How to Share Wi-Fi with a Redmi 5 Plus: All the Methods and Life Hacks

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (also known as Redmi Note 5 (in some regions) remains a popular device even years after its release. Its owners often face the need to share internet with other devices—be it a laptop, tablet, or second phone. In this article, we'll look at All the possible ways to turn your Redmi 5 Plus into a hotspot, including hidden MIUI settings, bypassing operator restrictions and solving common problems.

It is important to understand that the functionality of Wi-Fi distribution depends not only on the phone model, but also on the version MIUI firmware, SIM card type (standard or eSIM), and mobile operator plan. For example, some Russian operators block tethering by default on unlimited data plans. We'll explain how to legally bypass this.

If you have previously tried to set up an access point but encountered errors like "Unable to turn on the access point" or connected devices did not have access to the network - in the article you will find diagnostic instructions and solutions for each of these situations.

1. Wi-Fi sharing methods on Redmi 5 Plus: which one to choose?

On Redmi 5 Plus There are three main ways to distribute the Internet:

• 📶 Wi-Fi hotspot — a classic method that creates a separate network to which up to 10 devices can be connected. Suitable for laptops, tablets, and other phones.
• 🔗 USB modem — Internet sharing via USB cable. Ideal for PCs who need a stable connection without charging their phone's battery.
• 📱 Bluetooth modem — an economical option for connecting 1–2 devices (for example, headphones or smartwatches), but with limited speed.

Each method has its pros and cons. For example, Wi-Fi hotspot provides high speed, but quickly drains the battery, and USB modem More stable, but requires a wire. The choice depends on your needs:

The Redmi 5 Plus with MIUI 12+ firmware now has a hidden feature called "Tethering mode with data saving", which automatically reduces data consumption when sharing. It's activated through the engineering menu (more on this in the optimization section).

2. Step-by-step setup of a Wi-Fi access point

This is the most popular method, so we'll go into detail about it. These instructions are relevant for MIUI 9–14 (inclusive), but there may be minor differences in the arrangement of menu items.

1. Open Settings and go to the section Network and Internet → Access Point and Modem.

2. Tap on Wi-Fi hotspot (or Mobile hotspot in new versions of MIUI).

3. Turn on the slider Wi-Fi hotspotIf it is greyed out and inactive, see the Troubleshooting section.

4. Click Setting up an access pointto change:

   • 🔐 Network name (SSID) — Come up with something unique so as not to be confused with other networks.
   • 🔑 Password — minimum 8 characters, we recommend using letters, numbers and symbols (WPA2-PSK by default).
   • 📡 Frequency range — choose 2.4 GHz for better compatibility or 5 GHz (if supported) if high speed is required.

Save the settings and enable the hotspot. Other devices will now see your network in the list of available Wi-Fi networks.

If the Internet does not work on connected devices after turning on the access point, check:

• 📱 It's turned on on the phone mobile Internet (4G/LTE icon in the status bar).
• 🌐 Not activated on the connected device airplane mode or VPN.
• 🔄 Restart both devices—sometimes resetting the network settings helps.

Mobile Internet is enabled on Redmi 5 Plus|

The SIM card supports data transfer (not just calls)|

VPN is disabled on the connecting device|

The access point password is entered correctly-->

3. Internet sharing via USB (modem)

This method is suitable if you need to connect to the Internet a desktop PC or laptop without Wi-FiAdvantages of the method:

• 🔋 The phone charges while working (no risk of battery drain).
• 📈 Higher speed than Wi-Fi (no loss in wireless transmission).
• 🔒 More secure - connection only via wire.

Instructions for Windows 10/11 and Redmi 5 Plus:

1. Connect your phone to PC via original USB cable (cheap cables may not transmit data).

2. On the phone in the menu Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering turn on USB modem.

3. On your PC, wait for the drivers to install (usually automatically). If Windows asks for a driver, download it from Xiaomi's official website (chapter Drivers).

4. Check your connection: a new network adapter with Internet access should appear on your PC.

⚠️ Attention: If the internet on your PC doesn't work after connecting, check your Windows Firewall settings. Sometimes it blocks new network connections. Add an exception for MiUSBDriver in security settings.

On macOS or Linux, the process is similar, but manual network configuration may be required. For example, on Linux, use the command:

sudo dhclient usb0

(Where usb0 — interface name, may differ).

4. Sharing the Internet via Bluetooth

This method is the least popular due to its low speed, but it saves battery life and is suitable for devices that do not support Wi-Fi (for example, some smartwatches or old printers).

How to set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.

2. On Redmi 5 Plus go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and find the target device in the list. Confirm pairing.

3. Return to Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering and turn it on Bluetooth modem.

4. On the connected device, in the Bluetooth settings, select Connect to the Internet (item name may differ).

Limitations of the method:

• 🐢 The speed rarely exceeds 2–3 Mbps (only sufficient for instant messengers or email).
• 🔋 Battery consumption is higher than in standby mode, but lower than with Wi-Fi.
• 📱 Only 1-2 devices can be connected at a time.

5. Solving Wi-Fi distribution problems

Even after proper configuration, the access point may not work. Let's consider the most common mistakes and ways to eliminate them.

5.1. The access point does not turn on (gray slider)

Reasons and solutions:

• 📵 Operator limitation: Some plans block internet tethering. Check your plan's terms or call support (for example, Beeline restricts this on its "Everything for 300" and "Everything for 500" plans).
• 🔄 MIUI crash: Restart your phone. If that doesn't help, reset your network settings. Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings.
• 🛠️ Outdated firmware: Update MIUI to the latest version in Settings → About phone → System update.

