Using a smartphone as a router is one of the most sought-after features in the modern user's arsenal. Device owners Xiaomi And Redmi People often look for ways to quickly set up a wireless network for a laptop, tablet, or other gadget while outside the coverage area of their home network. Model Redmi 9, despite its accessibility, has a powerful set of tools for creating an access point, but the shell interface MIUI has its own peculiarities that can confuse a beginner.
In this guide, we'll cover in detail the process of activating tethering mode, configuring security settings, and optimizing network performance for maximum speed. You'll learn not only the standard activation methods but also the specific frequency range settings that directly impact connection stability. Understanding these nuances will help you avoid common mistakes when connecting third-party devices.
We'll also cover power consumption and security, as an improperly configured access point can quickly drain the battery or become vulnerable to unauthorized access. Proper configuration encryption protocol and choosing the optimal password are basic but critical steps. Next, we'll move on to setting up your device.
Basic hotspot activation in settings
The most common and reliable way to transform your Redmi 9 To connect to a router, use the system's default settings menu. This method gives you full control over all network parameters, including the name, password, and frequency range. First, unlock your smartphone's screen and find the app. Settings, which usually looks like a gear.
In the menu that opens, scroll down to the section Wi-Fi hotspotIn some firmware versions MIUI This item may be located within a category Connection and sharingOnce you enter the menu, you'll see a power slider that needs to be activated. The system may warn you that mobile internet use in tethering mode may incur separate charges from your carrier.
Before connecting devices, it's recommended to set up a network name (SSID) and password. Click the corresponding menu item to change the default name, which usually includes the phone model, to something more recognizable. The password should be complex enough to prevent unauthorized connections, but still easy to enter on guest devices.
- 📱 Open
Settingsand selectWi-Fi hotspot. - 🔐 Click
Setting up an access pointto change your name and password. - 📡 Select the frequency range (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) depending on the supported standards.
- ✅ Activate the slider at the top of the screen to start the distribution.
⚠️ Attention: When activating a hotspot through the settings, the system may automatically disable the Wi-Fi receiver if it was active. This is normal behavior, as a smartphone's antenna cannot simultaneously receive and transmit a signal in standard mode without special hardware modules.
☑️ Pre-launch check
Quick launch via notification shade
For those who need to share internet instantly, there's a faster method that doesn't require diving deep into the menu. The top notification bar Redmi 9 contains a set of widgets for quick control of phone functions. Among them is an icon Access points, which allows you to enable modem mode in one click.
To use this method, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Control Center. If the desired icon isn't on the first screen, tap the edit button (usually a pencil icon or three dots) and add the widget. Access point into the active zone. After that, simply clicking on the icon activates internet sharing.
However, this method has its limitations. Quick access often doesn't allow you to change your password or see how many devices are already connected to your network. This method is ideal for situations where you've already configured the settings and only need to temporarily enable internet for a colleague or friend.
It is important to note that in some versions MIUI A long press on the icon in the menu bar takes you directly to the full access point settings menu. This is a convenient hybrid method that combines speed and functionality. Use it if you need to quickly check the settings before connecting a new device.
Frequency range settings and device compatibility
One of the key features of setting up an access point on Redmi 9 is the ability to select a frequency range. In the menu Setting up an access point the item is available Access point frequency rangeHere, the user can choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, which directly affects the data transfer rate and signal coverage range.
The 2.4 GHz band is more versatile and compatible with older devices, but its speed is lower and its interference resistance leaves much to be desired, especially in apartment buildings. 5 GHz offers significantly higher speed and stability, but its range is shorter, and many older laptops or tablets may simply not detect it.
If you plan to connect modern devices such as laptops with support Wi-Fi 5 For devices with a Wi-Fi network or newer, it's recommended to use the 5 GHz band. This will ensure maximum file download speeds and a stable video stream. For older devices or IoT devices (smartwatches, simple tablets), it's best to stick with the standard 2.4 GHz band.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer speed | Up to 150-300 Mbps | Up to 400-866 Mbps |
| Coverage radius | High (up to 50 m) | Medium (up to 20 m) |
| Penetration ability | Good | Low |
| Compatibility | All devices | Only modern ones |
Why is 5GHz faster?
