The situation when the smartphone Xiaomi or Redmi A problem that refuses to share the internet through an access point often catches users by surprise. Everything seemed to be working yesterday, but today connected devices simply can't see the network or can't obtain an IP address. This is a common problem that can be caused by a software glitch in the operating system. MIUI or HyperOS, as well as a conflict of frequency ranges.
Before taking your device to a service center, it's worth running a basic diagnostic, as in most cases the problem lies in incorrect security settings or channel congestion. Internet Sharing — is a resource-intensive process that requires stable operation of the radio module. If the module freezes or receives an erroneous command from the system, the function ceases to activate.
In this article, we'll take a detailed look at why Wi-Fi isn't working between phones. Redmi, and we'll offer step-by-step solutions. We'll cover frequency settings, encryption parameters, and system limitations that are often ignored by users. Understanding these nuances will help you quickly restore your connection.
Frequency range issues and device compatibility
One of the most common reasons why other devices do not see the access point on Redmi, is a mismatch of frequency ranges. Modern smartphones often choose the range by default 5 GHz for distribution, as it provides higher data transfer rates. However, older devices, laptops, or budget models may simply not support this frequency and physically "don't see" the network being created.
To resolve this issue, you need to force the access point to switch to 2.4 GHz mode. This band is universal and supported by virtually every device with a Wi-Fi module released in the last 15 years. Switching is done through the access point settings menu, where you need to find the "AP Band" or "Band" option.
It's also worth keeping in mind that in some regions or with certain carrier settings, the 5 GHz band may be blocked or unstable due to airwave congestion. Switching to 2.4 GHz often solves the network "invisibility" issue.
- 📶 2.4 GHz — the best choice for maximum compatibility with older devices and signal range.
- 🚀 5 GHz - provides high speed, but has a shorter range and may not be supported by client devices.
- ⚙️ Auto-select — a system option that sometimes works incorrectly, forcing you to manually fix the frequency.
⚠️ Note: Switching to the 5 GHz band may increase your internet speed, but the hotspot's range will be significantly reduced. Make sure the receiving device is within close proximity to your phone. Redmi.
Security settings and encryption type errors
Another critical point that is often overlooked is the encryption type. In the access point settings Xiaomi And Redmi the default may be the modern standard WPA3 or mixed mode WPA2/WPA3While this improves security, many devices simply cannot work with the new protocol and refuse to connect, returning the "Failed to connect" error.
To ensure maximum compatibility, it is recommended to manually set the encryption type. WPA2-Personal (AES). This is the "gold standard" supported by all devices. If you're using WPA3, try switching to WPA2 and reconnecting the client device.
What is the difference between WPA2 and WPA3?
WPA3 is the latest security standard that protects against brute-force password attacks. However, its implementation is not yet complete, and many Wi-Fi adapter drivers (especially on Windows 7/8 and older Android devices) lack the necessary updates to support this protocol.
Also, check if the "Hide Device" option or a similar feature is enabled in the access point settings. If enabled, the network will not appear in the list of available networks, and connecting to it will only be possible by manually entering the SSID and password, which is often difficult on mobile devices.
Mobile network outages and operator restrictions
Often the problem lies not in the Wi-Fi module itself, but in the internet source—the mobile network. If the phone Redmi If your mobile internet connection isn't working (browser pages won't load when Wi-Fi is turned off), then data sharing won't work either. Carriers may block data sharing if your plan doesn't allow you to use your phone as a router.
In recent years, many operators have been implementing data leak detection systems (TTL analysis). If the system detects that traffic is coming not from a mobile device, but, for example, from a computer (detected by the packet TTL), it can throttle the speed to zero or block the connection. In this case, the access point will technically turn on, but the internet won't pass through it.
