How to share Wi-Fi from a Redmi 8 phone: a complete guide with all the details

Smartphone Xiaomi Redmi 8 A Wi-Fi hotspot isn't just a device for making calls and messaging, but also a fully-fledged internet sharing tool. Turning your phone into a Wi-Fi hotspot is useful when traveling, at the dacha, or when your main router suddenly breaks down. However, many users encounter difficulties: the hotspot won't turn on, devices won't connect, or the speed leaves much to be desired. In this article, we'll look into these issues. All the ways to share Wi-Fi with the Redmi 8, including hidden settings and solutions to common problems.

It's important to understand that sharing your internet connection via your phone isn't just a matter of pressing a button. Connection speed and stability are affected by MIUI version, mobile network settings, carrier restrictions, and even CPU temperature. We analyzed user experiences and official recommendations. Xiaomito put together the most up-to-date guide. If you're looking for a way to connect your laptop, tablet, or other phone to the internet via Redmi 8 - You are in the right place.

Preparing your phone for Wi-Fi sharing

Before you enable tethering, make sure your Redmi 8 I'm ready for this task. Let's start by checking the key parameters:

• 📶 Mobile InternetMake sure your phone has active data (4G/LTE icon in the status bar). Without a mobile network connection, you won't be able to share data.
• 🔋 Battery chargeWi-Fi hotspots consume a lot of battery. If your battery is below 30%, connect your phone to a charger.
• 📱 MIUI version: Some features may be missing on older firmware versions. Please update your system to the latest version. Settings → About phone → System update.
• 📡 Operator restrictionsSome plans block internet tethering. Check with your provider for details.

Please pay special attention to APN settings (Access Point Names). Incorrect settings can result in the phone having internet access but not being able to share it. To check the APN:

1. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → [Your SIM] → Access point names (APN).
2. Make sure your carrier's profile is selected. If it's not there, create it manually using the information from your provider's official website.

How to share Wi-Fi with Redmi 8

On Redmi 8 There are three main ways to share your internet connection: via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB. Let's look at each one so you can choose the best option.

1. Sharing via Wi-Fi (access point mode)

This is the most popular and versatile method. It allows you to connect multiple devices simultaneously (usually up to 8-10), but it drains battery faster than other methods. To activate:

1. Open Settings → Tethering & Hotspot → Wi-Fi Hotspot.
2. Activate the "Wi-Fi hotspot" slider.
3. Click "Configure Access Point" to change the network name (SSID) and password.

By default the network will be called Redmi 8_XXXX (where XXXX are the last digits of the IMEI), and the password will be generated automatically. We recommend changing the network name to something more memorable, and the password to be secure (at least 8 characters with numbers and letters).

2. Sharing via Bluetooth

This method is more battery-efficient, but is only suitable for connecting one device at a time. Connection speed is slower than Wi-Fi, but stability is often better. Instructions:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. On Redmi 8 go to Settings → Personal Hotspot → Bluetooth Tethering.
3. Select the device from the list and confirm pairing.

After connecting, you may need to manually enable Bluetooth internet access on the second device (in network settings).

3. Distribution via USB (USB modem)

The most stable and energy-efficient method, but requires a USB cable. Suitable for connecting laptops or PCs. How to set it up:

1. Connect Redmi 8 to the computer via a USB cable.
2. On your phone, select the data transfer mode USB modem (a notification will appear after connection).
3. On your PC, check that a new connection has appeared in your network connections.

If the drivers are not installed automatically, download them from the website Xiaomi or use the program Mi PC Suite.

Configuring access point settings

By default Redmi 8 uses default access point settings, which aren't always optimal. Let's look at what settings can and should be adjusted to improve stability and speed.

The first thing you should pay attention to is frequency range. In the access point settings (Settings → Tethering & Hotspot → Wi-Fi Hotspot → Setup) you will see the "Band" option. Here you can choose:

• 📶 2.4 GHz - passes through walls better, but is subject to interference from other networks.
• 📶 5 GHz - higher speed and less interference, but worse coverage in large areas.
• 📶 Auto — the phone itself selects the optimal range (recommended for most cases).

If you have many devices on the 2.4 GHz network (neighbors, smart devices), try manually switching to 5 GHz. Also, pay attention to the "Max. number of connected devices" setting. By default, it's 8, but if you need to connect more, you can increase it to 10 (although this may reduce the speed for each device).

What should I do if there is no "Band" option in the settings?

On some MIUI versions, this setting is hidden. To activate it, you need to enable "Developer Mode":

1. Go to Settings → About phone.

2. Tap "MIUI version" 7 times.

3. Return to the main settings, the "For developers" item will appear.

4. Turn it on and look for the option "Select Wi-Fi band" or something similar.

Solving common Wi-Fi problems

Even after proper configuration, users Redmi 8 may encounter difficulties. Let's look at the most common situations and how to resolve them.

1. The access point turns on, but devices don't connect.

If other devices "see" the network but can't connect, the problem usually lies in security settings or an IP conflict. Try:

• 🔄 Restart your phone — sometimes a simple reboot helps.
• 🔐 Change the security type from WPA2-PSK to WPA-PSK or vice versa.
• 📱 Reset network settings on the device being connected (forget the network and connect again).
• 🔧 Disable VPN On your phone - some VPN services block distribution.

2. There is Internet on the phone, but it is not being shared.

This issue is often related to APN settings or carrier restrictions. With unlimited internet plans, some providers artificially limit the upload speed after a certain limit is exceeded (for example, 10 GB per month). To check:

1. Make sure mobile data is turned on (Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks).
2. Check your balance and tariff terms - you may have run out of traffic.
3. Try switching to a different SIM card (if the phone has dual SIM).

