Smartphones of the series Xiaomi Redmi have long established themselves as reliable devices for work and multimedia, but their potential is often only half-utilized. One of the most sought-after features in today's environment remains the ability to turn a phone into a full-fledged mobile router. Owners of this model Redmi Note 8 Pro can use the built-in modem to create a wireless network, providing Internet access to laptops, tablets, and other gadgets anywhere.
The process of activating an access point in the shell MIUI The implementation is quite user-friendly, but the numerous additional settings can sometimes be confusing. Many aren't aware of the 5 GHz frequency bands or the data-saving feature, which could significantly improve connection quality. In this article, we'll cover all the details of the settings so you can get a stable and fast internet connection.
Before we move on to specific steps, it's worth mentioning that internet tethering functionality directly depends on the software version installed on your device. Interfaces may vary slightly depending on the update. Android or versions MIUIIf you don't find the menu item described below, it may have been moved by the developers in a newer firmware version.
⚠️ Please note: Sharing your internet connection via Wi-Fi significantly increases battery consumption and heat generation in your smartphone. Extended use of a hotspot without connecting a charger may cause the battery to drain quickly.
Basic Wi-Fi hotspot setup
The fastest way to activate tethering is through the notification shade, but for full functionality, you need to go into the system settings. Open the main menu and find the section responsible for wireless connections. In the shell MIUI This path usually looks standard and does not require deep diving into engineering menus.
Go to the section Settings → Wi-Fi HotspotThis is where all the main switches are located. By default, the system will prompt you to set a network name (SSID) and password to protect against unauthorized access. Password - This is a critical security element, without which unauthorized persons can connect to your network.
It's recommended to use complex character combinations to avoid brute-force attacks. The system will automatically suggest a secure combination, but you can always change it to something you remember.
Once you've set the parameters, simply toggle the slider to the active position. The device will immediately begin broadcasting. You'll see a notification in the status bar indicating the number of connected users. This is a basic level that's suitable for most owners, but to optimize speed, it's worth digging deeper.
☑️ Pre-launch check
Advanced settings and frequency range
One of the key features Redmi Note 8 Pro is dual-band Wi-Fi support. Unlike budget models, this smartphone can operate not only in the 2.4 GHz standard, but also in the faster 5 GHz. You can switch between them in the menu. Access Point Settings → Wi-Fi Access Point Setup → Frequency Band.
Choosing the right band directly impacts data transfer speed and connection stability. The 2.4 GHz standard has a longer range and penetrates walls better, but it's often overloaded by neighboring routers and household appliances. The 5 GHz band offers high speeds, but has a shorter range.
If you plan to use the hotspot for working with large files or video streaming in the same room as your laptop, definitely choose 5 GHz. For sharing internet with devices in another room or outside the premises, it's better to stick with 2.4 GHz.
Why can't my laptop see the 5 GHz network?
Some older network cards in laptops and tablets don't physically support the 802.11ac (5 GHz) standard. If your device no longer sees the network after switching bands, reset the setting to 2.4 GHz or "Auto."
You can also configure in this section maximum number of connectionsBy default, the system allows connections to up to 10 devices, but you can limit this number to avoid overloading your smartphone's processor and conserve battery life.
Managing Connected Devices and Security
Controlling who exactly is using your data is an essential part of using your hotspot wisely. There's a section in the hotspot menu Connected devices, which displays a list of all devices consuming your internet in real time. You can see the MAC address and name of each device.
If you spot an unfamiliar device, you can instantly block it. Furthermore, there is a feature Blacklist, where you can add intruders so they can't reconnect even if they know the password. This is especially useful in crowded areas where Wi-Fi hacking software operates automatically.
For maximum security, we recommend changing the password regularly and turning off the hotspot when not in use. It's also worth considering the SSID hiding feature. Enabling this option will prevent your network from appearing in the general list of available networks on other devices.
To connect to a hidden network, users must manually enter the network name (SSID) and password. This creates an additional layer of complexity for random "neighbors" looking for free internet.
