In the modern world, a smartphone has long ceased to be just a means of communication, having turned into a universal center for accessing information. Situations often arise when a tablet or second phone is left without access to the network, and the only source of Internet is your main gadget. For owners of the popular budget model Xiaomi Redmi 9 this problem is solved easily thanks to the built-in shell functions MIUI. You do not need to install third-party applications or obtain root access to organize a local network.
The process of creating an access point (Hotspot) based on Android is standardized, but the firmware Xiaomi has its own unique settings that allow you to flexibly manage traffic consumption and connected devices. In this article we will look in detail at how to turn your Redmi 9 into a full-fledged Wi-Fi router, what parameters should be changed for stable operation and how to avoid common mistakes due to which other devices may not see the network.
Before you start setting up, make sure that mobile data is activated on your device or the Wi-Fi that you plan to rebroadcast is connected. It’s worth noting right away that sharing the Internet significantly increases battery consumption. If you are planning a long session, it is better to take care in advance about connecting a charger or having portable battery at hand.
Preparing the smartphone and checking the network settings
The first step before activating the access point should be to check the current status of network connections. Go to Settings your device and select section Connection and sharing. Here you will see a list of all available network interfaces. Make sure that the slider mobile data is in the active position. If you plan to distribute Wi-Fi that you yourself receive from another router, make sure that the connection is stable.
It is important to understand the difference between operating modes. When you distribute mobile data, Redmi 9 acts as a modem that converts the 4G/LTE signal into a Wi-Fi wave. This requires more processor and radio resources. Check the balance of your mobile operator, as some tariffs may limit the amount of traffic available for distribution, or charge an additional fee for it.
⚠️ Attention: Some mobile operators automatically detect Internet distribution (tethering) and may block it or reduce the speed if this is not provided for by your tariff plan. Before actively using the function, it is recommended to check the conditions with your communication provider.
You should also pay attention to the system version. Although the interface MIUI remains rather conservative when it comes to network settings, new updates may introduce additional security options. Go to About the phone and click on version MIUIto check for updates. Current software guarantees the absence of critical vulnerabilities in the wireless communication module.
Activating a Wi-Fi access point on Redmi 9
The process of enabling modem mode is intuitive and takes literally a few seconds. In the menu Connection and sharing find the item Wi-Fi access point. Clicking on it will take you to the main network management menu. Here is the main switch that activates the signal broadcast. After turning on, an access point icon will appear in the status bar, signaling that the device is ready to accept connections.
However, simply turning on the toggle switch is not enough for safe operation. Network settings need to be configured. Click on the name of your access point (by default it usually matches the phone model, for example Redmi 9_2F3A). In the window that opens, you can set SSID the network name that other users will see. It is recommended to use a unique name so that your device is not confused with neighboring routers.
☑️ Check before turning on
The most important step is setting a password. By default, the system can offer a random set of characters, but it is better to set a combination that is easy to enter on the receiving device, but difficult for an attacker to guess. Select the encryption type WPA2 PSK —this is the most reliable and compatible standard at the moment. Avoid using the outdated WEP standard, as it can be easily hacked.
Use a combination of letters and numbers in your password, but avoid special characters if you plan to connect older devices that may not process complex characters correctly.
Advanced settings and connection security
Shell MIUI gives users advanced access point control that is often hidden in stock Android. In the access point setup menu, find the section Additional or Access point settings. Here you can limit the frequency range. The choice between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz depends on your tasks: the 2.4 GHz frequency provides better coverage and penetration, and 5 GHz gives higher speeds over short distances.
One of the most useful functions is setting a limit for connected devices. You can strictly limit the number of gadgets that are allowed to connect to your Redmi 9. This will prevent a situation where unknown users hang on your network, consuming traffic. Set the value corresponding to the number of your trusted devices, for example, 1 or 2.
| Setting parameter | Recommended value | Impact on operation |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency range | 2.4 GHz | Maximum compatibility and range |
| Encryption type | WPA2-Personal | Data protection from interception |
| Shutdown timeout | 10 minutes | Battery saving in the absence of clients |
| Device limit | 1-3 devices | CPU load control |
Also pay attention to the function of hiding the SSID. If you enable this setting, your network will not appear in the general list of available connections on other phones. To connect, you will need to manually enter the network name in the Wi-Fi settings of the receiving device. This adds an additional level of privacy, although it is not complete protection from advanced users.
What is AP Isolation?
The AP Isolation function prevents data exchange between devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If you enable this option in the Redmi 9 hotspot settings, the connected phones will not be able to transfer files to each other directly, but will have access to the Internet. This is useful in public places for safety.
Connecting a second Android smartphone to the network
After Redmi 9 started broadcasting the signal, you need to pair with the second device. Take the phone you want to share the Internet with and open the Wi-Fi settings. Wait for the list of available networks to update. Find in the list the name (SSID) that you specified during the access point setup step. It should appear almost instantly if the devices are in close proximity to each other.
