Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the need to quickly provide network access to other devices, be it a colleague's laptop or a child's tablet. Model Redmi 9CDespite its affordability, it offers full functionality for creating your own access point, turning it into a fully-fledged mobile router. This feature is especially useful when traveling, at the dacha, or in situations where wired internet is unavailable or temporarily down.
The process of activating modem mode in the shell MIUI It's intuitively implemented, but has a number of hidden settings that allow you to optimize connection speed and security. In this article, we'll cover in detail how to properly configure an access point, select the optimal frequency range, and secure your network from unauthorized connections using your smartphone's capabilities.
Preparing your device for modem mode
Before activating signal broadcasting, you need to make sure that the smartphone itself is ready to distribute traffic. The primary requirement is an active connection to the mobile network. 4G/LTE With a positive balance or an active data plan. Without an incoming internet connection, data sharing is technically impossible, as the phone will have nothing to broadcast to other devices.
It's also worth paying attention to the battery level. Access point mode significantly increases power consumption, as the radio module operates in enhanced receive and transmit modes simultaneously. If the battery level is below 30%, it's recommended to connect the device to a power source or power bank to avoid a sudden shutdown at the most inopportune moment.
⚠️ Caution: When using hotspot mode for extended periods, the smartphone's body may become noticeably warm. This is normal, but if the temperature reaches critical levels, the device may automatically disable the Wi-Fi module to protect its components.
Check that the wireless module is enabled. Sometimes users forget that the Wi-Fi receiver itself must be active for Wi-Fi to be available. Simply make sure the corresponding icon is lit in the notification shade before diving into deeper system settings.
Activating the access point through system settings
The main way to manage network functions is through the system menu. You need to open the application Settings and find the section responsible for connections. Depending on the shell version MIUIThis section may be called "Connection and Sharing" or simply "Access Point." This is where all network traffic management controls are located.
Inside the menu, find the item Wi-Fi hotspotThe switch next to it needs to be activated. Immediately after turning on, the smartphone will begin generating a network with a default name, which usually contains the device model, for example, Redmi 9CHowever, using the default settings is not recommended for security and convenience reasons.
☑️ Check before switching on
After activating the feature, the system may prompt you to select the type of network to create. In most cases, a standard protocol compatible with all modern devices is available. If you plan to connect very old devices, you may need to adjust the compatibility settings, but the default values are suitable for most scenarios.
Setting up security and network name
The first thing you notice when searching for networks in range is the access point name. The default name assigned by the firmware often contains technical indexes. To make it easier for your friends or colleagues to find your smartphone in the list of available networks, it's best to change the name to something more descriptive.
To do this, in the access point menu, click on the item Setting up an access pointIn the window that opens, you will see a field SSID (or "Access Point Name"). Enter any convenient name there, using Latin characters for maximum compatibility. This name will be displayed on all connected devices.
Setting a password is a critical step. Security protocol WPA2 PSK is the de facto standard for home and mobile use. Never leave your network open (without a password), as anyone passing by can access your traffic, which will not only reduce speed but also compromise your personal data transmitted over the network.
- 🔒 Password complexity: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers, at least 8 characters long.
- 📡 Range: If possible, choose the 5 GHz frequency for less air traffic congestion.
- 👁️ Hiding SSID: The option to hide the network name will add an extra layer of privacy, but will make it more difficult to connect new devices.
⚠️ Note: If you forget the password you set, it will not be possible to recover it using standard Android tools. You will have to reset the hotspot settings or change the password to a new one, and then re-enter it on all connected devices.
Selectable frequency range: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz
One of the key settings in modern smartphones, including Redmi 9C, is the choice of frequency range. By default, the system often selects 2.4 GHz, as this range has better penetration and compatibility with older devices. However, in apartment buildings, this range is often heavily polluted by neighboring routers.
Switching to a range 5 GHz This significantly increases data transfer speeds and reduces interference. This is especially important if you plan to watch high-definition videos on a connected laptop or play online games. However, it's important to remember that the signal range at this frequency is shorter, and some older devices may simply not detect your network.
What is the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz?
