The modern smartphone has long ceased to be simply a means of communication, having become a fully-fledged control center for the digital world. Devices from the company Xiaomi They occupy a significant market share thanks to their excellent price-to-features ratio, offering users cutting-edge technology at an affordable price. One of the key features frequently used by gadget owners is internet tethering.
Situations where you need to provide Wi-Fi access to a laptop, tablet, or other phone arise everywhere: in a cafe, at the dacha, or on a business trip. The built-in module Wi-Fi hotspot It instantly turns your smartphone into a router. However, users often encounter configuration nuances, especially in the MIUI interface, which has its own unique interface.
In this article, we'll detail the process of activating tethering mode, explore hidden security settings, and examine signal optimization. You'll learn how to choose the right frequency range for maximum connection speed and stability. We'll also cover energy consumption and data security.
Preparing the device and checking mobile traffic
Before setting up tethering, make sure the device itself is ready and has an active internet connection. A stable cellular signal is essential for a functioning hotspot. Make sure your SIM card has an active data plan with sufficient data, as tethering can quickly exhaust your data allowance.
Pay attention to your battery level. Hotspot mode significantly increases power consumption because the radio module operates in boost mode, simultaneously receiving and transmitting data. If you're planning a long session, it's recommended to connect your phone to a power source or have one nearby. power bank.
It's also worth checking if the power saving mode is enabled on your device, which can limit background network activity. In some cases, aggressive MIUI optimization can interrupt the connection if the smartphone's screen goes dark. Check the settings in the section Safety → Battery and make sure that network system services are not set to hard limits.
⚠️ Please note: Mobile operators may block or limit speeds when using torrent clients over a mobile network. Please check your plan's terms in your account before actively seeding.
Activating the hotspot via the settings menu
The standard and most reliable way to enable tethering is through the system settings menu. This method provides access to all necessary configuration options. Open the app Settings on your device Xiaomi or Redmi.
Find the section that may be called "Wi-Fi hotspot" or "Personal hotspot." Depending on your OS version, MIUI or HyperOSThis item may be located under the "Connection and Sharing" category or in a separate menu at the top level. Click on the section title to access detailed configuration.
Here you'll see a switch that activates the SSID mode. Before enabling it, it's a good idea to tap the name of the network being created (SSID) to change the default device name to a more recognizable one. This will make it easier to find your network among the many other available signals in public areas.
☑️ Check before switching on
Once you activate the slider, the system will automatically create a secure network. A corresponding indicator will appear on the lock screen or in the notification shade. Other devices can now detect and connect to your phone using the password you set.
Quick access via the notification shade
To quickly enable Internet sharing, you don't need to delve into the depths of the system menu every time. MIUI Allows you to add a hotspot shortcut to the quick access panel. To do this, unlock your phone and swipe down on the notification shade.
In the second row of icons, find the "Wi-Fi Hotspot" icon. If it's missing, click the edit button (usually an icon with three dots or a pencil) and drag the desired shortcut to a visible area of the panel. This will save time in critical situations.
However, it's worth remembering that the notification shade often only provides quick launch options, without the ability to change security settings or frequency. For initial setup, it's still recommended to use the full menu. A long press on the notification shade icon usually takes you directly to the desired settings section.
Setting up network security and password
The security of the network being created is a critical aspect that cannot be neglected. By default, the system offers protocol protection WPA2-Personal, which is the optimal choice for compatibility with all modern devices. Never leave the network open without a password.
The password should be complex enough to resist brute-force attacks, yet easy for guests to enter. It's recommended to use a combination of 8 or more characters, including numbers and letters. Avoid simple sequences like "12345678" or "password."
You can also hide the SSID (network name) in the access point settings. This will prevent the network from appearing in the list of available networks on connecting devices. To connect, users will have to manually enter the network name and encryption type. This adds an extra layer of privacy, as passersby won't see your device in the list.
