Redmi series smartphones have long established themselves as reliable devices capable of performing a variety of tasks, including the function of a mobile router. Model Redmi 6ADespite its age, it remains popular thanks to the simplicity of the MIUI interface and the stable operation of its connectivity modules. When wired internet is unavailable or you urgently need to connect your laptop to the network, this feature becomes indispensable.
The process of activating a hotspot in MIUI has its own peculiarities that can be confusing for inexperienced users. Unlike stock Android, the menu logic and names of some items have been modified. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to set it up correctly. Wi-Fi distribution, select the optimal frequency range and ensure the security of your connection from outside connections.
Before proceeding with the settings, make sure your device has mobile data enabled. Without a working 3G or 4G connection, data transfer to other devices is impossible. It's also worth checking your SIM card balance, as active internet use on other devices can quickly deplete your data allowance.
Basic hotspot activation via the notification shade
The fastest way to start sharing your internet is to use the quick access panel. This method is ideal when you need to quickly share the network with guests or colleagues. However, initially setting up a password and network name will still require going into the deep menu.
To activate it, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade. Among the icons, find the item labeled Access point or HotspotIf you don't see this icon right away, swipe left or right to reveal the full list of widgets. Tapping the icon will instantly launch the tethering mode.
It's important to understand that the default startup screen uses the last saved settings. If you've previously changed the password or network name, they will be applied automatically. Otherwise, the system may use default settings, which isn't always secure.
⚠️ Please note: When activating a hotspot through the privacy screen, the system does not always notify you that mobile data is enabled. Make sure you have an unlimited data plan to avoid unexpected charges.
A visual indicator in the status bar usually changes to indicate active tethering mode. This may be an antenna icon or a specific access point symbol next to the signal strength. If the indicator is lit, your Redmi 6A is already broadcasting on the network.
Deep customization of Wi-Fi network settings
To change the network name, password, and other important settings, you need to go to the system settings. These settings allow you to customize the access point's operation to your specific needs. The default factory settings do not always provide the required level of security or compatibility.
Go to the menu Settings, then select the section Wi-Fi hotspotIn some versions of MIUI, this item may be located inside a submenu. Additional functionsThis is where the switch is located. Setting up an access point, which opens access to advanced options.
In the window that opens, you'll see the "Access Point SSID" field. This is the name other devices will see when searching for networks. It's recommended to give the network a unique name to avoid confusion with neighboring routers. Below that is the field for setting a password.
☑️ Check security settings
Be sure to use the encryption type WPA2 PSKThis is a modern standard that reliably protects transmitted data from interception. Older protocols, such as WEP, are considered obsolete and are easily cracked even by novice hackers.
Frequency range selection and device compatibility
One of the key settings in modern smartphones is the choice of frequency range. Redmi 6A Supports dual band operation: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Understanding the difference between them is critical for stable operation of connected clients.
The 2.4 GHz band is the most versatile. It provides greater coverage and penetrates walls better, but is often overloaded with signals from neighboring routers and household appliances. Speeds are lower in this band, but compatibility is maximized.
The 5 GHz band offers significantly higher data transfer rates and less interference. However, the signal range in this range is shorter and it penetrates obstacles less effectively. Furthermore, many older laptops and tablets simply cannot detect 5 GHz networks.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 150 Mbps | Up to 433 Mbps and higher |
| Range | High | Average |
| Penetration of walls | Good | Low |
| Compatibility | 100% of devices | Only modern gadgets |
If you plan to connect only modern smartphones and laptops located in the same room, feel free to choose 5 GHz. For distributing internet to older devices or in a large apartment, it's better to stick with standard 2.4 GHz.
Why can't some devices see the 5 GHz network?
Some network adapters manufactured before 2013-2014 don't physically support 5 GHz signals. Your access point simply won't appear in their list of available networks, even if the password is correct. There's only one solution: switch the band to 2.4 GHz in your Redmi settings.
