How to Share WiFi on a Xiaomi Redmi 9: A Complete Guide

Modern smartphones have long ceased to be just devices for making calls, turning into universal tools for work and entertainment. Model Xiaomi Redmi 9Despite its budget price, it works perfectly as a mobile router, providing a stable connection for laptops, tablets, and other gadgets. When there's no wired internet or your provider is down, the modem function becomes a real lifesaver for remote workers and gamers.

The process of activating an access point in the shell MIUI has its own peculiarities that can be confusing for inexperienced users. The default settings allow you not only to enable data transfer but also to fine-tune security settings, frequency range, and the number of connected devices. Understanding these nuances will help you avoid speed issues and protect your personal traffic from unauthorized connections.

In this article, we'll cover every setup step in detail, from basic activation to advanced signal frequency manipulation. You'll learn how to properly limit data usage and why it's sometimes worth switching to a standard. 802.11ac For maximum performance, follow the instructions to turn your phone into a powerful internet source.

Basic access point setup

Initial activation of tethering takes just a few minutes and doesn't require extensive technical knowledge. All necessary tools are located in the main system settings menu, accessible via the gear icon on the home screen. To get started, ensure your device has a SIM card with an active data plan and a positive balance.

Go to the settings section and find the item Access point and modemIn some firmware versions, this section may be simply called "Modem Mode" or located within the "Connections" tab. This is where all the controls for your smartphone's network interfaces are located.

Inside the menu you need to activate the switch Wi-Fi hotspotOnce enabled, the system automatically creates a wireless network with a factory name, which typically includes the device model. A connection password is also generated automatically and displayed directly below the network name.

⚠️ Note: When you first turn on the app, the system may request permission to use geolocation. This is a standard Android requirement for network scanning to work correctly, so you must grant access.

Don't ignore the option of changing the default network name to a more recognizable one. This is especially important in crowded areas where multiple devices create a confusing mix of signals with similar names. A personalized name will help you quickly find your network in the list of available connections on your laptop.

Setting up security and password

Wireless connection security is critical, especially when you're in a public place. The default password provided by the system is often too difficult to remember, but replacing it with a simple set of numbers can allow attackers to access your data.

To change security settings, click on the name of your access point or select Setting up an access pointIn the window that opens, you will see a field Password, which is hidden by default. Click the eye icon to see the current code, or enter a new one, meeting the length requirements (at least 8 characters).

The system offers several types of encryption, but for maximum compatibility with all devices, it is recommended to leave the standard protocol. WPA2 PSKOlder encryption methods may not be supported by modern devices, and newer ones don't yet work reliably everywhere.

This directly impacts page loading speed and video call stability.

If you plan to change your password frequently, for example for commercial purposes or for temporary guest access, it's convenient to use the QR code feature. On the hotspot settings screen, Xiaomi Redmi 9 There is often a button for generating an image, which, by scanning, the guest will instantly connect without entering any characters.

Choosing a Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz

One of the key features of modern smartphones, including Redmi 9, is dual-band support. Choosing between them depends on your priorities: maximum speed or maximum coverage.

Range 2.4 GHz It's more common and has better penetration. This frequency's signal penetrates walls and ceilings better, making it ideal for distributing internet in large spaces or when the receiving device is located in another room.

In turn, the frequency 5 GHz Provides significantly higher data transfer speeds but has a shorter range. This range is less congested with neighboring routers, reducing interference and ping in online games, but the signal quickly fades when encountering obstacles.

To switch the range, go to the advanced settings of the access point and find the item AP rangeHere you can force the desired frequency selection or leave the automatic mode that the system MIUI selects by default.

⚠️ Note: Some older laptops and tablets may not support the 5 GHz network. If your device doesn't see the access point, try switching to 2.4 GHz.

Using the 5 GHz band also helps relieve congestion in apartment buildings, where 2.4 GHz channels are often overcrowded. This can significantly improve connection stability, even if the absolute speed of the mobile operator is slow.

Managing connected devices and limits

You can control who uses your data through the client management menu. In this section, you'll see a list of all devices currently connected to your access point, along with their IP addresses and the amount of data transferred.

Function Traffic limit Allows you to set a threshold after which internet tethering will automatically stop. This is a useful tool for those who don't have an unlimited plan and want to avoid unexpected charges or speed reductions from their carrier.

The restriction setting is performed through the menu Traffic limitation, where you can specify the volume in megabytes or gigabytes. There's also a function to reset statistics on a specific date of the month, which is convenient for tracking consumption within a billing period.

You can manually block unwanted devices from the list of connected devices. Simply click on the device name and select the "Block access" option. This action will immediately terminate the connection with the selected client, even if they know the correct password.

How to hide a device from the list?

Some users want to hide the fact that they're sharing data. To do this, they can disable the network name (SSID) visibility in the access point settings. However, this will only allow connections to those who know the exact name and enter it manually.

The system also allows you to set a maximum number of connected users. Typically, this limit ranges from 1 to 10 devices. Setting the limit to 3-4 devices helps conserve battery life and processor time for essential tasks.

Connection problems and their solutions

Despite the stability of work Xiaomi Redmi 9, users may encounter situations where the internet is not available or devices are unable to connect. Most often, the problem lies in a network stack failure or a full network settings cache.

First, try resetting your network settings. This will reset all Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile data settings to factory defaults without affecting your personal files and apps. Here's the path to this feature: Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth.

Another common cause is incompatible security protocols. If your laptop sees the network but displays "Unable to connect," try changing the encryption type in your access point settings from WPA3 to WPA2 or vice versa.

It's also worth paying attention to the power saving mode. Aggressive battery settings in MIUI may turn off Wi-Fi to save battery if the smartphone's screen is off. Add the "Access Point" app to the exceptions list or select "Unrestricted" mode.

Optimizing background operation

To ensure reliable hotspot operation even when the smartphone's screen is off, you need to configure power management correctly. The Android operating system strives to conserve battery life, so it can limit background processes, including the modem.

Go to battery settings and find the app Wi-Fi hotspot (or the system process responsible for tethering). Set the operating mode to "Unlimited." This will prevent the system from putting the communication module to sleep, which is especially important for long sessions.

Also, make sure that the "Keep hotspot on" option is enabled in the hotspot settings, if it's available in your firmware version. In some builds Xiaomi This option allows the network to work even if no one is connected to it at the moment.

⚠️ Note: Keeping the hotspot running in the background increases battery drain. It's recommended to keep your phone charged or use a power bank when using it for extended periods.

Using third-party apps to boost the signal or control the access point on Redmi 9 most often it is not necessary and even harmful. Built-in tools MIUI They are optimized for the device's hardware better than universal utilities from the Play Market.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if there is no SIM card on the phone?

No, you need an active SIM card with a data plan to share your mobile data. However, if your phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network, some models can rebroadcast this signal, but on stock Android and MIUI, this feature is often blocked by software without root access.

Why does my laptop see the network, but it says "No Internet access"?

Most likely, mobile data isn't enabled on your smartphone or your data plan has run out. Also, check if there's a time limit or a limit on connected devices in your hotspot settings.

Does Wi-Fi sharing affect the speed of games on the phone itself?

Yes, it does. The channel is shared between devices, and ping can increase. Furthermore, the processor and radio module experience increased load, which can lead to micro-freezes in demanding games.

What is the maximum number of devices that can be connected to Redmi 9?

Technically, the Wi-Fi module supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, but for comfortable operation and battery conservation, it is recommended to limit the number of clients to 3-4 devices.