Modern smartphones have long ceased to be just devices for making calls, having turned into powerful communication tools. One of the most requested functions is the ability to Internet distribution other gadgets when a stationary router is not available. Owners of brand devices Xiaomi often wonder how to correctly activate this mode so as not to drain the battery in an hour and ensure a stable connection.
The process of setting up an access point in the shell MIUI or a new one HyperOS intuitive, but hidden settings can confuse an inexperienced user. It is important to understand the difference between frequencies and security standards so that your data does not leak to strangers. In this article, we'll go through each step in detail, from enabling the feature to optimizing settings for maximum performance.
You can turn your phone into a full-fledged router in minutes. Let's consider not only standard methods, but also nuances that are often overlooked, for example, limiting the number of connected devices or choosing the optimal frequency range.
Preparing the device and checking the settings
Before you start signal broadcast, you need to make sure that your smartphone is ready to work in modem mode. First of all, check that you have an active SIM card with a connected tariff plan that has a sufficient amount of traffic. Without mobile data, distribution will be impossible, even if the settings menu is available.
Pay attention to the battery charge level. Hotspot mode consumes significantly more power than normal use, so it is recommended to keep the device plugged in to charge or have at least 50% battery reserve. You should also make sure that data transfer is enabled in the cellular network settings.
If you are using a dual-SIM device, determine in advance which SIM card will be used to access the network. In some cases, the system may by default select a slot where the balance is negative or there is no connection. You can check the current status in the notification shade, where the icon 4G or 5G.
⚠️ should be lit. Attention: When Wi-Fi is actively distributed, the temperature of the smartphone case may increase significantly. This is normal for a processor operating in enhanced data transfer mode, but long-term operation in such conditions can accelerate battery wear.
☑️ Ready for distribution
Activate the access point through the settings menu
The main way to enable the function is in the system menu. Navigation may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same for all models Redmi and Poco. You need to open the “Settings” application and find the section responsible for connecting to networks.
In most current versions of the shell, the path looks like this: go to item Connection and sharing. This is where all the tools for managing network interfaces are concentrated. If you have an older version of MIUI, this section may simply be called “More” or located inside the “SIM cards and mobile networks” menu.
Find the line with the name Wi-Fi access point. Switch the slider to the active position. The system will automatically create a network with a name containing your phone model and protect it with a password that is randomly generated upon first activation. You can see this name in the list of available networks on another device.
To quickly turn on the access point, you can add the corresponding widget to the desktop or to the notification shade so as not to go into the deep menu every time.
After turning on, a notification will appear on the smartphone screen that the access point is active. The number of connected devices is usually displayed directly in this notification or in the status bar, which allows you to control the load on the channel in real time.
Setting the network name and security password
The standard network name often contains the device model, which is not always convenient and can reveal information about your gadget to strangers. It is strongly recommended to change SSID (network name) to a unique combination of letters or words that is easy for you to remember, but difficult for attackers to pick up.
Go to the access point settings menu and click on the name field. Erase the old value and enter a new one. Here you can configure the encryption type. Always select protocol WPA2 PSK or WPA3if available. Outdated standards like WEP are easily hacked and do not provide adequate protection for transmitted data.
The password should be complex enough to prevent unauthorized access by neighbors who could instantly “eat up” your traffic. The optimal length is from 8 to 12 characters, including numbers and letters of different case. Avoid simple combinations like 12345678 or date of birth.
⚠️ Attention: If you forget the password you set, it will be impossible to restore it without resetting the network settings. Write down complex combinations in a safe place or use a password manager.
What is the hidden network?
The hidden network does not broadcast its name on the air. To connect to it, the user needs to manually enter the SSID in the Wi-Fi settings of the receiving device. This adds a level of privacy, but is inconvenient for frequently connecting new gadgets.
Selection of frequency range: 2.4 GHz versus 5 GHz
One of the key parameters affecting the speed and stability of the connection is the choice of frequency range. In the access point settings on Xiaomi, you are often asked to choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Understanding the difference between them is critical for proper operation.
The 2.4 GHz band provides better coverage and signal penetration. It is better at bending around obstacles such as walls and furniture, making it an ideal choice if the receiving device is in another room or out of line of sight. However, this range is often overloaded by neighboring routers and home appliances.
