Wi-Fi Hotspot on a Xiaomi Phone: What It Is and How to Use It in 2026

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you urgently need internet on your laptop or tablet, but only have your phone at hand? Xiaomi? Or wanted to share mobile data with a friend, but didn't know how to do it safely? The solution lies in the function Wi-Fi Hotspot — a built-in option that turns your smartphone into a full-fledged hotspot. But how does it work on devices? XiaomiWhat nuances does the setup hide, and why does the connection sometimes drop for no apparent reason?

In this article we will figure out what it is Wi-Fi Hotspot on phones Xiaomi (including models Redmi, POCO and flagship series), how to set it up correctly to avoid wasting traffic on background updates, and what mistakes users most often make. You'll learn the differences Hotspot from USB modem, how to limit the speed for connected devices, and why some operators block internet tethering. Plus, some secret tips MIUI, which are not written about in official instructions.

Spoiler: If you think sharing your phone's internet is as simple as checking a box, you're wrong. Even in a simple Redmi Note 12 There are hidden settings that can help you save up to 30% of your traffic and speed up your connection. But first things first.

What is a Wi-Fi Hotspot and why is it needed on a Xiaomi?

Wi-Fi Hotspot (or "access point") is a smartphone operating mode in which it turns into a mini-router distributing the Internet via a wireless network. Your Xiaomi In this case, it acts as a bridge between the mobile network (3G/4G/5G) and the devices that connect to it: laptops, tablets, other phones, or even smartwatches.

Why is this convenient?

• 🌍 Internet is everywhere: No dependence on wired networks or public Wi-Fi (which are often unsafe). A mobile signal is sufficient.
• 💻 Working on a laptop: You can reply to emails, download files, or hold video conferences while traveling or in a cafe.
• 🎮 Games and streams: connect Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck or even a TV Mi TV for online broadcasts.
• 🔄 Backup channelIf the wired internet connection at home is disconnected, the phone will become a temporary replacement.

On phones Xiaomi function Hotspot implemented through a proprietary shell MIUI, which offers more options than the "naked" one AndroidFor example, here you can:

• 🔒 Set a password for the connection (or disable it altogether if you only share the Internet with trusted devices).
• ⏱️ Set up automatic hotspot shutdown when idle.
• 📶 Select a frequency band (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) for better compatibility or speed.
• 📉 Limit traffic consumption by connected gadgets.

But there are some pitfalls. For example, some mobile operators (especially those with unlimited plans) limit internet distribution speed to 64–128 kbps, if active use is noticed Hotspot. And on older models Xiaomi (to Redmi Note 10) When using internet for long periods of time, the phone may overheat. More on this later.

How to enable and configure a hotspot on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

The process of activating a hotspot on phones Xiaomi almost the same for all models - from budget Redmi A2 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 UltraBut there are nuances depending on the version. MIUI (12, 13 or 14). Let's consider a universal algorithm:

1. Open Settings (gear icon on the home screen or in the application menu).

2. Go to the section Mobile network (or SIM cards and mobile networks on some models).

3. Select an item Tethering and hotspot mode (V MIUI 14 it can be called Access point and modem).

4. Activate the switch Wi-Fi hotspotThe system will prompt you to configure the settings - click Setting up an access point.

Now let's look at the key parameters that are worth setting up. to first connection:

After setting up, click Save and turn on the hotspot. Now other devices will be able to see it in the list of available networks.

The network name does not contain personal information (such as last name)

The password is written down in a safe place (not on a sticker on the phone!)

VPN is disabled on the connecting device (may block the connection)

The phone is connected to a charger (distributing the Internet quickly drains the battery) -->

Hidden Hotspot Features in MIUI: How to Save Data and Speed ​​Up Your Connection

Many users Xiaomi don't even suspect that in the settings Hotspot Hidden are useful options that can help optimize your access point's performance. Here are the most valuable ones:

1. Speed ​​limitation for connected devices

If to yours Hotspot Several gadgets are connected (for example, a laptop and a tablet), one of them may be "clogged" with torrents or updates. MIUI There is a built-in limit:

1. Go to Settings → Mobile networks → Tethering & portable hotspot.
2. Select Connected devices.
3. Tap on the desired device and set the speed limit (for example, 5 Mbps).

