Smartphones of the series Redmi 4 from the company Xiaomi They have earned a reputation as "people's" devices thanks to their excellent price-to-quality ratio. Although released several years ago, this model is still actively used by millions of users worldwide as a primary or backup device. One of the most sought-after features in modern gadgets is the ability to turn a phone into a full-fledged mobile router, allowing you to provide internet access to laptops, tablets, and other devices anywhere.
The process of activating the modem mode on MIUI (Xiaomi's Android shell) has its own peculiarities that may not be obvious to beginners. Unlike the standard Android, there are additional security and power saving settings that require attention. Properly configuring these settings will help prevent rapid battery drain and ensure a stable connection for your devices.
In this article, we'll cover all the intricacies of setting up an access point, traffic management methods, and troubleshooting common connection errors. You'll learn how to change default network settings to improve security and what hidden features are hidden in your smartphone's engineering settings menu. A thorough understanding of these processes will allow you to use mobile Internet as efficiently as possible.
Basic activation of the access point via the curtain and settings
The fastest way to enable Internet sharing on Xiaomi Redmi 4 — This is using the quick access panel. To do this, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade. In the list of icons, find the item labeled "Hot Spot" or "Wi-Fi Hotspot." If you don't see this icon right away, you may need to tap the edit button (usually a pencil) and drag the desired widget to the active panel.
A more detailed path to settings is through the main system menu. You should go to the section Settings, then select "Advanced Features," and then tap "Wi-Fi Hotspot." This is where all the key switches for managing the network are located. Activating the slider at the top of the screen initiates the wireless network creation process.
⚠️ Note: When you turn on the access point, the system will automatically disable the Wi-Fi receiver if it was active, since the smartphone antenna cannot simultaneously receive and transmit a signal on the same frequency in standard mode.
Once the mode is enabled, the phone will start broadcasting SSID (network name), which by default contains the device model. Other devices will be able to find your network in the list of available connections. For initial pairing, simply select the network on the client device and enter the password, either the default one or one you've previously set.
Setting up a network name and security password
The security of your personal network is your number one priority, especially when you're in a public place. The default network name often contains technical information that could be useful to attackers to identify your router or phone model. It's recommended to change it. SSID something unique, but not containing your personal information, such as your last name or apartment number.
To change the settings, go to the access point settings menu and select "Access point settings." Here, in the "Network name (SSID)" field, enter the desired name. Below that is the password field. MIUI uses encryption protocol by default WPA2 PSK, which is the optimal choice for balancing compatibility with older devices and the level of data protection.
- 🔒 Use a password of at least 8 characters, combining letters and numbers.
- 📡 Avoid special characters in the network name if you plan to connect very old devices.
- 👁️ Hide the SSID if you want the network to be visible only to those who know its exact name.
It's important to update your access password regularly, especially if you suspect unauthorized people may have connected to your network. In the access point management menu on Redmi 4 There is a function for viewing a list of connected devices, which allows you to control who exactly is using your traffic in real time.
Frequency range control and hidden settings
One of the key features of setting up an access point on Xiaomi is the ability to select a frequency range. In the "Access Point Settings" menu, you can find the "Frequency Range" option. By default, the device can operate in 2.4 GHz, which provides greater coverage but lower data transfer speeds. Switching to 5 GHz (if your smartphone allows it) will significantly increase the speed, but will reduce the signal range.
Choosing the right frequency is critical in apartment buildings, where the airwaves are clogged with signals from neighboring routers. If you notice slow speeds or constant connection drops, try changing the band. However, it's worth remembering that many older laptops and budget tablets may simply not be able to detect a 5 GHz network.
⚠️ Note: The menu interface may differ depending on your MIUI version. If you don't see the frequency switch, your MIUI version may not support this feature, even if your Redmi 4 has dual-band Wi-Fi.
For advanced users, there is the option of deeper customization through the engineering menu or ADB commands, but this requires caution. Standard system tools Xiaomi offers a flexible enough toolkit for most use cases. Choosing the right data transmission channel will help avoid interference and ensure stable operation. ping in online games.
What is signal interference?
Interference is the overlap of radio waves from different sources (neighbors' routers, microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices), which leads to signal distortion and a drop in internet speed. Switching to a less congested channel or the 5 GHz frequency helps solve this problem.
