How to Share Internet from a Xiaomi Phone: 5 Methods and Solutions

Smartphones Xiaomi have long since become universal devices, capable of replacing not only a music player or camera, but also a full-fledged router. Share Wi-Fi from your phone Redmi, POCO or Mi You can do this in seconds—if you know the right settings and avoid common mistakes. This feature is useful when traveling, at the dacha, or if your main router suddenly breaks down. But how can you ensure the access point works reliably, doesn't drain battery power, and doesn't limit speed?

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for all current versions MIUI (including MIUI 14/15 And HyperOS), comparison of distribution methods (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB), as well as hidden settings, which aren't covered in standard manuals. We'll explore why a phone might not share the internet even with a hotspot enabled, how to bypass carrier restrictions, and what to do if devices connect but pages don't load. Finally, we'll cover answers to frequently asked questions and life hacks for saving data.

1. Preparing your Xiaomi phone for Wi-Fi sharing

Before turning on the access point, make sure that your Xiaomi I'm ready for this task. Failure to meet basic requirements is the main reason why distribution is unstable or doesn't start at all.

First, check availability of mobile InternetEven if your phone displays the 4G/5G icon, the connection may sometimes be intermittent. Open your browser and try loading any page. If it doesn't open, restart your phone or turn Airplane mode on/off for 10 seconds. Also, make sure you have active tariff with data transfer (Some operators block data distribution on unlimited tariffs).

Secondly, update the firmwareIn older versions MIUI (below 12) important fixes for the Wi-Fi module may be missing. You can check the software's current status in the menu. Settings → About phone → System updateIf a new version is available, install it, even if it takes time.

• 📶 Check your network signal: in a weak coverage area (1-2 antenna divisions) the distribution speed will be minimal.
• 🔋 Battery charge: When the level is below 20%, the phone may automatically turn off the hotspot to save power.
• 🛡️ Disable VPN: some applications (eg 1.1.1.1 or ProtonVPN) block the transmission of traffic to other devices.
• 📱 Reset network settings (if the distribution worked before, but now it doesn’t): Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Reset network settings.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with dual SIM cards The access point can only use main SIM (Slot 1). If the internet is connected to the second card, sharing will not work.

2. Method 1: Sharing Wi-Fi via a standard access point

This is the simplest and most universal method that works on all models. Xiaomi - from budget Redmi 9A to the flagship Xiaomi 14 UltraThe algorithm has remained almost unchanged since MIUI 10, but there are nuances for new firmware versions.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (gear icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the section Access point and modem (V MIUI 14+ it can be called Modem mode).
3. Select Wi-Fi hotspot.
4. Activate the slider Wi-Fi hotspot.
5. Click Setting up an access pointto ask:
   • 🔐 Network name (SSID) - come up with something unique (for example, Xiaomi_Hotspot_123) to avoid conflicts with other networks.
   • 🔑 Password — minimum 8 characters, with numbers and letters (example: QwEr12!@Ty).
   • 📡 Frequency range — choose 5 GHz for high speed (but smaller radius) or 2.4 GHz for better compatibility with older devices.

Save the settings and connect other devices to the created network.

By default, the hotspot turns off after 5 minutes without any devices connected. To avoid this, return to the menu. Wi-Fi hotspot and activate the option Always on (not available on all models).

Make sure your mobile internet is working|Your hotspot password is saved|The 5 GHz band is selected only if your devices support it|Power saving modes are disabled-->

⚠️ Attention: If the internet doesn't work after connecting to an access point, check your APN settings. Some operators (for example, Tele2 or Yota) require manual configuration of parameters APN for distribution. Path: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → [select SIM] → Access point names (APN)Compare current parameters with the official ones on the operator's website.

3. Method 2: Sharing the Internet via USB (USB modem)

This method is suitable if you need to connect to the Internet laptop or PC Without a Wi-Fi adapter. Advantages: more stable connection And lower battery consumption phone (since it charges via USB). However, the speed may be limited by the port version (for example, USB 2.0 will give a maximum of 480 Mbps).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your computer via USB cable (preferably original or certified).
2. On the phone in the menu Settings → Hotspot & Tethering select USB modem.
3. Wait for the drivers to install on your PC (usually takes 10-30 seconds).
4. On your computer, check the connection: in Windows, open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network Connections - a new connection should appear Remote NDIS.

If the drivers are not installed automatically:

• 🖥️ For Windows 10/11: download Mi PC Suite from the official website Xiaomi — the program will install all necessary drivers.
• 🐧 For Linux: use the command

  sudo modprobe cdc_ether

  and reconnect the phone.

USB modem consumes 30-40% less energy than Wi-Fi distribution, but can be blocked by some antivirus programs (for example, Kaspersky or ESET). If the internet doesn't appear, temporarily disable protection or add the connection to the exceptions.

4. Method 3: Sharing via Bluetooth (to save battery)

Bluetooth connection is a compromise between USB and Wi-Fi: it less gluttonous for the battery, but speed limited (maximum 2-3 Mbps). This method is suitable for transmitting Internet to one device (for example, a tablet or another phone) without wasting energy.

How to set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. On the donor phone (Xiaomi) open Settings → Connectivity → Bluetooth.
3. Find the target device in the list and pair it.
4. After connecting, return to Settings → Hotspot & Tethering and activate Bluetooth modem.

Limitations of the method:

• 🐢 Low speed: suitable only for instant messengers and lightweight websites.
• 🔗 One device: You can't share the Internet connection between several gadgets at the same time.
• 🔄 Instability: The connection may be interrupted if the devices are more than 10 meters apart.

