How to share internet from a Redmi 9 to a laptop via Wi-Fi: complete instructions with pictures and tips

Transform Xiaomi Redmi 9 It's easier than it seems to convert a laptop into a full-fledged Wi-Fi router. Many users face the need to quickly connect their laptop to the network when they don't have a cable or a fixed router at hand. A smartphone based on Android 10/MIUI 12+ You can handle this task in 2 minutes—the main thing is to know the nuances of the settings and typical mistakes.

In this article you will find not only step-by-step instructions with interface screenshots Redmi 9, but also comparison table of distribution methods (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB), troubleshooting tips, and answers to frequently asked questions. We've taken firmware specifics into account. MIUI different versions and added up-to-date data on mobile operator restrictions (MTS, Beeline, Tele2, Megafon) for 2026.

If your laptop doesn't see the network from your phone or the internet is slow, this article has unique diagnostic checklist, which will help you identify the cause in 30 seconds. And for those who plan to frequently use their phone as a modem, we've prepared recommendations for saving battery life and data.

1. Preparing your phone: What to check before setting up a hotspot

Before you enable the modem mode on Redmi 9, make sure your smartphone is ready to share the internet. Skipping these steps often results in errors like "Unable to enable hotspot" or no network connection on your laptop.

First, check mobile account balance and tariffMost operators block tethering on their "phone-only" unlimited data plans. For example, Megafon blocks tethering in its "Everything for Your Own" series, while Tele2 blocks tethering in its "My Online" series. Exception: tariffs marked "Distribution is permitted" or business packages. Check the terms in your operator account.

Make sure there is enough money in your account to pay for traffic

Check if data sharing is allowed on your plan (see your operator's terms and conditions)

Turn on mobile data (icon 4G/LTE in the status bar)

Disable VPN or proxy servers (they may block tethering)

Charge your phone to at least 30% (MIUI limits functions when the battery is low) -->

Secondly, update the firmware MIUI to the latest version. In older builds (below MIUI 12.0.5) There are bugs with the Wi-Fi module when distributing data. To check the version, go to Settings → About phone → MIUI versionIf an update is available, install it via Settings → System Update.

Finally, disable any apps that may conflict with the hotspot: antiviruses (Avast, Kaspersky), battery optimizers (DU Battery Saver), as well as energy saving functions in Settings → BatteryThese programs often block background data transfer.

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to enable access point on Redmi 9

Now let's move on to the actual setup. Interface MIUI It may differ depending on the version, but the general algorithm is the same for all Redmi 9 (including modifications Redmi 9A/9C/9T). Follow the instructions:

1. Open Settings (gear icon on the main screen) and select a section Port access point (or Access point and modem in new versions MIUI 14).

2. Tap on the item Portable Wi-Fi hotspotHere you will see the power slider and network settings. Important: If the slider is gray and inactive, go back to first section and check your tariff/balance.

3. Configure network settings (click Setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot):

• 🔤 Network name (SSID): Enter a unique name (eg. Redmi9_Hotspot). Avoid Cyrillic letters and spaces—some laptops don't recognize such networks.
• 🔒 Protection: select WPA2-PSK (the safest option). WPA3 may not be supported by older laptops.
• 🔑 Password: minimum 8 characters, with numbers and letters (eg. Xiaomi2026!). Don't use simple combinations like 12345678.
• 📶 Range: leave 2.4 GHz for better compatibility. 5 GHz faster, but not all laptops support it.

4. Return to the previous screen and turn on the slider Portable Wi-Fi hotspot. After 5-10 seconds, a notification will appear on the screen:The access point is active”, and in the status bar - the icon 📶 with two arrows.

3. Connecting a laptop to an access point: nuances for Windows and macOS

When the access point is on Redmi 9 Once the system is active, all that's left to do is connect the laptop. The process is similar for all operating systems, but there are key differences that many people overlook.

On Windows 10/11:

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the lower right corner of the taskbar.
2. In the list of available networks, find the name of your access point (the one you specified in SSID).
3. Select the network and enter the password. If Windows says "Failed to connect", check:

• ✅ The password is correct (case-sensitive!).
• ✅ No VPN on the laptop (disable it in Settings → Network & Internet → VPN).
• ✅ Firewall settings (temporarily disabling it may help).

On macOS (MacBook):

1. Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the top bar.
2. Select your network and enter the password.
3. If macOS gives the error "Unable to connect to the network", reset network settings: System Preferences → Network → Wi-Fi → Advanced → Remove Network.

Once successfully connected, your laptop should have internet access. To check the speed, open speedtest.net in the browser. Normal indicators for Redmi 9:

• 📱 4G (LTE): 15–50 Mbps (depending on operator).
• 📶 Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz): 10–30 Mbps (distribution losses ~30%).

MTS

Beeline

Megaphone

Tele2

Yota/Other-->

4. Comparison table: Wi-Fi vs. Bluetooth vs. USB modem

Internet distribution with Redmi 9 It's not just Wi-Fi that's possible. In some cases, alternative methods prove more reliable or cost-effective. Below is a comparison of all the options, with their pros and cons.

For most tasks (watching videos, working with documents) it is enough 2.4 GHz Wi-FiIf you need to download large files or play online, it’s better to use USB connection (if there is a cable) or 5 GHz (if the laptop supports it).

How to enable USB sharing?

1. Connect Redmi 9 to the laptop with a cable (original!).

2. On your phone, go to Settings → Portable Hotspot → USB Tethering and turn on the slider.

3. On your laptop, wait for the drivers to be installed (Windows may ask for permission).

4. In Network connections A new device will appear - use it as your primary connection.

⚠️ On macOS, additional software may be required, such as HoRNDIS.

