How to Share Wi-Fi with a USB Modem: 5 Effective Methods for Home and Travel

Internet distribution via USB modem with Wi-Fi function — a convenient solution when you don't have a router handy, your smartphone's battery is low, or it doesn't support hotspot mode. This method is suitable for travel, at the cottage, or setting up a temporary network in an apartment. However, not all modems are capable of sharing, and setting it up often raises questions: how to properly connect the equipment, what drivers are needed, and why isn't the device visible in the list of networks?

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods Turn a regular 3G/4G modem into a fully-fledged access point—from using built-in features to connecting via a computer or a specialized router. You'll learn which modem models support hotspot sharing. without additional equipment, how to bypass operator restrictions and what to do if speed drops when connecting multiple devices.

Which USB modems can distribute Wi-Fi without a router?

Not every USB modem can function as an access point. Most budget models (for example, Huawei E3372 or ZTE MF823) require a connection to a computer or router. However, there are devices with a built-in Wi-Fi module that can distribute the internet independently:

  • 🔹 Huawei E5577C — supports up to 10 connections, 1500 mAh battery
  • 🔹 ZTE MF920V — speed up to 150 Mbps, removable battery
  • 🔹 TP-Link M7350 — 4G LTE, operating time up to 10 hours
  • 🔹 Alcatel LinkZone MW41VF - compact size, MicroSD support

If your modem is not on this list, check its specifications on the manufacturer's official website. Look for mentions of Wi-Fi Hotspot or Access point modeModems without built-in Wi-Fi can only be used for sharing via a computer or a dedicated router (more on this in the following sections).

⚠️ Please note: Some operators (eg. Megaphone or Tele2) block Wi-Fi hotspots at the SIM card level. In this case, even a modem that supports this feature won't work. Check your plan in your personal account.
Modem model Wi-Fi support Max devices Autonomous operation
Huawei E5577C Yes (built-in) 10 Up to 6 hours
ZTE MF920V Yes (built-in) 8 Up to 8 o'clock
TP-Link M7350 Yes (built-in) 10 Up to 10 o'clock
Huawei E3372 No (only via PC) — —
📊 What modem are you using?
Huawei
ZTE
TP-Link
Another brand
Don't know

Method 1: Sharing Wi-Fi via a modem with a built-in access point

If your modem supports offline mode (eg. Huawei E5577C), you can enable distribution in 3 steps:

  1. Insert a SIM card with an active plan and connect the modem to a power source (computer USB port or charger). Wait for the network indicator to appear (usually a blue or green LED).

  2. Press and hold the power button (usually marked with a Wi-Fi icon) for 3-5 seconds until the wireless light flashes.

  3. Find the network on your device (the name usually matches the modem model, for example HUAWEI-E5577C-XXXX). The password is indicated on the sticker under the cover of the device.

By default, the modem distributes the network in the range 2.4 GHzIf the speed is low, check the settings in the web interface (usually accessible at 192.168.8.1 or 192.168.1.1>). Login and password for entry - admin/admin or indicated on the device body.

Insert a SIM card with an active tariff|

Charge the modem (at least 20%) |

Press the Wi-Fi button for 3-5 seconds|

Check the network indicator (it should be on or flashing)

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⚠️ Caution: In hotspot mode, the modem's battery drains quickly. If you plan to use it for more than 2 hours, connect it to a power source (such as a power bank).

Method 2: Sharing via a computer (Windows 10/11)

If the modem does not support autonomous distribution (for example, Huawei E3372), you can use a computer as an intermediate link. To do this:

  1. Connect the modem to your PC's USB port. Wait for the drivers to install (if necessary, download them from the manufacturer's website).

  2. Open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot.

  3. In the section Sharing an Internet connection Select the connection via your modem (usually named after the device model).

  4. Click Changeto set the network name and password (minimum 8 characters). Enable the option Sharing via Wi-Fi.

If the distribution does not work, check:

  • 🔹 Are other VPNs or proxies disabled (they may be blocking the connection).
  • 🔹 Is distribution allowed in the antivirus settings (for example, Kaspersky or Avast often block hotspots).
  • 🔹 Are your modem drivers updated (check in Device Manager).

Method 3: Using a router with a USB port

If you have a router with a USB port (for example, TP-Link Archer C7, ASUS RT-AC68U or Keenetic), you can connect the modem directly to it and distribute Wi-Fi to all devices in the house. This method is convenient for continuous use.

Instructions for routers Keenetic:

  1. Connect the modem to the USB port of the router.

  2. Go to the router's web interface (192.168.1.1).

  3. Go to Internet → USB modem and select your device.

  4. In the section Wi-Fi Set up a network name and password.

For routers TP-Link or ASUS the path may differ: Additional settings → USB → 3G/4G → Modem selection.

Router brand Path to modem settings Supported modems
Keenetic Internet → USB modem Huawei, ZTE, Sierra Wireless
TP-Link Additional → USB → 3G/4G Huawei E3372, ZTE MF823
ASUS Internet → USB Any with drivers for Linux
⚠️ Note: Not all routers support 4G modems. Check compatibility on the manufacturer's website before purchasing. For example: Keenetic publishes list of supported devices.

