Modem mode on Xiaomi: how to distribute the Internet from your phone to a PC, laptop or tablet

Smartphones Xiaomi (including lines Redmi i POCO) support a function modem modethat allows you to distribute mobile data to other devices - laptops, tablets or even desktop PCs. This is convenient when traveling, at the dacha, or when you don’t have a router at hand. However, many users encounter difficulties during setup: either the access point does not turn on, or the devices do not connect, or the operator blocks the function.

In this article you will find step-by-step guide for all types of connections (Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth), tips for eliminating common errors and security recommendations. We will also look at why on some models Xiaomi modem mode may be hidden in the deep settings of MIUI and how to find it.

Important: modem mode capabilities depend on version MIUI, smartphone model and tariff plan of your operator. If the function is blocked, check the tariff conditions or contact the support of your mobile provider.

1. Preparing your smartphone before turning on the modem mode

Before activating Internet distribution, make sure that your Xiaomi is ready for this. Skipping these steps may result in connection errors or rapid battery drain.

1. Check the mobile data.

Make sure that your smartphone has a stable network connection 3G/4G/5G. To do this, open your browser and try to load any page. If the Internet is slow, the modem mode will distribute it at the same speed.

2. Update MIUI to the latest version.

Go to Settings → About phone → System update and install all available updates. Older firmware versions may have bugs that interfere with the operation of the modem.

3. Disable data and battery saving.

Optimization functions can automatically limit Internet distribution. Go to:

Settings → Battery and performance → Battery mode and select "Performance" (or disable saving).

4. Check the tariff limit.

Many operators limit or block Internet distribution on some tariffs. For example, MTS and Beeline may charge an additional fee for using the phone as a modem.

Checked mobile data on smartphone

Savings disabled batteries and traffic

MIUI firmware updated

Checked operator tariff conditions

Battery is charged (minimum 30%)

-->

2. How to enable Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi

This is the most popular way of distributing the Internet, as it works wirelessly and supports connecting several devices at the same time. The instructions are suitable for all models. access and modem Xiaomi, Redmi And POCO based on MIUI 12–14.

Step 1. Open Settings → Hotspot and tethering (on some models the path may differ: Settings → Connections and sharing → Modem mode).

Step 2. Tap on the item "Point Wi-Fi access" and move the slider to position "On.".

Step 3. Configure the access point settings (optional, but recommended for security):

• 🔒 Network name (SSID): Set a unique name to distinguish your point from others.
• 🔑 Password: Use a complex combination (minimum 8 characters with numbers and letters).
• 📶 Range: Select 5 GHz for higher speed (if your laptop supports this standard) or 2.4 GHz for better compatibility.
• ⏱️ Auto shutdown: Disable this function if you want the point to work constantly.

Step 4. Connect another device (laptop, tablet) to the created network using the specified name and password.

⚠️ Attention: Some models Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro) can automatically turn off the access point after 5–10 minutes without active connections. To avoid this, connect at least one device or disable the timer in the settings.

3. Setting up a USB modem on Xiaomi

USB connection provides more stable speed and less battery consumption, since the smartphone is charged during operation. This method is ideal for laptops and PCs without a Wi-Fi adapter.

Step 1. Connect your smartphone to the computer using the original one USB cable (preferably the one included). Using uncertified cables may lead to connection errors.

Step 2. On your phone, select the data transfer mode:

• 📱 In the notification that appears, tap "File transfer" (or "Charging only", if the notification does not appear).
• 🔄 Then select again "USB modem" in the same notification.

Step 3. If the modem mode was not activated automatically, go to Settings → Access point and modem → USB modem and turn on the slider.

Step 4. On the computer, check the connection:

• 🪟 On Windows: Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network Connections. A new connection should appear with the name "Remote NDIS Network Adapter".
• 🍎 On MacOS: Go to System settings → Network. The connection will appear in the list "USB Ethernet".

⚠️ Attention: If the computer does not recognize the USB modem, try disconnecting and reconnecting the cable, as well as installing drivers Mi PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi for synchronization with a PC).

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
USB modem does not turn on	Not the original cable	Use a proprietary cable Xiaomi
The computer does not see the network	There are no drivers	Install Mi PC Suite or update the drivers manually
Slow speed	Weak signal 3G/4G	Try moving closer to a window or using a signal booster
Constant connection dropouts	Battery saving enabled	Disable app optimization Settings c battery menu

4. Internet distribution via Bluetooth

The Bluetooth modem is suitable for devices that do not support Wi-Fi or USB (for example, some tablets or old laptops). The speed will be lower than other methods, but the battery consumption is minimal.