It's also worth checking your balance and data plans. Sometimes carriers offer separate plans for social media or messaging apps that don't work when the hotspot is enabled. Make sure your primary data plan is active.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The hotspot is on, but there is no internet. | Time-to-Live (TTL) | Changing the TTL in settings or changing the tariff |
| Devices don't see the network | Incorrect range (5 GHz) | Switch to 2.4 GHz in settings |
| Connection error | Encryption type WPA3 | Change encryption to WPA2-Personal |
| The Internet disappears after a minute. | Energy saving | Disable battery saving for hotspot |
Impact of MIUI power saving and system limitations
Shells MIUI And HyperOS are known for their aggressive power-saving policies. The system can automatically disable the hotspot if it detects it's using too much battery, or if the phone's screen goes dark. This often looks like a bug: you turn on hotspot sharing, the phone locks, and after a couple of minutes, the Wi-Fi is gone.
To prevent this, you need to set up exceptions for the hotspot function. Go to Battery settings, find the "Access Point" app, and set the mode to "Unlimited." This will prevent the system from throttling the internet sharing process.
⚠️ Note: On some models Redmi The hotspot may turn off when the screen is locked to save power. Try leaving the screen on or disabling the screen timeout while sharing.
It's also worth checking that your phone isn't in Flight or Data Saver mode. Data Saver mode can restrict background data transfer, which is critical for hotspot operation. Disable any data limiters in the Data Usage section.
☑️ Set up power saving for the access point
Reset network settings and update software
If simple resets don't help, there may be software errors in the network configuration. The issue could affect the DNS cache, static IP addresses, or radio configuration. In this case, a complete network reset is an effective solution. This won't delete your photos or contacts, but it will return all network settings to factory defaults.
To perform a reset, go to the menu Settings, then Connection and sharing (or Additional functions), find the item Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile Networks, and BluetoothAfter confirming, your phone will reboot, and you'll have to re-enter your Wi-Fi network passwords, but this often "fixes" the most complex data sharing issues.
Don't forget about system updates. Engineers Xiaomi Patches are regularly released to fix modem errors. Check for updates in the section About the phoneSometimes, the issue with Wi-Fi sharing is known to the developers and has already been fixed in a new firmware version.
Hardware failures and overheating
A physical factor also can't be ruled out. Sharing Wi-Fi puts a strain on the processor and radio module, which causes the case to heat up. If the phone Redmi If the phone overheats, the protection system is activated, which may reduce signal strength or completely disable the Wi-Fi module to prevent damage. Touch the camera area: if it's hot, let the phone cool down.
In rare cases, the problem may be with the antenna module. If Wi-Fi is poor both for reception and transmission, and a factory reset doesn't help, the antenna cable inside the case may have become detached (especially if the phone has recently been dropped). In this case, only diagnostics at a service center can help.
- 🔥 Overheat — a common reason for module shutdown, requires cooling the device.
- 📉 Weak signal — if the phone barely catches 4G, stable Wi-Fi distribution is impossible.
- 🔧 Hardware defect - requires the intervention of specialists if software methods have been exhausted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does the phone see the Redmi network, but says "Unable to obtain IP address"?
This indicates a DHCP server conflict. Try going to "Advanced" -> "IP Settings" in the Wi-Fi settings on the receiving device (client) and changing it from DHCP to Static, entering the address manually (for example, 192.168.43.100). Restarting the access point on the phone also helps. Redmi.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if there is no SIM card on the phone?
Yes, if the phone Redmi When connected to a Wi-Fi network, it can act as a repeater (amplifier), broadcasting the received signal further. This feature is called "Wi-Fi Repeater" or "Universal Repeater" and is found in the same access point settings. However, not all models support simultaneous Wi-Fi reception and transmission.
How many devices can connect to a Xiaomi hotspot at the same time?
Typically the limitation is 10 devices, but in some firmware versions MIUI This number can be increased to 100 in the advanced settings. However, it's worth remembering that the phone's processor may not be able to handle traffic from a large number of clients, resulting in significant latency.
Why does the access point turn off by itself after 10 minutes?
You most likely have the "Turn off hotspot if no devices are connected" feature enabled. It's located in the hotspot settings. Also, check the sleep timer, if one is set. If there are devices connected but the connection is dropping, see the section on power saving.