Modern smartphones have long since ceased to be mere communication devices, becoming full-fledged mobile offices and entertainment centers. Situations often arise when you need to provide network access to a laptop, tablet, or other device, but a wired Wi-Fi router is unavailable. Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices are well aware that their gadgets offer extensive options for creating a personal hotspot, but not all of the features are immediately apparent. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at all the ways to activate tethering.
Sharing the Internet from a Xiaomi phone is based on technology Wi-Fi Hotspot, which turns your smartphone into a router. This solution lets you share 4G or 5G mobile data with nearby devices, creating a secure wireless network. Unlike Bluetooth modems, Wi-Fi provides significantly higher data transfer speeds, which is critical for watching videos or working with large documents. Understanding how this module works will help you manage your connections effectively.
However, it is worth considering that active access point mode consumes battery power faster than usual. HyperOS and earlier MIUI skins have built-in power-saving mechanisms that can limit background data sharing. We'll look at settings that can optimize this process and prevent unexpected network disconnections. Properly configuring these settings will help extend your phone's battery life. Xiaomi in router mode.
The standard way to activate the access point is through the settings
The most common and secure method for enabling internet tethering is available through the standard system settings menu. This option is suitable for most users who need to quickly provide network access without delving into the technical details. The MIUI interface and HyperOS Designed to put key functions within easy reach. To get started, unlock the screen and find the gear icon.
In the menu that opens, select the section that may be called "Connection and Sharing" or "Access Point." This section contains all the key switches responsible for network interactions. Find "Wi-Fi Hotspot" and activate the slider next to it. Once enabled, the system will automatically generate a network name (SSID) and password, which will be used by default.
For increased security, we recommend changing the default settings to unique values. Clicking on your access point's name will take you to the editing menu, where you can set a strong password and change the network name to something you understand. This will prevent unauthorized access to your data. You can also set a data limit or modem operating time here.
⚠️ Attention: When changing your password, make sure you remember the new characters, as it is impossible to recover a forgotten access key through the standard interface without resetting the settings.
It's important to note that the signal frequency is also adjustable in this menu. You can select the 2.4 GHz band for better compatibility with older devices or 5 GHz for maximum speed. Choosing the right band directly impacts connection stability and signal range. Experiment with these settings depending on your needs.
Using the engineering menu for advanced settings
For advanced users who find the standard functionality insufficient, there's the option of using the engineering menu. This hidden interface allows access to deep modem settings that are typically locked by the manufacturer. It allows you to adjust signal strength, select a specific network type, or force a frequency band switch. This menu is accessed via a special code in the Phone app.
To enter the engineering menu, you need to enter a combination ##6484## or ##4636##After entering the last digit, a special test menu will open. Select "Testing" or "Phone Information." This menu displays the technical parameters of the current connection and radio module control options. Be careful when changing unknown parameters, as this may result in unstable device operation.
One useful feature is the ability to force switching between LTE modes. This is especially useful in areas with poor coverage, where the phone constantly jumps between 3G and 4G, dropping the connection. By locking in a preferred mode, you can stabilize the download speed. However, keep in mind that being locked into one standard can completely cut off your connection if it's not available in your area.
Risks of using the engineering menu
Changing settings in the engineering menu can cause a software failure in the communication module, causing the phone to no longer recognize the SIM card or make calls. Recovery often requires reflashing the device.
Please note that the engineering menu interface may differ depending on the Android version and processor model. On devices with chips Snapdragon the menu looks different than on models with MediaTekIf you're unsure of what you're doing, it's best to stick with the default settings, which cover 95% of user scenarios. Data security and operational stability are more important than experimentation.
Setting up security and hiding the network SSID
Data security is a priority when setting up a wireless network. By default, the Xiaomi hotspot uses the WPA2/WPA3 encryption protocol, providing reliable protection against traffic interception. However, hiding the network name (SSID) provides an additional layer of protection. When this feature is enabled, your device will not appear in the list of available networks on connected devices.
To enable this option, go to the access point settings and find the "Hide device" or "Hide SSID" switch. Once enabled, connecting to this network is only possible manually, by accurately entering the name and password. This effectively protects against nosy neighbors and automated network scanners that may attempt to connect to open hotspots. Your network will only be visible to those who know its exact name.
However, hiding a network has its downside. Mobile devices can consume more power by constantly trying to find a hidden network if one was previously saved. Furthermore, the initial connection process requires more time and precision on the user's part. Weigh the pros and cons before activating this mode for everyday use.
