How to Share Wi-Fi from a Xiaomi Phone to Another Android: All the Methods for 2026

You find yourself in a situation where you only have two smartphones at hand Xiaomi (or another brand on Android), but need to share your internet connection urgently? Perhaps you have limited bandwidth on your main device, don't have a router, or simply need a temporary connection for file transfer. In this article, we'll look into All current methods for distributing Wi-Fi between Android devices — from a standard access point to hidden functions MIUI, which few people know about.

Feature of smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi And POCO - own shell MIUI, which sometimes hides or modifies the default settings AndroidTherefore, even if you have previously set up data sharing on another phone, there may be some nuances here. We have taken into account all firmware versions (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 15), as well as cases when Internet is distributed without a SIM card (for example, via a connected USB modem).

Important: If you plan to share mobile data (3G/4G/5G), check your carrier's plan. Some providers block data sharing or count it as separate traffic. Wi-Fi data sharing (when the primary device is connected to the router) usually has no restrictions.

1. Standard Wi-Fi access point: step-by-step setup

This is the most reliable and fastest method that works on all smartphones. Xiaomi regardless of version MIUI. The hotspot turns your phone into a mini router that you can connect up to 10 devices (limitation depends on model).

How to enable:

1. Open Settings → Hotspot & Tethering (in older versions MIUI the path may be Settings → Advanced → Tethering).
2. Select Wi-Fi hotspot (or Portable access point).
3. Activate the slider at the top of the screen.
4. When you turn it on for the first time, the system will prompt you to set up a network name (SSID) and password. Use The password must be at least 8 characters long. with numbers and letters - this will protect against accidental connections.

On the second phone, connect to the created network as you would to a regular Wi-Fi network. If you can't connect to the internet:

• 🔄 Restart both devices — sometimes resetting network settings helps.
• 📶 Check your connection type: If you are sharing mobile internet, make sure that the primary phone is enabled Mobile data.
• 🔒 Reset your access point settings: in the access point menu, tap Reset settings and configure it again.

Mobile data is enabled (if you are sharing 4G)

Battery charge > 30% (distribution drains the battery significantly)

Airplane mode is disabled on the second phone.

The access point password is written down or saved in notes-->

On some models Xiaomi (For example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 13 Ultra) in the access point settings, a choice is available frequency range (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). If the second phone has connection problems, try changing the band to 2.4 GHz - it is more versatile, although slower.

2. Sharing the Internet via Bluetooth (if Wi-Fi isn't working)

If the Wi-Fi module on the second phone is broken or the access point does not turn on, you can share the Internet via BluetoothThis method is slower (speed up to 3 Mbps against 50+ Mbps (Wi-Fi), but it uses less battery power.

Instructions for MIUI:

1. On the main phone (Xiaomi) open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Personal Hotspot.
2. Activate Bluetooth modem.
3. On the second phone, turn on Bluetooth and connect to the main device (pairing confirmation will be required).
4. In the settings Bluetooth On the second phone, find the connected device, tap on it and select Use to access the Internet (item name may differ).

Advantages of the method:

• ⚡ Less battery consumption compared to Wi-Fi.
• 🔗 Works even without a SIM card, if the main phone is connected to Wi-Fi.
• 🛡️ Safer — you can only connect after pairing the devices.

Flaws:

• 🐢 Low speed — not suitable for streaming videos or downloading large files.
• 🔋 Limit on the number of devices - usually only 1 connection.

Why might my Bluetooth modem not work?

If the second phone does not have the "Use for Internet access" option, check:

1. Android version (on older versions below 8.0 the function may not be available).

2. Operator settings - some block Bluetooth distribution.

3. Antivirus or firewall - they can block data transmission.

3. USB modem: sharing the Internet via cable

The most stable, but least convenient way is to connect the second phone to the main one via USB cable and distribute the Internet via a wire. The speed will be close to Wi-Fi (up to 100 Mbps), and the battery of the main phone will even be replenished a little.

How to set up:

1. Connect the phones with a cable (use the original cable) Xiaomi or certified USB-C/USB-A).
2. On your main phone, open Settings → Hotspot & Tethering → USB Tethering.
3. On the second phone in the settings Network and Internet select USB Internet (may be called USB-ethernet).

Important nuances:

• 🔌 The cable must support data transmission. - charging cables without data transfer will not work.
• 📱 On some models Xiaomi (For example, POCO X5) USB modem only works when connected to a PC - in this case, use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• ⚡ Charging will only go to the main device (which is distributed by the Internet).

Wi-Fi hotspot|Bluetooth|USB cable|Other way-->

If your USB modem does not turn on, check:

• 🔍 USB connection mode on the second phone (must be File transfer or MTP).
• 🔄 Restart both devices with the cable connected.
• 🛠️ Update the firmware — in older versions MIUI (below 12) USB modem may not work stably.

4. Sharing Wi-Fi without a SIM card (if the phone is connected to a router)

Few people know, but Xiaomi on MIUI allows you to distribute the Internet even without a SIM card, if your phone is connected to another Wi-Fi network. This is useful in hotels, cafes, or offices where there's public Wi-Fi but you need to connect a second phone.

How does this work:

1. Connect your main phone Xiaomi to any Wi-Fi network.
2. Open Settings → Hotspot & tethering → Wi-Fi hotspot.
3. Turn on the hotspot. Now the second phone will access the internet via the first Wi-Fi network.

