The modern smartphone has long ceased to be just a means of communication, becoming a universal tool for work and entertainment. Owners of budget-friendly yet reliable devices such as Redmi 9A, often face the need to provide network access to other devices, be it a laptop, tablet, or a friend's phone. The hotspot feature in the shell MIUI It is implemented conveniently, but has its own peculiarities that are useful to know for stable operation.
In this article, we'll cover in detail the process of activating tethering mode, setting up security, and optimizing settings for maximum data transfer speeds. You'll learn how to correctly set the frequency, limit the number of connected devices, and what to do if you're experiencing internet issues.
Let's start with the basic settings that are available immediately after turning on the device. Interface Xiaomi It may seem overwhelming to a beginner, but the menu structure is quite straightforward. We'll cover two main activation methods: through quick settings and through the deep system menu.
Preparing the device and checking mobile traffic
Before you transform your Redmi 9A To connect to a full-fledged router, you need to make sure the SIM card is ready and you have an active data plan. Users often forget that internet sharing requires not only a network connection but also an enabled data plan. Check if the icon is lit. 4G or H+ in the screen status bar.
It's also worth paying attention to your mobile account balance. Some operators block the ability to create a hotspot on plans with unlimited data or require a special option.
Make sure the wireless module is enabled on your device. Even if you plan to share mobile data, the module itself Wi-Fi must be active to create a local network. In some firmware versions, when attempting to enable sharing, the system will automatically prompt you to activate the necessary components.
Check your signal strength. If the signal strength is weak (one or two bars) where your phone is located, your data connection will be slow and your battery will drain faster than usual. In such cases, it's best to move closer to a window or find higher ground.
Activating the hotspot via quick settings
The fastest way to enable tethering on Redmi 9A — Use the control panel. This is especially convenient when you urgently need to share your internet connection and don't have time to dig through the menu. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade.
In the list of icons that opens, find the item labeled "Access Point" or "Hotspot." If you don't see it on the first screen, swipe right to reveal additional buttons. Tapping the icon immediately activates sharing mode with the most recently used settings.
To change settings (such as changing the password), tap the gear icon next to the power button or hold down the button itself. A menu will open where you can see the current network name and the set password. The QR code for quick connection of other devices.
This method is ideal for everyday use, once network settings have been configured and verified. However, for initial security setup, it's better to use the full settings menu, which offers more options.
Configuring Wi-Fi router settings in the MIUI menu
For detailed configuration, go to the section Settings, then select the item Wi-Fi hotspotThis menu contains all the key settings affecting the stability and security of your connection. First, we recommend changing the default network name (SSID) to easily identify your device in the list of available networks.
Pay special attention to the choice of security protocol. Redmi 9A options available WPA2 PSK And WPA3We recommend choosing WPA2, as it provides better compatibility with older devices that may connect to your network. The password must be at least 8 characters long, including letters and numbers.
An important parameter is the frequency range. The default is often "2.4 GHz," which provides a longer range but lower speed. If your devices support 5 GHz, switch to this range for a more stable video stream and gaming, but keep in mind that the signal range will decrease.
☑️ Configuring access point security
In this menu, you can also configure the access point to automatically turn off if no clients are connected for 10 minutes. This is a useful feature for saving battery life. Xiaomi Redmi 9A, which should not be ignored.
Connection limitation and traffic control
shell MIUI Provides convenient tools for managing connected clients. In the access point menu, you can always see a list of devices currently using your internet connection. This allows you to ensure that no unauthorized users are using your network.
You can manually limit the maximum number of connections. For example, set a limit of 3 devices to avoid overloading the phone's processor and data connection. This is especially important for budget models, where the processor and modem resources are limited.
To block a specific device, simply click on it in the list of connected clients and select the "Block" option. After this, the device will be unable to connect, even with the correct password, until you allow access again. This is an effective way to protect against uninvited guests.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency range | 2.4 GHz (compatibility) / 5 GHz (speed) | Determines the range and speed of data transfer |
| Security protocol | WPA2 PSK | Ensures data protection and compatibility |
| Time-out | 10 minutes | Saves battery power when there are no clients |
| Device limit | 3-5 pieces | Prevents overloading of the phone's processor |
Regularly checking the connection list helps identify anomalies in data usage. If you notice a device you don't recognize, change the access point password immediately.
