Modern smartphones have long ceased to be simple devices for making calls, having become full-fledged control centers for the digital world. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is a prime example of a gadget that can easily serve as a mobile router in critical situations. The ability to quickly create Wi-Fi hotspot Allows you to connect your laptop, tablet, or other phone to the Internet when a landline network is unavailable.
The process of activating tethering mode in MIUI can seem confusing due to the abundance of settings and hidden menus. However, once you understand the menu structure Settings → Wi-Fi Hotspot, the user gains complete control over network parameters. This includes selecting the frequency band, setting traffic limits, and managing the list of connected devices.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to properly set up and share Wi-Fi on the Redmi Note 9 to ensure a stable connection. We'll cover technical details that are often overlooked but directly impact data transfer speed and security.
Basic activation of modem mode in MIUI
The first step to setting up a wireless network is to enable the corresponding function in the system. On smartphones Xiaomi With MIUI, this is done through the main settings menu. You need to find the section Wi-Fi hotspot, which is usually located immediately after the items about SIM cards and mobile traffic.
Once you've entered the menu, you'll need to toggle the switch at the top of the screen. The system may prompt you to confirm or configure settings before launching. It's important to set a strong password, as the network may be open by default or use a standard character combination, which is unsafe.
You can use the notification shade for quick activation. By swiping down from the top of the screen, you'll see the "Hot Spot" icon. Long press Clicking this icon will take you directly to the detailed settings menu, avoiding unnecessary menu navigation.
- 📱 Open "Settings" and go to the "Wi-Fi hotspot" section.
- 🔐 Set a complex password of letters and numbers to protect against unauthorized access.
- 📡 Check which security standard is selected (WPA2 PSK is recommended).
- 👁️ Enable the "Hide device" option if you don't want the network to be visible in the list of available ones.
⚠️ Please note: When activating a hotspot, mobile internet is used up very quickly, especially if connected devices start updating their systems or downloading heavy content.
Configuring security settings and network name
The security of the network you create directly depends on the encryption settings you select. The Redmi Note 9's settings menu often defaults to WPA2 PSK, which provides the optimal balance between compatibility and data protection. The newer WPA3 standard may be unavailable or cause connection issues on older devices.
By default, the network name (SSID) contains the phone model, for example, "Redmi Note 9." For easier identification in public places or offices, it's best to rename the network to a unique name. This will help avoid confusion if other users with similar devices are nearby.
Changing your password requires careful attention, as the system doesn't display characters by default. Use a combination of capital letters, numbers, and special characters to prevent nearby devices from guessing the key. Encryption guarantees that transmitted data will not be intercepted.
Some firmware versions offer a "Whitelist" feature. If enabled, only devices whose MAC addresses are included in the database will be able to connect. This provides the highest level of protection, preventing any external hacking attempts.
Choosing a Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz
The Redmi Note 9 supports dual-band operation, and choosing the right frequency is critical for connection stability. The 2.4 GHz band offers better penetration and compatibility with older devices, but it's often overcrowded in apartment buildings.
The 5 GHz band offers significantly higher data transfer rates and is less susceptible to interference. However, its range is shorter and it penetrates walls less effectively. If you're distributing internet in a single room, this frequency is preferable.
Switching between ranges is done in the menu Access point settings → Frequency rangeHere you can choose "Prefer 5 GHz" or "Prefer 2.4 GHz Only." Automatic mode may not work correctly, forcing devices to reconnect.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 150-300 Mbps | Up to 400-800 Mbps |
| Range | High | Average |
| Penetration | Good | Low |
| Workload | High | Low |
If your connecting device (laptop or tablet) is old, it may simply not see the 5 GHz network. In this case, the only solution is to force the access point to switch to 2.4 GHz.
Limiting traffic and managing connections
Mobile internet often has limits, so monitoring data usage is a top priority. The Redmi Note 9's hotspot settings include a built-in counter that allows you to set a data limit. Once the limit is reached, internet tethering will automatically stop.
The Device Management feature lets you see who's connected to your network in real time. You can block unknown devices with a single click, preventing traffic theft. This is especially useful in crowded areas.
You can also set a sleep timer. You can set a condition, such as "Turn off after 10 minutes without active connections." This prevents your smartphone's battery from draining if you forget to turn off tethering.
- 📉 Set a traffic limit in the "Traffic Limit" menu to avoid going into the red.
- 🚫 Block unknown devices using the "Connected devices" list.
- ⏱️ Set up automatic shutdown when idle to save battery power.
- 📊 Monitor your download speed in real time via the status bar.
⚠️ Note: MIUI interfaces may vary depending on the Android version and regional firmware. The layout of menu items may change with system updates.
Speed optimization and troubleshooting
Slow internet speeds can be caused by a variety of factors, from a weak cellular signal to software glitches. First, check the signal strength in the status bar. If there's only one or two bars, high speeds are physically impossible.
A common problem is smartphone overheating. When actively broadcasting Wi-Fi, the processor and radio module operate at their limits. Remove any protective case, if it's thick, and place the phone on a hard surface to improve heat dissipation. Throttling (performance loss due to heat) directly cuts speed.
If you have internet access but pages aren't loading, try changing the DNS servers in your mobile network settings or on the device you're connecting to. Sometimes switching the network mode in Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Preferred network typeSelect "5G/LTE/3G/2G (auto)".
☑️ Low speed diagnostics
Power consumption and impact on battery
Hotspot mode is one of the most power-hungry processes on a smartphone. The radio module constantly transmits and receives data, which causes the Redmi Note 9's battery to heat up quickly and drain. Extended use in this mode can reduce the overall battery life.
It's recommended to keep your phone charged while tethering, using the original charger. Cheap power adapters may not be able to keep up with the power consumption, and the battery will still drain, albeit more slowly.
If you need to share your internet connection for an extended period, enable power saving mode, but make sure it doesn't restrict background processes too aggressively. It's best to turn off your phone's screen, as it also uses a significant amount of power.
There's a myth that using Wi-Fi on a regular basis kills your battery. This isn't true, but regular deep discharge and overheating are indeed harmful. Try not to let your battery charge drop below 15-20% while tethering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why doesn't the laptop see the network created on the Redmi Note 9?
The problem is most likely related to the frequency band. If you enabled 5 GHz and your laptop's network card is old, it won't be able to detect the signal. Switch the band in the access point settings to 2.4 GHz. Also, check that the network name (SSID) isn't hidden.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if my phone has a data limit from my operator?
Technically, you can share your internet, but your carrier may block your connection or charge you extra for tethering if it's not included in your plan. Carriers see TTL requests from connected devices.
How many devices can be connected to Redmi Note 9 at the same time?
Officially, MIUI allows for up to 10 simultaneous connections. However, actual performance will begin to degrade after just 3-4 active clients due to limited processor resources and bandwidth.
Does Wi-Fi hotspot affect the quality of voice calls?
Yes, it can. If you're using a 2G/3G network, your internet connection may be interrupted during an incoming call. On 4G/LTE networks with VoLTE support, simultaneous voice and data transmission is possible without interrupting the connection, but speeds may be temporarily reduced.