Many users are familiar with situations where a desktop computer or laptop finds itself cut off from the global network. Wired internet can suddenly disappear due to a broken cable, and a router can fail at the most inopportune moment. In such critical moments, modern smartphones come to the rescue, capable of transforming into a fully-functional modem in a matter of seconds.
Owners of brand devices Xiaomi and sub-brand Redmi have at their disposal a powerful tool for organizing network access. Shell MIUI or its more recent version HyperOS provide advanced capabilities for managing network connections, allowing you to choose the most optimal data transfer method depending on your tasks and the equipment available.
In this article, we will examine in detail all the available methods for connecting a computer to the Internet via a telephone. RedmiYou'll learn the intricacies of setting up a USB modem, creating a wireless access point, and using Bluetooth. You'll also learn methods for optimizing speed and solving common problems.
Preparing your smartphone and checking the settings
Before you start actively distributing traffic, you need to make sure that your smartphone Redmi Ready to use as a modem. First, check your cellular network signal strength, as it will determine the final connection speed on your computer. If the signal strength is weak, it's best to move closer to a window or to another room.
The second important aspect is your mobile operator's data plan. Make sure you have a mobile data plan enabled and haven't reached your data limit. Many operators charge separately for tethering to other devices, so it's recommended to check your plan's terms in advance to avoid unexpected charges.
It's also worth paying attention to the battery charge. Tethering, especially when using a Wi-Fi hotspot, significantly increases the power consumption of the processor and radio module. If the phone runs out of battery while downloading an important file or during a video conference, the connection will be lost. It is recommended to keep your phone connected to the charger during long internet sharing sessions.
To activate modem functions, you'll need to access system settings. Typically, the path looks like this: Settings → Wi-Fi Hotspot. Depending on the operating system version Android and shells MIUI, the names of the items may differ slightly, but the logic remains the same.
Creating a Wi-Fi hotspot on Redmi
The most popular and convenient way to turn your phone into a router is to create a wireless access point. This method requires no extra wires and allows you to connect multiple devices to the internet at once, including laptops, tablets, and even other smartphones. To get started, go to the settings menu and select Wi-Fi hotspot.
In the menu that opens, you need to activate the switch Wi-Fi hotspotBefore enabling, it is highly recommended to configure security settings. Click on the name of your network or the button Setting up an access pointto change the network name (SSID) and set a strong password. Using the encryption standard WPA2-Personal or WPA3 will protect your channel from unauthorized access by third parties.
In the advanced shell settings MIUI A frequency range adjustment function is often available. You can choose between 2.4 GHz And 5 GHzThe 5 GHz band offers higher data transfer rates and is less susceptible to interference from neighboring networks, but has a shorter range. The 2.4 GHz band is more versatile and compatible with older devices, but may perform slower in densely populated areas.
⚠️ Important: When using the 5 GHz band, make sure your computer's network adapter supports this standard. Older laptops may simply not recognize the created network.
After saving the settings, enable the hotspot. On your computer, open the list of available Wi-Fi networks, find the name you set on your phone, enter the password, and enjoy a stable internet connection.
☑️ Check before turning on the access point
Sharing the Internet via USB cable
If you require maximum connection stability and minimal latency, using a USB cable is the undisputed choice. This method not only transfers data but also charges the smartphone, eliminating the problem of rapid battery drain. Furthermore, a USB connection is inherently protected from signal interception, as it is a physically isolated channel.
First, connect your phone. Redmi Connect the phone to your computer using a high-quality USB cable. It's recommended to use the original cable that came with the device, or a certified replacement capable of transmitting data, not just charging current. Once connected, your phone may request permission to access data—select the mode. File transfer or Security, although this is not always critical for the modem's operation.
Next, go to the menu on your phone Settings → Connection and Sharing → USB TetheringActivate the corresponding toggle switch. Windows should automatically detect the new network device and install the necessary drivers. This process can take anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
In the Device Manager or in the list of network connections (ncpa.cpl) a new local area network connection will appear. It is usually labeled as Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing DeviceIf the connection status reads "Connected," then the internet connection is successfully streaming from your phone to your PC.
The advantage of this method is the absence of radio interference and high speed, limited only by your data plan and the USB standard (2.0 or 3.0). However, it's important to remember that in USB modem mode, a phone typically cannot simultaneously function as an access point for other wireless devices.
What should I do if my computer doesn't see my USB modem?
