How to Share Internet from a Xiaomi Redmi 8: 3 Methods + Troubleshooting

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 8 can become a full-fledged router if you urgently need to distribute the Internet to a laptop, tablet, or other device. Function access points (or "modem mode") is built into the system MIUI, but many users have questions: how to properly configure the network, why devices aren't connecting, or how to save battery life during long-term sharing. In this article— step-by-step instructions for all firmware versions, including MIUI 14, and also ways to eliminate typical errors.

It is important to understand that Redmi 8 supports Internet distribution via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth And USB (When connected to a PC). We'll examine each method, compare them in terms of speed and power consumption, and also explain how to bypass mobile operator restrictions that sometimes block modem functionality. If you've previously encountered issues like "IP address not assigned" or "network without internet access," there's help at the end of the article. solutions section.

Before you begin, check two things: 1) Make sure your phone is turned on mobile Internet (4G/5G icon in the status bar). 2) The battery charge should be at least 20% - if the level is low, the system MIUI can automatically turn off the access point.

1. Method #1: Sharing Wi-Fi via settings MIUI

This is the simplest and most universal method that works on all versions. Redmi 8 (including models with firmware MIUI Global And MIUI China). The interface may differ slightly depending on the version, but the general logic remains the same.

To turn on the hotspot:

1. Open the app Settings (gear icon on the main screen).

2. Go to the section Network and Internet → Access point and modem.

3. Tap on the item Wi-Fi hotspot.

4. Activate the slider Wi-Fi hotspot (it will turn blue).

By default the network will be called Redmi 8_XXXX (where XXXX are the last digits of the phone's MAC address), and the password will be generated automatically. You can change it by clicking on Setting up an access point:

• 🔑 Network name (SSID): Come up with a unique name (eg. MyRedmi_Hotspot), so as not to be confused with other devices.
• 🔒 Security type: leave WPA2-PSK (the most reliable option).
• 📶 Frequency range: select 2.4 GHz for better compatibility with older devices or 5 GHz for higher speed (if your Redmi 8 supports this range).
• ⚡ Power saving mode: Disable it if you need a stable distribution (but the battery will drain faster).

Once you save your settings, other devices will be able to connect to your network. Maximum number of connected gadgets - 10 (limit MIUI), but in practice, with active use, it is recommended not to exceed 3-4 devices to avoid lags.

Make sure your mobile internet is turned on|

Check your account balance (some operators block distribution if your balance is zero)|

Disable VPN on your phone (may conflict with your hotspot)|

Restart your phone if the hotspot doesn't turn on the first time.

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2. Method #2: Sharing the Internet via USB (for PC)

If you only need to connect a laptop or desktop computer to the Internet, USB modem — a more reliable and energy-efficient option. This way, the phone will charge while it's running, and the data transfer speeds are higher than Wi-Fi.

Instructions for Windows 10/11 And Redmi 8:

1. Connect your phone to PC via original USB cable (Important: Use a USB 3.0 port on your computer for maximum speed.)

2. On the phone in the menu Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering activate the option USB modem.

3. On your computer, wait for the drivers to be installed (usually they are installed automatically after Windows Update).

4. Check the connection: in the tray Windows a network icon should appear with the inscription Ethernet.

If the Internet does not work:

• 🔌 Check that the cable is working properly (try a different USB port).
• 🖥️ On PC, open Control Panel → Network Connections and make sure that a new connection has appeared Remote NDIS.
• 🔄 Restart both devices.

What to do if Windows doesn't detect the USB modem?

If the driver is not installed automatically, download Mi PC Suite from the official website Xiaomi or install the driver manually via device Manager (chapter Other devices). Also check if the mode is disabled USB debugging in the phone's developer settings (if it was enabled previously).

Advantages of a USB modem:

• ⚡ Higher speed (up to 150 Mbps versus ~50 Mbps via Wi-Fi Redmi 8).
• 🔋 The phone is charging while working (as opposed to distributing via Wi-Fi, which quickly drains the battery).
• 🛡️ Security: the connection is via a wire, there is no risk of data interception over the air.

Flaws:

• 🖥️ Works with only one device (PC or Mac).
• 🔌 A cable is required (not always convenient).

3. Method #3: Sharing via Bluetooth (power-saving mode)

If you need to connect one device (for example, a tablet or another phone) to the Internet and at the same time save battery life, can be used Bluetooth modemThis method consumes less energy than Wi-Fi, but the speed will be lower (up to 10–15 Mbps).

How to set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.

2. On Redmi 8 go to Settings → Devices and Connections → Bluetooth and find the target device in the list.

3. Confirm pairing (the same code should appear on both devices).

4. Return to Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering and activate Bluetooth modem.

On the device you are connecting to (for example, on the second phone), go to Bluetooth settings, find your Redmi 8 in the list and tap the gear icon next to it. Select the option Connect to the Internet (the name may differ depending on the model).

Important: Some operators (eg. Tele2 or Yota) may block internet access via Bluetooth. In this case, try other methods or contact support.

4. Common mistakes and their solutions

Even if the access point is configured correctly, Redmi 8 may work unstably. Let's consider the most common problems and ways to eliminate them.

🔴 Error: "No Internet access" on the connected device

If the device connects to the network, but the Internet does not work:

• 📵 Check your mobile phone balance (some plans block data transfers if your balance is zero).
• 🔄 Restart your phone and the connecting device.
• 📡 Change network mode in the SIM card settings (for example, with 4G on 3G or vice versa).
• 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset network settings.