5. Typical problems and their solutions

Even with proper configuration, users Redmi 9 encounter errors. We have collected TOP 5 problems and ways to resolve them, based on forum analysis Mi Community And 4PDA.

Problem 1: The laptop connects to Wi-Fi, but the internet doesn't work.

• 🔧 Solution: Check if they are enabled mobile data on the phone (icon 4G/LTE in the status bar). If yes, turn the access point off and on again.
• 🔧 Alternative: Restart your phone. MIUI sometimes the service freezes tethering.

Problem 2: The access point turns off automatically after 5-10 minutes.

⚠️ Attention: This is a standard energy saving feature in MIUITo disable it, go to Settings → Battery → Power saving mode and add the application Settings to the list of exceptions.

Problem 3: The internet speed on a laptop is much slower than on a phone.

• 📡 Cause: Operator restrictions on tethering (for example, Beeline's upload speed may be limited to 10 Mbps even with a 100 Mbps tariff).
• 🔧 Solution: Check your APN settings. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Access point name (APN) and make sure the correct profile is specified (usually internet or internet.beeline).

Problem 4: The laptop does not see the network, although the access point is turned on.

• 🔍 Diagnostics: Try connecting to another device (for example, a tablet). If the network is visible, the problem is with the laptop (Wi-Fi adapter drivers).
• 🔧 Solution for Windows: Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver via device Manager or the manufacturer's utility (for example, Intel Driver & Support Assistant).

Problem 5: The notification "Connection to access point detected" (on the phone).

⚠️ Attention: This is a warning MIUI about a possible traffic leak. It can only be disabled through Settings → Notifications → System notifications, but this is not recommended - the function protects against unauthorized connections.

6. How to save traffic and battery power when sharing

Usage Redmi 9 How a modem quickly drains battery life and eats up gigabytes of data. The following tips will help extend battery life and reduce costs:

Battery Saving:

• 🔋 Connect your phone to a charger while sharing. Use the original adapter. Xiaomi (5V/2A) - cheap chargers may not be able to handle the load.
• ☀️ Reduce screen brightness to 30–40% and turn on the mode Dark theme (Settings → Display).
• ❄️ Disable background app syncing: Settings → Google Accounts → Sync.

Traffic saving:

• 📵 Disable automatic app updates: Play Store → Settings → Auto-update.
• 🎵 Limit video streaming. On YouTube, select quality. 480p, on Netflix - Average.
• 🔒 Use ad blocker (For example, AdGuard), so as not to waste traffic on banners.

If you frequently share internet, consider purchasing powerbank capacity of 10,000–20,000 mAh. For Redmi 9 Any model with support will do Quick Charge 3.0 (For example, Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 3).

7. Alternative ways of distributing the Internet with Redmi 9

If the default access point isn't working or you need additional features, try these methods. They require a little more effort, but sometimes they're the only solution.

Method 1: Distribution applications (eg. PdaNet+)

These programs bypass operator restrictions on tethering by disguising traffic as regular mobile data. Cons: Requires root access or a USB connection. Download PdaNet+ from Play Market, connect your laptop with a cable and follow the instructions in the app.

Method 2: Bridge Mode (for advanced users)

If you have access to another Wi-Fi network (for example, in a cafe), but it requires authorization, you can forward it through your phone:

1. Connect Redmi 9 to Wi-Fi.
2. Turn on the access point (as described above).
3. Connect your laptop to your phone's hotspot—it will now use the "foreign" Wi-Fi.

Method 3: Using a second phone

If your Redmi 9 does not support distribution (for example, due to operator blocking), but you have a second smartphone, you can set up a chain: Phone 1 (with internet) → Hotspot → Phone 2 (Redmi 9) → USB/Wi-Fi → LaptopIt's inconvenient, but it works.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Why is my carrier blocking internet tethering?

Mobile operators limit tethering to prevent abuse of unlimited plans. For example, if you connect 10 devices to a hotspot and download torrents, this will create a network load. To unblock tethering, sometimes it's enough to change your plan or call support and ask them to activate the "Modem" option.

❓ Is it possible to share the Internet with Redmi 9 on PS4/Xbox?

Yes, but there are some nuances. The set-top boxes see the access point, but may not connect due to security settings. Try this:

1. Set up access points in your phone's settings. Security type: WPA-PSK (instead of WPA2).
2. Disable the proxy server on the set-top box (Settings → Network → Internet settings → Proxy server → Do not use).

If that doesn't help, use a USB cable with an adapter. OTG (For PS4) or set up distribution via PC.

❓ How many devices can be connected to the access point? Redmi 9?

Technically, up to 10 devices are supported, but in practice, speed drops by 2-3 times with just 3-4 connections. The optimal number is 1-2 devices (for example, a laptop and a tablet). For a larger number of clients, a full-fledged router is recommended.

❓ How do I reset my access point to factory settings?

Go to Settings → Access Point Port → Set up Wi-Fi hotspot and press Reset settingsOr reset all network settings on your phone: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings.

❓ Why after the update MIUI distribution stopped working?

In new versions MIUI 13/14 Xiaomi has tightened its security policy. Try it:

• Roll back to the previous firmware version (if you have a backup).
• Install Magisk and module Tethering Enabler (requires root).
• Reset network settings (Settings → System → Reset settings).

If nothing helps, contact support Xiaomi with error logs (Settings → About phone → Feedback).