The modern smartphone has long ceased to be just a means of communication, having become a full-fledged mobile office and entertainment center. The device Redmi 8 from the company Xiaomi It works perfectly as a router, allowing you to share mobile internet with laptops, tablets, and other gadgets. This feature becomes critical when traveling, on business trips, or when a wired internet connection is temporarily unavailable.
The process of activating modem mode on the shell MIUI has its own characteristics that distinguish it from pure AndroidUsers can not only enable data sharing but also fine-tune security settings, select a frequency band, and manage connected devices. Understanding these nuances will help avoid connection speed issues and protect your traffic from unauthorized access.
In this article, we'll cover every setup step in detail, from basic feature activation to advanced signal optimization methods. You'll learn how to change default settings to avoid frequency conflicts and how to extend your smartphone's battery life when actively sharing data. Proper configuration will ensure a stable connection for all your devices.
Basic hotspot activation
The fastest way to enable tethering on Redmi 8 — Using the notification shade. To do this, swipe down from the top of the screen to reveal the quick access panel. Find the "Access Point" icon among the icons and tap it. If the icon isn't on the first screen, swipe right or tap the edit panel button.
A more detailed path is through the main system settings menu. Go to the section Settings, then select the item Access point and modemThe "Wi-Fi Hotspot" switch, which activates the module, is located here. This interface provides access to all the necessary settings for changing the network name and password.
Once the feature is enabled, your smartphone starts broadcasting a signal, and other devices can detect your network in the list of available connections. Basic activation It only takes a few seconds, but requires checking your security settings.
⚠️ Please note: When you enable a hotspot, mobile data is automatically activated, even if it was previously disabled. This may result in unexpected data usage if you don't have an unlimited data plan.
Setting up a network name and password
Factory security settings don't always provide sufficient protection or ease of use. To change network settings, you need to go to the menu Wi-Fi hotspot settingsHere's the "Access Point SSID" field, where you can enter any name, such as "My_Office_Redmi" or "Travel_WiFi." Using a descriptive name will make it easier to find the network among the many neighboring signals.
The key element of security is the password. In the "Password" field, enter a character combination of at least 8 characters. It is recommended to use mixed-case letters, numbers, and special characters to increase hacking resistance. MIUI Allows you to visually assess the complexity of your password and hide it as you type it, so that no one else can see the combination.
In this section you can also select the encryption type. Redmi 8 remains the current standard WPA2 PSK, which ensures a secure connection with most modern devices. Older protocols like WEP should not be used, as they are vulnerable and easily cracked even by novice users of specialized software.
Selectable frequency range: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz
One of the important settings in Redmi 8 The key is choosing a frequency band. By default, your smartphone operates in the 2.4 GHz band, which has a longer range and penetrates walls better. However, this band is often overloaded with signals from neighboring routers, microwave ovens, and Bluetooth devices, which can reduce speed.
Switching to the 5 GHz frequency allows for higher data transfer rates and lower latency (ping). This is especially important for video calls, online gaming, or watching high-definition video on a connected laptop. However, the 5 GHz signal has a significantly shorter range and penetrates obstacles less effectively.
To change the band, find "Access Point Frequency Band" in the access point menu and select the preferred option. If you're in a densely populated apartment building, experiment to find the optimal frequency. 5 GHz band is ideal for working in one room, while 2.4 GHz is better suited for covering a small apartment.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz band | 5 GHz band |
|---|---|---|
| Range of action | High (up to 30-40 m) | Medium (up to 10-15 m) |
| Penetration ability | Good | Low |
| Transfer speed | Up to 150-300 Mbps | Up to 400-800 Mbps |
| Airtime congestion | High | Low |
Managing connected devices
Controlling who uses your internet is an important part of managing your hotspot. In the interface Redmi 8 There's a "Connected Devices" section that displays a list of all devices connected to the network in real time. You can see the device's name, MAC address, and the amount of data transferred.
If you spot an unknown device, you can instantly block it. Simply click on the offender's name and select the block option. Internet access for that MAC address will then be blocked, even if the Wi-Fi password remains the same. This is an effective way to combat freeloaders.
You can also set a limit on the number of connected devices in the settings. For example, if you're sharing internet only with your laptop and tablet, limit the number to two devices. This will prevent multiple connection attempts and reduce the load on your smartphone's processor. Limitation helps preserve battery life and connection stability.
☑️ Network security check
Hiding the SSID for increased security
For users who pay special attention to privacy, Redmi 8 The network name (SSID) hiding feature is available. When this mode is enabled, your smartphone stops broadcasting the access point name. The network will not appear in the general list of available Wi-Fi networks on other devices.
To connect to a hidden network, the user must manually enter the network name (SSID) and password in the Wi-Fi settings of the receiving device. This creates an additional barrier to unauthorized users and automated network scanners looking for vulnerable access points with simple passwords.
However, it's important to note that hiding the SSID isn't absolute protection. Specialized programs can still detect the presence of the network based on its service data packets. Nevertheless, it's an excellent way to hide your access point from regular neighbors and reduce visual noise in the network list. Hiding the SSID requires manual configuration of each new device that connects.
⚠️ Note: The menu interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI installed. If you don't see this option, try updating your system or use the settings search.
Power optimization and timeout
Hotspot mode is one of the most power-hungry processes for a smartphone. Active Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, along with constant data transfer, quickly drain the battery and heat up the case. Redmi 8To minimize the consequences, it is recommended to use the timeout function.
In the settings, you can set the time after which the hotspot will automatically turn off if no devices are connected. Default values range from 1 to 10 minutes. Setting the minimum value (1 minute) will save battery if you forget to turn off the mode after use.
It's also worth disabling power saving for the sharing process, if possible in your software version, or, conversely, enabling hard power saving mode if speed isn't critical. During prolonged use, it's recommended to remove the smartphone's case and place it on a hard surface for better heat dissipation. Overheat may lead to processor throttling and reduced internet speed.
Why does the phone get hot when distributing?
When operating in router mode, the smartphone simultaneously receives a 4G/LTE signal, processes data packets, and transmits them via the Wi-Fi module. This places a double load on the antennas and processor, which inevitably leads to heat generation.
Common problems and solutions
Despite the ease of setup, users may encounter a number of common issues. It often happens that devices see the network but are unable to connect, or that the connection is established but the internet is down. In the first case, the problem is most often due to an incorrect password or incompatible encryption protocols.
If the internet doesn't work on a connected device, check if the smartphone itself has internet access. Redmi 8Open your browser and try loading any page. If the pages don't load, the problem is with your mobile operator: perhaps they've run out of bandwidth or are experiencing temporary network outages.
Another common cause is an IP address conflict. In this case, rebooting the access point or completely restarting the smartphone can help. It's also worth checking if your phone is in "Data Saver" mode, which can block background data transfers for other devices.
Why doesn't my laptop see the Redmi 8 hotspot?
Most often, the problem lies with the frequency range. If your laptop is older, it may not support the 5 GHz standard. Try switching your access point to 2.4 GHz mode. Also, make sure that airplane mode is not enabled on your laptop and that the Wi-Fi adapter drivers are up to date.
Is it possible to share WiFi if the phone is connected to WiFi?
This feature (Wi-Fi Repeater) is available on most modern Xiaomi smartphones running Android 10 or higher. However, on the Redmi 8, depending on the MIUI version, it may be hidden or require root access. Typically, the phone can either receive Wi-Fi or share mobile data.
How do I know who is connected to my WiFi?
Go to your access point settings and select "Connected devices." This will display a list of all active clients with their names and MAC addresses. If you see a stranger connecting, change the password immediately.