Have you ever been in a situation where you need to connect your laptop or tablet to the Internet with only a Xiaomi smartphone on hand? or maybe you need to give your friend Wi-Fi so he can download an important file? In such cases, the Wi-Fi Hotspot feature comes to the rescue — the ability to turn your device into a full-fledged access point built into every Xiaomi phone. But what is it really, how does it work and what nuances this technology has on smartphones with firmware. MIUI?
In this article, we will not only analyze the basic principles of mobile hotspot, but also dive into the specifics of implementing this feature on Xiaomi devices. You will learn how to turn on the Internet in 30 seconds, what settings are hidden in the depths. MIUI, How to save battery power with a long hotspot and what to do if the devices do not connect. MIUI, What is not written in the standard instructions – for example, how to limit the speed of connected devices or why some Xiaomi models automatically turn off the hotspot after 5 minutes of inactivity.
What is Wi-Fi Hotspot and why is it needed for Xiaomi?
The term Wi-Fi Hotspot refers to the mode of operation of the smartphone, in which it becomes a mini-router. Your Xiaomi takes the mobile Internet (3G/4G/5G) It's a wireless wireless Wi-Fi service, and it's handed out to other devices:
- 🌍 Lack of stationary Wi-Fi: in a trip, in the country or in a cafe without a free network
- 💻 Connecting a laptop: when you need to urgently go online, and only a phone is at hand
- 🎮 Game consoles: Nintendo Switch or PSP Often require the Internet for online gaming
- 📱 Backup: if the main Wi-Fi broke, and you need to work urgently
- 🔄 File sharing: via hotspot you can quickly transfer photos between phones
On Xiaomi smartphones, this function is implemented taking into account the features of the firmware MIUI. For example, it has a built-in traffic meter for connected devices, the ability to limit the number of customers and even the function of automatically turning off the hotspot when the battery is low, while Xiaomi allows you to distribute Internet not only over Wi-Fi, but also over Bluetooth or Bluetooth. USB (tethering).
It's important to understand that a hotspot isn't just "on and on and off"; it's actively consuming battery power (up to a point). 20-30% per hour on some models) and can significantly increase mobile traffic consumption, especially if multiple devices are connected to your access point at the same time. MIUI Special settings are provided to optimize the work of the hotspot.
How to turn on Wi-Fi Hotspot on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
You can activate the access point on Xiaomi in literally three taps, but to fully customize it, you need a little more action. MIUI 14 (relevant to most current models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Xiaomi 13).
Method 1: Through the notification panel (quick access):
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification bar.
- Find the Access Point icon (usually looks like two arcs with a dot in the middle)
- Tap the icon – the hotspot will turn on with the latest used settings
Method 2: Through settings (full control):
- Open the Settings app
- Go to the Wi-Fi section → Access Point (or Network and Internet) → Access Point and modem on some versions)
- Activate the Wi-Fi Access Point switch
- When you first turn on, the system will offer to configure the network name and password.
By default. MIUI generates the network name in format Xiaomi_XXXX (where XXXX — last-minute IMEI Your phone and a complex password 8 You can change these settings manually, but remember, the simpler the password, the greater the risk that your access point will be connected to by strangers.
☑️ Preparation for the inclusion of the hotspot
Hidden settings of Wi-Fi Hotspot in MIUI, which you didn't know
Most users are limited to the basic settings of the hotspot, but MIUI It hides a few useful features that can greatly improve the experience:
| Function | Where to find out. | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic restriction | Settings → Access point → Data limitation | Automatically disables the hotspot when the limit is exceeded (useful for tariffs with limited traffic) |
| Blacklist of devices | Settings → Access point → Connected devices | Blocks specific gadgets on the MAC-address |
| Auto-disconnection | Settings → Access point → Automatic shutdown | Turns off the hotspot after a predetermined time without activity (saves battery) |
| Frequency range | Settings → Access point → Additionally. → Frequency range | Choice between 2.4 GHz (long range) and 5 GHz (high speed) |
| AP-isolation | Settings → Access point → Additionally. → Isolation. AP | It prevents connected devices from “seeing” each other on the network. |
Traffic restriction is particularly useful, for example, if you have a 10GB per month rate, you can set a limit of 1GB for a hotspot to keep your mobile network from going out in the middle of the month. MIUI You can see detailed statistics for each connected device: how much traffic it consumed and how long it was connected.
Another hidden feature is the hotspot power saving mode. → Battery and productivity → Power saving, you can turn on the option "Optimize access point." In this mode, the phone will automatically reduce the power of Wi-Fi transmission when the access point is not connected to the device, which saves up to 15% of the charge.
💡
If your Xiaomi often overheats when running a hotspot, try to reduce the frequency range from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz – this will reduce the load on the processor and body temperature.
Wi-Fi Hotspot Issues on Xiaomi and How to Solve Them
Despite the seemingly simple implementation, Xiaomi’s Wi-Fi distribution sometimes has problems, and here are the most common situations and ways to fix them:
1. Devices do not connect to the access point
- ✅ Check if the mobile internet is on on your phone.
- ✅ Make sure the password is entered correctly (the registry is important!)
