In situations where a stationary router has failed or you are on a business trip with a laptop that does not have a built-in SIM module, a smartphone becomes a real salvation. Owners of brand devices Xiaomi and sub-brands Redmi and POCO are often faced with the need to quickly organize a workplace anywhere in the world. Modern Android-based operating systems provide powerful tools for converting your gadget into a full-fledged router.
There are several methods traffic distribution, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your tasks. Some people prefer a wireless connection for its convenience, while others choose a cable for maximum speed and stability. Understanding the nuances of the interface MIUI or HyperOS will allow you to avoid common mistakes and set up a connection in a couple of minutes.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for connecting a PC to the network via a Redmi smartphone. You will learn how to properly prepare the device, what settings can block the modem's operation, and how to optimize power consumption. Ready to turn your phone into a reliable internet source? Let's start with the most popular method.
Preparing the smartphone and checking the network settings
Before activating modem mode, you need to make sure that the smartphone itself has stable access to the World Wide Web. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks and check the connection status. Make sure that the slider mobile data is activated and the corresponding 4G or 5G icon in the top status bar is lit.
Pay attention to the tariff plan of your operator. Many providers automatically detect the type of device connected to the network and can block the distribution of traffic to third-party gadgets or charge additional fees for this. If you notice that the Internet on your computer is not working, although everything is loading on the phone, you should call the operator’s support.
⚠️ Attention: Some telecom operators use TTL (Time To Live) packet analysis to identify Internet distribution. If your tariff does not include unlimited distribution, this may lead to the rapid exhaustion of the main gigabyte package or blocking of the service.
It is also recommended to disable the energy saving mode before starting setup. Aggressive Battery Optimization MIUI can force termination of background processes responsible for network connectivity. Go to the section Battery and select mode Balanced or Performance.
Before you start distributing the Internet, make sure you have enough funds and the data service is activated, since some operators block the Internet with a zero balance, even for incoming connections.
Setting up a Wi-Fi access point on Redmi
The most common method is to create your own wireless network. Xiaomi's interface is intuitive, but hides important parameters that affect speed and security. Open Settings → Wi‑Fi access point. Here you will see a switch that needs to be activated.
Before turning it on, go to item Setting up an access point. Choosing the right security standard is critical here. Never leave the network open, as anyone passing by can connect to your Internet and intercept data. Select a protocol WPA2 PSK or WPA3if your equipment supports it.
Pay special attention to the frequency range. In the access point settings menu there is often an option to choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Range 5 GHz provides higher data transfer speeds and is less susceptible to interference from neighboring routers, but has a shorter range. If the computer is located next to the phone, choose 5 GHz.
- 📶 Network SSID: Come up with a unique network name so as not to confuse it with neighboring access points in an apartment building.
- 🔒 Password: Use a combination of letters and numbers of length at least 8 characters for reliable protection from unauthorized access.
- 👥 Connection limit: In the settings, you can limit the number of connected devices to avoid channel overload.
After saving the settings, turn on the access point toggle switch. On your computer, find the created network in the list of available Wi-Fi connections, enter the password and enjoy surfing. The system will automatically remember the network the next time you connect.
Connection via a USB cable (USB modem)
If you require maximum connection stability or want to charge your smartphone at the same time, the USB modem method is the ideal solution. It eliminates radio interference and provides minimal latency (ping), which is critical for online gaming or video conferencing. First, you will need a working cable, preferably the original one included in the package.
Connect your Redmi phone to your computer via the USB port. By default, the device can charge without transferring data. You need to manually activate modem mode. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade and find USB modem. If it is not in quick access, go to Settings → Connection and sharing → USB modem.
The computer should automatically recognize the new network connection. A new network adapter will appear in Windows Device Manager. Typically, drivers are installed automatically, since Android emulates a standard network interface. If the system reports a driver error, try using another USB port, preferably USB 3.0 (blue).
☑️ Checking the USB connection
An important advantage of this method is that the phone battery does not drain during operation. On the contrary, the computer will recharge the gadget. However, it is worth remembering that during active data transfer the battery may heat up, which in combination with charging is not always useful for the longevity of the battery chemistry.
⚠️ Attention: When using a USB modem, disable the USB debugging mode in the “For Developers” menu, if it was enabled previously, as this can create network interface conflicts in the Windows operating system.
Distributing the Internet via Bluetooth PAN
The Bluetooth method is used less frequently due to the relatively low data transfer speed, but it may be the only option if the Wi-Fi module on the computer is faulty and the USB ports are busy. This method consumes less energy than Wi-Fi, but requires prior pairing of devices.
