Smartphones of the series Redmi Note 8 from the company Xiaomi remain popular due to their balance of price and performance, but their modem features sometimes require detailed configuration to operate reliably. Wi-Fi distribution It's not just a toggle switch in the notification shade, but a complex process that involves frequency, security, and power saving settings. Modern MIUI skins offer flexible traffic management tools that require proper configuration.
Device owners often encounter situations where their laptop or tablet simply doesn't see the network they've created, or the connection drops after a few minutes. This may be due to incompatible frequency bands or aggressive battery-saving algorithms built into the device. AndroidUnderstanding these nuances will help you avoid wasting time reconnecting devices.
In this article, we'll walk you through all the steps of creating a hotspot, from basic settings to advanced options like setting a traffic limit and hiding the network name. You'll learn how to optimize performance. mobile hotspot for maximum speed and connection stability in conditions of poor cellular signal.
Basic hotspot activation via settings
The easiest way to enable tethering is through the standard operating system settings menu. This method allows you to set basic security parameters before broadcasting a signal. To begin, unlock your smartphone's screen and go to the main app menu.
Find the icon Settings and click on it. In the list that opens, look for the section Wi-Fi hotspot, which is often located under "Connection and Sharing" or "Other ways to connect." This is where the key switches that control the device's visibility to external devices are located.
Once you enter the menu, you'll see a slider to enable the feature. Before activating it, we recommend clicking on the section title to access the advanced configuration menu. This is where you can configure SSID (network name) and password, without which connecting third-party devices will be impossible.
- 📱 Tap on "Wi-Fi hotspot setup" to enter the settings menu.
- 🔐 Create a complex password using mixed-case letters and numbers to protect your channel.
- 📡 Make sure the Band field is set to 2.4 GHz for maximum compatibility.
- ⚙️ Save your changes by clicking the checkmark in the upper right corner of the screen.
⚠️ Warning: If you're using the default password suggested by the system, change it immediately. Attackers can use factory password databases to access your traffic.
After saving the settings, go back one step and activate the slider at the top of the screen. The smartphone will warn you that this feature may consume a significant amount of power, which is a normal system response to the radio module's load.
Frequency range adjustment and compatibility
One of the critical settings that affects network visibility is the choice of operating frequency. Redmi Note 8 Supports dual-band operation: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Choosing the right option depends on which devices you plan to connect to the network.
Range 5 GHz It provides higher data transfer rates and is less susceptible to interference from household appliances, but it has a shorter range and is less able to penetrate walls. Furthermore, many older laptops and budget tablets simply lack hardware support for this standard and will not be able to detect the network.
Range 2.4 GHz It's a universal standard supported by virtually every Wi-Fi device released in the last 15 years. While it offers lower speeds and higher levels of interference, connection stability in noisy environments is often a higher priority.
To change this setting, find "AP Band" in the access point menu. Click it and select the desired value from the drop-down list. If you're unsure of the specifications of the connected equipment, it's best to leave the default value or select 2.4 GHz.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Up to 150-300 Mbps | Up to 400-800 Mbps |
| Range | High | Medium/Low |
| Penetration ability | Good | Bad |
| Compatibility | 100% of devices | Only modern gadgets |
⚠️ Note: MIUI interfaces may differ depending on the firmware version (Global, China, Russia). The layout of menu items may vary, but the frequency settings logic remains the same for all models.
If your devices stop seeing the network after changing the frequency, try reverting to the previous setting. A complete network reset can sometimes help, but this will require re-entering the passwords for all saved Wi-Fi hotspots.
Managing Connected Devices and Security
Controlling who connects to your internet is a crucial aspect of security. In the hotspot menu Xiaomi A convenient list of active clients has been implemented, displaying the MAC addresses and names of connected devices. This allows for the prompt detection of unauthorized access.
To block a specific user, simply click on their name in the list and select the block option. After this, the device will be unable to reconnect, even if it knows the correct password, until the block is lifted. This is an effective method for combating "neighbors" trying to save data.
This section also allows you to set a traffic limit. You can set a maximum value, such as 1 GB or 500 MB. When your download reaches this threshold, mobile hotspot will automatically turn off, which will save you from unexpected expenses if you do not have an unlimited plan.
- 🛑 Regularly check the list of connected devices in the control menu.
- 📉 Set traffic limits to control your package data consumption.
- 🔒 Use WPA2 PSK encryption, as it is the most secure standard.
- 👁️ Enable display of hidden devices if they are not visible in the main list.
Keep in mind that when actively using Wi-Fi, your smartphone's battery drains significantly faster than usual. It's recommended to keep your device connected to a charger or power bank, especially if you plan on using it for an extended period.
