How to Share Wi-Fi from a Redmi Phone: All the Methods for Android

Internet distribution with Xiaomi Redmi Wi-Fi is one of the most popular features when you don't have a router at hand and your laptop or tablet urgently needs internet access. Smartphones based on Android from Xiaomi (including models Redmi Note 12/13, Redmi 10/11 and earlier versions) support several methods of distributing traffic - from a standard access point to hidden modes via USB or BluetoothHowever, not all users know how to properly set up data sharing to avoid connection issues, speed limits, or rapid battery drain.

In this article we will look at 5 proven methods Wi-Fi distribution with Redmi, including solutions for when a standard hotspot isn't working. You'll learn how to bypass carrier restrictions, save battery life, and even share internet from a phone with a broken Wi-Fi module. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and newer versions, but most of the steps will work for older firmware versions as well.

1. Standard Access Point: Step-by-Step Setup

The easiest way to share Wi-Fi with Redmi - use the built-in function Access PointIt is available on all models starting from Redmi 4X, and does not require rights root or third-party applications. However, the method has its nuances: some operators (for example, Tele2 or Iota) can block traffic distribution without additional charge.

To turn on the hotspot:

  • 📱 Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Hotspot.
  • 🔄 Switch the slider to the position "On" (If the function is disabled, the system will prompt you to configure the settings).
  • ⚙️ Click Setting up an access point and indicate:
    • 🔐 Network name (SSID) - any convenient (for example, Redmi_Hotspot).
    • 🔒 Security type — choose WPA2-PSK (the most reliable).
    • 🔑 Password — at least 8 characters (use letters and numbers).
  • 📶 Connect your device to the created network by entering the password.
⚠️ Attention: If the Internet does not work after connecting the device to the access point, check whether mobile data is enabled on Redmi and whether the operator has any restrictions. Some tariffs (for example, "Unlimited on your own" from MTS) block traffic distribution.

Mobile Internet is enabled and working|The tariff supports data sharing (no blocking)|The phone has sufficient charge (at least 30%)|The device for connection is within a radius of 5-10 meters-->

2. Wi-Fi sharing via USB (Reverse Tethering)

If on yours Redmi If your Wi-Fi module isn't working or you want to save battery life, you can share the Internet via USB cableThis method is called Reverse Tethering (reverse tethering) and is suitable for connecting laptops or PCs. The main requirement is the presence of USB cables with data transfer support (not all charging cables are suitable!).

Instructions for Windows:

  1. 🔌 Connect Redmi to the computer via USB.
  2. 📱 Select the mode on your phone File Transfer (MTP) in the connection notification.
  3. 🖥️ On PC, open device Manager (Win + X → Device Manager) and check if the device appears Xiaomi in the section Network adapters.
  4. 🌐 Turn on Redmi USB tethering V Settings → Connections and Sharing → Personal Hotspot.
  5. 🔄 On PC in Networks a new connection should appear Remote NDIS.

For MacOS or Linux Additional network configuration may be required through Terminal:

sudo ifconfig en0 (or other interface name) up
⚠️ Attention: When tethering via USB, internet speed may be lower than with Wi-Fi due to protocol limitations. USB 2.0 (up to 480 Mbps). Redmi Note 12 Pro+ With USB-C 3.1 delays are minimal.

3. Sharing the Internet via Bluetooth

The method is suitable if you need to connect a device to the Internet without Wi-Fi (for example, an old laptop or Smart TV), but with support BluetoothThe speed will be lower than Wi-Fi (up to 3 Mbps), but battery consumption is minimal.

How to set up:

  • 🔵 Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
  • 📱 On Redmi go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Personal Hotspot → Bluetooth Tethering.
  • 🖥️ On PC/laptop in Bluetooth settings find yours Redmi and connect to it.
  • 🔄 After pairing, a notification will appear on your phone—confirm internet access.

Advantages of the method:

  • ⚡ Low battery consumption (compared to Wi-Fi).
  • 🛡️ More secure connection (no password required).
  • 📱 Works even if the phone's Wi-Fi module is broken.
⚠️ Attention: Some operators (eg. Beeline) may count Bluetooth tethering as a separate type of data and charge it at a different rate. Check the terms in your personal account.

4. Third-party Wi-Fi sharing apps

If standard methods don't work (for example, your carrier blocks data sharing), you can use third-party apps. The most reliable ones are:

  • 🌐 PdaNet+ - bypasses operator restrictions, supports USB/Bluetooth/Wi-Fi.
  • 🔗 ClockworkMod Tether - does not require root, works through USB.
  • 📡 NetShare — creates a secure access point with speed settings.

Example of setup PdaNet+:

  1. Download the app from Google Play and install.
  2. Connect Redmi to PC via USB.
  3. Launch PdaNet+ and select Enable USB Tether.
  4. Install the driver on your PC from the official website. PdaNet (the link will be displayed in the application).

