Modern smartphones have long ceased to be mere calling devices, having become full-fledged mobile hubs capable of providing global network access to laptops, tablets, and other devices. Owners of these devices Xiaomi Often, we need to quickly distribute internet when our fixed router is unavailable or our ISP is down. The personal hotspot feature in the shell MIUI It is implemented very conveniently, but has a number of hidden settings that are useful for every user to know.
Using your smartphone as a router allows you to instantly set up a local network for file transfer or accessing the internet from a laptop. However, it's important to understand that when actively broadcasting WiFi signal The device consumes battery power significantly faster than usual and may also become hot. Properly configuring the settings will help minimize the negative impact on the device's hardware.
In this article, we'll cover in detail the process of activating tethering mode, setting up security, and optimizing network performance. You'll learn how to change the default network name, set a secure password, and even hide your hotspot from prying eyes. Proper configuration will not only ensure a stable connection but also protect your data from unauthorized access.
Preparing to set up an access point
Before activating internet tethering, make sure your device is ready for use. First, check your mobile carrier balance or available data plan, as devices connected to your data plan will use your data. Make sure mobile data is enabled on your phone, otherwise tethering will not work.
Please pay attention to your battery level. Hotspot mode is power-hungry, and if the battery drops below 20%, the system may automatically disable the feature or the phone may quickly power off. It's recommended to connect your device to a power source if you plan to share the internet for an extended period.
It's also worth checking your current operating system version. In older versions MIUI The settings interface may differ from the current version, and some security features may not be available. Software updates often improve the stability of network modules.
⚠️ Note: The menu interface may vary slightly depending on the MIUI version (12, 13, 14) and regional firmware (Global, EEA, China). If you don't see the items described, use the settings search.
For quick activation, using the notification shade is often enough, but for deeper customization, you'll still need to access the menu. Make sure your device isn't in airplane mode, which blocks all wireless connections.
☑️ Pre-launch check
Activating the hotspot via the settings menu
The most comprehensive control over network settings is provided through the main system configuration menu. To access it, open the "Settings" app on your smartphone's home screen. XiaomiLocate the section, which may be called "Tethering & Hotspot" or "Connect and Sharing," depending on your locale.
In the menu that opens, you'll see a "Wi-Fi Hotspot" toggle. Before activating it, click the item's name or the arrow on the right to access advanced settings. This is where you'll find options for changing the network name (SSID) and setting a password.
Click "Configure Access Point." In the "Access Point Name (SSID)" field, you can enter any name you like. This name will be displayed when searching for networks on other devices. By default, the phone model name is usually listed.
Next comes the "Password" field. The system requires a minimum of 8 characters. Security The connection strength directly depends on the complexity of this code. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to protect the channel from hacking.
⚠️ Warning: Don't use simple passwords like "12345678" or a phone number. Attackers can easily guess these combinations and use your traffic for illegal activities.
After entering all the information, be sure to click the "Save" button in the upper or lower right corner of the screen. Only then go back one step and turn on the hotspot slider.
Quick activation via the notification shade
To quickly enable Internet sharing, you don't need to dive into the depths of the menu every time. MIUI Allows you to control this feature via the quick access panel. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade.
In the array of icons, find the item labeled "Hot Spot" or featuring an antenna. If the icon isn't visible, swipe right or tap the edit button (usually three dots or a pencil) to add the shortcut to a prominent location. Tapping the icon once activates the mode.
Long-pressing this icon automatically takes you directly to the hotspot settings menu, skipping unnecessary steps. This is a convenient way to quickly check who's connected or change the password on the fly.
If you've previously changed your network name or password, they will remain in effect. If the settings have never been changed, the default configuration will be used.
Advanced settings and network security
The default settings are sufficient for most users, but for those with increased security and stability needs, it's worth exploring additional options. In the access point menu, find "Frequency Band" or "AP Band." Here you can choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
The 2.4 GHz band offers wider coverage and compatibility with older devices, but is slower. The 5 GHz frequency offers high data transfer rates, but has a shorter range and poorer penetration through walls. The choice depends on your current needs.
