Smartphones of the line Redmi have long established themselves as reliable devices with excellent battery life, making them ideal candidates for the role of a mobile router. Model Redmi 7, despite its age, is still actively used by millions of users due to the stable operation of the shell MIUIThe ability to turn the device into an access point Wi-Fi is one of the most popular features, allowing you to provide Internet access to laptops, tablets, or phones of colleagues anywhere in the world.
However, Android's default settings are often hidden behind numerous menus, and users want to not only enable the feature but also optimize its operation. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to properly set up a hotspot on Redmi 7, select the optimal signal frequency for maximum speed, and secure your connection from unauthorized connections. You'll learn about the nuances of modem operation in the background and ways to save battery life.
We'll also cover security issues, as an open communication channel is always a potential vulnerability. Understanding the operating principles WPA3 And WPA2 Protocols will help you avoid personal data leaks. We'll also cover common errors Xiaomi owners encounter and how to quickly fix them without a factory reset.
⚠️ Attention: The MIUI interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (Global, China, EU). The layout of some menu items may vary, but the logic remains the same.
Basic Wi-Fi hotspot setup
The process of activating Internet distribution on Redmi 7 The developers have simplified the mode as much as possible, but it hides important settings. First, you need to access the settings menu, which controls all of the device's wireless connections. Here, you can not only enable the mode but also set the network name that other users will see.
First of all, open the application Settings On your smartphone, find a section that might be called "Wi-Fi Hotspot" or "Connection and Sharing." This is where the switch that initiates the signal broadcasting process is located. Once the slider is activated, the phone will begin emitting radio waves, ready to connect.
- 📱 Open
Settingsand go to the "Wi-Fi hotspot" section. - 🔌 Activate the top switch to start the modem mode.
- 📝 Click on the network name to change it SSID (access point name).
- 🔒 Set a strong password using letters and numbers.
It's important to understand that when you enable internet traffic distribution, the system will automatically prompt you to select a protection type. By default, MIUI the standard is set WPA2-Personal, which is the most compatible with both old and new devices. Leaving the hotspot open is not recommended, as this will allow anyone passing by to use your data.
Setting the frequency and broadcast range
One of the key features of setting up a hotspot on modern smartphones, including Redmi 7, is the ability to select a frequency range. By default, the device operates in the 2.4 GHz band, which provides greater coverage but has lower data transfer rates and is susceptible to interference from microwave ovens and neighboring routers.
For maximum speed, we recommend switching to the 5.0 GHz band if your connected devices support it. This is especially important when transferring large files or streaming video. However, it's important to remember that the 5 GHz signal has a shorter range and penetrates walls less effectively.
⚠️ Attention: Switching to the 5 GHz frequency may prevent older laptops or tablets from detecting your network. Use this mode only if you are confident in the compatibility of your client devices.
To change this setting, you need to go to the advanced access point settings. There you will find the "Wi-Fi access point settings" section, where you can select the band. Choosing the correct frequency directly affects throughput channel.
The table below compares the features of the two ranges to help you make an informed choice:
| Characteristic | 2.4 GHz band | 5.0 GHz band |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer speed | Up to 150 Mbps | Up to 866 Mbps |
| Range | High (up to 50 m) | Medium (up to 20 m) |
| Penetration ability | Good | Low |
| Interference level | High | Short |
Managing connected devices and limits
Controlling who connects to your network is a critical aspect of security and bandwidth savings. MIUI Provides a convenient tool for monitoring active connections in real time. You can always see how many devices are currently using your internet and their bandwidth usage.
The access point menu has a "Connected Devices" section, which displays the MAC addresses and names of devices. If you spot an unknown device, you can immediately block it by adding it to blacklistThis action will prevent this gadget from reconnecting even if the password is known.
- 👁️ Regularly check the list of active connections in the access point menu.
- 🚫 Block unknown devices using the Blacklist feature.
- ⏱️ Set a sleep timer to automatically end distribution.
- 📊 Monitor the volume of transferred data using the statistics report.
The system also allows you to set a traffic limit. Once the data volume is reached, Wi-Fi hotspot access will automatically be disabled. This is a useful feature for data plans with limited data, helping you avoid unexpected charges.