- ✅ Try changing the frequency range from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz (some older devices don't support 5 GHz)
- ✅ Restart your phone and try turning on the hotspot again.
2.The hotspot spontaneously shuts down
- ✅ Turn off the function Automatic shutdown in the hotspot settings
- ✅ Check your energy saving settings – some modes aggressively turn off background processes
- ✅ Update the firmware MIUI — In older versions, there was an error with spontaneous shutdown
3. Slow Internet speed via hotspot
- ✅ Check the quality of the mobile network – the problem may be on the operator’s side
- ✅ Turn it off. VPN On the phone, it can limit speed.
- ✅ Try changing the frequency range (5GHz) is usually faster but less stable)
- ✅ Make sure that there are not too many devices connected to the access point at the same time.
What to do if the hotspot does not turn on at all?
If none of the tips worked, try resetting the network settings on your phone. → System system → Reset → Network resets: This will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks and mobile internet settings, but often solves distribution problems.
💡
On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A and POCO M3) The hotspot may not work with SIM-You can check the card with certain operators due to hardware limitations.
How to save battery power when using a hotspot
One of the main disadvantages of the Wi-Fi Hotspot mode is the high power consumption. On some Xiaomi models (for example, Xiaomi). 11T or Redmi Note 10 Pro) hotspot can discharge the battery at speed 1% into 2-3 Here are a few ways to reduce energy consumption:
1. Optimization of settings MIUI:
- 🔋 Enable Energy Saving Mode in Battery Settings
- 📶 Turn off Wi-Fi network search in the background (Settings) → Wi-Fi → Additionally)
- 🔄 Reduce the screen shutdown waiting time until 15-30 seconds
- 📴 Turn it off. NFC Bluetooth, if not used.
Hardware solutions:
- 🔌 Connect your phone to charging while the hotspot is running
- 🧊 Use an external battery (power bank) for long-term distribution
- 🌡️ Avoid overheating – do not cover your phone or use it in direct sunlight
3. Software tricks:
- 📥 Limit the number of connected devices (optimally no more) 3-4)
- 🎯 Use the 2.4 GHz band instead of 5 GHz (lower energy consumption)
- ⏱️ Enable automatic hotspot shutdown through 5-10 minutes of inactivity
Interesting fact: on Xiaomi phones with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (for example, the phone is not a good idea, POCO F4 Xiaomi 12) hotspot consumes on 15-20% less power than on devices with MediaTek chips (e.g. Redmi) 10). This is due to the optimization of the Wi-Fi module in the firmware MIUI multiplatform.
💡
If you need to give away the Internet for a long time (for example, for the whole working day), consider buying a separate one. 4G-This will save the phone's charge and provide a more stable connection.
Security with Wi-Fi Hotspot on Xiaomi
When you turn on the hotspot, your phone becomes vulnerable to potential attacks, and here are the main risks and how to minimize them:
Unauthorized access:
- 🔐 Always use a strong password (minimum 8 characters with numbers and letters)
- 🔄 Change the Hotspot password regularly (once in a week) 1-2 month)
- 🚫 Turn off the hotspot when you don’t need it.
Traffic interception:
- 🛡️ Do not share sensitive data (passwords, bank information) through a hotspot in public places.
- 🌐 Use it. VPN on connected devices to encrypt traffic
- 📡 Turn off the function. WPS in the hotspot settings (it is vulnerable to hacking)
Fraudulent connections:
- 👥 Enable the option to Notify about new connections in the hotspot settings
- 📋 Regularly check the list of connected devices for unknown gadgets
- 🚨 Use the Blacklist function to block suspicious devices
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (There's a vulnerability that allows connected devices to access files on the phone over a local area network. AP-isolation in hotspot settings.
If you use hotspots frequently in public places, consider installing specialized network monitoring apps like Fing or Network Analyzer to help detect suspicious activity at your access point.
Alternative ways to share the Internet with Xiaomi
Wi-Fi Hotspot isn’t the only way to share the internet with your Xiaomi, but other methods can be helpful depending on the situation:
1. USB-tetering:
- ⚡ Connect your phone to your computer through USB-cable
- 🖥️ Turn on the mode. USB-modem in Settings → Access point
- ➕ Pros: does not consume battery, high stability of the connection
- ➖ Cons: only works with one device, requires cable
2. Bluetooth tetering:
- 📲 Connect devices via Bluetooth
- 🔗 Enable Bluetooth mode in the settings
- ➕ Pros: low power consumption, works in the background
- ➖ Cons: low speed (up to 3 Mbit / s), limited number of devices
3. Modem mode through OTG:
- 🔌 Connect. USB-cable OTG-adapter
- 🖧 Use your phone as an external modem for your router
- ➕ Pros: you can distribute the Internet to several devices through a router
- ➖ Cons: requires additional equipment, not all models support
For example, USB-Tetering is ideal for working with a laptop when you need a stable connection for several hours, and Bluetooth tetering is convenient for periodic synchronization of data between the phone and a smartwatch or a fitness bracelet.
Interesting feature MIUI: when connected through USB-Tethering phone automatically charges from the computer (if it supports power supply through the port), this allows you to use the hotspot for a long time without risking draining the battery.