Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones have powerful communication modules that allow you to turn your device into a full-fledged router in a matter of seconds. This function, known as Wi-Fi access point, is indispensable in situations where landline Internet is not available, and a laptop or tablet urgently needs a network connection. Owners of devices based on MIUI and the new HyperOS are often faced with the need to quickly organize a local network for data transfer or access to the global web.
The process of activating the modem mode on brand devices Xiaomi is intuitive, however, hidden settings can significantly affect the connection speed and work stability. Many users limit themselves to simply enabling the function, not realizing that changing the frequency range or encryption type can solve connection problems with older gadgets or increase download speed. In this material, we will analyze in detail all the nuances of the setup.
Regardless of the model of your smartphone, be it a budget Redmi Note or a flagship series, the algorithm of actions remains almost identical, although the location of some menu items may differ slightly depending on the version of the shell. We will look at both the standard method of turning on via the notification curtain, as well as in-depth configuration of security and power consumption parameters.
Basic activation of an access point through the curtain
The fastest way to start distributing the Internet is to use the quick access panel. This solution is ideal for situations where you urgently need to provide a network to another device without diving deeply into system settings. Just swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the control center.
In the menu that opens, find the icon that says Access point or Wi-Fi access point. It is usually located among other switches, such as Bluetooth or a flashlight. Clicking on the icon instantly activates tethering mode and the smartphone will begin broadcasting a signal. If the icon is not on the first screen, try swiping left or clicking on the menu edit button to add the desired shortcut.
Once turned on, a special icon resembling antenna or chain of links, which indicates active distribution. Connected devices will see your network in the list of available connections under a name that by default matches the name of the phone model, for example, Redmi Note 12.
For quick activation without unlocking the screen, configure a double-click on the power button in the "Accessibility" section if your version of MIUI supports assigning actions to the access point.
Deep configuration of network and security settings
The standard settings of the access point may not be suitable for all use cases, so it is important to be able to change key parameters through the settings menu. Go to the Settingssection, then select Connection and sharing and click on Wi-Fi access point. Here you can access advanced network management options.
The first thing you should pay attention to is Network SSID (access point name) and password. By default, the system generates a random password, but for the convenience of constant use, it is better to set a combination that is easy to remember while complying with security requirements. It is recommended to use WPA2-Personal encryption as it provides the optimal balance between data security and compatibility.
Particular attention should be paid to the choice of frequency range. In the access point settings menu, there is often an option to choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz band provides greater coverage and better penetration through walls, but can be congested by nearby networks. The 5 GHz band offers faster speeds and less interference, but has a shorter range.
- 📶 2.4 band GHz: ideal for connecting older devices and working at a long distance from the smartphone.
- 🚀 5 GHz band: necessary for transferring large files, streaming videos and games with minimal latency.
- 🔒 Encryption: always choose WPA2 or WPA3, avoid open networks without a password.
- 🔋 Timeout: configure automatic shutdown of the access point when there are no connected clients to save battery.
⚠️ Attention: When choosing the 5 GHz band, make sure that the connected device (laptop or tablet) supports this frequency. Old gadgets simply will not see the network if it operates exclusively in the 5 GHz band.
Connecting devices via USB and Bluetooth
In addition to wireless distribution, Redmi smartphones support Internet transmission via a USB cable and the Bluetooth protocol. These methods are especially relevant when you require the most stable connection or need to save battery power, since a wired connection often allows you to simultaneously charge the device.
To activate a USB modem, connect your smartphone to your computer using a high-quality cable. Then in the access point settings menu, activate the switch USB modem. The system will automatically install the necessary drivers, and a new network connection will appear on the PC. This method eliminates speed loss due to radio interference.
Distribution via Bluetooth requires prior pairing of devices. Turn on Bluetooth on both gadgets, pair, and then activate the item Bluetooth modemin the access point settings on Redmi. On the receiving device, you need to go to the Bluetooth settings, select your phone and in the context menu specify the option to use for Internet access.
| Connection type | Transmission speed | Stability | Battery consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi access point | High | Average | High |
| USB modem | Maximum | Very high | Low (charging in progress) |
| Bluetooth modem | Low | High | Minimum |
| Wi-Fi 5 GHz | Very High | High | Medium |
☑️ Check before connecting via USB
Managing connected clients and limits
The functionality of the MIUI shell allows you not only to distribute the Internet, but also to control those who connect to it. There is a section in the access point menu Connected devicesthat displays a list of all active clients with their MAC addresses and the amount of data transferred.
