How to Share Wi-Fi from a Xiaomi Phone: 3 Working Methods + Troubleshooting

Sharing Internet from a phone Xiaomi (or Redmi/POCO) via a hotspot is one of the most popular features when you don't have a router handy but need to connect your laptop or tablet to the network. However, even in 2026, users still encounter problems: the hotspot won't turn on, devices won't connect, or the smartphone's battery drains quickly. In this article, we'll look at all current setup methods, including hidden features MIUI 14/15, and we will provide a checklist for correcting errors.

Important: the algorithm for enabling Wi-Fi distribution on Xiaomi It depends on the firmware version and model. For example, on Redmi Note 12 Pro+ With MIUI 15 the menu is different from POCO F5 on MIUI 14We've covered all the options, but if your model was released after 2026, check the official documentation—the interface may be updated. Below you'll find not only basic instructions, but also solutions for cases when distribution turns off by itself or the speed drops to zero.

1. Standard method: access point in MIUI settings

This is a universal method that works on 90% of devices. Xiaomi, Redmi And POCO (including 2023-2026 models). Suitable for flashing MIUI 12–15.

Steps:

1. Open Settings (gear icon on the main screen).

2. Go to the section Connections and Sharing (or Network and Internet on some models).

3. Select Access point and modem (on MIUI 15 can be called Modem mode).

4. Activate the switch Wi-Fi hotspot.

Once enabled, the system will automatically assign a network name (usually Xiaomi_XXXX) and password. You can change them by tapping on Setting up an access pointWe recommend setting a password of at least 8 characters, including numbers and letters, to protect against unauthorized connections.

Mobile Internet is enabled (4G/5G icon in the status bar)

There are sufficient funds in the account (if the tariff has traffic restrictions)

"Data Saving Mode" is disabled in the security settings (it may block sharing)

The device you are connecting to is within a radius of 5-10 meters-->

⚠️ Attention: On some mobile operator tariffs (for example, Tele2 or IotaWi-Fi hotspots may be blocked or charged separately. Check the terms and conditions in your operator account.

2. Quick access via the notification panel

If you need to turn on the hotspot as quickly as possible, use the notification panel:

1. Swipe down from the top to open the notification shade.

2. Find the icon Access point (usually next to Bluetooth And With a flashlight). If it is not there, tap on Edit (pencil) and add to the panel.

3. Hold your finger on the icon for 1-2 seconds - additional settings will open (similar to the section Settings → Access Point).

This method is convenient when you need temporarily share the Internet Without any in-depth configuration. However, please note: if you haven't configured the access point before, the network name and password will be generated automatically (they can be changed later).

Daily

1-2 times a week

Less than once a month

Never used it-->

3. Hidden settings: PC modem mode (USB/Bluetooth)

Few people know, but Xiaomi supports Internet distribution not only via Wi-Fi, but also via USB or BluetoothThis is useful if:

• 🔋 You need to save battery power (USB sharing consumes less energy).
• 🖥️ Connect to a PC without a Wi-Fi adapter (for example, a desktop computer).
• 🛡️ A more stable connection is required (Bluetooth is suitable for transferring small amounts of data).

How to enable:

1. Connect your phone to your PC/laptop via a USB cable (must be original or certified).

2. In the settings, go to Connections and Sharing → Hotspot and Tethering.

3. Activate USB modem (for Bluetooth - pair the devices first, then turn on Bluetooth modem).

⚠️ Attention: When sharing USB, a notification may appear on your phone's screen. "USB charging is disabled"This is normal—the feature prioritizes data transfer. To simultaneously charge your phone, use a cable that supports it. Quick Charge.

Why is USB sharing faster than Wi-Fi?

When connected via USB, the phone uses the RNDIS (Remote Network Driver Interface Spec) protocol, which provides more stable speeds and lower latency than Wi-Fi. This is especially noticeable when downloading large files or playing online games. However, the maximum speed is limited by the USB version: for example, USB 2.0 provides up to 480 Mbps, and USB 3.0 up to 5 Gbps (in practice, actual speeds vary depending on the carrier).

4. Setting up the network name (SSID) and password

By default Xiaomi assigns network name of type Xiaomi_1234 or Redmi_5678, and the password is a random set of numbers. This is inconvenient if you frequently share your internet connection. You can change the settings as follows:

1. Go to Settings → Connections and Sharing → Wi-Fi Hotspot.

2. Tap on Setting up an access point.

3. In the field Network name enter the desired one SSID (For example, My_Xiaomi_Hotspot).

4. In the field Password install a secure key (we recommend using WPA2-PSK or WPA3).

5. Click Save.

Important: If you use special characters in your network name (such as Cyrillic or emoji), some devices (especially older laptops or printers) may not recognize the network. Stick to Latin characters and numbers.