Important: Applications like PdaNet+ may conflict with some firmware MIUI, especially on Redmi With Android 13+Please check reviews for your model before using.

Standard Hotspot|USB Tethering|Bluetooth|Third-Party Apps|Not Sharing-->

5. Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Sharing on Redmi

If the Internet is not distributed or connected devices do not have access to the network, check:

Problem Possible cause Solution
The devices connect, but the internet doesn't work. The operator is blocking distribution Use PdaNet+ or change the tariff
The access point turns off after 5-10 minutes Saving battery in MIUI Turn it off Adaptive battery V Settings → Battery
Low distribution speed Channel congestion 2.4 GHz Switch the access point to 5 GHz (available on Redmi Note 11 Pro+ and newer)
The hotspot cannot be turned on (gray slider) Corporate policy restriction (on work phones) Contact your administrator or reset your network settings.

If the issue persists, reset your network settings:

  1. Go to Settings → System & device → Reset settings → Reset network settings.
  2. Confirm the action and restart your phone.
  3. Please reconfigure your access point.
What should I do if the access point does not turn on after a factory reset?

If resetting doesn't help, check if you have a parental control app installed on your phone (for example, Google Family Link or Kaspersky Safe Kids). Such programs can block internet access. Also, make sure that the tethering mode is not activated on your phone. Guest access or Airplane mode (even if the icon is not displayed).

6. How to save battery life when sharing Wi-Fi

Internet distribution via Wi-Fi or USB significantly increases battery consumption. To extend battery life Redmi:

  • 🔋 Connect your phone to a charger (even Power Bank 5000 mAh is enough for 3-4 hours of distribution).
  • 📉 Reduce screen brightness to 30–40%.
  • ❄️ Turn on Power saving mode V Settings → Battery (but this may reduce your internet speed).
  • 📴 Disable background apps via Settings → Applications → Autostart.

On models Redmi with support fast charging (For example, Redmi Note 12 Turbo With 67W) You can share Wi-Fi and charge your phone simultaneously without losing capacity. However, avoid overheating—if the case becomes hot, turn off the hotspot for 10–15 minutes.

7. Alternative methods: distribution without a phone

If your Redmi If you can't distribute Wi-Fi (for example, due to hardware failure), consider alternatives:

  • 📶 USB modem - connect the 4G dongle to your laptop (for example, Huawei E3372).
  • 🖥️ Router with SIM card - devices like TP-Link M7350 distribute Wi-Fi from a mobile network.
  • 🔄 Repeat mode on the second phone - If you have a second smartphone, turn on the access point on it and connect to it from Redmi, and then distribute Wi-Fi from it.

For owners Redmi with support Wi-Fi Direct (For example, Redmi K50) There's another option: create a direct network between your phone and the device without a router. However, in this case, internet access will only be available if one of the devices is connected to a mobile network.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi sharing with Redmi

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from Redmi if it doesn't have a SIM card?

Yes, but only if the phone is connected to another Wi-Fi network. For example, you can share the Internet from Redmi, which is itself connected to a home router. To do this, select the internet source in the access point settings. Wi-Fi instead of Mobile data.

Why is the speed when sharing Wi-Fi on the Redmi Note 10 lower than on the phone?

This is due to the access point's bandwidth limitation. On most Redmi maximum upload speed is up to 300 Mbps (even if the phone supports Wi-Fi 6). To improve speed:

  • Switch the access point to a range 5 GHz (if supported).
  • Reduce the number of connected devices (optimally no more than 3).
  • Disable background downloads of updates on connected devices.
How to share Wi-Fi from Redmi on Windows 11 if USB tethering doesn't work?

The problem may be the lack of drivers for XiaomiDownload official drivers from the website. Xiaomi or use a universal driver Google USB DriverAlso check if Windows Firewall is blocking the connection:

  1. Open Control Panel → Windows Firewall → Allow an app to interact with the app.
  2. Find in the list Remote NDIS and check the boxes for private and public networks.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from Redmi to iPhone or MacBook?

Yes, but there are some nuances:

  • For iPhone/iPad Use a standard access point - the connection is the same as with any other Wi-Fi.
  • For MacBook USB tethering may require the installation of additional software, such as HoRNDIS (for chips Qualcomm).

On MacOS Ventura and newer USB tethering works without additional drivers if the phone is connected in mode File transfer.

How can I find out how much traffic I've used to share my Wi-Fi?

IN MIUI There is no separate counter for distributing traffic, but you can:

  1. View your total mobile internet usage Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Data usage.
  2. Subtract from it the traffic used by the phone (see in Settings → Apps → Data Usage).
  3. Use third party applications such as My Data Manager, which separate statistics by connection types.