’t wake up the screen.

4. Use the aircraft mode with Wi-Fi enabled

If you only need to distribute the Internet over Wi-Fi (without a mobile network), activate the aircraft mode, and then manually turn on Wi-Fi (LTE, Bluetooth, which saves charge, but in this case, the access point will only work if the phone is connected to another Wi-Fi network (for example, via a Wi-Fi connection). USB-modem).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X3 or Redmi 9A) The plane's mode automatically disables the access point, and you have to choose between battery savings and connection stability.

Comparison of Xiaomi models on the quality of Wi-Fi distribution

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equally good at being a mobile router, and we tested several popular models and ranked them on key parameters: connection stability, data transfer speed and battery life.

For most users, the best choice will be the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ — It offers good speed, long battery life and 5GHz support. If you want maximum performance (for example, to distribute Internet to multiple devices at once), look for the Xiaomi 13 Pro or the best performance. POCO F5.

For budgetary tasks (mail check, messengers) will suit Redmi 10C, But keep in mind that it only works in the 2.4 GHz band, which can cause interference in apartment buildings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the access point on Xiaomi