Smartphones of the series Xiaomi Redmi 9 remain popular due to their affordable price and functionality, which allows you to use the device not only for communication, but also as a full-fledged mobile routerIn situations where fixed internet is unavailable or the provider has failed, the ability to quickly set up a wireless network becomes critical. Built-in shell tools MIUI provide flexible tools for managing traffic and connections, but the interface can be confusing for beginners.
In this article, we'll cover in detail the process of activating an access point, configuring security settings, and optimizing the signal for stable operation. You'll learn how to select the correct frequency band to ensure maximum data transfer speeds for connected laptops and tablets. We'll also cover common issues that interfere with internet sharing and how to troubleshoot them.
Before you begin setup, make sure your device has an activated SIM card with mobile data enabled. Creating a hotspot without an active connection to your carrier's cellular network doesn't make sense, as there will be nothing to stream. Check your balance and make sure your data plan allows you to use your smartphone as a modem.
Preparing your smartphone and checking your mobile internet connection
The first step is a basic check of the mobile internet functionality directly on the device itself. Redmi 9Users often try to immediately turn on the hotspot, forgetting that incoming traffic may be blocked by operator settings or system restrictions. Open your browser and try loading any page to ensure a connection.
If the pages don't load, go to the settings menu and find the section SIM cards and mobile networksHere you need to activate the "Mobile Internet" slider. In some cases, manual settings are required. APN (access points) if the operator's automatic settings weren't applied. Usually, it's enough to press the "Reset APN Settings to Default" button in the top menu of this section.
⚠️ Attention: Some mobile carrier plans limit or prohibit internet tethering to other devices. Before using your plan, check the terms and conditions to avoid service blocking or incurring charges.
It's also important to check if data saving mode is enabled, which can limit background app activity and hotspot activity. Go to your data usage settings and ensure there are no hard limits for system processes. This is especially important if you plan to use Redmi 9 as the main source of internet for work.
Activating the hotspot via the settings menu
The main method for enabling tethering is in the Android system settings. On the shell MIUI The path to the required switch may differ slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same. Open the main settings menu and select "Wi-Fi hotspot."
In the menu that opens, you'll see a switch that activates Wi-Fi hotspot mode. However, simply enabling it isn't enough—you need to configure the network name and password to prevent unauthorized access. Click "Wi-Fi hotspot setup" for detailed configuration.
Here you can change SSID (network name) to any convenient one, for example, "My_Redmi9_Home." The "Password" field requires a minimum of 8 characters. It is recommended to use complex passwords with mixed uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers to protect against brute-force attacks.
- 📶 Select a security standard WPA2 PSK - This is the most compatible and reliable option for most devices.
- 📱 Make sure the "Band" field is set to 2.4 GHz for maximum compatibility with older devices.
- 🔒 Enable the "Hide device" option if you want the network to be visible only to those who know the exact name.
- 👥 Check the list of connected devices at the bottom of the screen to monitor active sessions.
☑️ Pre-launch check
Setting up the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands
One of the key features of modern smartphones, including Xiaomi Redmi 9, is dual-band support. Choosing between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz directly impacts data transfer speed and the coverage range of the resulting network. Understanding the differences between these standards will help you optimize your connection for specific needs.
The 2.4 GHz band has a longer range and penetrates walls better, but it's heavily congested in apartment buildings, which can lead to interference and reduced speeds. The 5 GHz band offers significantly higher speeds and stability, but has a shorter range and is less able to penetrate obstacles.
To change the band, find the "AP Band" option in the access point menu. If you're in the same room as the device you're connecting to and need maximum speed for work or gaming, select 5 GHz. If the devices are in different rooms, 2.4 GHz is preferable.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz band | 5 GHz band |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed | Up to 150-300 Mbps (actually less) | Up to 400-800 Mbps (depending on operator) |
| Range | High (up to 30-40 meters) | Medium (up to 15-20 meters) |
| Penetration ability | Good (through 1-2 walls) | Low (walls significantly reduce signal) |
| Workload | High (many neighboring networks) | Low (less interference) |
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 doesn't detect the network you created, try switching the band to 2.4 GHz in the Redmi 9 settings.
Managing connected devices and limits
Functional MIUI It allows you not only to share the internet but also strictly control who has access to it. The access point menu includes a "Connected Devices" section, which displays all active clients. You can see the MAC addresses and names of connected devices in real time.
