Using a smartphone as a mobile router has become a daily necessity for many users. When there's no home broadband connection at hand or you urgently need to connect to the network while on the go, the function access points It becomes a lifesaver. Owners of budget-friendly yet reliable Xiaomi devices often wonder how to properly activate this feature to ensure a stable connection for their laptop or tablet.
Model Redmi 8Despite its age, the iPhone remains popular thanks to its long-lasting battery, which is crucial when using a modem. Sharing the internet via Wi-Fi consumes power faster than normal use, so understanding power-saving settings and network parameters is key. Proper configuration will allow you to not only connect to the global network but also do so securely and at the maximum speed supported by your plan.
In this guide, we'll walk you through every setup step, from simple activation to advanced frequency range settings. You'll learn how to secure your network from prying eyes and why it's sometimes better to use a USB cable instead of a wireless connection. This information is relevant for the latest versions of MIUI, but the interface may vary slightly depending on your region.
Preparing the device and checking mobile traffic
Before you proceed directly to activating the modem mode, you need to make sure that your device Redmi 8 Ready to transfer data. The first step should always be checking your mobile carrier balance and available data. Many users forget that without an active data plan, the hotspot will work, but connected devices will not be able to load pages.
You should also pay attention to the cellular network signal strength. If the icon appears in the status bar 3G or E, the upload speed will be extremely slow, and the battery will be wasted. For comfortable operation, it's recommended to be in a strong reception area. 4G/LTE. In some cases, turning airplane mode on and off to reboot the communication module helps.
- 📱 Make sure that the SIM card is installed in the slot that supports 4G (usually this is the first slot).
- 💰 Check your remaining gigabytes using your operator's app or USSD command.
- 📶 Restart your smartphone if there has been no stable connection to the tower for a long time.
⚠️ Please note: When using Wi-Fi hotspots, your data plan is charged directly to your mobile account. Connecting your laptop to a hotspot can quickly use up your data plan if background updates or cloud syncing are running on your computer.
Basic Wi-Fi hotspot activation
The fastest way to turn on the Internet distributor on Xiaomi Redmi 8 — Use the notification shade. Swipe down from the top to open the control panel and find the "Tethering" icon. If it's not on the first screen, swipe left or tap the edit button (usually a pencil or three dots) to add a widget. This allows you to launch tethering with one click.
However, for initial setup, it's best to use the full settings menu. Go to the section Settings, then select the item Access point and modemThis menu provides access to all network settings. It's where you set your network name (SSID) and password, which you'll need to enter on connecting devices. By default, the system often generates a random name containing your phone model.
The security password should be complex enough to prevent your neighbors from using your internet. The encryption standard WPA2 PSKThe default network connection in MIUI is secure and compatible with all devices. Leaving the network open is not recommended, as this exposes your traffic to interception.
Setting up a network name and security password
Changing the default network name is not only a matter of aesthetics but also of security. When you're in public, the name "Redmi 8" communicates your device type to others, which could theoretically make it easier for attackers looking for vulnerabilities in specific models. It's better to choose a neutral name that doesn't identify the owner or model of the device.
To change the settings, go to the menu Setting up a Wi-Fi hotspotIn the "SSID" field, enter the desired name. Please note that some older devices may not display names with emoji or special characters correctly, so it's best to use Latin characters. The "Password" field requires a minimum of 8 characters.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SSID (Name) | Latina_Only | Use letters and numbers without spaces for maximum compatibility. |
| Password | 12+ characters | A combination of letters of different cases and numbers. |
| Range | 2.4 GHz | The most compatible option for older laptops. |
| Hidden network | Off | Enabling this will make it more difficult to connect new devices. |
In the same menu, there is a switch for "Hidden network." If you activate this function, your device Redmi 8 will stop broadcasting the network name to the public list. To connect, you'll have to manually enter the SSID on the client device. This adds a layer of privacy, but reduces usability.
Choosing a Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz
One of the important settings in modern smartphones is the choice of broadcast frequency. In the access point menu on Redmi 8 (Depending on the MIUI version) there may be an option to select a range. By default, it is often 2.4 GHzThis is the most universal standard, supported by almost all devices released over the past 15 years.
Range 5 GHz Provides higher data transfer speeds and is less susceptible to interference from microwave ovens and neighboring routers. However, its range is shorter, and many older laptops or tablets simply won't see your network if you select this mode. If you're sharing internet with a modern Ultrabook, it's worth experimenting with 5 GHz for better speeds.
- 📡 2.4 GHz: Better coverage and compatibility, but lower speed and more interference.
- 🚀 5 GHz: High speed and clear air, but shorter range.
- 🔋 Selecting 5 GHz may slightly increase the modem's battery consumption.
⚠️ Note: The frequency settings interface may differ between different MIUI firmware versions. If you don't see the band selector, this feature is either hidden in your software version or automated by the system.
Sharing the Internet via USB and Bluetooth
A wireless connection isn't always the best solution. If you need the most stable connection with no packet loss and minimal latency, use a USB cable. To do this, connect Redmi 8 to the computer with a wire, then in the "Access point and modem" menu, activate the switch USB modemThe system will automatically install the necessary drivers.
The advantage of USB tethering is that the smartphone simultaneously shares the internet connection and charges from the computer. This solves the problem of rapid battery drain typical of Wi-Fi. Furthermore, with a cable, the connection speed is limited only by the USB port and the mobile signal, without any loss due to wireless radiation.
☑️ Checking the USB modem
Bluetooth modem is an emergency option when you need to transfer a quick text or email but your computer's Wi-Fi adapter is faulty. Speeds are very slow, and setting up a connection is more complicated: you need to pair devices and create a new connection in the Windows Network Control Panel. Redmi 8 This method is activated in the same settings tab.
Why might my USB modem not work?
A common problem is using cheap "charging-only" cables that physically lack data wires. Replace the cable with a high-quality one so the computer sees your phone as a network device.
Connection limitation and traffic control
To prevent too many devices from connecting to your hotspot and hogging the channel, MIUI settings include a user limit. You can set a limit of, for example, 3 or 4 devices in the "Device Management" section or directly in the hotspot menu. This also improves security.
This section also displays a list of all connected clients and their MAC addresses. If you spot an unknown device, you can block it with one click by adding it to the blacklist. Regularly monitoring this list helps you quickly identify "neighbors" who have cracked your password.
Also worth mentioning is the "Timer" feature. You can set the access point to automatically turn off if no one is connected for a certain period of time (e.g., 5 or 10 minutes). This is a useful power-saving setting that prevents the radio module from running unnecessarily.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do connected devices say "No Internet access"?
Most often, the problem stems from a lack of mobile data on the SIM card or a network configuration issue. Try switching your phone to airplane mode and back. Also, check if background data usage for system processes is restricted.
How long can Redmi 8 work in router mode?
Battery life depends on the battery capacity (4000 mAh for this model) and the number of connected clients. On average, with active use of one laptop, the phone will last 3-5 hours. Using a USB cable for power, the battery life is virtually unlimited.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network?
Most Android smartphones, including the Redmi 8, cannot simultaneously receive and broadcast Wi-Fi (except for some models with special chips). The phone will use mobile data (4G) for broadcasting, even if Wi-Fi is enabled.
Does the phone get hot when sharing the Internet?
Yes, it's normal for the phone's casing to heat up when the radio modules are active. Avoid covering your phone with a cloth or placing it in direct sunlight while transmitting to avoid overheating and throttling.