How to Share Wi-Fi from a Redmi Phone to a Tablet: 3 Methods + Troubleshooting

Sharing Internet from a phone Xiaomi Redmi Setting up a hotspot on a tablet is a common problem for users traveling, at their summer cottage, or without a fixed router. Despite its apparent simplicity, the process can be complicated by operator settings, data plan restrictions, or technical nuances of a specific smartphone model. In this article, we'll explore not only the standard method for creating a hotspot but also alternative methods (via Bluetooth and USB), as well as common mistakes that interfere with stable distribution.

Feature of smartphones Redmi - branded shell MIUI, which periodically updates the settings menu. If you don't find the items described, check the firmware version in Settings → About phone → MIUI version. Also note that some operators (e.g. Tele2 or Iota) block internet sharing on certain plans—we'll talk about this in the section on errors.

Before you begin, make sure that:

• 📶 The phone has mobile Internet (3G/4G/5G) with sufficient traffic.
• 🔋 Battery level above 30% — Wi-Fi distribution actively consumes energy.
• 📱 The tablet supports connecting to access points (check in Wi-Fi settings).

1. Standard method: Wi-Fi hotspot on Redmi

This is the most universal method that works on all models. Redmi — from Redmi Note 8 to Redmi 13 ProThe instruction is valid for MIUI 14/15, but is also suitable for older versions with minor changes in the menu.

To turn on the hotspot:

1. Open Settings (gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Access Point and Modem.
3. Select Wi-Fi hotspot.
4. Activate the switch at the top of the screen.
5. Click Setting up an access pointto change the network name (SSID), password or channel.

By default the network will be called Xiaomi_XXXX (where XXXX are the last digits of the phone's IMEI), and the password is an 8-character combination. We recommend changing the network nameto make it easier to find in the list of available connections on the tablet. For example, specify Redmi_MyHotspot.

Important: If your phone's internet connection is lost after activating the hotspot, check your APN (access point name) settings. Sometimes you need to manually enter the settings, for example, MTS or Beeline. Path: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Access point names (APNs).

2. Alternative methods of Internet distribution

Wi-Fi isn't your only option. If you're having connection issues or need to save battery life, consider two other methods.

2.1. Sharing via Bluetooth

This method is slower than Wi-Fi (speeds up to 10 Mbps versus 50+ Mbps for Wi-Fi 5), but uses less power. It's suitable for text messaging or web browsing.

Instructions:

1. On the phone: Settings → Devices and Connections → Bluetooth → turn on Bluetooth.
2. On your tablet: Turn on Bluetooth and look for your device's name. Redmi in the list of available devices. Confirm pairing.
3. On the phone: go back to Access point and modem → select Bluetooth modem.

Once connected, a notification about a new network connection will appear on the tablet. Disadvantage of the method: some applications (eg YouTube or online games) may block Bluetooth traffic.

2.2. Sharing via USB cable

The most stable method, but requires a cable USB-C/USB-A (or an adapter for tablets with Type-C). The speed is comparable to Wi-Fi, and does not drain your phone's battery.

How to connect:

• 🔌 Connect your phone and tablet with a cable.
• 📱 On the phone in the section Access point and modem select USB modem.
• 🖥️ A new connection should appear in the network settings on your tablet (usually with the name USB Ethernet).

On some tablets (eg. Samsung Tab S8) for the USB modem you need to enable developer mode and allow USB debugging. If the Internet does not appear, check whether your tablet supports the function USB-ethernet (look for information in the model specifications).

Why doesn't USB modem work on some tablets?

Not all tablets support RNDIS (a protocol for USB modem). For example, low-end models with MediaTek processors may require additional drivers. In this case, only Wi-Fi or Bluetooth are available.

3. Access Point Optimization: How to Boost Signal Strength and Speed

If your phone's Wi-Fi is slow or constantly drops, the problem could be with channel settings, network congestion, or carrier restrictions. Here's how to improve your connection:

3.1. Selecting a Wi-Fi channel

By default Redmi selects a channel automatically, but in urban areas this often leads to interference. We recommend manually setting the channel in the range 5 GHz (if the tablet supports it) or a less busy channel 2.4 GHz (for example, 1, 6 or 11).

How to change the channel:

1. In the access point settings, click Setting up an access point.
2. Select Frequency range (if there is an option).
3. In the section Channel Please specify the value manually.

3.2. Limiting connected devices

The more gadgets are connected to the access point, the slower the speed. MIUI You can limit the number of devices:

• 📱 In the access point settings, find the item Max. number of connected devices.
• 🔢 Set the value 1 (if you distribute only to a tablet) or 2-3 (if you need to connect another laptop).