First turn on Bluetooth on both devices and pair. On your Redmi phone, in the Bluetooth menu, find your computer and click on the gear or menu icon next to the device name. Make sure that the Internet accessoption is enabled. On the phone itself, in the section Wi‑Fi access point the switch must also be active Bluetooth modem.
On a Windows computer, the setup process looks different. Go to Control Panel → Devices and Printers. Find the icon of your smartphone, right-click on it and select Connect via → Access Point. After a successful connection, a network icon will appear in the tray.
| Parameter | Wi-Fi | USB | Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | High (up to 150 Mbit/s) | Maximum (depending on the network) | Low (up to 2-3 Mbit/s) |
| Stability | Average (affected by walls) | High | Medium |
| Battery consumption | High | Charging from PC | Low |
| Range | Up to 20 meters | Cable length | Up to 10 meters |
Use the Bluetooth modem only for working with text, by mail or instant messengers. To watch high-definition videos or download large files, this communication channel will be too narrow. However, it is a reliable backup option in emergency situations.
Why is Bluetooth slower than Wi-Fi?
Bluetooth technology was originally designed to replace cables in peripheral devices, and not to transfer large amounts of data. The bandwidth of the Bluetooth Classic channel is limited by the protocol, while Wi-Fi uses wide frequency channels similar to home routers.
Solving problems with connections and drivers
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where all the settings are correct, but the Internet does not appear on the computer. A common cause is a failure of Android network services. Try turning it on and off Airplane mode on your smartphone. This action will restart all radio interfaces and request a new session from the telecom operator.
If the problem persists on the computer, check the adapter settings. Click Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl and press Enter. Find the connection that matches your phone (often called "Remote NDIS based Internet Sharing Device" or branded). Right-click and select Diagnostics. Windows will attempt to automatically correct IP address configuration errors.
In rare cases, you may need to reset the network settings on the phone itself. Go to Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi‑Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings. Please note that this action will delete saved passwords from all Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairs, but often resolves software conflicts.
- 🔄 Reboot: A simple reboot of both devices solves 90% of problems with establishing a handshake between gadgets.
- 🛡️ Antivirus: Temporarily disable the firewall or antivirus on your PC, they may block a new network connection.
- 🔌 Cable: Cheap "charge only" cables do not have internal contacts for transmission data - replace the cable with a known good one.
If the computer sees the phone as a data storage device, but not as a modem, the problem almost always lies in the operating mode of the USB port - switch it to the “File Transfer” or “USB Modem” mode manually.
Optimizing traffic and data security
When using mobile data on a computer, it is important to control traffic consumption. The Windows operating system tends to consume a lot of data for background updates and cloud storage synchronization. To avoid an unpleasant surprise at the end of the month, set up limits.
In the Wi-Fi settings on your computer, click on the properties of your connected network and activate the switch Limited connection. This will prevent Windows from downloading major system updates and will pause OneDrive syncing until you connect to unlimited Wi-Fi. On your Redmi phone, you can also set a traffic limit in the section Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Traffic limit.
Don't forget about security. When you distribute the Internet in a public place, attackers could theoretically try to infiltrate your local network. Make sure your computer's network profile is set to "Private Network" rather than "Public" if you trust your devices, but hide the network name (SSID) in the Redmi hotspot settings for increased privacy.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and menu names in MIUI and HyperOS firmware may vary slightly depending on the Android version and regional firmware version. If you do not find the item you need, use the settings search by entering the keyword “Modem” or “Access point.”
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the computer not see the phone when connected via USB?
Most likely, you are using a cable that does not support data transfer, or the USB connector is dirty. Try a different cable and port. Also check whether the “File transfer” or “USB tethering” mode is selected in the phone notifications after connecting.
Is it possible to share the Internet if VPN is enabled on the phone?
By default, the distribution comes directly from the mobile operator, bypassing the phone’s VPN tunnel. In order for the computer to work through the phone's VPN, additional applications or root access is required to configure traffic routing.
Does the phone get very hot when operating in modem mode?
Yes, especially when using a Wi-Fi access point and charging at the same time. It is recommended to remove the case for better heat dissipation and not leave the phone in the sun or under a pillow while working.
How can I learn how many devices are connected to my hotspot?
In the Wi-Fi hotspot setup menu on Redmi, a list of connected clients is usually displayed. There you can see the MAC addresses of devices and, if necessary, block unnecessary connections.
Does Internet distribution affect the speed of the mobile connection on the phone itself?
Yes, the channel bandwidth is divided between all connected devices. If the computer starts downloading a large file, the speed of loading pages on the smartphone itself may decrease noticeably.