2. Device blacklist

You can block connections to specific devices by MAC address. This is useful if a friend "forgot" to disconnect from your network:

1. In the same menu Connected devices Click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
2. Select Blacklist and add the MAC address of the unwanted device.

3. Saving traffic through data compression

IN MIUI 13/14 There is an experimental traffic compression feature that can reduce traffic consumption by 10-15%:

1. Activate Hotspot.
2. In the access point settings, enable the option Saving traffic (or Data compression).

⚠️ Attention: This feature may conflict with some sites (such as banking sites) due to changes in HTTP headers.

4. 5G Priority for Hotspot

If your Xiaomi supports 5G (for example, Xiaomi 13T or POCO F5), you can force this network to be used for distribution:

1. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Network type.
2. Select 5G (preferred).
3. Go back to settings Hotspot and make sure the option is active Use 5G mobile data.

Xiaomi Wi-Fi Hotspot Issues: Why It's Not Working and How to Fix It

Even on new phones Xiaomi Users face common problems when using HotspotHere are the most common ones and how to solve them:

1. The access point turns on, but devices don't connect.

Possible causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Incorrect password: check the letter case (password Password And password - different!).
• 📵 Operator limitationSome plans block data sharing. Check your mobile operator account.
• 🔧 MIUI crash: Restart your phone or reset network settings (Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings).

2. Internet via Hotspot is slow

If the speed is slower than expected, try:

• 📶 Change Wi-Fi band: 5GHz is faster, but 2.4GHz is more stable over distance.
• 🚫 Disable background updates on the connected device (for example, Windows Update or App Store).
• 🔋 Connect your phone to the charger: when the battery is low MIUI may artificially limit performance.

3. The hotspot turns off by itself

A common complaint from owners Xiaomi — the access point suddenly turns off. Reasons:

• ⚡ Battery saving: in the settings Power and Performance disable the option Background Limitation for Access Points.
• 🔄 Auto power off: check the timer in the settings Hotspot (the default value may be 5 minutes).
• 📱 Overheat: if the phone heats up above 45°C, MIUI Force the device to shut down. Let it cool down.

What to do if your operator blocks your Hotspot?

Many Russian operators (for example, Tele2 or Yota) limit internet tethering on "unlimited" data plans. Workarounds:

1. VPN: some VPN services (eg. NordVPN or ProtonVPN) disguise Hotspot traffic as regular traffic.

2. Changing APN: in the mobile network settings (Settings → SIM cards → Access point name (APN)) try using APN from another operator (for example, internet.beeline.ru instead of the standard one).

3. USB modem: connect your phone to your PC via cable and activate it USB modem in the settings. Some operators do not block this type of distribution.

⚠️ Using such methods may violate your plan's terms and conditions. Please check the terms and conditions in your personal account.

USB Modem vs. Wi-Fi Hotspot vs. Bluetooth: Which is Better on Xiaomi?

On phones Xiaomi There are three ways to share the Internet: through Wi-Fi Hotspot, USB modem or BluetoothWhich one should you choose? Let's compare them based on key parameters:

When to choose which method?

• 💻 For laptop: if you need a stable internet connection for a long time - USB modem (saves phone battery).
• 📱 For multiple devices (tablet + smartwatch) - Wi-Fi Hotspot.
• 🎧 For smartwatches or headphones — Bluetooth (albeit slow, but energy efficient).

How to save data when using a hotspot on Xiaomi

Sharing your phone's internet connection can quickly eat up even a large data plan, especially if you have multiple devices connected to your hotspot. Here's how to reduce your data usage:

1. Disable background activity

On the connected device (laptop, tablet), disable automatic updates:

• 🖥️ Windows: Settings → Windows Update → Pause updates for 7 days.
• 📱 Android: Settings → Applications → Startup and disable unnecessary programs.
• 🍎 MacOS/iOS: Settings → General → Software Update → Disable automatic updates.

2. Use data compression in MIUI

As mentioned earlier, in MIUI There's built-in traffic compression. To make it more efficient:

1. Activate Hotspot.
2. In the access point settings, enable Saving traffic.
3. On the menu Mobile Network → Data Transfer → Traffic Saving Add applications that require compression (for example, a browser or instant messengers).