Traffic savings and data limits
Mobile internet is rarely unlimited, so controlling your data usage becomes a matter of saving money. In the hotspot settings Redmi Note 8 Pro There's a built-in counter that allows you to set a data consumption limit. It's located along the path Settings → Access Point → Traffic Limit.
You can set a daily or monthly limit in megabytes or gigabytes. Once the device has used the set limit, Wi-Fi sharing will automatically turn off. This prevents unpleasant surprises like a negative balance at the end of the billing period.
In addition, the system has a function Traffic saving modeWhen enabled, your smartphone will limit background data transfer for connected devices and compress the amount of data transferred, which is especially useful when the cellular network signal is poor.
Some carriers may block or charge separately for traffic going through an access point (Tethering), so check the terms of your plan.
| Parameter | Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency range | Choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz | 5 GHz (for speed) |
| Encryption | Network Security Protocol | WPA2-Personal |
| Connection limit | Max. number of devices | 3-5 devices |
| Time-out | Shutdown when idle | 10 minutes |
Alternative ways to distribute Internet
In addition to classic Wi-Fi, Redmi Note 8 Pro Supports internet sharing via USB cable and Bluetooth. These methods can be useful in specific situations where the wireless connection is unstable or maximum security is required.
USB modem — this is the best choice for desktop work on a laptop. Connect your phone to the computer with a cable, go to Settings → Wi-Fi hotspot → USB tethering and turn on the switch. The computer will treat the phone as a wired network connection. The benefits are obvious: the phone charges simultaneously, the speed is stable, and latency is minimal.
Bluetooth modem It's slower than Wi-Fi but consumes significantly less power. This option is suitable for transferring small amounts of data or if you need to connect a device without a Wi-Fi module but supporting the Bluetooth PAN profile.
Switching between modes is instant, but it's worth remembering that activating both a USB modem and a Wi-Fi hotspot simultaneously isn't possible on some firmware versions—the system will prompt you to select one of the options.
Troubleshooting connection issues and errors
Despite the stability of work Xiaomi, users may encounter situations where the access point won't turn on or devices can't see the network. Most often, the problem stems from a network configuration error or a full network service cache.
The first thing you should do is reboot your smartphone. This simple action solves 80% of software glitches. If the problem persists, try resetting your hotspot to factory settings. To do this, find the button in the hotspot menu. Reset or Restore default settings.
Another common cause is an IP address conflict or an incorrectly set DHCP range. In rare cases, manually selecting a channel in the Wi-Fi settings (if this option is available in your version of MIUI via a hidden menu or engineering mode) can help eliminate radio interference.
⚠️ Note: If the problem persists after resetting the settings, check whether your carrier is blocking tethering. Some plans require a separate service to activate tethering.
Also, make sure mobile data is enabled on your phone. The hotspot won't work if the smartphone itself doesn't have internet access via its SIM card. The 4G/LTE indicator should be constantly on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does my Redmi Note 8 Pro drain quickly when the hotspot is enabled?
Tethering mode uses the radio module at full power, which requires a lot of battery. The screen may also remain active to display status. To extend battery life, reduce screen brightness, disable background apps on your phone, and use power-saving mode.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network?
On standard firmware MIUI Without root access, simultaneous Wi-Fi operation of both the receiver and transmitter is often limited. Typically, when a Wi-Fi hotspot is turned on, the connection is interrupted, and the phone switches to mobile data. However, new versions of Android and MIUI now feature a "Wi-Fi repeater" feature that allows you to broadcast the received signal.
How to hide your network name from strangers?
In the access point settings, find the "Hide device" or "Hide SSID" option. Once enabled, your device will stop broadcasting the network name. You will only be able to connect by manually entering the exact network name and password.
What should I do if connected devices display "No Internet access"?
Check if your smartphone has internet access (open a browser). Make sure your data plan hasn't reached its limit. Try switching the frequency band from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz or vice versa. As a last resort, reset your network settings.