How to share internet from a Redmi Note 8 to a laptop via Wi-Fi: all the methods and life hacks

Transform your smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Connecting a Wi-Fi router to a laptop is easier than it seems. This feature is a lifesaver when traveling, at the dacha, or when the main internet connection suddenly goes down. However, many users encounter common problems: the access point won't turn on, the laptop can't detect the network, or the connection keeps dropping. In this article— step-by-step instructions for all versions of MIUI, ways to troubleshoot errors And hidden settings, which will speed up data transfer.

Redmi Note 8 supports Internet distribution via Wi-Fi (Hotspot), Bluetooth and even USB — but each method has its nuances. For example, with a USB connection, the laptop will have network access, but the phone itself will remain without internet. And with Bluetooth modem mode, the speed is limited. 1-2 Mbps — this is only enough for messengers. We will focus on Wi-Fi hotspot, as the most universal option, but we will also mention alternatives.

⚠️ Attention: Mobile operators may block internet tethering on some plans. If your laptop connects to the network after setup, but pages won't load, check your plan's terms in your operator account.

Before you begin, make sure that:

• 📶 Your phone has mobile internet (3G/4G/5G) or a connection to another Wi-Fi network
• 🔋 Battery charge Redmi Note 8 above 20% (if the battery is low, the system may turn off the access point)
• 💻 The Wi-Fi adapter is turned on on the laptop (check in Device Manager or notification bar)

1. Basic hotspot setup on Redmi Note 8

The fastest way to activate sharing is through the notification panel. Swipe down from the top of the notification panel to open the notification panel and find the icon. Access Point (usually it is hidden under the button ⋮ or ⚙️). Click on it once - the network will turn on with default parameters (the network name is the phone model, the password is a random set of numbers).

For more flexible settings, go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Hotspot & TetheringHere you can:

• 🔄 Change network name (SSID) - for example, on MyRedmi_Hotspotto easily find it in the list
• 🔐 Set a strong password (minimum 8 characters, with numbers and letters)
• 📡 Select frequency range: 2.4 GHz (better for range) or 5 GHz (faster, but worse at passing through walls)
• ⏱ Set up automatic shutdown when idle (we recommend disabling this option)

On Redmi Note 8 MIUI 12+ has a hidden option called "Max. number of connected devices"—by default, it's limited to 8 devices, but exceeding this limit reduces the speed by 2-3 times. If you only plan to connect a laptop, leave the default value.

⚠️ Attention: If the hotspot doesn't turn on after changing the settings, restart your phone. In rare cases, resetting the network settings helps. Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings.

2. Connecting a laptop to Wi-Fi from Redmi Note 8

On a laptop with Windows 10/11 Click the Wi-Fi icon in the lower right corner of the screen (near the clock). In the list of available networks, find the name of your hotspot (the one you specified in your phone settings), select it, and enter the password. If the network isn't displayed:

• 🔄 Update the list of networks (button Refresh in the same menu)
• 📵 Make sure your Wi-Fi adapter is turned on. - click Win + X, select device Manager and check the section Network adapters
• 🔧 Try connecting manually: Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks → Add a new network

On macOS The process is similar: click the Wi-Fi icon in the top bar, select the network, and enter the password. If macOS displays the "Unable to connect" error, try:

1. Remove network from saved list (System Preferences → Network → Wi-Fi → Advanced)
2. Restart your phone and laptop
3. Change the access point security type from WPA2-PSK on WPA3-PSK (in settings Redmi Note 8)

⚠️ Attention: If your laptop connects but the internet doesn't work, check the section on your phone Use of dataSome applications (such as VPNs or firewalls) may block traffic from passing through the access point.

3. Optimizing connection speed and stability

By default Redmi Note 8 Limits the upload speed to save battery. To get the most out of your hotspot:

• 🔋 Connect your phone to the charger - this removes restrictions on the signal transmission power
• 📶 Switch to the 5 GHz band (if your laptop supports it) - there is less interference from other networks
• 🔄 Disable background apps on your phone, especially those that use the internet (for example, cloud backups)
• 🛠 Enable developer mode and turn on the option USB debugging - this sometimes speeds up data transfer

For advanced users: in the engineering menu Redmi Note 8 (entrance via code) ##4636##) you can change the parameters of the Wi-Fi module. However, We do not recommend changing settings without understanding - this may lead to unstable network operation.

Comparison of speeds in different modes (test on Redmi Note 8 with 4G 100 Mbit/s tariff):

4. Alternative methods of distributing the Internet

If Wi-Fi doesn't work for some reason, there are backup options:

USB modem - connect your phone to your laptop via cable, then go to settings Redmi Note 8 activate USB modem (chapter Access point and modem). The laptop will detect the phone as a network adapter and connect automatically. Disadvantage: the phone itself will lose Internet access while it is operating in modem mode.