Also, check if background apps on your phone are using up your data. For example, MIUI By default, it updates the weather and news. Disable automatic updates in Settings → Applications → Autostart management.

4. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even after proper configuration, your access point may not work. Let's look at the most common issues and how to fix them.

Special case: If an exclamation point appears next to the network name after connecting your tablet to a hotspot, it means the device has received an IP address but is unable to access the internet. Most often, restarting the phone or changing the protocol resolves the issue. IPv4/IPv6 in the access point settings.

5. Security: How to protect your access point from hacking

An open hotspot on your phone is a juicy target for hackers. They can not only siphon your traffic but also intercept data (such as social media passwords). Follow these rules:

• 🔒 Use a complex password (at least 12 characters with numbers and letters). Avoid standard combinations like 12345678.
• 🔄 Change your password regularly (every 1-2 months).
• 📵 Turn off the access point when it is not needed.
• 👤 In the access point settings, activate the option Hide network (then it will not be visible in the general list, but the tablet will connect using the saved data).

If you distribute the Internet in a public place (cafe, airport), never use open network without a password. For additional protection, install a VPN on your tablet (for example, ProtonVPN or Windscribe) to encrypt traffic.

6. Specifics for different Redmi models

Despite the general logic MIUI, some models Redmi have unique nuances when distributing internet. We've compiled the key features for popular models.

6.1. Redmi Note 10/11/12 series

These models support Wi-Fi 6, but by default the access point operates in mode 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5). To enable Wi-Fi 6:

1. In the access point settings, select Frequency range → 5 GHz.
2. Activate the option Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), if available.

These models also have a function Smart access point, which automatically turns off distribution when there are no connected devices (saving battery).

6.2. Redmi 9/9A/9C

Budget models have weak Wi-Fi modules, so lag may be experienced when sharing the internet. Recommendations:

• Use range 2.4 GHz (5 GHz is unstable on these models).
• Limit your speed to 10 Mbps in the access point settings to reduce the number of interruptions.

6.3. Redmi K50/K60 series

Flagship models support Wi-Fi 6E and can distribute internet at speeds of up to 1 Gbps (when connected via USB). For maximum performance:

• Turn on the mode USB 3.0 in the developer settings.
• Use the original cable Xiaomi (cheap analogues limit speed).

⚠️ Attention: On models Redmi with a processor MediaTek (For example, Redmi Note 10T) support may be missing Wi-Fi 6 Despite the official specifications, check the actual capabilities in the access point's settings menu.

7. Saving traffic and battery when sharing

Sharing your phone's internet connection is resource-intensive. Here's how to reduce data and energy consumption:

• 📉 In the access point settings, set the traffic limit (item Data limit).
• ⚡ Disable background activity of apps on your phone: Settings → Battery → Battery optimization.
• 🔋 Use the mode Energy saving, but add the app Settings in exceptions.
• 🌐 On your tablet, disable automatic app updates and mobile network backups.

If you're sharing internet for a long time (for example, at your dacha), connect your phone to a charger. Important: Use the original power adapter—cheap chargers may not be able to handle the load, and the phone will discharge even when connected to the network.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi sharing with Redmi

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from a Redmi phone if it doesn't have a SIM card?

No, you need an active SIM card with a supporting plan to share your mobile data. However, you can share your phone's data while connected via Wi-Fi (for example, if Redmi connected to the router). To do this, select the source in the access point settings Wi-Fi instead of Mobile data.

My tablet connects to the hotspot, but the internet isn't working. What should I do?

Try the following steps:

1. Restart both devices.
2. Check your phone balance and plan (you may have run out of data).
3. In the access point settings, change the protocol from IPv4/IPv6 on IPv4.
4. Disable VPN or proxy on your tablet.

If nothing helps, contact your operator—it's possible that data sharing is blocked on your plan.

How to share internet from a Redmi to a tablet and laptop simultaneously?

Technically Redmi Supports connections for up to 10 devices, but the speed will be split between them. To minimize losses:

• Use range 5 GHz (it is less susceptible to interference).
• Limit the number of devices to 2-3.
• Disable automatic software updates on connected gadgets.

Why does my phone get so hot when using Wi-Fi?

Heating is normal, as both the modem and Wi-Fi module are in use. However, if the temperature exceeds 45°C:

• Remove the case from your phone.
• Place your phone on a flat surface (not on soft surfaces).
• Reduce screen brightness.
• Disable unnecessary background apps.

If your phone overheats even under light load, check it for viruses or contact a service center.

Is it possible to share internet from a Redmi tablet without a password?

Technically yes, but it's extremely insecure. If you need an open connection (for example, for a public event), at least:

• Limit the operating time of the access point (in the settings Auto power off).
• Use VPN on your tablet.
• Disable access to your phone's local files in the sharing settings.