The modern smartphone has long ceased to be just a means of communication, turning into a universal tool for work and entertainment. Model Redmi Note 8 Pro, issued by the company Xiaomi, remains popular thanks to its powerful processor and high-quality screen. Situations often arise when you urgently need to provide internet access to a laptop, tablet, or other gadget, but don't have a desktop router at hand.
In such cases, the mobile hotspot function becomes a real salvation. Internet Sharing allows you to use your data plan's mobile data to connect other devices via a wireless network. Although the shell interface MIUI While this feature may change with updates, the basic operating principle remains the same over the years.
In this article, we'll cover all the details of setting up, optimizing, and troubleshooting a hotspot. You'll learn how to choose the optimal frequency band, protect your network from intruders, and maximize battery life. Properly configuring the settings will allow you to use your smartphone as a fully functional device. mobile router without loss of connection quality.
Preparing the device and checking network settings
Before you activate the modem mode, you need to make sure that your Redmi Note 8 Pro Ready to use. First, check your SIM card balance and the available data plan. Many carriers limit or charge separately for tethering, so checking your contract terms in advance will help avoid any unpleasant billing surprises.
Make sure your device has an active SIM card installed and is receiving a signal. If you have two SIM cards, it's important to decide in advance which one will be used for data transfer. You can switch between them in the settings menu, which is especially important if one card is out of data and the other has an unlimited plan.
⚠️ Attention: Some carriers may block data sharing or charge additional fees for using your phone as a router. Check your carrier's app or personal account for the latest terms and conditions, as these may change without notice.
It's also worth checking the battery level. Access point mode significantly increases power consumption, as the radio module operates in a boosted mode for both receiving and transmitting signals. If the battery level is below 20%, it's recommended to connect the device to a charger before starting to share.
☑️ Pre-launch check
Step-by-step instructions for activating an access point
The process of enabling Wi-Fi distribution in the shell MIUI The feature is implemented quite conveniently and intuitively. There are two main ways to activate it: through the notification shade or through the deep settings menu. The first option is ideal for quick activation, while the second is for detailed configuration of network parameters.
For quick access, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the control center. Look for the icon labeled "Hot Spot" or "Wi-Fi Hotspot." If the icon isn't on the home screen, swipe left or tap the edit menu button to add it. Tapping the icon instantly activates tethering mode with the most recently used settings.
More complete control over network settings is available through the settings menu. You need to go to the section Settings, then select the item Access point and tetheringThis is where all the key switches and data entry fields are located. Click on the item Setting up a Wi-Fi hotspotto proceed to editing parameters.
In the window that opens, the following actions will be available to you:
- 📶 Change the network name (SSID) to any convenient one.
- 🔒 Set or change a password to secure your connection.
- 📡 Select frequency range (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
- 👁️ Network visibility switch to hide from prying eyes.
Setting up security and selecting a frequency range
One of the most important aspects of creating an access point is ensuring security. By default, Redmi Note 8 Pro encryption protocol is used WPA2-PSK, which is the security standard for most home and mobile networks. Leaving the network open (without a password) is not recommended, as this will allow anyone to connect to your internet.
Particular attention should be paid to choosing the frequency band. In the access point settings menu, you can choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz band provides greater range and compatibility with older devices, but has lower speeds and is susceptible to interference from microwave ovens and neighboring routers.
5GHz band supported Redmi Note 8 Pro, offers significantly higher data transfer speeds and less interference. However, this network has a shorter range and the signal penetrates walls less effectively. If you're sharing internet with a laptop located near a smartphone, choosing 5 GHz is the optimal solution for streaming videos or gaming.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz band | 5 GHz band |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Average (up to 150 Mbps) | High (up to 800+ Mbps) |
| Range of action | High | Low |
| Penetration ability | Good | Bad |
| Compatibility | All devices | Only modern gadgets |
Limiting the number of connected devices
The user limitation feature isn't just a way to save data, it's also an important security feature. If too many devices connect to your hotspot, internet speeds will drop for everyone, and your battery will drain. Redmi Note 8 Pro will start to discharge critically quickly due to the high load on the processor and radio module.