5. Troubleshooting: Why Wi-Fi Sharing Doesn't Work on Xiaomi

Even with the correct settings, the access point may refuse to work. Here Top 7 reasons and ways to eliminate them:

5.1. Devices connect, but the Internet doesn't work.

This is the most common problem. Causes:

• 🚫 Operator blockingSome plans (especially unlimited ones) limit data sharing. Check the terms on the operator's website or call support.
• 🔧 Incorrect APN settings: Compare current parameters with the reference ones (see section 2).
• 🛡️ Firewall or VPN: Turn them off on your phone and the connected device.

5.2. The access point turns on and then immediately turns off

The culprits are usually:

• 🔋 Energy saving: turn off the mode Battery → Power Saving or add the access point to the exceptions.
• 📱 Software failure: Restart your phone or reset network settings (Settings → SIM cards & mobile networks → Reset network settings).

5.3. Low distribution speed

Speed ​​issues are solved as follows:

• 📶 Weak mobile network signal: Move closer to a window or use a signal booster.
• 🔄 Channel congestion: change the band from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz (or vice versa).
• 📵 Background applications: Close all programs that consume traffic (torrents, cloud backups).

How can I check if an operator is blocking distribution?

Open a browser on your phone and check the speed speedtest.netThen connect to the access point from another device and run the test again. If the speed on the second device is 5-10 times slower, your carrier is throttling your data.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with HyperOS (For example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70) the option may be missing Always on for a hotspot. In this case, use third-party apps like NetShare or PdaNet+, but they require root rights.

6. Hidden settings and life hacks for Xiaomi

Features not mentioned in the official instructions:

6.1 Changing MTU for connection stability

If the connection is frequently disconnected, try reducing the value MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit). To do this:

1. Connect to the access point from your PC.
2. Open Command Prompt (Win + R → cmd).
3. Enter the command:

   ping -f -l 1472 8.8.8.8

4. If packets are fragmented, reduce the number 1472 by 8 until fragmentation disappears.
5. Then on your phone, enter in the engineering menu (##4636##) new meaning MTU (For example, 1464).

6.2. Disabling automatic shutdown of the access point

IN MIUI 13+ You can cancel the inactivity timeout:

1. Activate the access point.
2. Connect any device (even if it won't use the Internet).
3. The phone will consider the access point "busy" and will not turn it off.

6.3. Saving traffic when distributing

To avoid burning gigabytes in an hour:

• 📊 Turn on Saving traffic in the SIM card settings.
• 🚫 Block background traffic for apps: Settings → Apps → Permissions → Data.
• ⏳ Limit the upload speed through apps like NetGuard (without root).

7. Alternative apps for Wi-Fi sharing

If standard means Xiaomi If you're not satisfied, try third-party utilities. They offer additional features: Speed ​​Limit, device filtering by MAC address or automatic shutdown according to schedule.

Warning: Unrooted apps may create VPN tunnel to bypass operator restrictions, which sometimes leads to slowing down by 20-30%. Also, some operators (for example, MTS) block such applications.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi hotspots with Xiaomi

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

Technically yes: in the access point settings, select No protection instead of WPA2-PSKHowever, this unsafe — outsiders will be able to connect to your network, which will lead to:

• 🐢 Slowdown (traffic will be "eaten up" by other devices).
• 🔍 Risk of data interception (if someone launches a traffic sniffer).
• 📵 Possible blocking by the operator for suspicious activity.

If you need to temporarily give access to a friend, it’s better please provide the password or use QR code to connect (available in MIUI 14+).

❓ How many devices can I connect to a Xiaomi hotspot?

The official limit is - 10 devices simultaneously. However, in practice:

• 📱 Budget models (Redmi 9/10) work stably with 3-5 devices.
• 📱 Flagships (Xiaomi 13/14) can withstand 8-10 without any speed drops.
• ⚠️ When connecting more than 5 devices, the speed for each one decreases proportionally.

To increase the limit, you need to editing system files (for advanced users with root rights only).

❓ Why doesn't Xiaomi see connected devices in the client list?

IN MIUI there is no built-in display of connected devices (unlike Samsung or iPhone). To see the list:

1. Install the application Fing or Network Analyzer from Google Play.
2. Connect to your hotspot from another device.
3. Run a network scan—the app will show all connected gadgets.

To block unwanted devices, use MAC address filtering in the router settings (if you distribute the Internet through it) or in applications like NetCut (requires root).

How do I share Wi-Fi from a Xiaomi device if I don't have mobile internet (only my home Wi-Fi)?

Telephone Xiaomi can't receive Wi-Fi and distribute it again (function Wi-Fi Repeater (missing in MIUI). Workarounds:

• 📶 USB modem + PC: connect your phone to a computer that shares the Internet via Mobile hotspot (Windows) or General access (macOS).
• 🔄 Rooted apps: WiFi Tether Router or Barnacle Wi-Fi Tether can re-distribute Wi-Fi, but require superuser rights.
• 📡 External router: If you need a stable distribution, buy an inexpensive router (for example, Xiaomi Mi Router 4A) and set it up as a repeater.

❓ Is it possible to share internet from a Xiaomi to a Smart TV?

Yes, but there are some nuances:

• 📺 Modern TVs (Samsung QLED, LG OLED, Xiaomi TV) connect to the access point like regular devices.
• 📺 Old models (before 2016) may not see networks in the range 5 GHz - use 2.4 GHz.
• 🔍 If the TV connects, but the video is lagging, check signal quality (must be ≥70%) and turn off power saving on the phone.

For Android TV (For example, Xiaomi Mi Box) connection is also available via USB-OTG (if TV-box supports this function).