My Redmi Note 9 laptop won't connect to Wi-Fi: A full diagnostic and fix.

You are trying to share the internet with Redmi Note 9 on your laptop, but the access point doesn't show up in the list of available networks? This problem is more common than you might think—and the causes could lie in your smartphone settings, laptop limitations, or even Wi-Fi protocols. In this article, we'll look into it. all possible scenarios, from trivial errors to hidden technical nuances that prevent devices from "seeing" each other.

Let us note right away: Redmi Note 9 (models M2003J15SC, M2003J15SS etc.) uses a chipset MediaTek Helio G85, which in rare cases conflicts with Wi-Fi adapters on laptops older than 2018. But in 90% of cases, the problem can be resolved without any hassle—just configure the sharing settings correctly or update the drivers. Below is a step-by-step walkthrough with widgets, tables, and warnings about common pitfalls.

Why a laptop doesn't detect a hotspot with a Redmi Note 9: Top 7 reasons

Let's start with the most obvious: The laptop may simply not support the frequency your phone broadcasts on.. Redmi Note 9 by default it distributes Wi-Fi at a frequency 2.4 GHz, but some laptop models (especially with adapters) Intel AX200/AX201) hide networks with weak signals or non-standard channels to save energy. Here's a complete list of reasons, sorted by frequency:

1. Incorrect access point settings on the phone

By default MIUI may limit network visibility for "outsiders" or use incompatible security protocols. For example, if encryption is selected in the distribution settings WPA3, and the laptop only supports WPA2, connection will be impossible.

2. Wi-Fi channel conflict

Redmi Note 9 Automatically selects a channel for distribution, but sometimes it ends up on a congested one (for example, channel 6 or 11 in apartment buildings). A laptop can ignore such networks if its adapter is configured to filter out "noisy" channels.

3. Outdated or missing Wi-Fi drivers on your laptop

If you haven't updated your network adapter driver in a while, it may not recognize the modern protocols it uses. Xiaomi. This is especially relevant for laptops with Windows 7/8 or adapters. Broadcom/Realtek.

4. MAC address restrictions

In some firmware MIUI (especially custom ones) device filtering is enabled MAC addressIf the laptop is not whitelisted, the phone simply won't display the network for it.

5. Hardware limitations of the laptop adapter

Old adapters (eg Intel Wireless-N 7260) may not support modes 802.11ac or Wi-Fi Direct, which uses Redmi Note 9 for distribution. In this case, the network will be visible, but the connection will fail.

6. Software conflicts on the laptop

Antiviruses (for example, Kaspersky or Avast), VPN clients or even the standard Windows firewall can block the discovery of new networks, especially if they are distributed from mobile devices.

7. Problems with the phone firmware

In versions MIUI 12.0.1–12.0.3 For Redmi Note 9 There was a bug that prevented the access point from broadcasting on some channels. If you have this particular firmware, you need to update it.

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How to check data sharing settings on the Redmi Note 9

Before digging deeper, make sure your phone's hotspot is configured correctly. Follow these steps:

1. Open Settings → Mobile networks → Tethering (or Wi-Fi hotspot depending on the version MIUI).

2. Turn on the switch Wi-Fi hotspot and check the network name (SSID) - it must differ from the names of neighboring routers.

3. Click on Setting up an access point and make sure that:

  • 🔒 Security installed on WPA2-PSK (Not WPA3!).
  • 📶 Frequency range — 2.4 GHz (if the laptop is older than 2015).
  • 🔄 Channel - select manually 1, 6 or 11 (they are the least susceptible to interference).
  • 📱 Max connections — no less 2 (sometimes the default is 1).

4. Save the settings and reboot the access point (turn the switch off/on).

The network name (SSID) does not contain special characters|

Security — WPA2-PSK|

Band - 2.4 GHz (for older laptops)|

Channel - 1, 6 or 11|

Max connections: 2+-->

⚠️ Attention: If there is no option to select the range (2.4/5 GHz) in the phone settings, then your firmware MIUI hides this option. In this case, try installing custom software (for example, Pixel Experience) or use the app WiFi Hotspot Manager from Google Play.

Updating Wi-Fi Drivers on a Laptop: Step-by-Step Instructions

If your phone's settings are correct, but your laptop still can't see the network, the problem is most likely with the network adapter drivers. Here's how to update them:

For Windows 10/11:

  1. Click Win + X and select device Manager.
  2. Expand the branch Network adapters.
  3. Find your Wi-Fi adapter (e.g. Intel(R) Wi-Fi 6 AX200 or Qualcomm Atheros QCA9377).
  4. Right click → Update driver → Automatic search.