The 5 GHz frequency offers significantly higher data transfer speeds and is less susceptible to interference. This is the best choice for watching high-definition videos or playing online games if the devices are close to each other. The downside is the shorter range and poor penetration through solid walls.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission speed | Up to 150-300 Mbit/s | Up to 800+ Mbit/s |
| Range | High (up to 30-50 m) | Medium (up to 15-20 m) |
| Wall penetration | Excellent | Low |
| Interference level | High | Low |
If your receiving device supports both standards, the system usually tries to select the optimal one automatically. However, in manual mode, you can force set the desired range depending on the current task and the location of the gadgets.
Limiting connections and saving traffic
Uncontrolled distribution of the Internet can lead to a quick exhaustion of the limit of your tariff plan. The Xiaomi access point settings provide a function to limit the number of connected devices. By default, this limit can be set to 10 users, but it is advisable to lower it.
Set the value Maximum number of connections equal to 1 or 2 if you plan to distribute the Internet only to a laptop or tablet. This will prevent a situation where other people's smartphones within range will quietly connect to your network. Each extra device not only consumes traffic, but also reduces the overall speed of the channel.
There is also an “Access point timeout” function. It allows you to automatically turn off Wi-Fi distribution if no one connects to it for a certain time (for example, 5 or 10 minutes). This is a useful option to save battery power if you forget to turn off tethering mode manually.
⚠️ Attention: Interface parameters and menu item names may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI or HyperOS. If you don't find a specific option, check the official user manual for your model.
APN (Access Point) setting is available for advanced users. In rare cases, telecom operators block the distribution of traffic at the network level. Changing your APN settings may help bypass these restrictions, although this is not guaranteed and depends on your operator's policy.
Limiting the number of clients to a minimum is the most effective way to prevent traffic theft and maintain connection speed for the main devices.
Alternative distribution methods: USB and Bluetooth
In addition to the wireless method, Xiaomi smartphones support Internet distribution via cable USB i protocol Bluetooth. These methods can be useful in specific situations when the Wi-Fi module is faulty or maximum connection stability without radio interference is required.
The USB modem provides the highest speed and stability, since the connection is physically protected from external influences. In addition, in this mode, the phone is simultaneously charged from the computer, which solves the problem of rapid battery drain. To activate, connect the cable, go to the access point menu and turn on the switch USB modem.
Bluetooth distribution is slower than all of the above methods and is only suitable for transferring small amounts of data, for example, for downloading messages in instant messengers or checking email. The advantage is extremely low power consumption compared to Wi-Fi. However, pairing devices requires more time and action on the part of the user.
- 📡 Wi-Fi: High speed, convenience, work with multiple devices, high power consumption.
- 🔌 USB: Maximum stability, charging the phone, connecting only one device, requires a physical connection.
- 🎧 Bluetooth: Low speed, minimal battery consumption, complex pairing setup, suitable for background traffic.
The choice of method depends on your current needs. If you need to work with “heavy” files on your laptop, choose a cable. If you need to quickly send a document to a colleague nearby, Bluetooth is enough. For universal tasks, classic Wi-Fi remains the best solution.
Why does the USB modem not work?
A common reason is the use of a low-quality cable that only supports charging, but not data transfer. Try replacing the wire with an original or certified analogue.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why can't other devices see my access point?
Check whether network visibility is enabled in the settings. Make sure you are not using a hidden SSID. Also make sure that the receiving device is not in airplane mode and that Wi-Fi is active. The distance between devices should not exceed the permissible range of the selected frequency.
Is it possible to distribute Wi-Fi if the phone is connected to someone else's network?
On most standard Xiaomi firmware, this function is blocked: the phone cannot simultaneously be a Wi-Fi client and its repeater. However, there are third-party applications and root access that allow you to implement this function, but this requires deep technical knowledge.
How to find out who has connected to my Internet?
The access point setup menu usually displays a list of connected devices with their MAC addresses and names. If you see an unfamiliar device, immediately change the password and turn it off through the same interface.
Does the phone get very hot during distribution?
Yes, this is normal. The Wi-Fi module and processor work under increased load, converting the signal. Try not to cover the phone with a cloth and, if possible, remove the case for better heat dissipation during a long sharing session.
Does Wi-Fi distribution affect the speed of mobile data on the phone itself?
Yes, the channel is divided between all connected clients. If someone downloads a large file through your access point, the page loading speed on your own smartphone may be noticeably slower due to the limited bandwidth of the radio module.