5.2. Devices connect, but there is no internet

The problem is often related to APN settings. How to fix:

1. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → [Your SIM] → Access point names (APN).

2. Select your carrier's APN (e.g. internet.beeline.ru for Beeline) or create a new one with the following parameters:

   Name: Beeline Internet (example)
   APN: internet.beeline.ru
   APN type: default,supl
   Protocol: IPv4/IPv6

3. Save and reboot your phone.

5.3. Slow distribution speed

If the speed is slower than expected, try:

• 📶 Change Wi-Fi band: In the access point settings, select 5 GHz (if supported) instead 2.4 GHz.
• 🔋 Disable traffic saving: IN Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Data transfer → Data saving disable the option.
• 📵 Check network coverage: If the 4G signal is weak (1-2 bars), the speed will be low regardless of the settings.

⚠️ Attention: On Redmi 5 Plus With MIUI 11 and below, a bug may occur where the hotspot automatically disconnects after 5-10 minutes. The solution is to update the firmware or use the app. «NetShare» from Google Play for forced distribution.

How to bypass operator restrictions on internet tethering?

Some operators (such as Tele2 or Yota) block data sharing on unlimited plans. Legal ways to circumvent this:

1. Change your tariff to one where distribution is allowed (for example, MegaFon’s “Unlimited Pro”).

2. Use a VPN on your phone (For example, 1.1.1.1 or ProtonVPN). Sometimes this confuses the operator's traffic detection system.

3. Connect via USB modem - some operators do not block this type of distribution.

⚠️ Warning: Using illegal methods (such as changing the TTL) may result in your SIM card being blocked.

6. Distribution optimization: how to increase speed and uptime

To make your access point work more reliably, follow these tips:

6.1 Battery settings

By default, MIUI limits background hotspot activity to save power. To avoid this:

1. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery optimization.

2. Find in the list Access point and modem and select No restrictions.

3. Turn it off Adaptive battery in the same menu.

6.2. Changing the Wi-Fi channel

If there are many networks in your area 2.4 GHz, they may cause interference. To change the channel:

1. Install the application «WiFi Analyzer»** from Google Play.

2. Check which channels are the least crowded (for example, 1, 6 or 11).

3. In the access point settings on Redmi 5 Plus Select manual mode and specify a free channel.

6.3. Hidden MIUI Features

In the Redmi 5 Plus engineering menu, you can activate the "Maximum modem performance" mode., which increases the distribution speed by 15–20%. To do this:

1. Enter the code in the phone app: ##4636##.

2. Go to Phone information and scroll to Wi-Fi settings.

3. Turn on Wi-Fi verbose logging And Aggressive Wi-Fi to Cellular Handover.

After these changes, restart your phone.

7. Alternative methods of distributing the Internet

If standard methods don't work, consider these options:

7.1. Wi-Fi Sharing Applications

Some apps from Google Play allow you to bypass operator restrictions:

• 📲 NetShare — creates a VPN tunnel for distribution.
• 📲 PdaNet+ — supports USB and Bluetooth, works without root.
• 📲 ClockworkMod Tether — requires root rights, but gives full control.

Example of setup NetShare:

1. Install the application and launch it.

2. Select Wi-Fi Hotspot and press Start.

3. Connect your devices to the new network (the password will be displayed in the app).

7.2. Distribution via OTG hub

If you have USB-OTG adapter, can be connected to Redmi 5 Plus An external Wi-Fi card and share the internet through it. This is useful if the phone's built-in Wi-Fi module is damaged. You will need:

• 🔌 OTG adapter (Type-C → USB-A).
• 📡 USB Wi-Fi adapter (e.g. TP-Link TL-WN725N).
• 📱 Root rights or custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).

⚠️ Attention: Using OTG for Wi-Fi sharing can cause your phone to overheat. Monitor the temperature and avoid using this method for longer than 1–2 hours.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from Redmi 5 Plus without a password?

Technically yes, but that's unsafeTo remove the password:

1. In the access point settings, select No protection in the section Security.

2. Save the settings.

⚠️ Anyone within a 50-100 meter radius will be able to connect to your network and use your traffic. We recommend setting a password, even for temporary sharing.

Why doesn't my Redmi 5 Plus see connected devices in the hotspot client list?

This is a known issue with MIUI. To see connected devices:

1. Install the application «Fing»** from Google Play.

2. Connect to your access point and run a network scan in the app.

3. Fing will show all devices connected to your network, along with their IP and MAC addresses.

How to share Wi-Fi from a Redmi 5 Plus if the screen is broken?

If the screen does not respond to touch, but the phone turns on:

1. Connect your phone to PC via USB and use the program «Scrcpy»** for control from a computer.

2. Using Scrcpy, enable the access point in the settings (as described in section 2).

3. If the screen is completely black, but the phone works, try connecting via ADB and run the command:

   adb shell svc wifi enable
   adb shell svc tether wifi enable

ADB will require pre-enabled USB debugging in the developer settings.

How many devices can be connected to a hotspot on Redmi 5 Plus?

Technical limit - 10 devices, but in practice:

• 📱 1–3 devices — work stably.
• 📱 4–7 devices — some slowdowns are possible, especially if everyone is downloading files.
• 📱 8+ devices — speed drops by 2-3 times, connection interruptions are possible.

For a large number of clients, it is better to use an external router with a 4G modem.

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from Redmi 5 Plus to PS4 or Xbox?

Yes, but there are some nuances:

1. On PS4/Xbox Select your access point in the network settings.

2. If the console does not connect, change the security type from WPA2-PSK on WPA-PSK (in the access point settings on the phone).

3. For online games we recommend using USB modem instead of Wi-Fi - less ping.