If automatic update does not help:

  1. Download the driver from official website of the adapter manufacturer (you can find out the model in Device Manager).
  2. Uninstall the current driver via device Manager (right click → Remove device).
  3. Install the downloaded driver and restart your laptop.

For macOS:

On a MacBook, the problem is usually related to an outdated version of macOS. Update the system via System Settings → Software UpdateIf this doesn't help, reset your network settings:

sudo ifconfig en0 down

sudo ifconfig en0 up

Adapter manufacturer Common problems Solution
Intel (AX200, 9260, 8265) Can't see 5 GHz networks, error "Failed to connect" Update driver to version 22.120.0+
Realtek (RTL8821CE, RTL8188EE) Constantly loses connection, doesn't see hidden networks Remove driver via device Manager and install from the manufacturer's website
Broadcom (BCM4352, BCM4360) Conflict with WPA3, slow speed Roll back the driver to version 7.35.340.0
Qualcomm Atheros (QCA6174, QCA9377) Does not support 802.11ac in access point mode Force enable mode 802.11n in the adapter settings
⚠️ Attention: If after updating the drivers the laptop stopped seeing All Wi-Fi networks, roll back changes via System Restore (Windows) or Time Machine (macOS) The new driver may not be compatible with your adapter model.

Checking compatibility of frequencies and protocols

Redmi Note 9 supports Wi-Fi distribution in two ranges:

- 2.4 GHz (standards 802.11b/g/n)

- 5 GHz (standards 802.11a/n/ac)

But not all laptops work equally well with these ranges. Here's how to check compatibility:

1. Find out the capabilities of your Wi-Fi adapter:

  • In Windows: Open Command line and enter: 
    netsh wlan show drivers

    Search for lines Radio type And Supported radio types.

  • On macOS: Run in Terminal: 
    networksetup -listallhardwareports

    Look for the mention 802.11ac or 802.11n.

2. Compare with the possibilities Redmi Note 9:

Range Max. speed Supported devices
2.4 GHz (802.11n) 150 Mbps All laptops older than 2010
5 GHz (802.11ac) 433 Mbps Laptops with adapters Intel 7260+, Broadcom 4360+, Qualcomm Atheros QCA6174+

3. Forced range selection on the phone:

If your laptop does not support 5 GHz, but Redmi Note 9 stubbornly distributes the network only in this range, use the app WiFi Hotspot Manager (available in Google Play). It allows you to manually set the range 2.4 GHz even if the standard settings MIUI they don't allow this.

How do you know what band your laptop is using?

Open the list of available Wi-Fi networks on your laptop. If the network names contain suffixes -5G or _5GHz, your adapter supports 5 GHz. If there are no such networks, only 2.4 GHz.

Alternative ways to share internet with the Redmi Note 9

If Wi-Fi stubbornly doesn't work, there are three proven workarounds:

1. Distribution via USB (USB-tethering)

  • ⚡ Connect your phone to your laptop via USB cable.
  • 📱 Enable it in your phone settings Modem mode → USB modem.
  • 💻 A new network connection will appear on your laptop (usually Ethernet).

Pros: Stable connection, high speed, no problems with Wi-Fi drivers.
Cons: The phone must be connected via cable.

2. Sharing via Bluetooth

  • 🔵 Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
  • 📱 On the phone: Settings → Tethering & Personal Hotspot → Bluetooth Tethering.
  • 💻 On a laptop: Connect to your phone as a network device.

Pros: Works even if the Wi-Fi adapter is broken.
Cons: low speed (up to 3 Mbps), high battery consumption.

3. Using an external Wi-Fi adapter

If your laptop's built-in adapter is outdated, consider purchasing an external USB adapter (e.g. TP-Link TL-WN823N or ASUS USB-AC53 Nano). They support modern standards and usually do not conflict with Redmi Note 9.

Diagnosing hardware problems

If none of these methods work, there may be a hardware issue. Here's how to check:

1. Checking the laptop's Wi-Fi adapter:

  • 🔍 Make sure the adapter is physically turned on (some laptops have a separate button or switch).
  • 💡 In Device Manager There should be no exclamation marks next to network devices.
  • 🔄 Try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network (for example, your router's). If that doesn't work, the adapter is faulty.