☑️ Network security check
Hiding the network name (SSID) for increased security
For those seeking the highest level of privacy, there is the option to hide the network name (SSID). In this case, your access point won't appear in the list of available networks on other devices. To connect, the user will need to manually enter the network name and password.
This measure is not a panacea against professional hackers using traffic sniffers, but it effectively protects against random connections from neighbors or passersby looking for open Wi-Fi. Redmi 7 This option is located in the same access point setup menu as the password selection.
It's worth noting that hiding the SSID may slightly increase the network search time for the connected device, as the phone will have to scan the air more actively. Also, when connecting a new device for the first time, you'll have to manually enter the network name, taking care to ensure the letters are case-sensitive.
⚠️ Attention: Don't forget the exact network name you entered when hiding the SSID. Entering it again correctly can be difficult if the name contains special characters.
This feature is useful in areas with dense wireless networks, where your signal may overlap with dozens of others. It also helps reduce the clutter of the receiving device's network list, making it easier to select the desired connection.
Energy saving and modem stability
Hotspot mode is one of the most power-hungry modes for a smartphone. The radio module operates at maximum power, constantly transmitting and receiving data, which leads to rapid battery drain and heat buildup. Redmi 7The Android system tries to optimize this process by sometimes prematurely turning off the modem to save power.
To avoid unexpected connection drops, we recommend disabling aggressive power-saving modes for the hotspot process. In the battery settings, find the "Wi-Fi Hotspot" app and select "Unlimited." This will prevent the system from interrupting modem operation even when the phone's screen is off.
It's also worth considering the device's thermal performance. When used in router mode for extended periods, the phone may become hot. If you're planning a long session, it's best to remove the protective case and place the device on a hard surface for better heat dissipation. Overheating can lead to processor throttling and reduced data transfer speeds.
Why does my phone get hot when using Wi-Fi?
When operating in hotspot mode, all of the smartphone's antenna modules are activated. The processor processes network packets, and the radio constantly emits a signal. This is a physical process that generates heat, especially in older battery models.
To extend battery life, you can reduce screen brightness or turn off the display completely, as it's not needed in hotspot mode. Some users also recommend turning on airplane mode for a few seconds and then turning it off before activating the hotspot to clear any network stack errors.
Solution: Why distribution isn't working
Despite the stability of work XiaomiUsers may encounter a situation where the hotspot is enabled, but the internet isn't working or devices can't see the network. Most often, the problem lies in the mobile network settings or a temporary software glitch.
The first thing to check is whether mobile data is enabled. A Wi-Fi hotspot only broadcasts a signal, but the internet source is the SIM card. If pages don't load in the browser on your phone, then tethering won't work.
- 📶 Make sure the 4G/LTE icon is lit and there is a signal strength.
- 🔄 Restart your smartphone to reset network settings.
- ⚙️ Check your mobile operator's APN settings.
- 📵 Disable VPN services if they block local connections.
Another common cause is an IP address conflict or a full network service cache. In this case, resetting the network settings to factory defaults may help, but this will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords. It's also worth checking whether your SIM card's data limit has been reached.
If the problem persists, it's possible there's a hardware issue with the antenna module, especially if the phone has previously been impacted or exposed to moisture. In such cases, software solutions may not help, and diagnostics at a service center will be required.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi router?
On standard firmware MIUI Without root access, it's impossible to simultaneously operate as a Wi-Fi client and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The phone can either receive a signal or broadcast it (using mobile data). Implementing the repeater function requires special system modifications.
How many devices can be connected to Redmi 7 at the same time?
Technical limitations allow for up to 10 simultaneous connections. However, the actual number depends on processor load and available internet traffic. When connecting to a large number of users, the speed on each device will decrease.
Does Wi-Fi sharing affect the speed of mobile internet on the phone itself?
Yes, it does. The communication channel is split between data transmission for the phone itself and for connected clients. Furthermore, active operation of the radio module in access point mode can create additional interference to the primary signal, especially in areas with poor coverage.
How to hide the hotspot icon from the status bar?
Hide the system distribution icon using standard tools MIUI This is not possible, as it is an important indicator of module activity. It can only be removed using third-party interface customization apps or modified system files, which is not recommended for regular users.