Method 4: Sharing via a smartphone (if the modem does not support Wi-Fi)

If your modem doesn't support Wi-Fi and you don't have a computer handy, you can use your smartphone as an intermediary. To do this:

  1. Connect the modem to your smartphone via an OTG cable (an adapter is required) USB-C/MicroUSB → USB-A).

  2. Turn on the mode on your phone USB modem (on Android: Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering → USB Tethering).

  3. Activate on your phone Wi-Fi hotspot and connect other devices to it.

Disadvantages of this method:

  • 🔹 My phone battery drains quickly.
  • 🔹 Not all smartphones support USB modems (check compatibility in the specifications).
  • 🔹 Speed ​​may be lower due to double proxying of traffic.
Which smartphones support USB modems?

Most flagship phones (Samsung Galaxy S/Note, iPhones with iOS 13+, Google Pixel, Xiaomi with Snapdragon processors) support USB modems via OTG. Budget models (such as the Redmi 9A or Samsung Galaxy A03) often lack this feature. Check your model's specifications on the manufacturer's website or in YouTube tests (search for "[phone model] + USB modem").

Method 5: Advanced setup via OpenWRT (for experienced users)

If you have a router with firmware OpenWRT (or you're ready to install it), you can set up sharing via a USB modem with flexible settings. This method is suitable for:

  • 🔹 Network organization with traffic prioritization (for example, for online games).
  • 🔹 Connecting multiple modems for channel redundancy.
  • 🔹 VPN settings directly on the router.

Brief instructions:

  1. Connect the modem to the router and log in to the OpenWRT web interface (192.168.1.1).

  2. Install packages to work with the modem: 

    opkg update

    opkg install usb-modeswitch kmod-usb-net-qmi-wwan uqmi

  3. Customize the interface in Network → Interfaces → Add New Interface, choosing the protocol QMI or NCM.

  4. Create an access point in Network → Wireless Network.

Detailed guides for specific modem models are available at official OpenWRT forumFor example, for Huawei E3372 will need to be unlocked HiLink mode via AT commands.

Common problems and their solutions

When sharing Wi-Fi via a modem, users encounter common errors. Here's how to fix them:

Problem Possible cause Solution
The modem does not turn on The battery is dead or there is no power Connect to charger, check USB cable
There is Wi-Fi, but no internet. Tariff not paid or operator blocked Check your balance and reboot your modem.
Low speed Weak 3G/4G signal or network congestion Move the modem closer to a window or use an amplifier
The devices do not connect. Incorrect password or client limit Reset your modem to factory settings

If the modem stopped working after updating the firmware, try rolling it back Huawei HiSuite (for Huawei devices) or ZTE Connection ManagerLinks to utilities are available on the manufacturers' official websites.

⚠️ Please note: Some operators (eg. Iota or Tinkoff Mobile) block Wi-Fi hotspots on unlimited internet plans. In this case, the only solution is to change the SIM card or use a VPN on your devices.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to distribute Wi-Fi via a modem without a computer?

Yes, if your modem supports offline mode (eg. Huawei E5577C or ZTE MF920V). These devices have a built-in battery and a Wi-Fi on/off button. If your modem doesn't support this feature, you'll need a computer or router with a USB port.

Why does the modem distribute Wi-Fi, but the Internet doesn't work?

There are several reasons:

  • 🔹 The account balance is zero or the tariff has expired.
  • 🔹 The operator is blocking data sharing (check your tariff terms).
  • 🔹 The modem does not have a network connection (check the signal indicator).
  • 🔹 APN settings are corrupted (can be fixed via the modem's web interface).

First, reboot your modem. If that doesn't help, contact your carrier's support team.

How to increase the Wi-Fi range of a modem?

The modem's built-in antenna is weaker than the router's. To boost the signal:

  • 🔹 Place the modem in the center of the room, away from walls and metal objects.
  • 🔹 Connect an external antenna (if the modem supports the connector) TS-9 or CRC-9).
  • 🔹 Use a Wi-Fi repeater configured to the modem's network.

For a summer house or large home, it's best to connect the modem to a router—this will ensure a more stable signal.

Is it possible to distribute Wi-Fi via a modem on multiple frequencies (2.4 and 5 GHz)?

No, most USB Wi-Fi modems only work within the range 2.4 GHzFor distribution on 5 GHz You will need to connect the modem to a router that supports dual-band Wi-Fi (for example, ASUS RT-AX55 or TP-Link Archer AX20).

How do I reset my modem's Wi-Fi password?

If you forgot your password:

  1. Find the sticker on the modem body - the password is often indicated there.

  2. Go to the modem's web interface (192.168.8.1 or 192.168.1.1) and change the password in the section Wi-Fi or Network settings.

  3. If you can’t log in, reset the modem to factory settings (button Reset for 10 seconds).

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