5. Troubleshooting: Access Point Not Working

If devices do not connect or the internet does not work after enabling sharing, check the following:

• 📶 No mobile internet: Make sure your phone has a 4G/5G signal (the icon is in the status bar). Try restarting your phone or turning airplane mode on or off.
• 🔄 Reset network settings: Go to Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset network settingsThis will delete all saved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, but often solves sharing issues.
• 🔋 Battery saving: In the battery settings (Settings → Battery) turn it off Power saving mode for the application Access Point.
• 📱 Operator restrictions: Some tariffs block distribution (for example, Internet for gadgets from MTS). Check the terms and conditions in your personal account.

If the problem persists, try alternative distribution methods:

• 🔌 Connect via USB modem (see section 3).
• 🔵 Use Bluetooth modem (suitable for transferring small amounts of data).
• 🌐 Create a hotspot using third-party applications (for example, NetShare or PdaNet+), if the standard method does not work.

6. How to save battery life when sharing Wi-Fi

Sharing your internet connection is one of the most energy-consuming features of a smartphone. To extend battery life:

• 🔋 Reduce screen brightness up to 30–50% and turn on Adaptive brightness.
• 📴 Disable unnecessary background apps (especially instant messengers and games).
• 📶 Switch to 2.4 GHz (if the connected devices support this range) - it consumes less energy than 5 GHz.
• ⚡ Use USB sharing instead of Wi-Fi if you are connecting to a laptop.

You can also enable Battery saving mode (Settings → Battery), but keep in mind that this may limit your internet speed. The optimal balance is to leave data sharing enabled but disable all other power-hungry features (for example, GPS or NFC).

7. Security: How to protect your access point

An open access point is an easy target for hackers or neighbors who can sniff your traffic. To avoid this:

1. Always install complex password (at least 12 characters, with numbers and special characters).

2. Disable sharing when you don't need it - this will reduce the risk of connecting to third-party devices.

3. Periodically check the list of connected gadgets in the access point settings (Settings → Wi-Fi hotspot → Connected devices).

4. If you notice an unknown device, immediately block him and change the password.

On MIUI 15 a function has appeared Hide Network (in the access point settings). If you enable it, your network will not appear in the list of available Wi-Fi networks, and only those who know the exact name will be able to connect to it (SSID) and a password. This is an additional layer of security, but keep in mind: hidden networks are less convenient for connecting new devices.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi hotspots on Xiaomi

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if your phone doesn't have a SIM card?

No, you need an active SIM card with a subscription to share your mobile data plan. However, if your phone is connected to another Wi-Fi network (such as a home router), you can share your data. her Internet via an access point. To do this, select the source in the access point settings "Wi-Fi" instead of Mobile Data.

Why is the internet speed via a hotspot lower than on a phone?

This is normal: when sharing, some speed is lost to the phone processing data. Other factors that influence this include:

• Wi-Fi range: 2.4 GHz slower but more stable 5 GHz.
• The number of connected devices (each one "eats up" some of the bandwidth).
• Background processes on the phone (synchronization, application updates).

To increase speed, disconnect all unnecessary devices from the hotspot and close background apps.

How to share Wi-Fi from Xiaomi to iPhone or Mac?

The connection algorithm is no different from Android devices:

1. On iPhone or Mac Open Wi-Fi settings.
2. Select your network Xiaomi (the name is specified in the access point settings).
3. Enter your password.

If the connection does not occur, check:

• On Mac V System Preferences → Network → Wi-Fi → Advanced disable the option "Ignore slow networks".
• On iPhone Forget the network (Wi-Fi Settings → ⓘ → Forget this network) and reconnect.

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from a Xiaomi to a Smart TV or set-top box (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box)?

Yes, but there are some nuances:

• 📺 Smart TV: Most modern TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony) support connecting to an access point. Select your network in the TV settings. Xiaomi and enter the password. If the TV doesn't see the network, check that the access point is within range. 2.4 GHz (many TVs do not support 5 GHz).
• 🎮 Xiaomi Mi Box/Android TV set-top boxes: Connecting is similar to a smartphone. If the internet isn't working, check your settings. DNS (sometimes manual installation helps 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1).

For stable operation, we recommend placing the phone closer to the TV (within 3–5 meters).

How to limit traffic for connected devices?

In standard settings MIUI There is no traffic limiting feature for individual devices. However, you can:

• 📊 Use third-party applications (eg. NetGuard or GlassWire) to monitor traffic consumption.
• ⏱️ Turn on the hotspot only for a limited time (for example, 1 hour).
• 🔄 Regularly check the list of connected devices and disable unknown ones.

If you are critical to control your traffic, consider purchasing a portable 4G router (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Wi-Fi Router 4C) with support for speed limiting for clients.