One of the most useful features is the ability to hide your access point. By enabling the "Hide Device" (or "Hide SSID") option, you'll make your network invisible to standard searches. You'll only be able to connect to it by manually entering the exact network name and password.
Advanced settings often offer the ability to set a data limit. You can set a limit of, for example, 1 GB. Once connected devices have used up this amount, internet sharing will automatically stop, saving you from unexpected charges.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended value | Influence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency range | 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz (for speed) | Speed and coverage radius |
| Maximum devices | 10 | 3-5 | Connection stability |
| Shutdown timeout | 10 minutes | No timeout | Battery saving |
| Encryption | WPA2 PSK | WPA2/WPA3 | Data protection level |
⚠️ Important: When selecting the 5 GHz band, make sure the device you're connecting to (laptop or tablet) supports this standard. Older devices may simply not detect the network.
Don't forget to periodically check the list of connected devices in this menu. If you see an unfamiliar device there, change your password immediately and scan your devices for malware.
What does hiding the SSID do?
Hiding the network name isn't a complete defense against hackers with specialized equipment, but it effectively prevents accidental connections from neighbors or passersby simply looking for free Wi-Fi.
Connecting other devices and troubleshooting
Once the access point is on Xiaomi If the device is active, go to the device you're connecting to. On your laptop or tablet, open the list of available WiFi networks. Find the name you set earlier (or the default model name).
Enter the password, making sure to be case-sensitive. Please note that characters may be hidden by asterisks, so enter the code carefully. After clicking "Connect," the device should receive an IP address and access the network.
If the connection fails, try turning the hotspot on your phone off and then back on. Sometimes, restarting the mobile data connection on your smartphone itself helps. Also, check if there's a limit on the number of connected devices.
A common problem is a lack of internet access even though Wi-Fi is available. This could indicate a weak cellular signal on the phone or a blocking issue with the carrier. Some plans block data sharing, requiring an additional service.
Optimizing performance and saving resources
Constantly operating in router mode puts strain on the smartphone's processor and radio module. To minimize heat, try not to cover your phone while sharing, and remove any thick cases that don't dissipate heat well. Overheating can lead to throttling and reduced data transfer speeds.
Use the "Hot Spot Timeout" feature. This allows you to set the hotspot to automatically turn off if no one connects to the network for a set period of time (e.g., 1 or 5 minutes). This will prevent your battery from draining completely if you forget to turn it off.
For desktop use, when the phone is lying on a table and streaming internet for hours, it makes sense to turn off the screen and background apps on the phone itself. This will reduce overall power consumption and reduce the phone's temperature.
It is critical to use the original or certified cable when charging while the access point is running, as the combined load on the power circuit is high. Cheap cables may not be able to handle the current and may overheat.
Is it possible to share WiFi if the phone is connected to WiFi?
On most modern models Xiaomi With Android 10 and higher and recent versions of MIUI, this feature (Wi-Fi Repeater) is available. The phone receives internet via WiFi and distributes it further, creating its own network. However, speeds may be lower, and battery life will be drained very quickly.
Why does the access point turn off by itself?
This could be due to several reasons: the inactivity timeout has expired, the data plan has run out, the power saving mode has been activated, or the phone has overheated. Check the timeout settings in the hotspot menu and disable aggressive battery optimization for system processes.
How many devices can be connected at the same time?
Technically Xiaomi Allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. However, actual performance depends on processor power and cellular signal quality. When connecting more than 3-4 active users, internet speed on each device may drop significantly.
Does having a hotspot enabled affect the speed of mobile internet on the phone itself?
Yes, it does. The bandwidth is shared between the phone and connected clients. If the laptop starts downloading a large file, web pages on the smartphone itself may load more slowly due to limited bandwidth.