3. The access point keeps disconnecting

If Redmi 8 Wi-Fi hotspots turn off spontaneously, and power saving settings are to blame. MIUI has aggressive battery optimizations that can kill background processes. To fix:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Manage apps → Three dots (menu) → Special access → Battery optimization.
2. Find "Modem Mode" in the list and select "Unlimited".
3. Disable the "Automatic hotspot disconnect" feature in the tethering settings.

✅ Restarted the phone

✅ Check your balance and tariff

✅ Reset the network settings on the connected device

✅ Tried another sharing method (USB/Bluetooth)

✅ Updated MIUI to the latest version-->

How to increase the speed of your Wi-Fi connection

Internet speeds when sharing data from a phone will always be lower than when connected directly to a router. However, there are ways to optimize them. Let's start with the simplest: choosing the right rangeAs we mentioned, 5 GHz is usually faster, but check:

• 📊 Speed ​​test: Before distributing, check the speed of your mobile Internet through SpeedtestIf it is initially low, the problem is with the operator.
• 📡 Phone location: Don't put it Redmi 8 in a metal case or under a stack of books - this degrades the signal.
• 🔋 CPU temperatureIf your phone overheats, it may artificially limit its performance. Let it cool down.
• 📵 Background applications: Close all unnecessary programs, especially torrents or cloud syncs.

If speed is critical (for example, for video conferencing), try disable automatic app updates V Settings → Applications → Auto-updateIt's also worth limiting background data transfer for unnecessary apps. Settings → Apps → Manage apps → [Select an app] → Mobile data.

Security when sharing Wi-Fi from your phone

Sharing your internet connection via your phone is convenient, but don't forget about security. Your hotspot could become a target for hackers or simply "charge" your neighbors' data. Here are some key precautions:

• 🔒 Complex passwordUse a combination of letters (in mixed case), numbers, and symbols. Avoid simple sequences like "12345678" or "qwerty."
• 🔄 Changing your password regularlyIf you frequently share Wi-Fi in public places, change the password once a week.
• 📵 Disabling distributionTurn off the hotspot when you don't need it. This will save battery power and protect against unauthorized connections.
• 👁️ Control of connected devicesYou can see a list of connected devices in the hotspot settings. If you see something unfamiliar, change the password.

Also, pay attention to the "Hide network" setting in the access point settings. If enabled, your network won't appear in the public list, but you'll only be able to connect to it manually if you know the exact name (SSID). This adds an extra layer of protection, but may create inconvenience for legitimate users.

Alternative ways to distribute Internet

If standard methods don't work or don't provide the desired speed, consider alternative options. They require additional steps, but can sometimes be more effective.

1. Wi-Fi sharing apps

IN Google Play There are apps that offer advanced hotspot settings. For example, Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot or WiFi Hotspot ManagerThey allow:

• 📊 Set the priority of connected devices.
• 📈 Monitor traffic usage in real time.
• ⏱️ Set the automatic shutdown timer.

Be careful though, some of these apps require root rights, which may violate the warranty and stability of the phone.

2. Bridge mode (for advanced users)

If you have access to the router, but it is too far away, you can use Redmi 8 as a signal repeater. To do this:

1. Connect your phone to the main Wi-Fi network.
2. Activate hotspot mode on your phone.
3. Configure the function on your router WDS (if supported) to connect to the phone.

This method is more difficult to set up, but allows you to expand your coverage area without purchasing additional equipment.

3. Using an external antenna (for extreme cases)

If you often distribute the Internet in places with a poor signal (for example, in a country house), you can connect to Redmi 8 An external antenna via an adapter. This is an unofficial solution, but some users report improved signal. To do this, you'll need:

• Adapter USB-C to SMA (for connecting the antenna).
• Antenna with connector SMA (you can take it from an old router).
• An application for manual network configuration (for example, Network Signal Guru).

Risks of using an external antenna

Incorrect antenna connection can damage your phone's Wi-Fi module. It can also invalidate the device's certification and void the warranty. Only use this method if you understand the risks!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi hotspots on the Redmi 8

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from Redmi 8 without connecting to a mobile network?

No, to share the internet, your phone must have internet access—either via mobile data or by connecting to another Wi-Fi network (in repeater mode, if supported by your firmware). Without an internet source, there's simply nothing to share.

How many devices can be connected to a hotspot on Redmi 8?

By default the limit is 8 devices, but in the access point settings (Settings → Tethering & Hotspot → Wi-Fi Hotspot → Setup) it can be increased to 10. However, remember: the more gadgets are connected, the lower the speed for each of them.

Why does the battery drain quickly when distributing Wi-Fi?

Tethering is one of the most energy-consuming functions of a smartphone. Redmi 8 Consumes up to 20-30% of the battery per hour when actively distributing. To reduce consumption:

• Connect your phone to the charger.
• Disable unnecessary background processes.
• Use power saving mode (but this may reduce speed).
• Switch to USB sharing - this is the most cost-effective method.

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from Redmi 8 if VPN is enabled?

It depends on your VPN settings. Some services block internet tethering to protect your data. Try:

• Disable your VPN and check if the distribution works.
• In the VPN settings, find the option "Allow local network" or something similar.
• Change the VPN protocol (for example, from OpenVPN to WireGuard).

If all else fails, you'll have to choose between a VPN and internet sharing.

How to reset the access point settings on the Redmi 8 to factory settings?

If you've experimented with the settings and want to return everything to the way it was, do the following:

1. Go to Settings → Tethering & Hotspot → Wi-Fi Hotspot → Setup.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Reset settings".
3. Confirm the action.

After that the network name (SSID) and the password will return to the default values ​​(indicated on the sticker under the battery or in the device information).