Restrictions:

• 🚫 Not all routers allow "re-sharing" - This method will not work on some networks (for example, in the subway or on airplanes).
• 🔄 The speed will be lower, than with a direct connection, due to double data transfer.
• 🔒 Some networks require authorization. (entering login/password in the browser) - in this case, the distribution will not work.

On some firmware versions MIUI (For example, MIUI 13 (For the global version), the Wi-Fi sharing option may be hidden. To enable it:

1. Activate developer mode: Settings → About phone → MIUI version (press 7 times).
2. Return to Settings → Advanced → For developers and find Wi-Fi distribution.
3. Enable the option Allow sharing when connected to Wi-Fi.

5. Hidden MIUI Features: Sharing via "Coverage Area"

In firmware MIUI 14 And MIUI 15 an experimental feature has appeared Coverage area (or Mi Share Hotspot), which allows you to distribute the Internet without a password via QR code. This is convenient for temporary distribution to friends or colleagues.

How to enable:

1. Open Settings → Hotspot & Tethering.
2. Tap on Coverage area (or Mi Share Hotspot).
3. Generate a QR code and scan it with a second phone.

Advantages:

• 🔓 No need to enter a password — connection in 2 seconds.
• ⏱️ You can set a time limit (for example, 30 minutes).
• 📱 Works even on old phones (just scan the QR code).

Flaws:

• 🛡️ Less safe - anyone can scan a QR code if they see it on the screen.
• 📶 Not supported on all models — check the availability of this function in the settings.

6. Problems and errors: what to do if the internet is not available

Even with the correct setup, Wi-Fi sharing may not work. We've compiled the most common mistakes and ways to correct them.

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
The access point turns on, but the Internet doesn't work.	The operator is blocking distribution	Call support or check your APN settings.
The second device connects, but websites don't open.	DNS servers are not responding	Manually enter DNS (for example, 8.8.8.8)
The access point keeps disconnecting.	Battery saving or background optimization	Disable optimization for "Settings" in Settings → Applications
The hotspot cannot be turned on (gray slider)	Operator restriction or corporate policy	Try another sharing method (Bluetooth/USB)

If none of the methods worked:

• 🔧 Reset network settings on the main phone: Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings.
• 📲 Check your APN settings (operator access points). To do this, go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Access point names (APNs) and compare the parameters with the official settings of your operator.
• 🔄 Update the firmware — in older versions MIUI (below 12) there are bugs with distribution.

How to reset network settings without losing data?

Reset network settings (Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings) removes only:

- Saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords

- Bluetooth settings

- Mobile network settings (APN)

All other data (photos, contacts, applications) will remain intact.

On some phones Xiaomi (especially with MIUI for China) the access point may not work due to regional restrictions. In this case:

1. Install global firmware (For example, MIUI Global).
2. Use magisk modules (required) root) to unlock the function.

7. Alternative methods: Wi-Fi sharing apps

If standard methods are not suitable, you can use third-party applications from Google Play. They are useful when:

• 🔒 Need to share internet with traffic restrictions (for example, 100 MB per day).
• 📊 Required usage statistics distributed Internet.
• 🔄 Needed turn off automatically distribution according to schedule.

Top 3 verified apps:

Application	Peculiarities	Cons
Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot	Simple interface, 5G support, speed limit	Advertising in the free version
NetShare	Distribution without root, work via VPN	Requires setup on both phones
ClockworkMod Tether	Support USB and Bluetooth, no limitations	Root rights are required

Warnings when using third-party applications:

• ⚠️ Some applications require root access., which may void the warranty.
• ⚠️ VPN apps can slow down your connection. due to encryption.
• ⚠️ Check reviews — There are many fake apps with viruses on Google Play.

If you decide to use NetShare or analogues, keep an eye out using VPN: Some banking apps and games may block you from using a VPN connection.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi hotspots with Xiaomi

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from Xiaomi to iPhone?

Yes, but there are some nuances: the iPhone may not connect to the access point if the network name (SSID) contains Cyrillic or special characters. Use Latin characters and a simple password. Also, on some models Xiaomi you need to manually select the security standard WPA2-PSK (and not WPA3), as iPhone sometimes does not support new protocols.

Why does my Xiaomi hotspot disconnect after 5-10 minutes?

This is related to battery optimizationTo fix:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Settings.
2. Select Battery → Battery optimization.
3. Find Settings in the list and select No restrictions.

Also check the settings Sleep mode V Settings → Display & Brightness.

How to share internet from a Xiaomi to a laptop?

The methods are the same as for the second phone:

1. Wi-Fi: Connect to the access point as a normal network.
2. USB: connect the phone and laptop with a cable, turn it on USB modem On your phone. Internet will appear automatically on your laptop.
3. Bluetooth: pair the devices, then on the laptop in the Bluetooth settings select Connect via an access point.

On Windows 10/11, sometimes you need to install a driver RNDIS for a USB modem. Download it from the website. Xiaomi or through Windows Update.

How many devices can be connected to a Xiaomi hotspot?

The official limit is - up to 10 devices, but in practice it depends on the model:

• Budget models (Redmi 10A, POCO M4): 3-5 devices stably.
• Flagships (Xiaomi 13, Redmi K60): up to 10 devices without lags.

When connecting more than 5 devices, speed may drop. For stable performance, disable background updates on connected devices.

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from Xiaomi without a password?

Technically yes, but not recommended For security reasons. If a password is still required:

1. In the access point settings, select No protection (or Open Network).
2. On the second phone, connect to the network without a password.

⚠️ Attention: An open network allows any connected device to intercept your traffic. Use only in trusted locations (such as at home).