In today's digital world, a smartphone has long ceased to be simply a means of communication, becoming a fully-fledged mobile router capable of providing internet access to a laptop, tablet, or other device anywhere. This issue is especially pressing for owners of popular models. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8, which, thanks to its features and availability, is widely used among users who need a stable mobile internet connection. Activating tethering mode on devices running MIUI may have its own nuances that differ from standard Android, so it's important to understand the intricacies of setting up this particular system.
Usage Wi-Fi hotspots Allows you to instantly create a local network that can connect up to ten or more devices simultaneously, ensuring high data transfer speeds thanks to support for modern communication standards. However, simply activating this feature is just the tip of the iceberg; for a comfortable experience, you need to properly configure security settings, select the optimal signal frequency, and limit traffic consumption to avoid depleting your entire data package in a matter of minutes. In this guide, we'll walk you through every step of turning your smartphone into a powerful internet source.
Owners Redmi Note 8 We often need to quickly share internet access while traveling, at the cottage, or in the office, where wired internet is unavailable or overloaded. Proper setup will not only allow you to share Wi-Fi but also make the process as energy-efficient and secure as possible for your personal data. Below we'll walk you through the instructions for activating this mode.
Activating tethering mode through quick settings and menu
The fastest way to start sharing your internet connection Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 — Use the control panel, accessible by swiping down from the top. The standard set of icons often includes an "Access Point" icon, which, when activated, immediately initiates the network creation process. If this icon isn't visible on the screen, simply tap the edit button (usually a pencil icon or three dots) to add the widget to the main notification panel for quick access in the future.
More detailed control over network settings is available through the main operating system settings menu. To do this, open the section Settings, find "Wi-Fi Hotspot" or go through the "Connection and Sharing" menu. This is where all the key settings affecting connection stability and the security of your personal network are hidden. It's important not to confuse this mode with Bluetooth or USB modem, as Wi-Fi provides the highest data transfer speeds.
When you first turn it on, the system may ask you to confirm whether to activate the geolocation service or warn you about possible traffic consumption. MIUI You'll also be prompted to set a network name (SSID) and password if you haven't already. We recommend setting a complex password from the start, using a combination of letters and numbers, to prevent unauthorized access to your connection.
☑️ Check before starting distribution
Setting up a network name and security settings
The security of the network you create is your number one priority, especially when you're in crowded places like cafes, public transportation, or shopping malls. By default Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 suggests using an encryption protocol WPA2-Personal, which currently offers the optimal balance between compatibility with older devices and data protection. Changing the encryption type to WPA3 is only recommended if all connected devices support this standard; otherwise, some devices may simply not see the network.
The default network name (SSID) often contains the phone model and a random string of characters, which isn't always easy to find among numerous other signals. You can change the name to anything you like, but avoid using special characters or Cyrillic, as some older laptops or game consoles may display such names incorrectly or refuse to connect altogether. It's best to use Latin characters and numbers for maximum compatibility.
⚠️ Caution: Never leave your hotspot open (without a password) in public places. Attackers can intercept transmitted data or use your connection for illegal activities, which could lead to SIM card blocking by your carrier or legal issues.
The security menu also offers an option to hide the SSID when the network exists but isn't visible in the list of available connections on other devices. In this case, connecting will require manually entering the network name on the client device. This creates an additional barrier to casual users, although it's not completely secure against professional attacks.
Choosing a Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz
One of the most important settings available to owners Redmi Note 8, is the choice of frequency range for the transmitted signal. The smartphone supports operation in two ranges: 2.4 GHz And 5 GHzThe choice between them depends on specific usage conditions and the type of devices being connected. Understanding the differences between these standards will significantly improve connection speed and stability.
The 2.4 GHz band is more versatile and compatible. It provides good coverage and penetrates walls better, which is useful if the receiving device is in another room. However, this band is often congested with signals from neighboring routers, microwave ovens, and Bluetooth devices, which can lead to slower speeds and increased ping times. It's the classic choice for maximum compatibility.
The 5 GHz band offers significantly higher data transfer rates and is less susceptible to interference from neighboring networks. It's ideal for watching high-definition video, making video calls, or playing online games, as long as the receiving device is close to the phone. However, the 5 GHz range is shorter, and the signal has poorer penetration through obstacles.