3. Limit speed for individual devices

If other people are connected to your hotspot, they may be downloading large files without your knowledge. MIUI You can set limits:

1. Open Settings → Mobile networks → Tethering & portable hotspot → Connected devices.
2. Select the device and click Speed ​​Limit.
3. Set a limit, e.g. 2 Mbps for guest connections.

4. Monitoring traffic consumption

Track how much data is being spent Hotspot:

1. Go to Settings → Mobile network → Data usage.
2. Select your SIM card and see the consumption graph.
3. Set a warning when a limit is reached (e.g. 1GB out of 3GB).

Security when using Wi-Fi Hotspot on Xiaomi

A hotspot on your phone isn't just convenient, it's also a potential security threat. If it's not configured correctly, strangers can connect to your network, intercept your traffic, or even infect your devices with viruses. Here's how to protect yourself:

1. A strong password is the foundation of security

Avoid simple combinations like 12345678 or qwertyGood password for Hotspot must:

• 🔢 Contain at least 12 characters.
• 🔤 Include mixed-case letters, numbers, and special characters (e.g. Mi$Hot5pot_2026!).
• 🔄 Do not match the passwords for your other accounts.

2. Hiding the network name (SSID)

By default, your hotspot is visible to everyone nearby. To hide it:

1. In the settings Hotspot find the option Hide network (or Skryť síť in some firmware).
2. Activate it. Now only those who know the exact network name (SSID) will be able to connect.

⚠️ AttentionHiding the SSID does not make the network completely invisible to experienced hackers, but it will protect against accidental connections.

3. MAC address restriction

You can allow connections only to specific devices:

1. Find out the MAC address of the device that is allowed access (for example, on Windows run the command ipconfig /all V CMD).
2. In the settings Hotspot on Xiaomi find MAC address filter.
3. Add allowed addresses to the whitelist.

4. Using a VPN to encrypt traffic

If you're sharing internet in a public place (such as a cafe or airport), it's a good idea to enable a VPN on the connected device. This will protect your data from interception. Recommended services:

• 🛡️ ProtonVPN (free tariff with speed limitation).
• 🌍 Windscribe (10 GB of traffic per month for free).
• 🔒 NordVPN (paid, but with reliable encryption).

⚠️ Attention: Some VPNs may conflict with Hotspot, causing connection drops. If your speed drops after connecting to a VPN, try disabling it or changing servers.

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

Is it possible to share internet from a Xiaomi device without a password?

Yes, but it's extremely unsafe. To disable the password:

1. Go to settings Hotspot.
2. Select Security → No (or Open).

⚠️ In this case, anyone within Wi-Fi range will be able to connect to your network. The risk of data interception or unauthorized use of your traffic is very high.

Why doesn't Xiaomi Hotspot work after updating MIUI?

This is a common problem after major updates (for example, with MIUI 13 on MIUI 14). Try:

1. Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings.
2. Restart your phone.
3. If that doesn't help, roll back to the previous version. MIUI through Settings → About phone → System update → Three dots → Select update package.

How to share internet from a Xiaomi to a PC without Wi-Fi (via USB)?

If the Wi-Fi adapter on your PC is broken or missing, use USB modem:

1. Connect your phone to your PC via USB cable.
2. Turn on your phone Settings → Mobile networks → Tethering & portable hotspot → USB tethering.
3. On PC in Network connections a new connection should appear.

⚠️ Some PCs may require driver installation Xiaomi (download from the official website).

How many devices can be connected to a Xiaomi Hotspot?

The theoretical limit is up to 10 devices, but in practice:

• Budget models (Redmi 10A, POCO M5) work stably with 3-4 devices.
• Flagships (Xiaomi 13 Pro, POCO F5 Pro) can withstand 6–8 connections without lags.
• When connecting 10+ devices, the speed drops by 2-3 times due to the overload of the phone's processor.

Is it possible to use Hotspot on Xiaomi abroad without roaming?

Yes, but it depends on your carrier's plan. Most Russian SIM cards block tethering when roaming or charge an additional fee (e.g., 300-500 rubles per day). Alternatives:

• 📶 Buy a local SIM card with unlimited internet (in Turkey, Thailand, or the UAE, this costs $5–10 per week).
• 🌍 Use an eSIM with international coverage (e.g. Airalo or Holafly).
• 💻 Activate USB modem — some operators do not block this type of distribution in roaming.