The 2.4 GHz band penetrates walls better, but is slower and is susceptible to interference from microwaves and Bluetooth devices. The 5 GHz band provides high speeds (up to 400-500 Mbps under ideal conditions), but the signal quickly fades when encountering obstacles. For internet distribution in one room, 5 GHz is better, while 2.4 GHz is better for covering an entire apartment through walls.
To change this setting, find "Frequency Band" in the hotspot settings menu. The toggle allows you to choose between "2.4 GHz," "5 GHz," or "Prefer 5 GHz." The latter option is the most reasonable compromise: the smartphone will attempt to connect to the network at the higher frequency, but if the connected device doesn't support it, the system will automatically switch to a compatible mode.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer speed | Up to 150 Mbps | Up to 800+ Mbps |
| Range of action | High (up to 50 m) | Medium (up to 20 m) |
| Wall permeability | Good | Bad |
| Workload | High (a lot of interference) | Low (pure ether) |
Managing connected devices and limits
You can control who is connected to your network in the same access point menu. System MIUI Allows you to see a list of connected devices, their IP addresses, and the amount of data transferred in real time. This is a useful feature for identifying "unwanted guests" who might have guessed your password.
To improve security or save data, you can limit the number of devices that can connect. For example, if you're sharing internet only with your laptop, it might be a good idea to limit it to one device. This will prevent your friends' smartphones from connecting automatically, preserving your speed.
A "Blacklist" feature or blocking of specific users is also available. If you see a device with an unfamiliar name in the list, you can tap it and select the block option. This will block network access for that device, even if the correct password is known, until the block is removed.
Alternative ways to distribute Internet
Although Wi-Fi is the most popular method, Redmi 9C It also supports other data transfer protocols. For example, a Bluetooth modem allows you to share your internet connection with another device if its Wi-Fi module is faulty. The speed will be significantly lower, but it may be sufficient for text messaging or email.
The most stable and fastest method, which doesn't rely on battery power in receiving mode (since the phone is charged by the laptop), is a USB modem. To do this, connect the smartphone to the computer with a cable, go to the hotspot settings, and turn on the switch. USB modemThe computer recognizes the phone as a wired network connection (Ethernet), which guarantees minimal ping and maximum stability.
Another interesting feature is extending an existing network. Some versions of Android allow you to receive Wi-Fi and simultaneously broadcast it, acting as a repeater, but on most budget models, including Redmi 9CThe radio module operates either in reception or transmission. Therefore, mobile 4G traffic is most often transmitted.
Possible problems and their solutions
Despite the ease of setup, users may encounter a situation where devices don't see the access point or can't connect to it. Often, the problem lies in the incorrectly set frequency range. If a laptop from 2010 doesn't see the network created on a Redmi 9C, there's a 99% chance it simply doesn't support the 5 GHz standard. The solution is to switch to 2.4 GHz in the settings.
Another common issue is an error obtaining an IP address on the connecting device. In this case, rebooting the Wi-Fi module on the smartphone or resetting the network settings can help. It's also worth checking whether your antivirus or firewall software is blocking incoming connections.
⚠️ Note: The menu interface and item names may vary slightly depending on the MIUI version (Global, China, Russia) and Android version. If you can't find the item, search for "Hotspot" or "Wi-Fi" in the settings.
If all else fails, try deleting the network profile on the device you're connecting to (forgetting the network) and re-entering the password. Sometimes, the cache of old settings prevents the connection from being established correctly with updated security settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does the battery drain quickly when the hotspot is turned on?
Access point mode forces the radio module to constantly receive and transmit a high-power signal. This is one of the most power-hungry processes in a smartphone. For extended use, it's recommended to keep the phone charged or use an external battery.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if there is no SIM card on the phone?
No, a SIM card with an active plan is required to share mobile data. However, if the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network, some models allow you to broadcast this signal further (repeater mode). However, on the Redmi 9C, this feature may be limited by software or require third-party apps with root access.
How many devices can be connected to Redmi 9C at the same time?
Technically, MIUI allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. However, the actual number depends on the processor load and available data. If more than 3-4 active users are connected, the speed on each device may become unacceptably slow.
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 you start downloading a file on a connected laptop, the page loading speed on the smartphone itself will decrease. Redmi 9C will also decrease in proportion to the channel load.