Limiting the number of connected users
The connection limitation feature is useful not only for saving traffic, but also for maintaining the performance of the smartphone itself. Redmi 6A It is not a flagship, and the processor running multiple clients at the same time can lead to overheating and interface lag.
In the access point settings menu, find the item Managing connected devices or User limitHere you can set the maximum number of devices that will be allowed to connect. The default value is usually 10, but for mobile internet, it's more reasonable to reduce it to 3-5.
Limiting the number of clients also improves security. Even if someone learns your password, they won't be able to connect if the limit is reached. This creates an additional barrier to unwanted guests.
⚠️ Note: The MIUI interface is updated periodically. The location of sliders and menu item names may vary slightly depending on the firmware version. If you can't find an item, look for synonyms or similar icons.
A whitelist feature is often available in this section. You can manually allow access only to specific MAC addresses of known devices. All other connection attempts will be automatically blocked by the system, regardless of the password entered.
Hiding the network name (SSID) for increased security
For users concerned about maximum privacy, a hidden SSID feature is available. When enabled, your network will no longer appear in the general list of available Wi-Fi networks on other devices.
To connect to a hidden network, users must manually enter the exact name (SSID) and password in their device's Wi-Fi settings. This makes it more difficult for random passersby scanning the airwaves, but it doesn't provide 100% protection against targeted hacking.
Using a hidden SSID has its drawbacks. Mobile devices, trying to find a familiar hidden network, may constantly broadcast requests, which slightly increases the client's battery life. Furthermore, it adds unnecessary steps each time a new connection is established.
You can activate this function in the section Setting up an access point, finding the switch Hide device or Hide SSIDOnce enabled, the network will disappear from the list, but will remain active and ready for manual connection.
Monitoring traffic and connected devices
Monitoring who's using your internet is an important part of managing your hotspot. MIUI provides a convenient tool for viewing a list of connected clients in real time.
In the access point menu, select the item Connected devices. This will display all the gadgets that are currently consuming your data. You'll see the device name (for example, Ivan's iPhone or Unknown Device) and its MAC address.
If you spot an unfamiliar device, you can block it directly from this menu. Typically, just click on the device's name and select the option. Block or simply change the access point password, which will break the connection for all clients.
It's also worth periodically checking your data transfer volume. Access point settings often include statistics showing how many megabytes have been transferred during the current session or per month. This helps you monitor your carrier's packet data usage.
Common problems and solutions
Despite the simplicity of setup, users may encounter difficulties. Most often, the problem lies in other devices simply not seeing the access point or unable to obtain an IP address. This is often resolved by rebooting the Wi-Fi module itself. Redmi 6A.
Another common situation is that devices connect, but the internet isn't working. Check that mobile data is active on the smartphone that's being used as a sharer. Sometimes switching the network mode from 4G to 3G and back in the mobile networks menu helps.
If the problem persists, try resetting the access point to factory settings. This will restore the default name and password, but it often resolves software configuration errors that prevent the DHCP server from functioning correctly.
Why does the access point turn off by itself after 5-10 minutes?
In MIUI's power saving settings, there's an option called "Turn off hotspot if no connections are detected." If no one connects to the network within a specified time (e.g., 10 minutes) or all devices are disconnected, the system will automatically turn off the hotspot to save battery. This feature can be disabled in the hotspot timer menu.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi router?
Most smartphones, including the Redmi 6A, cannot simultaneously receive and broadcast Wi-Fi (repeater mode). When the Wi-Fi hotspot is enabled, the module switches to broadcast mode, and the connection to the external router is lost. However, some newer versions of Android and MIUI support the "Wi-Fi repeater" feature, but it is not available on all hardware platforms.
Does the phone get very hot when distributing?
Yes, hotspot mode puts a high load on the processor and radio module, causing the phone to heat up. This is a normal physical phenomenon. To reduce the temperature, we recommend removing the phone case, avoiding placing the phone on soft surfaces (like a sofa or bed), and, if possible, reducing screen brightness or avoiding active phone use while sharing.