Distributing Internet with Xiaomi via USB: full instructions for all models

Why do you need to share the Internet via USB and when it is relevant?

USB-Xiaomi’s smartphone modem is one of the most stable ways to share mobile internet with a computer or laptop. Unlike a Wi-Fi hotspot or Bluetooth modem, cable connectivity is free of interference, consumes more battery power and often provides faster data transfer rates:

You need to get online from your laptop, and there is no router or public Wi-Fi at hand.

You are working in a low signal environment where the Wi-Fi hotspot is constantly interrupted.

You need to connect a device without a Wi-Fi module (for example, a stationary PC or specialized equipment).

— You want to save the battery of your smartphone, because USB-Connection consumes minimal energy.

In this article, we will analyze all the nuances of the setting USB-Xiaomi modem, including features for different versions MIUI, And you'll also learn about common errors and alternative methods for devices that have the function disabled by the manufacturer. USB Lower than Wi-Fi and how to fix it.

What Xiaomi models support the distribution of Internet via USB

USB-tethering is available on most Xiaomi smartphones, but there are important nuances:

• ✅ All modern models (2018 year and newer: Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 11/12, POCO F5/X5 and others - support USB-box-on modem".
• ⚠️ Older devices (until 2017): on some models (e.g. Redmi) 4A or Mi A1) The function may be absent from the firmware or require manual inclusion through ADB.
• 🔄 Chinese Firmware: on Devices with MIUI China USB-The modem is sometimes blocked by the operator (for example, for the Xiaomi Mi 10 in China).
• 📱 Xiaomi Tablets (Pad) 5/6): Support USB tethering, but may require additional drivers for PCs.

To know exactly if the feature is available on your device, check the Settings menu. → Connection and sharing → Modem mode, if the points "USB-There is no modem, so the manufacturer has disabled it at the firmware level, in which case only an alternative method will help (see section below).

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models for MTS and Beeline operators (Russia) USB-The modem can be blocked at the level SIM-Check this out, insert the card of another operator.

Step-by-step instruction: how to turn on USB-modem

The setup process takes less than a minute, but requires a few key conditions to be met:

1. Use the original USB cable (or certified USB-C/Micro-USB). Cheap cables often don't support data transfer.
2. Unlock the smartphone screen before connecting to a PC – some versions MIUI block USB-modem on locked device.
3. Turn off other types of Internet distribution (Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth) to avoid conflicts.

Now we move on to the setting:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer through USB-On the Xiaomi screen, select File Transfer Mode (not Charging").
2. Open Settings → Connection and Sharing → Modem Modem.
3. Activate the switch "USB-modem." Some firmware may call the item "modem "USB-linkage".
4. Wait for the notification to appear "USB-modem is active" (the icon will appear in the status bar).

On the computer, check the connection:

• 🪟 Windows: Open the Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network connections. There should be a new "Ethernet" or "Network Connection through" connection. USB".
• 🍎 Mac: Go to System Settings → Network. The new connection will be displayed as "USB Ethernet".
• 🐧 Linux: Enter the ip a command in the terminal, the device should appear usb0 or ethX.

The cable is original and serviceable

On the smartphone is enabled USB-modem

On the PC there is a new network connection

The Internet is working (check the browser)-->

Solving Problems: Why It Doesn’t Work USB-modem

After inclusion USB-There's no Internet modem on your computer, and there are many reasons, from the banal to the technical:

If none of the methods helped, try resetting the network settings on your smartphone (Settings). → Connection and sharing → Network resetting: This will delete all stored Wi-Fi and mobile network settings, but often solves problems with the network. USB-modem.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware (especially Chinese) USB-The modem may not work because of the operator's policy, and then only a flashing to the global version will help. MIUI or use of alternative methods.

Alternative ways to distribute the Internet, if USB-The modem is not working.

If standard USB-The modem is not available, use one of these methods:

• 🌐 Wi-Fi hotspot: Less stable, but works on all devices. → Connection and sharing → Wi-Fi hotspot.
• 🔵 Bluetooth modem: Suitable for devices without Wi-Fi (such as some tablets). ~3 Mbps.
• 🖥️ Reverse Tethering: Sharing the Internet from PC to smartphone requires root or special applications like ClockworkMod Tether.
• 🔌 USB + PDANet: PDANet application+ It bypasses operator restrictions and even works on locked devices.

For maximum stability, we recommend combining methods. USB-The modem turns off, simultaneously activate the Wi-Fi hotspot - the computer will automatically switch to it.

💡

If you use it often USB-Modem, add a shortcut for quick turn on. To do this, hold the Modem Mode icon in the notification bar and drag it to the desktop.

Speed and Limitations: Why USB-The modem can be slower than Wi-Fi

Many users have noted that USB speeds are lower than Wi-Fi, due to several factors:

• 🔌 Limitation USB 2.0: Most Xiaomi smartphones (except flagships) use the port USB 2.0, maximum speed of which — 480 Mbps (really) ~30-50 Mbps. By comparison, Wi-Fi. 5 (802.11ac) can give up 866 Mbit/s.
• 📶 Mobile Network Priority: Some operators artificially limit the speed of tethering (USB/Wi-Fi). For example, Tele.2 In the "mine" rate, the speed is reduced to 64 Kbps after 10 GB of traffic.
• 🔋 Energy savings: In mode USB-Xiaomi modem can automatically limit the performance of the chipset, which affects the speed.

To increase speed:

1. Use a USB 3.0 cable (blue connector) – it supports speeds up to 5 Gbps (although the smartphone will still be limited to USB 2.0, but the connection quality will improve).
2. Turn off background apps on your smartphone, especially instant messengers and cloud services.
3. Check the APN settings: sometimes operators set up individual tethering options. Check with support.

On smartphones with a chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) USB-Modem can run faster thanks to hardware driver optimization QTI.

Safety: Risks in use USB-modem

Distributing internet via USB seems safer than Wi-Fi, but there are risks:

• 🔓 Access to files: When connecting to USB Your computer can access your smartphone memory if you have File Transfer enabled. Always select Charge Only after you set up your modem.
• 🕵️ Traffic interception: If a computer is infected with malware, it can intercept data transmitted through the computer. USB (For example, passwords from websites).
• 📵 Operator Blocking: Some operators (e.g. Yota or Tinkoff Mobile) block tethering if it is not provided by the tariff.

To minimize the risks:

1. Use a VPN on your smartphone (like Cloudflare’s ProtonVPN or Warp).
2. Turn off USB debugging in the developer settings if you don’t need it.
3. Periodically check connected devices in Settings → Connection and sharing → USB-modem.

⚠️ Attention: On corporate computers USB-The modem can be blocked by security policies (e.g., through Group Policy in Windows), in which case contact the system administrator.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

USB-modem

Wi-Fi hotspot

Bluetooth

I don't use tethering.-->