2. Checking the antenna Redmi Note 9:

  • 📶 Turn on airplane mode on your phone for 30 seconds, then turn it off.
  • 🔄 Restart your phone and try turning on the hotspot again.
  • 🛠️ If your phone doesn't connect to other Wi-Fi networks, the antenna may be damaged (requires repair).

3. Test on another device:

Try connecting to the access point with Redmi Note 9 from another phone or tablet. If they also can't see the network, the problem is in the settings or hardware. Xiaomi.

⚠️ Attention: If the laptop doesn't see not a single one Wi-Fi network (including router), but the adapter is in Device Manager If it displays without errors, try resetting the network settings in Windows: 
netsh winsock reset

netsh int ip reset

After executing the commands, restart your laptop.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users make the same mistakes when setting up distribution. Here's what it is forbidden do:

  • 🚫 Use special characters in the network name (SSID).

    Examples of problematic names: MyWiFi#!@, Test_123It is better to use Latin letters and numbers: RedmiHotspot.

  • 🚫 Set a password shorter than 8 characters.
    MIUI may block distribution if the password is too simple.
  • 🚫 Turn on power saving on your phone.

    In battery saving mode Redmi Note 9 Automatically turns off the access point after 5-10 minutes of inactivity.

  • 🚫 Use VPN on your phone while seeding.

    Some VPNs (eg. NordVPN or ProtonVPN) block local traffic, including Wi-Fi distribution.

How to set it up correctly:

  1. Network name: Latin characters only, no spaces or symbols.
  2. Password: at least 8 characters, with numbers and letters.
  3. Power saving mode: turn off Settings → Battery → Power saving mode.
  4. VPN: Disable before turning on hotspot.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the laptop see the access point but not connect?

This is a symptom of incompatibility of security protocols. Try changing the encryption type on your phone from WPA2/WPA3 on WPA2-PSK (AES)If that doesn't help, check your laptop's firewall settings (it may be blocking new connections).

Is it possible to share internet from Redmi Note 9 without a password?

Technically yes, but MIUI It doesn't allow you to disable the password in the default settings. To remove the password, you'll need to:

  1. Install ADB to the computer.
  2. Connect the phone and execute the command: 
    adb shell settings put global tether_dun_required 0
  3. Restart your phone.

⚠️ Warning: An open network is vulnerable to hacking! Use this method only in trusted environments.

Why is the upload speed from my phone so slow?

There are several reasons:

  • 📶 The phone is using the range 2.4 GHz (maximum 150 Mbps). Switch to 5 GHz, if the laptop supports it.
  • 🔋 Power saving mode is enabled on your phone or laptop.
  • 📡 The signal is overloaded with interference (check in the app) WiFi Analyzer).
  • 📱 Your mobile operator limits your data upload speed (this applies to plans with unlimited internet).
My laptop sees the network, but it says "No internet access." What should I do?

This error means that the phone is connected, but the phone itself doesn't have internet access. Check:

  • 📶 Enabled on the phone mobile data.
  • 🔄 Restart your phone (sometimes the modem module freezes).
  • 📱 Internet access is not disabled in the SIM card settings (Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Data transfer).
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from Redmi Note 9 to multiple devices at the same time?

Yes, but with restrictions:

  • 📱 Maximum — 8 devices (by default in MIUI there is a limit of 4).
  • 🔋 Each connected device increases battery consumption by 10–15%.
  • 📶 The speed will be divided between all connected gadgets.

To increase the connection limit, use the command: 

adb shell settings put global tether_max_clients 8

📖 Read also

Can a laptop be used as a Wi-Fi router? 5 ways to share internet How to turn a laptop into a Wi-Fi hotspot without a router? Step-by-step instructions for Windows 10/11, ma How to Share Wi-Fi from iPhone to PC: A Complete Guide A detailed guide on how to create a hotspot on iPhone. Windows setup, troubleshooting, and How to set up password-protected Wi-Fi on your computer: a complete guide Learn how to set up Wi-Fi with a password on your computer. Step-by-step instructions for setting up a hotspot in Windows. How to Share WiFi from Your Phone to Your Computer: A Complete Guide A detailed guide on how to connect your computer to WiFi from your smartphone. Setting up a hotspot on Android and iOS Connecting Xbox 360 Freeboot to Wi-Fi: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026) How to set up wireless internet on a modified Xbox 360 with Freeboot RGH/JTAG. Error analysis. How to Share Wi-Fi from iPhone to iPhone: Step-by-Step Instructions (2026) A detailed guide on how to connect your iPhone to the internet using another iPhone as a hotspot.