⚠️ Note: Hiding the SSID is not a secure encryption method. Advanced users can detect hidden networks using specialized software. Use this feature only as a supplemental measure, not as your primary defense.
Another important feature is limiting the list of connected devices. The access point menu often includes a "Connected Devices" section, where you can see the MAC addresses of all clients. The system allows you to block unknown users or, conversely, allow connections only to certain, pre-approved devices (whitelisting).
Selectable frequency range: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz
Modern smartphones Xiaomi Supports dual frequency bands. Choosing between them depends on your priorities: range or data transfer speed. The 2.4 GHz band is often selected by default, as it provides better signal penetration.
Range 5 GHz Offers significantly higher speeds and is less susceptible to interference from neighboring networks and appliances. However, its range is shorter and it doesn't penetrate walls as well. This option is ideal for working in the same room as a laptop.
You can switch between bands in the "Access Point Settings" menu. Find "Access Point Frequency Band" and select your preferred option. If you're in an apartment building where the airwaves are clogged with neighboring networks, switching to 5 GHz can significantly improve connection stability.
| Characteristic | 2.4 GHz band | 5 GHz band |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer speed | Up to 150-300 Mbps | Up to 800+ Mbps |
| Range | High (up to 30-40 m) | Medium (up to 15-20 m) |
| Penetration | Good (through walls) | Low (walls weaken) |
| Workload | High (a lot of interference) | Low (pure ether) |
Why is 5GHz faster?
The 5 GHz band has wider data transmission channels and is less susceptible to interference from microwave ovens and Bluetooth devices that operate at 2.4 GHz.
Solution and optimization of work
Sometimes users encounter a situation where their phone is broadcasting Wi-Fi, but the internet on the connected device isn't working. This is often due to the APN (access point name) settings on the mobile network. Check if the mobile internet is active on the smartphone itself by opening any website in the browser.
Another common issue is the connection being lost when the screen is off. The system may enter power-saving mode and disable Wi-Fi. To avoid this, in the hotspot settings, find the "Keep hotspot on" option and set it to "Always." This will prevent the connection from being automatically disconnected.
If your connection speed is slow, try changing the broadcast channel. Some firmware versions allow manual channel settings. Also, make sure that there aren't too many devices connected to your network. Xiaomi Allows you to limit the number of clients, which is useful for maintaining speed for primary devices.
⚠️ Caution: When using hotspot mode for extended periods, your phone may become very hot. Remove any thick protective case and place the device on a hard surface to improve heat dissipation.
Using a USB modem as an alternative
If wireless distribution does not satisfy you in terms of speed or stability, consider the option of a wired connection. Mode USB modem Allows you to transfer your internet connection from your phone to your computer via a cable. This ensures minimal ping and no packet loss.
To activate, connect your smartphone to your PC using a cable. In the hotspot settings menu (the same place you turn on Wi-Fi), an active "USB Modem" option will appear. The necessary drivers will automatically be installed on your computer, and a new network connection will be established.
The advantage of this method is that it simultaneously charges your device. Your phone won't drain, but will instead be powered by your computer's USB port. This is ideal for working on a laptop while stationary and in areas with poor Wi-Fi coverage.
How do I reset my hotspot if it stops working?
If you encounter software errors, try resetting your network settings. Go to Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks, and BluetoothPlease note that this action will delete all saved Wi-Fi network passwords and paired Bluetooth devices, but it often resolves connection issues.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network?
On most modern models Xiaomi With Android 10 and above, a Wi-Fi repeater feature is available. The phone receives internet via Wi-Fi and distributes it further, creating its own network. However, this feature can increase latency (ping) and is not supported on all older device models.
Why can't my laptop see my phone's network?
Check the frequency range. If your laptop is older, it may not support the 5 GHz standard. Switch your access point to 2.4 GHz. Also, make sure the network name (SSID) does not contain special characters or Cyrillic characters, which some drivers may not process correctly.