Modern smartphones have long ceased to be just a means of communication, turning into universal tools for work and entertainment. Model Xiaomi Redmi 9Despite its age, the MIUI remains a popular device thanks to its robustness and functionality. One of the most sought-after features when traveling or without a wired internet connection is the ability to turn the phone into a fully-fledged router.
The process of activating the access point on devices Xiaomi may differ from standard Android, which often raises questions among users. In this article, we'll cover all the setup details, from basic setup to frequency optimization. You'll learn how to ensure maximum network speed and avoid draining your device's battery.
Before we get started with the settings, it's worth mentioning that signal quality directly depends on the cellular network reception level. If your Redmi 9 If you're in an area with poor reception, the internet speed on connected devices will be low, regardless of your settings. Therefore, the first step should always be checking the connection indicator in the upper right corner of the screen.
Basic hotspot setup via the notification shade
The fastest way to activate tethering is to use the quick access panel. This method is ideal when you need to quickly share your internet and don't want to delve into complex settings menus. Simply swipe down from the top of the screen to open the panel and find the corresponding icon.
However, if the icon isn't on the visible part of the screen, you can add it by clicking the edit button (usually a pencil or three dots). In the list of widgets that opens, find the item Access point and drag it to the active zone. After that, turning it on will take literally one second.
⚠️ Note: When turning on the phone from the home screen, it activates with the most recently used settings. If you've previously changed the password or network name, they will be saved. If you're setting up your phone for the first time, the system may use the default factory settings.
This can be inconvenient if the default name contains the device's serial number. For initial setup, it's still recommended to go through the full path through system settings.
Detailed configuration in the MIUI settings menu
To fully manage network settings, navigate to the main system configuration menu. All hidden options are available here, allowing you to customize the Wi-Fi module to your specific needs. The path to these settings may vary slightly depending on the firmware version.
You will need to perform the following sequence of actions: open the application Settings, find the section Access point and modemIn some versions of the shell, this item may be located inside the menu. Connection and sharingThis is where key security and performance parameters are hidden.
☑️ Check before setup
Inside the menu Setting up an access point You can change the SSID (network name) to any name you prefer. It's recommended to use Latin characters to avoid connection issues with older devices, which may not display Cyrillic characters correctly. It's best to set a complex password of at least 8 characters to prevent unauthorized access.
Particular attention should be paid to the parameter Frequency rangeAutomatic selection or 2.4 GHz is often the default. Switching to 5 GHz will significantly increase data transfer speeds but will reduce the signal range. If you're only sharing internet with a nearby laptop, 5 GHz is the optimal choice.
Setting up security and restricting connections
The security of your personal network is a priority, especially when you're in public places. Encryption protocol WPA2 PSK is the de facto standard for mobile devices and provides reliable protection for transmitted data. Older protocols, such as WEP, are not recommended due to their vulnerabilities.
In the access point settings menu Redmi 9 There's a "Manage Connected Devices" feature. It lets you see who's currently using your data. If you spot an unfamiliar device, you can instantly block it by adding it to a blacklist by MAC address.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Security protocol | WPA2 PSK | Maximum data protection |
| Frequency range | 5.0 GHz | High speed, small radius |
| Wi-Fi timeout | 10 minutes | Saving battery life |
| Device limit | 4-6 pieces | Connection stability |
It's also possible to set a limit on the number of connected devices. This is useful for preventing bandwidth congestion when too many devices are trying to connect to the network. A limit of 4 to 6 devices is considered optimal to maintain a stable speed on each device.
What is MAC filtering?
MAC filtering is an access control method that allows only devices with pre-approved unique identifiers to pass through the network. This is the most reliable security method, but it requires manual configuration of each new device.
USB modem mode and Bluetooth pang
Wireless sharing isn't always the best solution. If you need maximum stability and minimal latency, a wired connection is worth considering. A USB modem allows you to transfer Internet from your phone to your computer via a cable while simultaneously charging your device.
To activate this mode, connect your smartphone to the PC with a cable, then in the menu Access point and modem activate the switch USB modemThe system will automatically install the necessary drivers, and the computer will recognize the new network connection. This is ideal for desktop use.
A Bluetooth PANG is an alternative, as it consumes significantly less power than a Wi-Fi module. Data transfer speeds will be lower, but for background tasks like checking email or messaging apps, it's perfectly sufficient. Activation is done through the Bluetooth menu in the hotspot settings.
⚠️ Important: When using a USB modem, make sure the cable supports data transfer, not just charging. Cheap "charge-only" cables will not enable this mode.
Power Optimization and Battery
Sharing the internet is one of the most energy-intensive processes for a smartphone. The Wi-Fi module operates at high frequencies, which leads to active heating of the case and rapid battery drain. For owners Redmi 9 With a 5020 mAh battery, you should monitor the device's temperature.
MIUI has a feature that automatically turns off the hotspot if no one is connected for a set period of time. It's recommended to set the timer to 5 or 10 minutes. This will prevent the battery from draining completely if you forget to turn off the tethering mode.
It's also a good idea to disable background syncing for heavy apps and reduce screen brightness. The screen is the second-largest energy consumer, and dimming it will help extend the router's battery life. Avoid playing games or watching videos on your phone while sharing.
Solving common connection problems
Sometimes users encounter situations where their devices see the network but can't connect, or they have a connection but the internet isn't working. First, check your SIM card balance and whether you have a data plan that allows tethering. Some carriers block or charge a separate fee for tethering.
The second common cause is an IP address conflict or a malfunction in Android's network services. In this case, a simple restart of the communication module helps: turn on airplane mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off. If this doesn't help, try resetting network settings in the menu. Connection and sharing.
If the problem persists, check if your mobile data is limited. Your SIM card settings may have a limit that disables internet access when reached. Also, make sure the date and time on your device are set correctly, as this affects the security certificates.
Why does my phone's battery drain quickly when using Wi-Fi?
The wireless module consumes a lot of power to generate a signal. Additionally, the processor is constantly processing data packets, which causes heat. To extend battery life, use power saving mode and disable unnecessary background processes.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network?
On most modern smartphones, including Redmi 9A Wi-Fi Bridge feature is possible. However, this option is often hidden in the stock MIUI firmware. Typically, when the hotspot is enabled, mobile internet is automatically enabled, interrupting the Wi-Fi connection.
How do I know who is connected to my hotspot?
Go to the access point settings menu and select "Connected devices." A list of all devices with their names and MAC addresses will be displayed. You can click on a device and select "Block" to deny access.
Why can't my laptop see my phone's network?
It's possible your network operates in the 5 GHz band, but your laptop's network card only supports 2.4 GHz. Try forcibly switching the frequency band in your access point settings to 2.4 GHz. Also, check if the network name (SSID) is hidden.