☑️ Network security check
Troubleshooting visibility and connectivity issues
The situation when the laptop does not see the network created on Redmi Note 8, is quite common. This can be caused not only by an incorrect frequency range, but also by caching of old connection profiles on the client device. The computer may be attempting to connect to an older configuration with different security settings.
The first thing you need to do is forget the network on the receiving device. Go to the Wi-Fi settings on your laptop, find the name of your access point, select "Forget" or "Delete," and then try to find and connect to it again, re-entering the password. This clears old, erroneous entries.
The second common issue is a static IP address that may have been previously assigned to the client. Make sure the connecting device's network properties are set to obtain an IP address automatically (DHCP). Manual settings often conflict with the address range assigned by the smartphone.
If simple methods don't help, reboot both devices. Sometimes the smartphone's Wi-Fi module freezes in the background, and a full system restart restores it to working order. It's also worth checking that airplane mode isn't enabled, which may have been activated accidentally.
⚠️ Warning: Antivirus programs or firewalls on your computer may block connections to new networks, classifying them as public. Check your network security settings in Windows or macOS.
In rare cases, resetting the network settings on the smartphone itself can help. This will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but it often resolves software conflicts between communication modules. You can find this option under "Connection and Sharing" -> "Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and Bluetooth."
Hiding SSID and Advanced Settings
For users seeking increased privacy, a feature to hide the network name (SSID) is available. When this option is enabled, your Redmi Note 8 stops broadcasting the network name, and it is not displayed in the lists of available connections on other devices.
To connect to a hidden network, you must manually enter its name and encryption type on the client device. This creates an additional barrier for random users scanning the airwaves, although for an experienced hacker, it's not a significant obstacle.
This feature is enabled in the same access point settings menu. Find the "Hide Device" or "Hide SSID" switch and toggle it on. After this, the network will disappear from public access, and you'll only be able to connect to it by its exact name.
How safe is it to hide your SSID?
Hiding the SSID is not an encryption method. The network name is still transmitted in service data packets and can be intercepted by a sniffer. This is protection from prying eyes, but not from a targeted attack.
Using a hidden network is convenient in offices or crowded areas to avoid cluttering the list of available networks. However, for home use, this can create unnecessary inconvenience when connecting guest devices.
Optimizing power consumption and stability
Sharing the Internet is a resource-intensive process that puts a heavy load on the processor and radio module. MIUI There are mechanisms that can automatically turn off the access point to save power if no one is connected to it or if the battery charge drops below a certain level.
To avoid unexpected connection drops, go to your hotspot settings and find the "Timeout" or "Auto-disconnect" option. Set it to "Never" or the maximum available time. This will prevent the system from turning off the modem in the background.
It's also worth paying attention to the power saving mode. If "Power Saver" or "Ultra Power Saving" is enabled, the system may limit background processes, including Wi-Fi. For stable data sharing, it's best to switch to "Performance" or "Balanced" mode.
- 🔋 Disable automatic hotspot shutdown in the timeout settings.
- ⚡ Use the "Performance" mode when sharing your internet connection.
- 🌡️ Remove the case from your smartphone if it gets hot to avoid throttling.
- 📶 Keep your phone in a strong 4G/5G coverage area for best speed.
⚠️ Caution: Extended operation in access point mode causes the device to become hot. Avoid exposing the device to direct sunlight while operating.
Following these simple rules will significantly extend your smartphone's battery life in tethering mode and ensure a stable connection for your devices. Don't neglect checking for system updates, as they often contain fixes for network module bugs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does my laptop see the network, but it says "Unable to connect"?
Most often, the problem stems from a mismatch in encryption type or frequency. Try changing the encryption method in your access point settings from WPA3 to WPA2 or changing the frequency band from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz. Also, check if your laptop has a static IP address.
How many devices can be connected to Redmi Note 8 at the same time?
Technically Redmi Note 8 Supports up to 10 simultaneous connections. However, the actual number depends on processor load and mobile internet speed. Connecting more than 3-4 devices may significantly reduce the speed on each device.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if airplane mode is enabled on the phone?
No, in airplane mode, all wireless interfaces, including cellular and Wi-Fi, are disabled. To share your data, you must have mobile data active (or Wi-Fi if you're using your phone as a repeater, which requires third-party apps).
Why does the battery drain quickly when the hotspot is turned on?
In access point mode, the Wi-Fi module simultaneously transmits and receives, drawing maximum current. Additionally, the processor constantly processes network packets. This is standard behavior for any smartphone in this mode.
How do I find out who is connected to my Wi-Fi?
Go to Settings -> Wi-Fi hotspot -> Connected devicesA list of all active clients with their names and MAC addresses is displayed there. You can block any of them directly from this menu.