Control of connected devices and traffic limits
Functional MIUI Allows you not only to share your internet but also to strictly control this process. The access point menu includes a "Connected Devices" section, which displays a list of all devices using your data. You can block an unknown device at any time by simply clicking on its name and selecting the appropriate menu item.
Another useful feature is setting a data limit. This is especially important if you don't have an unlimited data plan. You can set a data cap, after which tethering will automatically be disabled. This will protect you from unexpected charges from your mobile operator.
| Control parameter | Function Description | Recommended value |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic limit | Automatic shutdown when the threshold is reached | According to the tariff plan |
| Sleep timer | Turning off the access point after a specified time | 10-30 minutes |
| Max. number of devices | Limiting the number of simultaneous connections | 3-5 devices |
A "Timer" feature is also available, allowing you to configure the hotspot to automatically turn off if no one is connected to it for a long time. This helps conserve battery power, which is a key resource when using modem mode. Configuring these settings makes using your smartphone as a router more predictable and secure.
☑️ Network security check
Problems with energy saving and stability
Hotspot mode is one of the most power-hungry processes on a smartphone. Active data transfer by the radio module quickly drains the battery. Redmi 4. System MIUI It is equipped with aggressive power-saving algorithms that can automatically turn off the hotspot if the smartphone screen goes dark or if the system decides that the connection is not actively being used.
To avoid unexpected connection interruptions, it's important to properly configure your sleep settings. Go to battery settings and find the app responsible for your hotspot (often a system service). Set the operating mode to "Unlimited" or add it to the list of exceptions to be cleared from memory. This will prevent the hotspot from being terminated.
- 🔋 Disable Energy Saving mode while actively sharing your internet connection.
- 📱 Increase the time before the screen goes to sleep in Display settings.
- 🌡️ Monitor the case temperature, as heating can lead to throttling and reduced speed.
If your phone gets very hot, we recommend removing the protective case to improve heat dissipation. Extended use of the modem at high temperatures can negatively impact the battery life and internal components of the device. In such cases, it's best to use an external power source or connect your smartphone to a computer via USB.
Alternative distribution methods: USB and Bluetooth
In addition to classic Wi-Fi, Xiaomi Redmi 4 Supports internet tethering via USB cable and Bluetooth. USB modem is often the preferred option for connecting to a desktop computer, as it provides a more stable connection and simultaneously charges the phone. To activate this mode, connect the cable and select "USB modem" in the USB connection menu.
Bluetooth modem is less commonly used due to its low data transfer speed, but it can be useful in emergency situations when the Wi-Fi module on the receiving device is faulty, or to conserve phone battery life, as Bluetooth consumes less power. It can be enabled through the "Connection Modes" menu in the Bluetooth settings.
⚠️ Note: For the USB modem to work on your computer, you may need drivers that are usually installed automatically in Windows 10/11, but may not be present in older versions of the OS or Linux distributions.
Each method has its advantages: Wi-Fi is convenient for multiple connections, USB provides speed and battery life, and Bluetooth offers maximum energy efficiency. The choice of a specific method depends on your current needs and the equipment available. By combining these methods, you can get internet access in almost any situation.
Why is a USB modem faster than Wi-Fi?
When connected via cable, the signal is not subject to interference from other wireless devices and walls, and the throughput of the USB port is significantly higher than that of a wireless module in poor signal conditions.
Why doesn't the phone distribute Wi-Fi even though the button is on?
Most often, the problem stems from a lack of mobile internet (check your balance and network coverage) or an issue with your APN settings. It's also possible that overheating protection has been triggered or the system has disabled the module to save power.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network?
On standard firmware MIUI V Redmi 4 It's usually impossible to simultaneously receive and broadcast Wi-Fi (there's only one module). There are methods through the engineering menu or root access, but they're unstable. It's best to use 4G mobile internet.
How can I find out the password for the created access point?
You can view or change your password in the menu. Settings → Advanced features → Wi-Fi hotspot → Set up hotspotA QR code for quick connection is also displayed there.
How many devices can be connected to Redmi 4 at the same time?
Technically, the smartphone supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, but for stable operation and normal speed, it is recommended to limit the number of clients to 3-5 devices.