How to Share Wi-Fi from a Xiaomi Phone to Another Phone: 3 Working Methods

Sharing the Internet from one smartphone Xiaomi On the other hand, it's a useful feature when you don't have a router handy or need to urgently connect a second phone to the network. However, many users encounter problems: the hotspot won't turn on, the second phone won't connect, or the speed is too slow. In this article, we'll explore all the possible ways to share Wi-Fi between phones. Xiaomi, including hidden settings, bypassing operator restrictions and optimizing the connection.

Feature of smartphones Xiaomi (including models Redmi, POCO and flagship series) - in a branded shell MIUI, which sometimes blocks internet tethering due to power-saving policies or mobile operator restrictions. We'll show you how to bypass these restrictions without root access and also provide recommendations for choosing the optimal tethering mode (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) depending on your phone model.

If you've previously tried to turn on the hotspot but it didn't work, don't rush to blame the technology. In 80% of cases, the problem lies in incorrect settings or overlooked details. For example, On Xiaomi phones with MIUI 14+, the "Always share Wi-Fi" feature is disabled by default, causing the hotspot to automatically turn off after 5 minutes without any active connections.This and other pitfalls will be revealed below.

1. Method 1: Default access point in MIUI settings

The most obvious method is to use a built-in function modem modeIt works on all models. Xiaomi (from budget Redmi 9A to the flagships Xiaomi 14 Ultra), but it requires proper configuration. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Personal HotspotHere you will see three options for internet distribution:

• 📶 Wi-Fi hotspot — the main way to connect other phones;
• 🔌 USB modem - if you need to share the Internet on a PC (not suitable for a phone);
• 📡 Bluetooth modem — an alternative to Wi-Fi, but with lower speed.

Select Wi-Fi hotspot and configure the settings:

1. Click Setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot;
2. Ask network name (SSID) — it is better to use Latin without spaces;
3. Select security type — recommended WPA2-PSK;
4. Set a password (minimum 8 characters, with numbers and letters);
5. In the section Frequency range select 2.4 GHz (for better compatibility) or 5 GHz (for higher speed if both phones support it).

Mobile Internet is turned on and working.

The phone has enough charge (at least 30%)

The second phone is within a radius of 5-10 meters

VPN and power saving modes are disabled-->

After setting up, turn on the slider Wi-Fi hotspotIf it turns off immediately, proceed to the troubleshooting section.

2. Method 2: Sharing Wi-Fi via Bluetooth (to save battery)

If the standard access point does not work or drains the battery quickly, you can use Bluetooth modemThis method uses less energy, but the connection speed will be lower (up to 10 Mbps versus 50+ Mbps for Wi-Fi). It's suitable for messaging, but not for video streaming.

Instructions:

1. On the distributing phone: Settings → Connections and Sharing → Personal Hotspot → Bluetooth Tethering;
2. On the second phone: turn on Bluetooth and find the first phone in the list of available devices;
3. Connect to it and confirm pairing;
4. Return to Modem mode on the first phone and turn it on Bluetooth modem.

Please note: Some operators (eg. Megaphone or Beeline) may block internet access via Bluetooth. If the connection fails, check your data plan or use Wi-Fi.

Why is Bluetooth modem slower than Wi-Fi?

Bluetooth speed is limited by the protocol: even in version 5.0, the maximum throughput is about 2 MB/s (16 Mbps), while Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) provides up to 150 Mbps. Furthermore, Bluetooth uses a narrower frequency range, which increases latency (ping).

3. Method 3: Using third-party applications (if standard methods do not work)

If built-in functions Xiaomi If they refuse to share the internet, you can use third-party utilities. The best options are:

• 🔧 NetShare — bypasses operator restrictions, but requires root rights on some firmware;
• 🌐 PdaNet+ — works without root, but can be blocked by antivirus software;
• 📡 ClockworkMod Tether — supports distribution via USB/Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, but is difficult to set up.

Example of setup via PdaNet+:

1. Download the app from Google Play (or from the official website, if it is not available in the market);
2. Run and select Enable Wi-Fi Hotspot;
3. Follow the setup wizard instructions (the application will automatically detect the model) Xiaomi and will offer optimal parameters);
4. On the second phone, connect to the created network.

Standard Access Point|Bluetooth Tethering|Third-party Apps|USB Tethering (for PC)|I don't use it-->

Important: Third-party applications may require disabling MIUI Optimization in the developer settings. To do this:

1. Go to Settings → About phone → MIUI version (press 7 times to activate developer mode);
2. Return to Settings → Advanced → For developers;
3. Find Disable MIUI Optimization and activate it;
4. Restart your phone.

4. Table: Comparison of Wi-Fi sharing methods on Xiaomi

5. Solving common problems

If the hotspot does not turn on or the second phone does not connect, check the following:

⚠️ Attention: On phones Xiaomi With two SIM cards, internet tethering can only work with the primary SIM (slot 1). Replace the SIM card if the hotspot doesn't activate.

Problem 1: The access point turns on and then immediately turns off.