Bluetooth modem - Turn on Bluetooth on both devices, then select on your phone Bluetooth modem modeOn your laptop, find your phone in the Bluetooth settings and connect as a hotspot. The speed will be slow, but battery drain will be minimal.

How to share internet from a phone without a password?

In the access point settings (Settings → Hotspot & Tethering) select the security type Open networkHowever, this is unsafe—other devices could connect to your network, increasing the load and reducing speed.

5. Solving common errors

"The hotspot is turned on, but the laptop won't connect." — most often this is due to an incorrect password or an IP address conflict. Try:

• 🔄 Restart both devices
• 🔐 Change your password to a simpler one (for example, 12345678) for the test
• 📌 Manually set the IP on the laptop: 192.168.43.100 (mask 255.255.255.0, gateway 192.168.43.1)

"The internet works, but it's very slow." — check:

• 📶 Quality of mobile network on your phone (switch from 3G to 4G in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks)
• 📊 Network load - disable app updates and downloads on your laptop
• 🔋 Phone battery level - at 15% and below, MIUI automatically limits performance

"The access point turns off automatically after 5-10 minutes." — This is the battery optimizer's job. To disable it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Settings (⚙️)
2. Select Battery → Battery optimization
3. Find Access point in the list and select No restrictions

⚠️ Attention: On some MIUI firmware versions, battery optimization settings are reset after updating. If the issue persists, repeat the steps above.

6. Security when distributing Wi-Fi

An open access point is like an unlocked door for hackers. To protect your data:

• 🔐 Use a complex password (example: k7#pL9!mQ2) and change it every 1-2 months
• 🛡 Turn off the access pointwhen it's not needed - even with a complex password, connected devices can intercept traffic
• 📵 Don't connect to public networks simultaneously with distribution - this creates vulnerabilities
• 🔍 Check connected devices in the phone settings (section Access Point → Connected Devices)

If you share the Internet in a public place (cafe, airport), enable the firewall on your laptop and disable file sharing. Windows it's done like this:

1. Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center
2. Select Change advanced sharing options
3. For profile Guest or public turn off network discovery and sharing

7. Saving traffic when distributing

Mobile internet is usually more expensive than home internet, so it's important to monitor your usage:

• 📊 Monitor traffic in real time through apps like My Data Manager or the built-in MIUI counter (Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Data usage)
• 🚫 Block background updates on the laptop: in Windows this is done in Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi → Manage known networks → [your network] → Set as metered connection
• 🎵 Limit video streaming - Select quality on YouTube or Netflix 480p instead of Full HD
• 📥 Disable automatic file downloads in messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp) and cloud services

On Redmi Note 8 You can set up alerts about exceeding your traffic limit:

1. Go to Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → [your SIM] → Traffic alerts
2. Set a threshold (e.g. 1GB out of 3GB)
3. Activate the option Automatically disable mobile internet when the limit is reached

⚠️ Attention: Some operators (eg. Megaphone or Beeline) may charge an additional fee for tethering, even if you have an unlimited plan. Check the terms in your personal account or with your operator.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from Redmi Note 8 if the phone itself is connected to another Wi-Fi network?

Yes, but only if the main router supports the function WDS or network repeaterThis option is disabled in the default MIUI settings—the phone can't act as both a client and an access point at the same time. Workaround: connect the phone to the router via cable (if it has an Ethernet adapter port for USB-C) and distribute Wi-Fi from it.

Why does my laptop connect to the access point, but the pages don't load?

There are several reasons:

1. Blocking by operator — Check if seeding is allowed on your plan.
2. IP conflict - Manually set the IP address on the laptop from the range 192.168.43.x (For example, 192.168.43.100).
3. DNS problems — try using public DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare).
4. Firewall/antivirus - temporarily disable protection on your laptop.

How to increase the range of an access point?

Standard coverage radius Redmi Note 8 — about 10 meters indoors. To increase it:

• 📡 Use range 2.4 GHz - It goes through walls better.
• 🔋 Connect your phone to a charger - this will increase the transmission power.
• 🛠 Buy external antenna for a smartphone (connects via USB-C).
• 📌 Place the phone in the center of the room, away from metal objects and household appliances.

⚠️ Please note that increasing the radius may reduce connection speed.

Is it possible to share internet from a phone to a Smart TV?

Yes, the process is similar to connecting a laptop:

1. Turn on the hotspot on Redmi Note 8.
2. On your TV, go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi.
3. Select your phone's network and enter the password.

If your TV doesn't connect, check:

• Does your TV support the range? 5 GHz (many budget models only work on 2.4 GHz).
• Is the TV firmware updated (outdated versions may not be able to see modern networks).

How many devices can be connected to Redmi Note 8's hotspot at the same time?

The official limit is - 8 devices, but in practice:

• 📱 1-2 devices — the speed hardly drops.
• 💻 3-5 devices — speed is reduced by 30-50%.
• 📡 6-8 devices — connection interruptions and lags when loading pages are possible.

For stable operation, we recommend connecting no more than 3 devices simultaneously.