In the access point settings (Settings → Access point and tethering → Setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot) There's often a "Maximum number of connections" option. By setting the limit to, say, three devices, you ensure that even if someone discovers your password, a fourth device won't be able to connect to the network.
Additionally, a list of connected devices is usually available in this menu. It displays the MAC addresses and names of devices currently using your internet connection. You can manually block unwanted devices directly from this list, instantly disconnecting them.
It is recommended to set the connection limit depending on your needs:
- 💻 1-2 devices: for working with a laptop and a phone.
- 📺 3-4 devices: for a family or a small group of friends.
- 🚫 0 devices: if you need to temporarily disable all connections without turning off the access point itself.
What is MAC filtering?
This is a more advanced security method that allows connections only to specific, pre-known devices using their unique ID. In the default MIUI settings, this feature may be hidden or require the use of special apps.
Power consumption and battery optimization
Sharing Wi-Fi is one of the most energy-intensive processes for any smartphone. Redmi Note 8 Pro The 4500 mAh battery is good, but with active data usage, the battery can drain at a rate of 15-20% per hour. This is because the phone simultaneously receives a 4G/LTE signal and broadcasts it over Wi-Fi.
To minimize power consumption, we recommend reducing screen brightness to a minimum or turning off the display completely after connecting to clients. It's also a good idea to close background apps on your smartphone to prevent unnecessary tasks from hogging the processor. Enable power saving mode if this option doesn't automatically disable the hotspot.
⚠️ Attention: When used in hotspot mode for extended periods, the smartphone's body may become very hot. This is a normal physical reaction, but if the temperature becomes uncomfortable to hold, take a break or remove the protective case to improve heat dissipation.
If you plan on using internet access for a long time, such as while traveling or working in a cafe, it's best to keep your phone connected to a power bank or wall outlet. Constantly charging will compensate for the high discharge current and prevent the device from shutting down unexpectedly.
Troubleshooting connection issues and errors
Despite the stability of work MIUI, users may encounter situations where other devices don't see the network or can't connect to it. One common cause is incompatible security standards or errors in the network settings cache of the connecting device.
If your laptop says "Unable to connect to this network," try changing the encryption type on your smartphone (if available in the advanced settings) or simply changing the network name. This will force the client device to create a new connection profile with clear parameters, ignoring the old, incorrect data.
Another common issue is a lack of internet despite a successful Wi-Fi connection. This could mean the SIM card is out of money, the data limit has been reached, or the carrier has blocked data sharing. In the latter case, you may need to change a setting. TTL, although in the standard Android/Xiaomi settings this is rarely done and requires root rights or special applications.
Basic troubleshooting steps:
- 🔄 Restart the distributor smartphone and the client device.
- ✈️ Toggle Airplane Mode on and off to reset the radio.
- 📝 Delete the Wi-Fi network on the device you are connecting to and re-enter the password.
- 📶 Check if mobile internet is working on your phone (open the website in your browser).
Why isn't 5 GHz working on my old laptop?
If your laptop is more than 7-8 years old, its Wi-Fi adapter may not physically support the 802.11ac (5 GHz) standard. In this case, switching the access point to 2.4 GHz mode will help.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if the phone has a SIM card password?
Yes, you can. The PIN code request occurs when the operating system boots. Once the phone turns on and you enter the code, the network works normally, and Wi-Fi hotspot access becomes available without additional password entry.
What is the maximum number of devices that can be connected to Redmi Note 8 Pro?
Technically, the smartphone's chipset and Wi-Fi protocol allow for simultaneous connections of up to 10 devices. However, MIUI software often sets a default limit (usually 8 or 10) that can be adjusted. Keep in mind that connecting more than 3-4 active users will significantly reduce the speed on each device.
Does Wi-Fi sharing affect the speed of mobile internet on the phone itself?
Yes, it does. The connection is split between transmitting data for the phone's screen and streaming to external devices. If you start downloading a file on a connected laptop, pages in the phone's browser may load more slowly.
What should I do if the access point turns off by itself after 5 minutes?
In the access point settings (Setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot) Find the "Timeout" or "Auto-disconnect" option. If it's set to "5 minutes without connections," the network will turn off if no one is connected. Select "Never" or increase the timeout.