You can manually restrict access to unwanted users by blocking them by MAC address directly from this list. This is an effective way to protect yourself from “neighbors” who may try to use your traffic without your knowledge. In addition, the system allows you to set a traffic limit, upon reaching which the Internet distribution will automatically stop.
To set the limit, go to the additional settings of the access point and find the item Traffic limit. Here you can set the limit value in megabytes or gigabytes. This is a useful feature for tariff plans with a limited data package, allowing you to avoid unexpected charges by the operator.
How to find the MAC address of someone else's device?
If you see an unfamiliar device in the list of connected ones, write down its MAC address. In most operating systems (Windows, Android) it can be viewed in the (properties) of the network adapter. A match of addresses will confirm the presence of unauthorized access.
Solving common connection problems
Despite the well-functioning system, users may encounter situations where the access point is turned on, but other devices cannot connect or do not see the network. Often the reason lies in incompatibility of encryption standards or failures in the Android network stack.
If devices do not see the network, try changing the frequency range from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz or vice versa. It's also worth checking to see if the network is hidden in your privacy settings. In rare cases, resetting the network settings helps, which will clear the connection cache and restore the operation of the modules.
Another common problem is the lack of access to the Internet when the phone is successfully connected to the Wi-Fi network. This may indicate problems with the mobile data on the Redmi smartphone itself. Make sure that mobile data is turned on and your account balance is positive.
⚠️ Attention: If, after turning on the hotspot, the mobile data on the phone itself stops working in browsers, this is normal behavior for some versions of Android. Traffic is redirected to the external interface. Check the Internet on the connected laptop.
In 90% of cases, the problem with the lack of Internet for clients is solved by switching the frequency range or reconnecting the mobile data on the smartphone itself.
The influence of the modem mode on the autonomy of the device
Active Wi-Fi distribution is one of the most energy-consuming processes for a smartphone. The radio module operates in constant signal transmission mode, which leads to rapid battery discharge and heating of the case. It is important for Redmi owners to take this factor into account when using the function for a long time.
When operating for a long time in access point mode, the processor and modem can heat up significantly. Under these conditions, the system may automatically reduce screen brightness or limit performance to protect components. It is recommended to remove the case from the phone for better heat dissipation if you are planning a long session.
To minimize power consumption, use the automatic power off function of the access point. In the settings, you can set an inactivity time, for example, 5 or 10 minutes, after which the modem will turn off if no one is connected to it. This will save battery power if you forgot to turn off the function manually.
Why does the phone get very hot when distributing Wi-Fi?
The heating is due to the high load on the radio frequency module and processor, which processes network packets. This is a physical feature of any router or smartphone operating in modem mode. If the temperature becomes critical, the system will forcibly turn off the access point.
Is it possible to distribute Wi-Fi if the phone does not have a SIM card?
No, to distribute the Internet, the smartphone itself must have an active connection to the mobile network via a SIM card. However, if the phone is connected to another Wi-Fi, some models allow you to rebroadcast this signal (repeater mode), but on standard MIUI firmware this function is often blocked.
How many devices can you connect at the same time?
Technically, the limitation depends on the processor model and Android version, but usually Redmi smartphones allow you to connect from 4 to 10 devices at the same time. Exceeding this number can lead to a critical drop in speed and unstable network operation for all clients.
How to change the network name (SSID) to a shorter one?
Go to Settings -> Wi-Fi access point -> Setting up an access point. In the “Network name” field, delete the standard model name and enter your own. Avoid special characters and Cyrillic for maximum compatibility with older devices.
Why does the laptop see the network, but writes “Without access to Internet"?
Check whether mobile data is activated on your smartphone. Also make sure that your telecom operator does not block traffic distribution (tethering) on your tariff plan. Some unlimited tariffs prohibit the use of the phone as a router.