To block unwanted users, simply click on the device name and select the block option. This will immediately terminate the connection and prevent reconnections from that MAC address. You can also enable a "Blacklist" in the settings, where you can manually add the addresses of known offenders.
An important feature is setting a traffic limit. You can set the maximum amount of data that can be used via the hotspot. Once the limit is reached, Redmi 9 Automatically disable Wi-Fi sharing, saving your data plan from unexpected charges.
- 🛑 Use the "Block All" feature to instantly disable all clients without turning off the hotspot itself.
- 📊 Set a traffic limit, such as 1 GB or 5 GB, to control your data package consumption.
- ⏱️ Set a sleep timer so that the access point turns off automatically after 10 or 30 minutes of inactivity.
- 👀 Regularly check the list of connected devices for unknown gadgets.
Using a USB modem and Bluetooth panel
wireless connection, Xiaomi Redmi 9 Supports internet transfer via a USB cable. This method is often overlooked, but it provides the most stable connection without speed loss and additionally charges the smartphone while working. To activate, connect the phone to the computer using a cable.
Once connected, the "USB Modem" option will become active in the "Access Point & Tethering" menu. The computer will recognize the smartphone as a new network device. This is ideal for desktop PCs without a Wi-Fi module or for laptops with a faulty wireless adapter.
Bluetooth tethering is an alternative for devices where Wi-Fi is busy or unavailable, but data transfer speeds will be significantly lower. This method is only suitable for text messaging and email, not for watching videos. It can be activated in the same settings menu.
⚠️ Attention: When using a USB modem, make sure the drivers for your smartphone are installed on your computer. In most cases, Windows 10 and 11 install them automatically, but older operating systems may require installation. MIUI PC Suite or ADB drivers.
The advantage of a wired connection is the absence of latency (ping), which is critical for online gaming or video conferencing. Furthermore, a cable eliminates the possibility of signal interception by neighbors, as the connection is physically isolated.
Battery solution and optimization
Sharing Wi-Fi is a power-intensive process that quickly drains the battery and heats up the case. Redmi 9The system can automatically disable the hotspot to save power if the battery charge drops below a certain level (usually 10-15%). For extended use, it's recommended to keep the smartphone charged.
A common issue is when the hotspot is enabled, but the internet connection on connected devices isn't working. First, check if the background activity for the "Hospitality" system process is restricted. Find this process in the battery settings and set it to "No restrictions."
If your devices can't connect, try changing the broadcast channel. In the advanced settings of your access point (if your version MIUI (This allows) you can change the channel from “Auto” to a fixed one (for example, 1, 6 or 11) to avoid conflicts with neighboring routers.
- 🔋 Remove the case from your smartphone when using Wi-Fi for a long time to improve heat dissipation.
- 📶 Restart your smartphone if the access point is no longer detected by other devices.
- 🔄 Reset your network settings to factory defaults if the issue is system-related.
- 📡 Make sure that the "Traffic Saver" mode is not enabled in the global settings.
Why does my phone get hot?
When operating in access point mode, the smartphone's processor and radio module operate at their maximum capacity, constantly encoding and transmitting data. Normal operating temperatures in this mode can reach 40-45 degrees Celsius.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if the phone itself doesn't have a SIM card?
No, you need an active SIM card with a valid data plan to share your mobile data. However, you can share the Wi-Fi your phone receives from another network (repeater mode), but this feature isn't available on all Android versions and requires third-party apps or root access.
How many devices can be connected to Redmi 9 at the same time?
Technically, MIUI allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. However, the actual number depends on the processor and RAM load. Connecting more than 3-4 devices may significantly reduce internet speed on each device.
Does Wi-Fi sharing affect the speed of mobile internet on the phone itself?
Yes, it does. The connection bandwidth is shared between all connected clients. If one device starts downloading a large file, the page loading speed on the smartphone itself and other devices will decrease proportionally.
What should I do if the hotspot icon is on, but the internet isn't working?
Check your carrier's APN settings. Access point settings are often reset after a system update or SIM card change. Try creating a new APN with your carrier's default settings.
Is it possible to hide my network name (SSID)?
Yes, there's a "Hide device" option in the hotspot settings. This option will prevent the network from appearing in the general list of available Wi-Fi networks. To connect, you'll need to manually enter the network name (SSID) and password in the Wi-Fi settings on the connecting device.