Smartphone Redmi 9A, despite its budget price, remains a popular device that many users actively use not only for calls, but also as a backup source of mobile traffic. Situations when it is urgently necessary to provide a second gadget, tablet or laptop with access to the global network arise everywhere: while traveling, at the dacha, or during an emergency shutdown of the home provider. Owners of devices based on MIUI often encounter slight differences in the interface compared to the "stock" version of Android, which can cause difficulties during the initial setup.
The process of turning your smartphone into a full-fledged one router does not require special technical knowledge or installation of third-party software. Built-in operating system tools Android provide all the necessary functions for organizing a wireless or wired network. The main thing is to correctly configure the security settings to prevent unauthorized connection of unauthorized persons to your traffic and protect personal data from interception.
In this guide we will analyze in detail all available methods of Internet distribution, focusing on the specifics of the operation of the shell HyperOS or MIUIinstalled on Redmi 9A. You will learn how to optimize battery consumption, choose the optimal frequency range for a stable connection, and what to do if the receiving device does not see the network. The instructions cover both standard scenarios for using Wi-Fi, as well as less popular but reliable methods of transferring data via a USB cable and a Bluetooth module.
Preparing the device and checking the mobile network settings
Before activating the modem mode, you need to make sure that your Redmi 9A access to the Internet via SIM card Often, users try to distribute traffic without checking the balance or connection status, which leads to erroneous conclusions about a faulty access point. Go to the settings and make sure that mobile data is turned on and the data transmission indicator (up and down arrows) is active in the status bar.
Pay attention to the type of network connection. For comfortable operation of receiving devices, it is recommended to use the standard 4G/LTEas older protocols 2G/3G may not provide sufficient speed for loading modern web pages or running instant messengers. Go to the menu Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Preferred network type and select the option marked 4G preferred. This action ensures that the phone will try to connect to the fastest available cell operator tower.
It's also worth checking your access point settings (APN), especially if you're using a new operator's SIM card or moved to another region. Incorrect APN parameters can block the ability to distribute traffic, even if the phone itself “sees” the Internet. Usually this data is updated automatically, but in rare cases manual correction is required. If the Internet on the phone itself works, but distribution does not work, try rebooting the device - this will clear temporary network stack errors.
⚠️ Attention: Some mobile operators clearly have a ban on Internet distribution (tethering) in their tariff plans. If you activate the access point, but there is no traffic, contact your operator's support to clarify the terms of the tariff.
Activating a Wi-Fi access point on Redmi 9A
The most common and convenient way to share the Internet is to create a wireless Wi-Fi network. On smartphones Xiaomi i Redmi this process is simplified as much as possible and made available for quick access. To enable the function, lower the notification shade from top to bottom and find the Access pointicon. Clicking on it activates the distribution mode, but for fine-tuning it is better to go to the full menu of parameters.
For network configuration, open Settings → Wi-Fi access point. Here you can set a network name (SSID) that will be visible to other devices and set a strong password. By default, the system suggests using encryption WPA2 PSK, which is the best choice to protect the connection from hacking. Do not leave the network open, as this will allow anyone nearby to connect to your Internet and potentially use it for illegal activities.
In the same menu, you can select a frequency range. Redmi 9A Supports operation in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Range 2.4 GHz provides greater coverage and penetrates walls better, but can be overloaded by neighboring networks. Range 5 GHz gives higher speed and stability, but has a shorter range. If the receiving phone is close to the signal source, it is preferable to choose 5 GHz.
The “Hide Network” function deserves special attention. If you enable this option, your access point name will not appear in the list of available connections on other devices. To connect in this case, you will have to manually enter the SSID on the receiving gadget. This increases privacy, but complicates the connection process for guests.
Connecting a second Android smartphone to the network
After the access point on Redmi 9A is activated and configured, you need to connect on the second device. The process is standard for any version Android: open the Wi-Fi settings on the receiving phone and wait for the list of available networks to appear. Find in the list the name that you set earlier (or the standard one, if you haven’t changed it), and click on it.
Enter the password that was set in the access point settings. Pay attention to the case of letters and symbols - the system distinguishes between upper and lowercase characters. After entering your password, click the "Connect" button. If all settings are correct, a Wi-Fi icon will appear in the status bar of the receiving device, and a notification will be displayed on the screen Redmi 9A that one device has connected to the access point.
Sometimes it is useful to use the function QR code for a quick connection. The access point settings screen Redmi 9A often displays a QR code containing encrypted network and password information. The receiving phone can scan this code through a standard camera or a QR scanner in the notification shade, eliminating the need to manually enter a complex password.
To quickly check the Internet speed on a connected device, open any video service and try to play a video in high resolution (1080p). If the video is loaded without buffering, the setup was successful.
Distributing the Internet via a USB cable and Bluetooth
In addition to the wireless method, there are alternative methods of transmitting the Internet that can be useful in specific situations. USB modem allows you to distribute the Internet via a cable by connecting Redmi 9A to another device. This method guarantees maximum connection stability and simultaneously charges the phone's battery, which is critical during long-term use. To activate, connect the cable, then go to Settings → Connection and sharing → USB modem and turn on the switch.