• 🔋 Check your battery charge - if the level is below 15%, the function may be blocked;
• 🔄 Restart your phone;
• 📱 Update MIUI to the latest version (older firmware versions have bugs with modem mode);
• 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → Connections and Sharing → Reset network settings.

Problem 2: The second phone connects, but the internet doesn't work.

• 🌐 Check your balance and plan — some operators block data sharing (for example, plans with unlimited phone-only traffic);
• 📵 Disable VPN or proxy on both phones;
• 🔄 Switch the network type on the first phone from 4G to 3G or vice versa;
• 📡 Change your Wi-Fi band from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz (or vice versa).

Problem 3: Low distribution speed.

• 📶 Check your mobile network signal strength - if it is weak, your speed will be low;
• 📱 Close background apps on both phones;
• 🔋 Connect the first phone to a charger - when the battery is low, MIUI limits performance;
• 🛠️ Change the Wi-Fi channel in the access point settings (for example, from automatic to channel 6 or 11).

6. Optimizing Wi-Fi Distribution: How to Increase Speed ​​and Stability

Even if your hotspot is working, it can be improved. Here are some tips for owners. Xiaomi:

1. Choosing the right range:

• 📶 2.4 GHz - passes through walls better, but is subject to interference from other networks;
• 📶 5 GHz - higher speed and less interference, but worse coverage.

On phones with Qualcomm Snapdragon (For example, POCO F5 or Xiaomi 12T) 5 GHz works more stably than on models with MediaTek (For example, Redmi Note 11).

2. Setting up a Wi-Fi channel:

By default MIUI Selects a channel automatically, but this isn't always optimal. To change the channel:

1. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Tethering & Hotspot → Set up a Wi-Fi hotspot;
2. Click Additionally (or Advanced settings);
3. Select a channel manually (1, 6 or 11 are recommended for 2.4 GHz).

3. Disabling energy saving:

MIUI aggressively optimizes background processes, which can interrupt Wi-Fi access. To avoid this:

1. Open Settings → Battery & performance → Battery management;
2. Find the app Settings (or Modem mode) and set it for it No restrictions;
3. Turn it off Adaptive battery And MIUI Optimization in the developer settings.

7. Alternative options: when sharing from a phone isn't suitable

If Wi-Fi distribution with Xiaomi unstable or impossible, consider alternatives:

• 📡 Portable 4G router (For example, Xiaomi Mi Router 4G) - more stable connection and lower battery consumption of the phone;
• 🔄 USB modem with OTG support - if you have a cable USB-C → USB-C, you can connect a second phone directly (but this does not work on all models);
• 📶 Sharing Internet access via QR code - some operators (for example, Tele2) allow you to temporarily share traffic without distributing Wi-Fi.

If you often distribute the Internet, it makes sense to purchase Power bank with Wi-Fi hotspot (For example, ZMI PowerPack 20000). It charges yours at the same time. Xiaomi and distributes Internet from the built-in SIM card.

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

Yes, but there are some nuances:

- iPhone may not connect to access points with WPA3 encryption (use WPA2);

- Some iPhone models (e.g. iPhone 12+) do not support the 5GHz band from Android phones;

- If the Internet doesn't work, check your Xiaomi APN settings (they must match your operator's requirements).

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

Can I share Wi-Fi with my Xiaomi if I have an unlimited data plan?

Depends on the operator. For example, MTS And Beeline Data distribution is often blocked on "unlimited" plans, limiting it to 10-20 GB per month. Tele2 And Yota Unlimited seeding is usually allowed. Check your plan's terms in your personal account.

Why does the second phone connect to the hotspot, but the internet doesn't work?

There are several reasons:

1. The operator is blocking the distribution (check the SMS with the blocking notification);
2. The first phone has VPN or proxy enabled;
3. Incorrect APN settings (check in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Access point names (APNs));
4. Too many devices connected (MIUI limit is up to 8 devices).

How to share Wi-Fi from a Xiaomi to a laptop and phone simultaneously?

The standard MIUI hotspot supports up to 8 devices simultaneously. To connect both your laptop and phone:

1. Turn on hotspot on Xiaomi;
2. Connect your laptop via Wi-Fi;
3. Connect the second phone either via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modem (if Wi-Fi is overloaded).

If your speed is dropping, limit background downloads on your laptop (for example, disable Windows updates).

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

Technically yes, but it's not secure. To remove the password:

1. Go to Wi-Fi hotspot settings;
2. Select Security Type → Open Network;
3. Save the settings.

⚠️ Warning: In this case, anyone within a 50-meter radius will be able to connect to your network and use your traffic. Furthermore, some operators block data sharing without a password.

How much traffic is used when distributing Wi-Fi from a phone?

Traffic consumption depends on the actions on the second phone:

• 📱 Social networks (VKontakte, Telegram): ~50-100 MB/hour;
• 🎵 Music (Spotify, YouTube Music): ~70-150 MB/hour;
• 🎬 720p video (YouTube, TikTok): ~500-700 MB/hour;
• 🎮 Online games: ~100-300 MB/hour.

To control your usage, use the built-in traffic counter in MIUI: Settings → Connections and Sharing → Data Usage.