🔴 Error: "Unable to turn on hotspot"

If an error message appears during activation:

• 📱 Make sure that on your phone airplane mode is disabled.
• 🔧 Check if you have any traffic-saving apps installed (for example, Data Saver or Battery Saver) - they can block the function.
• 🔄 Update your firmware MIUI to the latest version (go to Settings → About phone → System update).

🔴 Error: Devices are not connecting to the network

If your gadgets don't see the network or can't connect:

• 🔐 Check if the password is entered correctly (on Redmi 8 By default, a complex password with numbers and letters is used).
• 📡 Change Wi-Fi channel in the access point settings (sometimes changing from automatic to manual helps, for example, to channel 6 or 11).
• 📵 Turn off VPN on the phone and the connected device.
• 🔄 Restart your router (if your phone is connected to your home Wi-Fi, not your mobile network).

⚠️ Attention: some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) may limit internet tethering on certain plans. If none of these methods work, contact your operator's support and check if your plan supports this feature. Tethering (Internet distribution).

5. How to save battery life when sharing Wi-Fi

Redmi 8 It has a 5000 mAh battery, but with active Wi-Fi distribution, it can drain in 2-3 hours. To extend the battery life:

• 🔋 Connect your phone to the charger (it is advisable to use the original 18W adapter).
• 🌑 Reduce screen brightness to a minimum and turn on the dark theme in MIUI.
• 📵 Disable background apps: go to Settings → Applications → Autostart and disable autostart for unnecessary programs.
• 📡 Limit the number of connected devices (optimally - no more than 2-3).
• ⚡ Use power saving mode, but add the access point to the exceptions (see the tip above).

If you need to share the Internet for a long time (for example, while traveling), consider purchasing powerbank with a capacity of 10,000 mAh. You can also use USB modem instead of Wi-Fi - it puts less strain on the battery.

6. Alternative methods of Internet distribution

If standard methods don't work, you can try bypassing the restrictions using third-party apps or changing system settings. Let's look at two options.

🔧 Method: Using the app NetShare (to bypass operator blocks)

Some mobile operators block data tethering at the SIM card level. In this case, an app can help. NetShare (available in Google Play):

1. Download and install NetShare.

2. Launch the application and select the mode Wi-Fi Hotspot.

3. Click Start Hotspot and follow the instructions (root access may be required).

⚠️ Attention: Using third-party apps to share your data may violate your plan. Before installing, check your carrier's terms and conditions to avoid SIM card blocking.

🔧 Method: Setup via ADB (for advanced users)

If the access point turns off on its own, you can try disabling power saving for it via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). To do this:

1. Turn on USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About phone → MIUI version - tap 7 times, then return to Additional settings → For developers).

2. Connect your phone to your PC and run the command:

   adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0

3. Restart your phone.

This command disables operator verification for Internet distribution, but does not work on all firmware versions. MIUI.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Is it possible to distribute Wi-Fi with Redmi 8if the phone itself is connected to a different Wi-Fi network?

No, Redmi 8 does not support the function "Wi-Fi Repeater" (network repeater). Your phone can only share internet via its mobile network (SIM card) or a USB/Bluetooth connection. If you need to share your home Wi-Fi, use a different router or a dedicated signal repeater.

❓ Why is my internet speed slower when tethering than on my phone?

This is normal. When distributing data via Wi-Fi, some of the speed is lost to the phone's processor processing the data. For example, if Redmi 8 4G speed is 70 Mbps, but when sharing, it can drop to 30–40 Mbps. To improve speed:

• Use USB modem instead of Wi-Fi.
• Connect to the network 5G (if your operator and phone support this standard).
• Close background apps on your phone that consume data.

❓ How do I change my hotspot password if I forgot the old one?

To reset your password:

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & Tethering → Set up hotspot.
2. In the field Password Enter a new one (minimum 8 characters).
3. Save the changes and restart the access point.

If you forgot your password and can't access the settings, reset your network settings: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset network settings.

❓ Is it possible to share the Internet with Redmi 8 on iPhone?

Yes, but there may be difficulties with connection due to the specifics iOS. To iPhone connected to the access point Redmi 8:

• On Redmi 8 In the access point settings, select compatibility mode (if there is such an option) or install WPA2-PSK encryption.
• On iPhone Forget the network (if connected previously) and reconnect.
• If iPhone It says "Failed to connect", please reboot both devices.

❓ How much traffic does Wi-Fi hotspot use?

The data sharing feature itself doesn't consume any data—only the data used by connected devices is consumed. For example, if a laptop connects to your hotspot and downloads a 1GB file, your plan will be charged exactly 1GB (plus ~5–10% for service traffic).

To control consumption:

• Use traffic monitoring apps (eg. My Data Manager).
• Limit the speed on connected devices (for example, in settings Windows you can set a limit).
• Turn off the access point when it is not needed.

8. Conclusion: Which method to choose?

Selecting a method for distributing the Internet Xiaomi Redmi 8 depends on your task:

• For multiple devices (laptop + tablet) → Wi-Fi.
• For long-term work with a PC → USB modem.
• To save battery (one device) → Bluetooth.

If standard methods don't work, check your carrier settings or try third-party apps like NetShareDon't forget to follow up battery charge And traffic consumption, especially if you have a limited tariff.

If after reading this article you still have questions about a specific situation (for example, data sharing isn't working on a certain plan or firmware), please contact official support for more details. Xiaomi or from your mobile operator. Happy setup!