How to share internet from a Redmi phone: full instructions with photos and tips

Modern smartphones Xiaomi Redmi are capable of not only connecting to Wi-Fi, but also becoming a source of internet for other devices. This function, called access point or modem mode, is indispensable when traveling, at the dacha, or when the main router suddenly stops working. However, many users encounter difficulties: the password doesn't work, the speed drops, or devices don't see the network.

In this article, we will look at all the ways to distribute Wi-Fi with Redmi (including models Note 12, 10C, 9A and others), we'll explain how to properly configure an access point to maintain speed, and give tips on troubleshooting common errors. We'll also tell you how Why internet tethering can be blocked on some mobile operator plans—and how to legally circumvent it.

Preparing your phone before sharing Wi-Fi

Before turning on the access point, make sure that your Redmi ready for this task. Here are the key points:

• 📶 Mobile InternetYou must have an active data plan (3G/4G/5G). Check your balance and remaining data in your carrier's app.
• 🔋 Battery chargeWi-Fi hotspots use a lot of battery. Charge your phone to at least 50% or connect it to a charger.
• 📱 MIUI updates: Outdated firmware may cause crashes. Update your system to Settings → About phone → System update.
• 🛡️ Security: If your phone is locked with a pattern or PIN, unlock it, otherwise the hotspot may turn off.

Please pay special attention to tariff planSome operators (eg. Tele2 or Iota) restrict internet sharing or consider it a separate service. If the internet connection disappears after connecting devices, check your plan's terms.

⚠️ Note: On dual SIM phones, the hotspot will use the SIM card that is selected for data transfer by default. To change it, go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Data transfer.

Method 1: Sharing Wi-Fi via the settings menu

This is the simplest and most reliable method. The instructions are suitable for all models. Redmi at the base MIUI 12–14 (including Redmi Note 11, Redmi 10, Redmi 9T and newer).

1. Open Settings (gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Connections and Sharing (or Network and Internet on older versions of MIUI).
3. Select Wi-Fi hotspot (may be called Modem mode).
4. Activate the slider Wi-Fi hotspot.
5. Click Setting up an access pointto set the network name (SSID) and password.

By default the network will be called Redmi_XXXX (where XXXX are the last digits of the phone's IMEI), and the password is an 8-digit combination. Change themTo simplify the connection and protect the network from outsiders:

• 🔑 Network name (SSID): Use Latin characters and numbers (for example, Redmi_Hotspot_2026).
• 🔒 Password: Minimum 8 characters, with capital letters and numbers (eg. WiFiRedmi26!).
• 📡 Range: Select 2.4 GHz for better compatibility with older devices or 5 GHz for high speed (if your Redmi supports).

Make sure your mobile internet is working|Check network visibility on another device|Enter your password correctly|Disable VPN (if used)-->

⚠️ Note: If the internet connection on your phone disappears after activating the hotspot, check your APN settings. Your carrier may require a special profile for sharing. This can usually be downloaded automatically. Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Access point names (APNs).

Method 2: Quick sharing via the notification panel

If you need to quickly share your internet without having to dig into the settings, use the quick access panel:

1. Swipe down from the top to open the notification panel.
2. Find the icon Access point (It's usually hidden - swipe left on the panel to see all the icons).
3. Tap the icon once to enable seeding.

This method is convenient, but has limitations:

• ✅ Fast and without unnecessary clicks.
• ❌ You cannot change the network name or password (default settings are used).
• ❌ On some models Redmi The access point turns off after 10 minutes of inactivity.

If the icon is not on the panel, add it:

1. Click the pencil icon (✏️) in the upper right corner of the panel.
2. Find Access point in the list and drag it to the active area.

Method 3: Sharing the Internet via USB or Bluetooth

Besides Wi-Fi, Redmi supports Internet distribution via USB cable And BluetoothThese methods are less popular, but can be useful in specific situations.

For a USB modem you will need a cable Type-C (or Micro-USB (for older models). After connecting to the computer, select the mode in the phone settings Data transfer or USB modemOn PC with Windows drivers are installed automatically, MacOS Additional network configuration may be required.

A Bluetooth modem is convenient for connecting tablets or laptops without a Wi-Fi adapter. However, the speed will be limited by the Bluetooth version of your device. Redmi:

• 📱 Bluetooth 4.2 (old models): up to 1 Mbps.
• 📱 Bluetooth 5.0 (new models): up to 3 Mbps.

Why Wi-Fi Sharing Doesn't Work on Redmi: Common Problems and Solutions

Even after proper configuration, an access point may stop working. Here are the most common causes and troubleshooting steps:

1. Devices don't see the network

• 🔄 Restart your phone — sometimes a simple reboot helps.
• 📡 Check the range: if you chose 5 GHz, and the device only supports 2.4 GHz, the network won't be visible. Change the band in the access point settings.
• 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth settings.

2. There is a connection, but the Internet doesn't work.

• 🌐 Check your mobile internet: Open the browser on your phone and try loading the website. If the internet doesn't work on the actual website Redmi — the operator has a problem.
• 📵 Disable VPN: Some VPN services block internet distribution.
• 📋 Set up APN: If the operator requires special parameters for distribution, they must be entered manually in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Access point names (APNs).