Click on the network name. The system will ask you to enter a password. Enter the combination of characters previously set at Redmi 9. Be careful when typing: case matters and characters may be small on the screen. After entering, press the button Connect. If the password is correct, the connection status will change to “Connected” and the Wi-Fi icon will appear in the status bar.
- 📶 Make sure that the receiving device is not in Airplane mode, which blocks all wireless interfaces.
- 🔑 If the connection fails, try forgetting the network on the second one phone and enter the password again, checking the keyboard layout.
- 🔄 If it takes a long time to obtain an IP address, restart the Wi-Fi module on both devices by turning it off and on through the notification shade.
Sometimes it happens that the phone sees the network, but the Internet does not work. In this case, check whether you have access to the network yourself Redmi 9. Open the browser on the distribution device and try loading any page. If pages load there, but do not load on the client, the problem may lie in the DNS or proxy settings on the receiving device.
Alternative distribution methods: USB and Bluetooth
Although Wi-Fi is the most popular distribution method, it is not always optimal. If you need to ensure the most stable connection with minimal latency or save battery power on the receiving device (since the Wi-Fi module consumes a lot of energy), you should consider a wired connection. To do this, you will need a working USB cable, preferably original or certified, capable of transferring data and not just charging.
Connect Redmi 9 to another smartphone via a USB cable. Please note that not all Android phones support the USB OTG function when receiving the Internet from another phone, but many modern models can do this. On Redmi 9 go to the menu Wi-Fi access point and find the switch USB modem. Activate it. The system may ask you to confirm the USB operating mode - select “File transfer” or “USB modem”.
⚠️ Attention: When using a USB modem, make sure that the cable is working properly. Cheap “charge-only” cables do not have internal data lines, so modem mode is not activated and the phone will only charge.
Another option is distribution via Bluetooth. This method is significantly slower than Wi-Fi and USB, but consumes the least amount of power. It is suitable for transferring small amounts of data, for example, for instant messengers or mail. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices, pair, and then in the access point settings on Redmi 9 activate the item Bluetooth modem. On the receiving device, in the Bluetooth settings, you will need to select your device and click “Connect to the Internet.”
Troubleshooting and optimization
Despite the ease of setup, users sometimes encounter problems when the network is visible, but does not work, or the connection is constantly reset. One of the common reasons is an aggressive energy saving system MIUI. It can automatically turn off the access point if it believes devices are not being actively used, or limit background activity of a network service. Go to the battery settings and find the "Hotspot" application or system network service, setting the background restriction to "No restrictions".
If you are experiencing low data transfer speeds, try changing the Wi-Fi channel. In the access point settings, in the extended menu, there may be a “Channel” item. The default setting is “Auto”, but in places with large crowds of people (offices, dormitories) the airwaves may be clogged. Manually select channel 1, 6 or 11 for the 2.4 GHz frequency - these are usually the least crowded. Also check to see if traffic saving mode is enabled, which can artificially lower the speed for connected clients. Redmi 9 traffic saving mode, which can artificially reduce the speed for connected clients.
- 🛠 Rebooting the network stack: sometimes turning airplane mode on and off for 10 seconds helps to reset the radio module.
- 📱 Resetting network settings: if there are problems are permanent, in the “Connection and Sharing” menu there is a function “Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings.”
- 🔋 Heat control: if the phone gets very hot, the speed may drop due to throttling. Remove the case and place the device on a cool surface.
The stability of Internet distribution directly depends on the quality of the cellular signal and the temperature of the smartphone case - overheating is a common cause of connection breaks.
In rare cases, the problem may lie in a conflict of IP addresses. If you are technically savvy, you can try changing the DHCP server settings in the access point's advanced settings by specifying a different address range. However, for most users the standard settings are sufficient. If all else fails, make sure that the client device does not have third-party VPN services or antiviruses with a firewall function installed that may block incoming connections.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to distribute Wi-Fi if Redmi 9 itself is connected to Wi-Fi?
Yes, modern versions of Android and MIUI support the repeater function. You can receive the Internet via Wi-Fi from one router and broadcast it further to other devices through your access point. However, this may slightly reduce the overall connection speed.
Why does the access point automatically turn off after 5 minutes?
This is a standard power-saving feature. If no device is connected to the access point for a specified time (often 5 or 10 minutes by default), the system turns off the module to save battery power. This can be disabled in the access point timeout settings.
Does Internet distribution affect the speed of the mobile connection?
Yes, it does. The communication channel is divided between devices. The more clients are connected to your access point and the more actively they consume traffic (videos, downloads), the slower the Internet will work on each individual device, including the Redmi 9 itself.
Is it safe to leave the access point turned on overnight?
Not recommended. Firstly, it drains the battery quickly. Secondly, if you have a weak or missing password, attackers can connect to your network. Always use strong WPA2 encryption and disable the hotspot when not needed.
How to find out who connected to my hotspot?
The hotspot management menu on Redmi 9 usually displays a list of connected devices. There you will see the names of the gadgets and their MAC addresses. If you see an unfamiliar device, immediately change the password and block access.