The 5 GHz band has wider channels and is less susceptible to interference from household appliances such as microwaves and Bluetooth headsets, which operate at 2.4 GHz.
Limiting traffic and managing connected devices
Mobile internet is rarely unlimited, so monitoring your data usage is critical. In the hotspot settings Redmi 9 the function is provided Traffic limitBy activating it, you can set a data limit, after which internet tethering will automatically stop.
This is a useful feature to protect against unexpected charges if you accidentally leave the hotspot on for too long or if a connected device starts downloading large updates in the background. The system will notify you when you're approaching the limit, allowing you to respond promptly.
The hotspot menu also displays a list of connected devices. Here you can see the names of the devices and the amount of data they've consumed. If you notice an unfamiliar user on the list, change the password immediately. This is the only reliable protection against a "neighbor's" connection.
Some users prefer to use third-party applications for more detailed monitoring, but the built-in tools MIUI They handle basic monitoring tasks quite well. Regularly checking your client list will help maintain the security of your personal network.
⚠️ Attention: The data limitation feature resets when you turn off the hotspot or restart your phone. If you have a strict 1GB limit, don't rely on automatic deactivation; periodically check your real-time data usage.
Connection problems and their solutions
Despite the ease of setup, users may encounter situations where devices don't see the network or can't connect to it. One common cause is incompatible security protocols. Redmi 9 By default, it may use modern encryption standards that are not supported by very old devices.
In this case, it is recommended to try changing the security type in the access point settings. Switching from WPA3 or WPA2/WPA3 to clean WPA2-Personal This often solves compatibility issues. It's also worth checking if a MAC address filter is enabled, which blocks all devices except those authorized.
Another common issue is rapid battery drain. Hotspot mode actively uses the radio module, resulting in increased power consumption and heat buildup. If the phone gets too hot, the system may automatically limit the speed or disable the feature to protect components.
For stable operation over long periods, it's recommended to remove the phone's protective case for better heat dissipation and, if possible, connect the device to a charger. It's also a good idea to disable power saving for the hotspot process in the corresponding battery optimization menu.
- 🔄 Restart your smartphone if the network is no longer detected.
- 🔒 Change the encryption type to WPA2-Personal for older devices.
- 🔋 Disable power saving mode while sharing your internet connection.
- 📶 Make sure you have a strong cellular signal (LTE/4G).
Using a USB modem as an alternative
If your wireless connection is unstable or you need maximum speed with minimal latency, consider sharing your internet via a USB cable. This method, known as USB tethering, allows you to transfer your internet connection to Redmi 9 to a computer or laptop via a wire.
To activate this feature, connect your phone to your PC using a high-quality USB cable. Then go to the menu Wi-Fi hotspot and find the item USB modemIt will only become active after physically connecting the cable. This method doesn't create radio interference and doesn't drain the battery as quickly as Wi-Fi, as the phone is simultaneously charged by the computer.
Another advantage of a USB connection is that there's no need to enter a password or configure encryption, as the connection is physically secured by a cable. However, a disadvantage is the inability to connect more than one device at a time without using complex network routing methods on the PC.
If your computer doesn't see your phone as a network device, try a different cable or USB port.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if there is no SIM card on the phone?
No, to share mobile internet, you need an active SIM card with a data plan. However, if your phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network, some models allow you to broadcast this signal further (repeater mode), but this only works with the standard firmware. MIUI This feature is often blocked or unstable.
How many devices can be connected to Redmi 9 at the same time?
Technically Redmi 9 Supports connections for up to 10 devices simultaneously. However, the actual number depends on the processor load and available RAM. Connecting more than 4-5 active devices may significantly reduce internet speed on each device.
Why does the access point turn off by itself after a while?
This could be due to power saving settings or a sleep timer expiration. In the hotspot settings, check if the automatic shutdown timer is set ("Turn off hotspot if no connections are detected"). The system may also force the process to close when the battery is critically low.