Second option - Bluetooth modem. It provides the lowest data transfer speeds of all methods, but consumes significantly less power than Wi-Fi. This solution is relevant if you need to transfer small amounts of data (for example, messages in the messenger) and it is important to save the battery power of both devices as much as possible. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones, pair, and then in the access point settings Redmi 9A activate the item Bluetooth modem.
A comparison of distribution methods is presented in the table below so that you can choose the best option for your current tasks:
| Connection method | Transfer speed | Battery consumption | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) | High | Average | Good |
| Wi-Fi (5 GHz) | Very high | High | Excellent |
| USB cable | Maximum | Device charging | Maximum |
| Bluetooth | Low | Minimum | Average |
When using a USB modem, it is important to use a high-quality cable that can transfer data, and not just provide charging. Cheap "charge only" cables will not allow you to activate the network connection. Make sure that the necessary drivers are installed on the receiving device (if it is a PC), although modern versions Android and Windows usually deal with this automatically.
☑️ Check before connecting via USB
Setting up security and limiting connections
The security of your personal network is a priority. The access point settings Redmi 9A provide the ability to limit the number of connected devices. By default, the system can allow the connection of up to 10 gadgets, but you can reduce this number to 1 or 2 in the menu Connected devices. This will prevent a situation where one of your neighbors will “hook” on your traffic if your password is compromised.
It is recommended to regularly change the password for the access point, especially if you often share the Internet in public places. Use combinations of letters of different case, numbers and special characters of at least 8 characters in length. Avoid obvious combinations like 12345678 or password, which are selected by attackers in a matter of seconds.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice an unknown device in the list of connected ones, immediately change the password and encryption type. As a last resort, you can block a specific device by MAC address in the access point settings.
It is also worth mentioning the “Sleep Timer” function. In the settings MIUI you can set the time after which the access point will turn off automatically if no one is connected to it or if the specified operating time limit has expired. This is a useful option for forgetful users, which helps save battery power Redmi 9A.
Solving common problems and connection errors
Despite the ease of setup, users may encounter a number of problems. One of the most common - error "Unable to obtain an IP address" on the receiving device. This often indicates a conflict in network settings or a malfunction of the DHCP server on the distribution phone. Try on the receiving device in the Wi-Fi settings, select "Advanced" and set the IP settings to "Static", entering the address manually (for example, 192.168.43.100).
Another common problem is the phone Redmi 9A automatically turns off the access point after a few minutes of inactivity. This is an energy saving feature of the system. To disable it, go to the settings of the access point and find the item Disable the access point, setting the value Never or increasing the time interval. This ensures that the connection will not be interrupted at the most inopportune moment.
If there is Internet on the connected device, but the speed is extremely low, check whether the traffic saving mode or background activity limiter is activated on certain applications. Also make sure that you are not in an area of poor cellular network signal reception - in such conditions, the distribution speed will drop in proportion to the quality of the incoming signal. Redmi 9A traffic saving mode or background activity limiter for certain applications. Also make sure that you are not in an area of poor cellular network signal reception - in such conditions, the distribution speed will drop in proportion to the quality of the incoming signal.
Reset network settings
If all else fails, try resetting the network settings. Go to Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile settings. networks and Bluetooth. This will remove saved Wi-Fi passwords, but often resolves deep software conflicts.
In rare cases, the problem may lie in the hardware or firmware. Make sure that your Redmi 9A equipped with the latest available version MIUI. System updates often contain Wi-Fi module bug fixes and improve the stability of network functions. Go to Settings → About phone → MIUI version to check for updates.
Most problems with Internet distribution can be solved by simply rebooting both devices or switching the Wi-Fi frequency range from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz.
Why is the access point button inactive (gray)?
Most often this happens if the “Flight” mode is activated on the phone or the mobile data is turned off. Also, the access point can be blocked if the phone is connected to another Wi-Fi network in client mode (although modern models allow you to work simultaneously, this may be limited on older firmware).
Is it possible to distribute the Internet if the phone does not have a SIM card?
No, to distribute mobile data you need an active SIM card with a tariff that includes traffic. However, if the phone is connected to Wi-Fi, some versions of Android allow you to rebroadcast this signal (Wi-Fi repeater function), but Redmi 9A this ability can be limited by software.
Does the Redmi 9A get very hot when distributing the Internet?
Yes, the Wi-Fi module works in access point mode creates an increased load on the processor and radio module, which leads to heating of the case. This is a normal phenomenon, but it is recommended not to cover the phone or leave it in direct sunlight while working.
How can you learn how much traffic the connected devices have consumed?
In the access point settings Redmi 9A a list of connected devices is often displayed with information about the traffic consumed for the current session. For more detailed statistics, use the built-in "Security" application or the "Data Usage" section in the main phone settings.
Does Internet distribution affect the quality of voice calls?
When using 4G/LTE networks and VoLTE technology, calls and the Internet can work simultaneously without loss of quality. If the phone switches to 3G or 2G mode during a call, the Internet connection on connected devices may be temporarily interrupted or slow down significantly.