Sharing the Internet via USB and Bluetooth
It's not always convenient to use a wireless connection, especially when maximum stability is important or you need to save battery power on the receiving device. Redmi 9A Supports wired internet sharing via a USB cable. To do this, connect your phone to your computer and enable "USB tethering" in the hotspot menu.
The computer automatically detects the new network connection. The advantage of this method is that the phone is simultaneously charged via the USB port, which compensates for the high power consumption of the modem. This results in higher connection speeds and minimal latency (ping).
There is also the possibility of distribution through BluetoothThis method is significantly slower than Wi-Fi and USB, but can be useful in emergency situations when you need to transfer a small amount of text information or check email on a device without a Wi-Fi module. Activation is done in the Bluetooth modem menu.
⚠️ Caution: When connecting via USB, ensure you have a high-quality cable. Cheap cables may not support data transfer and may only work in charging mode, which will result in connection errors.
The connection method you choose depends on your current needs. For watching videos and downloading files, it's best to use Wi-Fi or USB, while Bluetooth is best reserved for emergencies.
Troubleshooting connection issues and errors
Despite the reliability of the system Android, sometimes errors can occur. One common issue is that devices see the network but are unable to connect. In this case, try forgetting the network on the client device and reconnecting using the password.
If you have internet access on your connected devices, but the pages aren't loading, check your settings. APN on a mobile network. Sometimes operators change access parameters, and the old settings no longer work. You can reset them in the mobile networks menu by selecting "Restore defaults."
Another common cause is a full network service cache. Restarting your phone resolves a frozen Wi-Fi module in 90% of cases. Also, make sure your phone isn't in "Data Saver" mode, which can block background data transfers for connected clients.
What should I do if my access point turns off by itself?
This may be due to aggressive battery optimization in MIUI. Go to battery settings, find the "Tethering" app or system services, and disable force-closing or background activity restrictions.
If all else fails, reset your network settings. This will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but it often returns your network modules to factory defaults, eliminating software errors.
Optimizing power consumption when the router is running
Hotspot mode is one of the most power-hungry processes in a smartphone. The Wi-Fi module operates at maximum power, constantly transmitting and receiving data, which causes the device to heat up. Redmi 9A and rapid battery discharge. To minimize the consequences, disable unnecessary features.
Reduce screen brightness or enable auto-lock for a minimum time (e.g., 30 seconds). While the screen is on, the phone consumes significantly more power. It's also a good idea to close background apps that actively use the network to avoid putting additional strain on the processor.
Using the dark theme also reduces power consumption slightly, especially if the phone has a backlit IPS display, although in the case of the Redmi 9A (IPS LCD) the effect will be less noticeable than on an AMOLED, but the overall load on the system will be reduced.
By following these simple guidelines, you can effectively use your smartphone as a fully-fledged mobile router when traveling, on business trips, or during home internet outages.
Why does my phone get so hot when using Wi-Fi?
Heating is caused by the high load on the processor and communication module, which are operating in enhanced mode. This is a normal physical phenomenon. Remove the case for better cooling and do not cover the phone.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if it is already connected to another router?
On most smartphones running Android 10 and above, including the Redmi 9A, the Wi-Fi repeater feature (sharing received Wi-Fi) is not officially supported at the system level without root access. The phone will offer to share mobile data.
How do I know who is connected to my hotspot?
Go to the "Wi-Fi Hotspot" menu in Settings. A list of connected devices will be displayed, along with their names and MAC addresses. You can block any of them.
Does Wi-Fi sharing affect the speed of mobile internet on the phone itself?
Yes, speed may decrease because the channel is shared between all connected devices. Additionally, the processor is busy routing traffic, which may cause slight delays in the interface.