If your computer doesn't respond when you turn on the USB modem, try replacing the cable. The problem is often with cables that are designed only for charging and don't have data lines. You may also need to install ADB drivers or specific Xiaomi drivers from the official website, although these are usually installed automatically in Windows 10 and 11.
Using Bluetooth to go online
Bluetooth modem is the least popular option, but sometimes the only viable one when the computer's Wi-Fi adapter is faulty and the USB ports are busy or unavailable. Bluetooth data transfer speeds are significantly lower than those of previous methods, rarely exceeding 1-2 Mbps, which is only sufficient for instant messaging or loading simple web pages.
To use this method, you must first pair your computer and phone. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices. On your phone Redmi In the Bluetooth menu, make the device visible to others. On your computer, search for devices, find your phone, and pair it by confirming the code on both screens.
After successful pairing, go to the phone menu Connection and sharing activate the item Bluetooth modemOn a computer, this process requires a bit more steps. Open the Bluetooth control panel, find your device in the list, right-click, and select Connect via → Access Point.
The system will create a virtual COM port connection through which internet traffic will flow. Despite the low speed, this method uses very little power compared to Wi-Fi, which can be critical if the phone isn't connected to a charger and a USB cable is not available.
Comparison of connection methods: characteristics table
To help you choose the best connection method for your specific situation, we've prepared a comparison chart. It will help you weigh the pros and cons of each method, taking into account your current needs for speed, mobility, and battery life.
| Characteristic | Wi-Fi hotspot | USB modem | Bluetooth modem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed | High (up to 100+ Mbps) | Very high (stable) | Low (up to 2 Mbps) |
| Number of connected devices | Up to 10 devices | 1 device (PC) | 1 device (PC) |
| Impact on battery charge | High (fast discharge) | The phone is charging | Average |
| Connection stability | Depends on interference | Maximum | Average |
| Difficulty of setup | Low | Low | High |
Speed optimization and troubleshooting
Even with proper setup, users may experience slow speeds or an unstable connection. One common cause is operating in a congested frequency band. If you're using Wi-Fi, try changing the broadcast channel in your phone's hotspot settings. Automatic channel selection isn't always effective in multi-family buildings.
It's also worth checking if your phone has data saving or power saving modes enabled. Aggressive settings MIUI Optimizer may limit background activity of network services, leading to connection interruptions. Add the internet sharing process to the exceptions or select performance mode. No restrictions for system services.
If your computer sees the network but says "No internet access," try switching the mobile network mode on your phone. For example, force it to 4G/LTE instead of 3G/2G Or vice versa, if the LTE signal is weak and constantly fluctuates. This can be done in the menu. Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Preferred network type.
⚠️ Note: Interfaces and menu item names may vary depending on the MIUI version (12, 13, 14) or HyperOS. If you can't find the item, search for "modem" or "hotspot" in the settings.
In some cases, simply restarting network services helps. Turn on airplane mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off. This will allow the phone to re-register with the carrier's network and obtain a new IP address, which often resolves traffic tunneling issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why can't my computer see my phone's Wi-Fi hotspot?
Check that Wi-Fi is enabled on your phone (it must be active to create a hotspot). Make sure you haven't hidden the network name (SSID) in the settings. It's also possible that your phone is broadcasting in the 5 GHz band, while your computer's network card only supports 2.4 GHz. Try changing the band in the hotspot settings.
Does the operator charge an additional fee for internet distribution?
This depends on your tariff plan. Many modern plans include unlimited data sharing, but some operators may block P2P traffic or require a separate option. You can check this in your operator account or by calling customer support.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network?
On most modern smartphones Xiaomi/Redmi Android 10 and above have a "Wi-Fi Repeater" or "Rebroadcast" feature. It allows you to receive internet via Wi-Fi and broadcast it further, creating a new network. However, this feature is not available on all models and may require root access or activation through the engineering menu.
How to change the Wi-Fi hotspot password on Redmi?
Go to Settings → Wi-Fi Hotspot → Set up hotspotThere you'll see the "Password" field. Click it, enter a new character combination (at least 8 characters), and click "Save" or the checkmark in the corner of the screen. After this, all connected devices will need to be reconnected with the new password.
Why does my phone get so hot when sharing internet?
Active data transmission via the radio module requires a lot of power, which leads to heating. This is a normal physical phenomenon. To reduce the temperature, remove the protective case, place the phone on a hard surface (not fabric), and, if possible, connect it to a charger to prevent the processor from working at its limits due to a lack of power.