3. Slow speed or connection interruptions

• 📶 Check the signal levelIf your phone has a weak signal (1-2 bars), your speed will be slow. Move closer to a window or use a signal booster.
• 👥 Limit the number of devices: If more than 5 devices are connected to the access point, the speed is divided between them.
• 🔋 Turn off battery saving: Power saving mode may limit the performance of the Wi-Fi module.

What should I do if the operator blocks the distribution?

Some operators (eg. Tele2 On the "My Conversation" tariffs, internet tethering is blocked, even though mobile data is available. Solutions:

1. Change your tariff to the one where distribution is allowed (for example, "My Unlimited" Tele2).

2. Use a USB modem — Some operators block only Wi-Fi distribution.

3. Set up a VPN on your device, which connects to a hotspot (not on the phone!). This may bypass restrictions, but the speed will drop.

4. Buy a separate USB modem from the operator - sometimes it's cheaper than changing the tariff.

⚠️ Attention: If after all manipulations the distribution still does not work, check whether the mode is enabled on the phone On the plane or Energy savingThese modes disable all wireless modules, including the access point.

How to save data when sharing Wi-Fi with Redmi

Sharing your phone's internet can quickly exhaust your data allowance, especially if you have multiple devices connected to the network. Here's how to reduce your usage:

• 📊 Limit background traffic: On connected devices, disable automatic app updates and media downloads in messengers.
• 🎮 Ban online gaming and streaming: One connection to Twitch or YouTube in 4K it can eat up several gigabytes in an hour.
• ⏳ Set a time limit: In the access point settings (Settings → Wi-Fi Hotspot → Timeout) select Turn off after 5/10 minutes, if the network is not in use.
• 🔍 Use a traffic counter: Install an app like My Data Manager (Android) or TrafficMonitor (Windows) to track your consumption.

On some models Redmi (For example, Note 10 Pro or K50) has built-in traffic statistics. To enable them:

1. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks.
2. Select your SIM card and activate it. Limit Exceeded Warning.
3. Enter your monthly traffic limit (e.g. 15 GB).

Security: How to Protect Your Access Point from Hacking

An open hotspot on your phone is a juicy target for hackers. They can not only steal your traffic but also intercept data (passwords, messages). Follow these rules:

• 🔐 Use a complex passwordDon't use the default numeric password. Here's an example of a strong password: Redmi@2026_WiFi!.
• 🔄 Change your password regularly: Update your hotspot password once a month.
• 👤 Limit the number of devices: In the access point settings (Settings → Wi-Fi hotspot → Connected devices) you can block unknown gadgets.
• 🛡️ Disable WPSThis feature simplifies the connection, but makes the network vulnerable. Disable it in the access point settings. WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup).

If you notice suspicious activity (for example, unknown devices in the list of connected devices), immediately:

1. Turn off the access point.
2. Change your password.
3. Check your phone for viruses (for example, using Dr.Web Light).

For additional protection, you can use applications like NetGuard or GlassWire, which show which programs on connected devices are consuming traffic.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi sharing with Redmi

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from Redmi without a password?

Technically yes: you can select it in the access point settings No protectionHowever, this is extremely unsafe—everyone nearby will be able to connect to your network, and your operator may block the distribution for suspicious activity. It's better to use a password, but make it easy to remember (for example, redmi1234).

Why is there no "Wi-Fi Hotspot" option on the Redmi Note 11?

The feature is likely hidden due to regional firmware restrictions. Try this:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version.
2. Install alternative firmware (for example, Pixel Experience).
3. Use the app NetShare from Google Play to force distribution activation.

If nothing helps, check if the Wi-Fi module is disabled in the engineering menu (enter in the phone dialer ##4636## and select Wi-Fi information).

How many devices can be connected to a hotspot on Redmi?

The official limit is up to 10 devices, but in practice:

• 📱 Redmi 9A/10A: 3-4 devices work stably.
• 📱 Redmi Note 10/11: up to 6-7 devices without loss of speed.
• 📱 Redmi K50/Note 12: up to 10 devices (with a good 4G/5G signal).

The more gadgets you connect, the more the speed drops and the faster the battery drains.

How to share Wi-Fi from Redmi if there is no mobile data?

If you don't have a SIM card with internet, but you have access to another Wi-Fi network (for example, your home network), you can share it from your Redmi as a repeater:

1. Connect your phone to the main Wi-Fi network.
2. Activate the access point (as described above).
3. Other devices will connect to yours Redmi, and it will "transmit" the Internet from the router.

The downside of this method is double traffic consumption (first on the phone, then on the devices) and possible lags.

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from a Redmi to a laptop and use the internet on a phone at the same time?

Yes, but with some reservations:

• If you are distributing the Internet via Wi-Fi, then Wi-Fi will be disabled on the phone itself (you can only use mobile Internet).
• If you distribute through USB or Bluetooth, then you can use Wi-Fi on your phone at the same time (for example, to download files).

On some MIUI versions, activating a hotspot automatically disables Wi-Fi on your phone. To avoid this, use the app NetShare or enable developer mode and disable the option Disable Wi-Fi when hotspot is activated (if it is available in your MIUI version).