The situation when a laptop or tablet urgently needs network access, but the usual router is unavailable, is familiar to many. Smartphone owners Xiaomi, Redmi And Poco can turn their device into a fully-fledged wireless router in seconds. This feature, known as Wi-Fi hotspot, allows you to share mobile Internet with other gadgets without using wires.
Unlike simple quick access buttons, the system MIUI and its new shell HyperOS Offers comprehensive sharing settings. You can adjust the frequency range, hide the network name for security, and limit the number of connected devices. Understanding these nuances will not only ensure a stable connection but also save battery life.
In this guide, we'll walk you through all the steps to activate tethering mode, explore hidden menu options, and answer frequently asked questions. Regardless of your smartphone model, the steps are virtually identical, although the layout of some options may vary slightly depending on your operating system version.
Basic hotspot activation via the notification shade
The fastest way to start sharing your internet is to use the control panel. To do this, simply unlock your smartphone and swipe down from the top of the display. In the menu that appears, find the item labeled "Access Point" or "Wi-Fi Hotspot."
If you don't see the icon you need on the first screen, click the edit button (usually a pencil or gear) and drag the icon to the active area. Once activated, the icon will turn blue and a hotspot symbol will appear in the status bar. This means Wi-Fi module switched to signal broadcast mode.
⚠️ Caution: When you enable the hotspot from the home screen, the default settings are used. If you haven't previously changed the password or network name, they may be default or empty, creating a risk of unauthorized connections.
For initial setup, it's best to go to the full menu. Press and hold the access point icon in the notification area for about two seconds. This will automatically take you to the settings section, where you can change security settings. This ensures that no one else can connect to your network.
Detailed settings in the MIUI and HyperOS menu
Advanced customization allows you to tailor the access point's operation to specific needs. Go to the section Settings → Wi-Fi HotspotThis gives you access to advanced options that are not available with quick activation. First, pay attention to the network name (SSID).
By default, the system suggests the name of the phone model, for example, Redmi Note 12It's recommended to change it to a unique value so you can easily find your network in the list of available connections in public places. This is also where you set the password, which should be complex enough to prevent brute-force attacks.
The frequency band selection deserves special attention. Under "AP Band," you can choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The first option provides greater range and compatibility with older devices, but has lower speeds. The second option (5 GHz) provides high data transfer speed, but the signal range will be smaller.
☑️ Check security settings
New versions of the shell now feature the ability to hide the SSID. If you enable the "Hide Device" feature, your phone will not be visible in the general list of networks. To connect, you'll need to manually enter the network name on the receiving device, significantly increasing data security.
Using a USB modem and Bluetooth panel
It's not always convenient to use a wireless connection, especially when stability is important or you want to save your smartphone's battery. In such cases Xiaomi offers alternative methods of internet sharing: via USB cable and Bluetooth. These methods are often ignored by users, although they can be extremely useful.
A USB modem provides the most stable connection with minimal latency (ping). This is ideal for online gaming or video conferencing on a laptop when the Wi-Fi signal is weak. Furthermore, this connection simultaneously charges your phone from your computer, eliminating the problem of battery drain.
To activate, connect your smartphone to your PC with a cable, then go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → USB TetheringThe computer recognizes the device as a new network card. Drivers are usually installed automatically in modern operating systems. Windows 10/11 And macOS.
⚠️ Note: When using a USB modem on some corporate computers, the connection may be blocked by security policies. In this case, the system will notify you that your administrator rights have been restricted.
A Bluetooth panel is less commonly used due to its low data transfer speed, but it consumes minimal power. This method is suitable for sharing the internet with devices that don't support Wi-Fi or older laptops. The speed will be limited by the Bluetooth protocol, so watching high-definition video will be impossible.
Managing connected devices and limits
Controlling who uses your data is a critical aspect of security. In the access point menu Xiaomi There's a "Connected Devices" section. This displays a list of all devices currently using your internet connection, along with their MAC addresses.
You can block an unknown device at any time by simply tapping it and selecting the appropriate option. This will immediately disconnect the intruder. It's also recommended to limit the number of connections to avoid overloading your bandwidth.
Another useful feature is the hotspot timer. You can set it to automatically turn off the hotspot if no one is connected for a certain amount of time (for example, 5 or 10 minutes). This prevents unnecessary battery drain if you forget to turn off tethering.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency range | Choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz | 5GHz for speed, 2.4GHz for range |
| Maximum users | Limit of connected devices | Install 3-5 devices |
| Sleep timer | Auto power off when idle | 10 minutes to save energy |
| Security protocol | Data encryption type | WPA3-Personal only |
What is MAC filtering?
This feature allows connections only to pre-defined devices based on their unique physical address. Even with the password, an outsider won't be able to connect unless their MAC address is whitelisted.
Connection problems and solutions
Despite the well-functioning system AndroidUsers may encounter situations where their laptop sees the network but doesn't connect, or the internet doesn't work. Often, the cause lies in incompatible security protocols. If the laptop has an older network card, it may not support a modern standard. WPA3.
In this case, you need to go back to the access point settings and change the security type to WPA2-PersonalThis is the most universal standard, supported by virtually every device with a Wi-Fi module for the last 15 years. Also, check if background apps are restricted from transferring data.
Another common issue is a lack of internet access while connected. This could mean the SIM card is out of gigabytes or the carrier's daily data limit has been reached. Many plans limit the amount of data that can be shared with other devices.
⚠️ Note: Carriers may automatically reduce speeds or block data transfers if they detect signs of tethering. Check your plan's terms in your carrier's app.
If the problem persists, try resetting your network settings. Go to Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and BluetoothThis action will delete saved passwords and configurations, but often resolves software conflicts that are preventing the access point from working.
The Impact of Wi-Fi Sharing on Battery Charge and Heating
Hotspot mode is one of the most power-hungry processes on a smartphone. Constantly transmitting data to the radio module quickly drains the battery and heats up the device. This is especially noticeable when using the 5 GHz band and connecting multiple devices.
The processor and modem operate under high load, which can cause throttling (decreased performance) and discomfort when using the phone. For long internet sharing sessions, it is strongly recommended to keep the smartphone charged or connected to a power bank.
Temperature conditions also affect the stability of the connection. If the system overheats significantly, MIUI The access point may be forced to shut down to protect its components. Avoid covering the phone with a blanket or pillow while sharing to ensure proper heat dissipation.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that smartphones Xiaomi provide a powerful and flexible tool for organizing a mobile network. Properly configuring security settings and understanding the technical limitations will help you use this feature effectively in any situation.
Why does the access point turn off by itself after a while?
This could be due to the idle timer settings, which are activated to save power. It could also be caused by the device overheating or the carrier automatically disabling mobile data when data usage limits are exceeded.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if your phone doesn't have a SIM card?
No, to share your internet over a mobile network, you must have an active SIM card with a data plan and coverage. However, you can set up Wi-Fi repeater functionality if your phone is connected to one Wi-Fi network and shares internet with another, but this feature is not supported by all models.
How do I know who is connected to my hotspot?
Go to the access point menu and select "Connected devices." A list of all devices with their names and MAC addresses will be displayed. You can click on any device to block its access to the network.
Does Wi-Fi sharing affect the speed of mobile internet on the phone itself?
Yes, speed may decrease as bandwidth is divided between the phone and connected devices. Additionally, ping (latency) increases, which can be noticeable during online games or video calls.