Switching between ranges in MIUI This can be done in the "Access Point Settings" -> "Frequency Band" menu. Please note that switching to 5 GHz may prevent some older devices from detecting your network. In this case, you'll need to switch back to the 2.4 GHz standard.
| Characteristic | 2.4 GHz band | 5 GHz band |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer speed | Average (up to 150-300 Mbps) | High (up to 800+ Mbps) |
| Range | Bigger, fits better into walls | Smaller, more sensitive to obstacles |
| Workload | High (a lot of interference) | Low (pure ether) |
| Compatibility | Almost 100% of devices | Only modern gadgets |
Limiting the number of connections and controlling traffic
Shell functionality MIUI It allows you not only to share the internet but also to strictly control this process. You can set a limit on the number of connected devices to avoid overloading the channel and the smartphone itself. The optimal value for maintaining stable speed is a limit of 3-5 devices, although technically Redmi Note 8 capable of supporting more.
A critically important setting is setting a traffic limit. You can set a data limit (for example, 1 GB or 5 GB), after which Wi-Fi hotspot sharing will automatically turn off. This prevents unexpected charges if you forget to turn off the hotspot or someone starts downloading large files over your connection.
- 📉 Traffic limit: Set in the "Traffic Limit" menu, it allows you to specify the volume in MB or GB.
- 🔢 User limit: Allows you to allow connection to only a certain number of gadgets at a time.
- 👁️ List of connected: Shows in real time who exactly is using your internet and allows you to block unknown devices with one click.
The "Whitelist" feature is also available in this section. If you enable this feature, only devices whose MAC addresses are included in the allowed list will be able to connect to your network. This is a higher level of access control that prevents unauthorized users from connecting, even if they know the password.
Power optimization and battery life
Hotspot mode is one of the most power-consuming processes for a smartphone. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 When actively distributing Wi-Fi, the battery may drain significantly faster than usual and also become very hot. This is due to the radio module constantly transmitting and receiving data. To minimize risks, it is recommended to monitor the device's temperature.
If you plan on using internet tethering for an extended period, it's strongly recommended to keep your phone connected to a charger. However, keep in mind that simultaneously charging and actively transferring data can cause increased heat. In such cases, it's best to remove the phone's case and place it on a hard, cool surface (such as glass or metal) to improve heat dissipation.
⚠️ Caution: Prolonged battery heating above 45 degrees Celsius may accelerate battery degradation and reduce its overall capacity in the future. Take breaks from using the hotspot if you notice the case becoming too hot.
In the battery settings MIUI You can check whether the system is restricting background activity for network-related processes. Sometimes aggressive power saving can cause connection drops if the phone's screen is off. It's recommended to add the access point to the exception list or select "Unrestricted" mode for system network processes.
Solution: Why distribution isn't working
Despite the system's reliability, users may encounter situations where Wi-Fi sharing fails to start or devices fail to detect the network. Most often, the problem stems from a lack of mobile internet on the smartphone itself. Check if the internet is working in the browser on Redmi Note 8 with Wi-Fi disabled. If not, the problem is with your carrier or APN settings.
Another common cause is incompatible security protocols. If your laptop can't detect the network, try temporarily changing the encryption type from WPA2 to WPA or changing the frequency band. Restarting the Wi-Fi module also helps: turn the access point off and on again.
Hidden APN settings
If you have internet access on your phone but it drops when you enable tethering, go to Settings -> SIM cards & mobile networks -> Access point names (APNs). Tap the menu (three dots) and select "Reset to default settings." This often resolves traffic routing issues.
In rare cases, you may need to reset your network settings. This will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but will return the network modules to their factory defaults, eliminating software conflicts. Here's how to reset: Settings -> Advanced settings -> Backup & reset -> Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if there is no SIM card on the phone?
No, you need an active SIM card with a data plan to share your mobile data. However, if your phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network, some versions of Android allow you to rebroadcast this signal, but on MIUI This feature is often blocked or unstable without root access. The standard scenario involves using mobile data.
Does Redmi Note 8 get very hot when used?
Yes, this is normal. The processor and radio module are operating under high load. Temperatures can reach 40-50 degrees Celsius. It is recommended to remove any protective case or cover your phone with a cloth while the hotspot is active.
Does Wi-Fi sharing affect the internet speed on the phone itself?
Yes, the bandwidth is shared between all connected devices. If someone is watching 4K video through your hotspot, your own phone's speed will drop significantly. Traffic limits help you manage the situation.
How do I know who is connected to my hotspot?
In the Wi-Fi Hotspot menu Redmi Note 8 There's a "Connected Devices" section. It displays the names and MAC addresses of all your gadgets. You can click on a device and select "Disable" or "Block."