In today's world, internet access is a critical resource, and situations often arise when a desktop router is unavailable but Wi-Fi is needed for a laptop or tablet. Xiaomi smartphone owners often wonder how to share Wi-Fi from their Redmi 8 phone to ensure a reliable connection for other devices. Despite its age, this model remains popular due to its affordable price and functionality, allowing it to be used as a full-fledged mobile router.
The process of activating the modem mode in the MIUI shell, which is installed on Redmi 8, may differ slightly from standard Android, which can sometimes cause confusion for users. We'll cover all the nuances of setup, from basic settings to advanced energy optimization and security methods. Understanding these processes will allow you to not only quickly connect to the network but also protect your data from unauthorized access.
Using a smartphone as a hotspot isn't just a matter of turning on a single button; it's a complex setup that requires attention to detail. In this article, we'll cover in detail which settings should be changed for stable operation, how to choose the right frequency, and what to do if devices can't see each other. Proper setup will help avoid overheating and rapid battery discharge.
Preparing the device and checking network settings
Before you activate the hotspot, you need to make sure that your Redmi 8 Ready to transfer data. The first step is to check for an active internet connection via your carrier's mobile network. Without a stable 4G or LTE signal, internet tethering will be impossible or extremely slow, rendering all efforts useless.
It's also important to check your battery level, as tethering significantly increases power consumption. If the battery level is below 30%, it's recommended to connect the device to a power source before starting setup. The MIUI interface includes helpful indicators to help you monitor the system status.
- πΆ Make sure you have a SIM card with an active data plan inserted and your mobile internet is turned on.
- π Check the battery level and connect the charger if necessary.
- π‘ Make sure your area has a 4G/LTE signal for maximum data speed.
It's also worth checking whether data saving mode is enabled, as this could block background apps or limit data transfer speeds. You can find a "Data Saver" toggle in the SIM card and mobile network settings; it's best to temporarily disable this while you're working on it.
β οΈ Note: The MIUI interface is updated periodically, and the location of some menu items may change slightly. If you can't find the desired option, use the settings search by entering a keyword.
Activating the hotspot via the settings menu
The most reliable way to set up Wi-Fi hotspot is to use the full system settings menu. To do this, open the Settings app from the home screen or notification shade. Locate the section, which, depending on your firmware version, may be called "Wi-Fi Hotspot" or "Connection and Sharing."
Within this menu, you'll see a switch labeled "Wi-Fi Hotspot." Before turning it on, tap the section title to access the advanced settings. This is where the process happens. key setting Security and network name. By default, the system may suggest a standard name containing the phone model, but it's best to change it to something unique.
Be sure to set a strong password using a combination of letters and numbers. Standard security protocol WPA2 PSK is the optimal choice for most use cases. Don't leave your network open, as this will allow outsiders to use your traffic.
βοΈ Pre-launch check
Once all the settings are set, you can activate the power slider. Your smartphone's screen may turn off to save power, but sharing will continue. Now other devices can search for your network by the specified name and connect by entering the set password.
Setting up a network name and security settings
The security of your personal network is the number one priority when setting up Redmi 8In the access point menu, select "Access point settings." Here you can change the SSID (network name) to any name you like, making it easier to see in the list of available connections.
Pay special attention to the "Password" field. The system requires a minimum of 8 characters, but for true security, more complex combinations are recommended. Avoid simple sequences like "12345678" or dates of birth, as they are easy to guess.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SSID (Name) | Unique word | Makes it easy to find your network among others |
| Protocol | WPA2-Personal | An encryption standard that ensures data protection |
| Range | 2.4 GHz | Provides better compatibility with older devices |
| Hidden network | No | Simplifies connection, but reduces privacy |
In the same menu, you can find the "Hidden Network" option. If enabled, your device will not broadcast the network name, and you can only connect by manually entering the SSID. This creates an additional layer of security. confidentiality, but it is inconvenient for continuous use.
What is WPA3 and should I enable it?
WPA3 is the latest Wi-Fi security standard. On the Redmi 8, it may be unavailable or unstable with older clients. It's recommended to stay with WPA2 for maximum compatibility.
Using the Quick Menu and Widgets
For those who need to quickly share their internet connection, there's an easier way via the control panel. Swipe down from the top of your device to open the notification shade and find the "Hot Spot" icon. It's usually located on the second or third page of the quick access panel.
If the icon isn't visible, click the edit button (often marked with a pencil or three dots) and drag the hotspot icon to the active panel. This will allow you to activate the mode in one click without having to delve into the settings menu.
However, this method doesn't allow you to change the password or network name on the fly. It only enables or disables a previously configured configuration. Initial setup still requires accessing the full settings menu.
- π Swipe down from top to open Control Center.
- π Find the "Access Point" icon (often looks like a boomerang or antenna).
- βοΈ Press and hold the icon to quickly access the settings menu.
β οΈ Important: When activating via the quick menu, always check that the previously set limit of connected devices or traffic has not expired to avoid unexpected disconnections.
Optimizing frequency range and compatibility
Redmi 8 Supports multiple frequency bands, which impacts signal speed and range. In the access point settings, you can select the frequency range: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. The choice depends on which devices you plan to connect.
The 2.4 GHz band is more versatile and powerful. It provides better coverage and compatibility with older laptops and tablets that may not support modern standards. Speeds are lower here, but stability is higher.
The 5 GHz band offers significantly higher data transfer rates, making it ideal for watching high-definition video or online gaming. However, its range is shorter and it has poorer penetration through walls.
Changing this setting requires rebooting the access point. After changing the band, all connected devices will lose connection and will need to reconnect. This is an important point that users should be aware of.
Managing connected devices and limits
You can control who's connected to your network through the "Connected Devices" menu. This displays a list of all devices currently consuming your data. You can see their MAC addresses and the amount of data transferred.
The system allows you to limit the number of connected users. The default value is 10, but to conserve battery life and speed, it's best to reduce it to 3-5 devices. This will prevent overloading the channel and the smartphone itself.
MIUI also features a "Data Limit" feature. You can set a maximum data limit, after which the hotspot will automatically turn off. This prevents you from accidentally using up expensive data plan data.
- π± View a list of active connections in real time.
- π« Ability to block specific devices by MAC address.
- β³ Set the auto-off timer to save energy.
Solving common connection problems
Sometimes users encounter a situation where their phone has a signal, but the internet on the connected device isn't working. Most often, the problem lies with the mobile operator's APN settings. Check if the mobile internet is active on the phone itself by opening any page in the browser.
Another common cause is an IP address conflict or DNS errors. Try rebooting the Wi-Fi module on the receiving device or forgetting the network and reconnecting. In rare cases, a complete network reset can help. Redmi 8.
If the problem persists, check whether your antivirus or built-in firewall is blocking the connection. It's also worth making sure your SIM card hasn't reached its maximum GB limit, as your carrier may block data sharing or reduce speeds to a minimum.
Why does my phone drain quickly when I share it?
Hotspot mode uses the radio module at full power, which results in high power consumption. The screen may also consume power if not turned off. It is recommended to reduce brightness and close background apps.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if the phone is connected to Wi-Fi?
Most devices, including the Redmi 8, can't simultaneously receive and broadcast Wi-Fi. However, some newer versions of MIUI allow you to broadcast Wi-Fi data, but this is unstable and depends on the specific software version.
How to increase the signal range?
It's physically impossible to increase a smartphone's antenna power using software. However, you can improve reception by removing a thick case, elevating the phone, or placing it near a window. Using the 2.4 GHz band also helps cover a larger area.