The table below provides a comparison of the main security protocols available in modern smartphones:
| Protocol | Level of protection | Compatibility | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| WPA2-Personal | High | All devices | The optimal choice |
| WPA3-Personal | Maximum | New devices | For maximum protection |
| WPA/WPA2 Mixed | Average | Old gadgets | Only if you need old devices |
| Open (No password) | Absent | Any | Strongly not recommended |
Energy optimization and background operation
Hotspot mode is one of the most power-hungry processes in a smartphone. The radio module operates at increased power, constantly transmitting and receiving data packets, which leads to rapid heating of the case and battery drain. MIUI aggressively manages background processes, which sometimes results in the streaming service being disabled when the phone's screen goes dark. To avoid this, you need to adjust your battery settings.
First, find "Access Point" or "Mi Hotspot" in the app list and open its settings. Set the power saving mode to "No restrictions." This will prevent the system from "killing" the hotspot process to save battery. It's also recommended to disable the "Disable hotspot if no devices are connected" option if you want the network to always be available for automatic connection of your devices.
Another important aspect is screen management. When actively using the modem, it's best to keep the smartphone screen off, as it's the second-largest power consumer after the radio module. If the phone is lying on a table, make sure it's not covered with a cloth and has access to air for natural cooling. Overheating can lead to processor throttling and reduced data transfer speeds.
⚠️ Attention: Extended use of hotspot mode while charging can cause the battery to swell due to thermal stress. Avoid covering the phone and ensure good ventilation.
There are also third-party apps and scripts that allow you to fine-tune the Wi-Fi module's sleep intervals. However, using unverified software from unknown sources carries security risks. Built-in tools Xiaomi This is usually sufficient for proper energy management. Regularly check your battery usage statistics to monitor consumption.
Solving common connection problems
Despite the stable operation of modern smartphones, users may encounter situations where other devices don't see the network they've created or can't connect to it. Most often, the problem lies in incompatible frequency bands. If your laptop only supports 2.4 GHz and your phone broadcasts the network at 5 GHz, you won't be able to connect. The solution is simple: switch the band in the access point settings.
Another common cause is that the list of connected devices is full. You can set a limit on the number of clients (usually up to 10) in the security settings. If you've previously connected many devices and haven't cleared the list, new devices may be blocked from joining the network. Review the list of connected users and remove unknown or old devices to free up space.
IP address conflicts are also worth mentioning. Sometimes the phone's DHCP server assigns addresses that are already in use on the network, or there's an error in address allocation. In this case, simply restarting the access point or turning on airplane mode for a few seconds helps. If the problem persists, try statically assigning an IP address to the connecting device, although this is rarely necessary in home settings.
☑️ Diagnosing Wi-Fi problems
If none of these methods help, the problem may be due to a software glitch in the operating system itself. In such cases, resetting network settings to factory defaults can help. This will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but often restores proper operation. Before resetting, make sure you remember the passwords for important networks.
Alternative distribution methods: USB and Bluetooth
In addition to classic Wi-Fi, smartphones Xiaomi Support internet tethering via USB cable and Bluetooth. USB modem is an excellent solution for desktop computers without a wireless module or for situations where minimal latency (ping) is required. This method also allows for simultaneous charging of a phone, which offsets high power consumption.
To activate USB modem, connect your phone to your computer using a cable, then select the appropriate option in the "Connection and Sharing" menu. The computer will automatically detect the new network connection. The advantage of this method is its high stability and lack of radio interference. However, you will be tied to a cable, which limits your mobility.
Bluetooth modem is less commonly used due to its low data transfer speed, but it consumes significantly less power. This option is suitable for emergency situations when you need to send a text message or quick email but your phone's battery is critically low. Speeds rarely exceed 1-2 Mbps, which is insufficient for comfortable surfing, but sufficient for basic tasks.
The choice of sharing method depends on your current needs and available equipment. Wi-Fi is best for watching videos and working. USB is ideal for desktop use on a laptop. Bluetooth is ideal for emergency communication when the battery is low. The flexibility of the Android system allows you to instantly switch between these modes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does my phone battery drain quickly when the hotspot is turned on?
The radio module operates in boost mode, which requires a lot of current. Furthermore, if multiple devices are connected, the processor actively processes network packets. It's recommended to keep the phone charging or reduce screen brightness.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if it is already connected to another router?
Standard Android and MIUI features don't allow you to simultaneously receive and broadcast Wi-Fi (with rare exceptions on some dual-module models). The phone can only broadcast mobile data (4G/5G) or data received via a USB modem.
How do I know who is connected to my hotspot?
The hotspot settings menu includes a section called "Connected Devices." It displays a list of all devices using your data, with the option to block access for each one individually.
Does Wi-Fi sharing affect the speed of mobile internet on the phone itself?
Yes, the bandwidth is shared between all connected devices. If one client starts downloading a large file, the speed on your phone and other devices will drop significantly due to the carrier's bandwidth limitation.