Step 1. Enable Bluetooth on both devices (smartphone and computer/tablet).

Step 2. On the smartphone Xiaomi pair: Settings → Bluetooth → find your device in the list and confirm the connection.

Step 3. Return to Settings → Access point and modem → Bluetooth modem and activate the function.

Step 4. On the computer:

• 🪟 Windows: Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices, find your Xiaomi and click "Connect via → Hotspot access".
• 🍎 MacOS: In System settings → Bluetooth select a smartphone and press "Connect to network".

Bluetooth modem restrictions:

• ⚡ The speed usually does not exceed 1–3 Mbit/s (enough for instant messengers, but not for high quality video).
• 🔋 Battery consumption is minimal, but the range is no more 10 meters.
• 📱 You can only connect one device at a time.

What to do if the Bluetooth modem does not work?

If the Internet does not appear after connecting, try:

1. Reboot both devices.

2. Delete the pairing and connect again.

3. Check whether the antivirus is blocking the network connection (especially important for Windows).

4. Update Bluetooth drivers on your computer (via Device Manager).

5. Solving common modem mode errors

Even after proper configuration, users Xiaomi may encounter problems. Let's look at the most common of them and how to eliminate them.

1. The access point turns on, but the devices do not connect.

• 🔄 Restart your smartphone and try again.
• 🔒 Check if the password is entered correctly (case is important!).
• 📡 Try changing the Wi-Fi band from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz (or vice versa).
• 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → Connections and sharing → Network reset.

2. The USB modem connects, but the Internet does not work.

• 🔌 Try another USB port (preferably USB 3.0 for stability).
• 🖥️ Disable others on the computer network connections (Ethernet, Wi-Fi).
• 📋 Check whether firewall or antivirus the new connection is blocked.
• 🔄 Turn on and off "Airplane mode" for 10 seconds, then reconnect.

3. The operator blocks the Internet distribution.

• 📞 Call your operator's support and check whether your tariff supports the function "modem/access point".
• 💳 You may need to connect an additional option (for example, "Internet for devices" u MegaFon).
• 🔄 If the blocking is software, try using applications to bypass restrictions (for example, PDANet+), but this may violate the operator's rules.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Xiaomi (especially with MIUI Global), operators can forcefully disable Internet distribution through updates. If after the update the function stops working, try rolling back to the previous firmware version or using custom builds (for example, Xiaomi.EU).

6. Security tips when using modem mode

Distributing the Internet from your phone is convenient, but not always safe. The following recommendations will help protect your data and avoid unauthorized access.

1. Use a complex password for the Wi-Fi point.

Avoid simple combinations. like 12345678 or qwerty. Optimal password:

• 🔢 Length of at least 12 characters.
• 🔤 Combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters (for example, Xiaomi@Modem_2026!).
• 🔄 Change your password regularly (once every 1–2 months).

2. Limit the number of connected devices.

In the access point settings (Settings → Access point and modem → Wi-Fi access point → Additional), you can set a connection limit. For example, if you distribute the Internet only to a laptop, set "Maximum 1 device".

3. Turn off the modem when not needed.

Long-term operation in modem mode:

• 🔋 Fast drains the battery.
• 📡 Increases the load on the processor, which can cause overheating.
• 🛡️ Increases the risk of connecting third-party devices (especially in public places).

4. Use a VPN to protect traffic.

If you connect to public networks or distribute the Internet in places with large crowds of people (airports, cafes), enable VPN on the device that connects to your access point. This will protect your data from interception.

7. Alternative ways to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi

If the standard modem mode does not work or is blocked by the operator, you can use workarounds, however, they may violate the rules of your tariff or laws (in some countries, bypassing operator blocking is prohibited).

1. Applications for distributing the Internet without root.

• 📱 PdaNet+ — allows you to distribute the Internet via USB or Bluetooth, bypassing operator locks. Works without superuser rights, but requires installing drivers on the PC.
• 🌐 ClockworkMod Tether —an alternative for a USB modem, supports Xiaomi based on MIUI.

2. Changing APN settings (only for experienced users!).

Some operators block Internet distribution at the APN level. You can try:

1. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Access points (APN).
2. Select your APN and change the field "APN type" c default on default,dun or default,supl,dun.
3. Save changes and restart the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect APN settings can lead to loss of mobile data. Before making changes, write down the original parameters or take a screenshot!

3. Using a second phone as a repeater.

If your Xiaomi cannot distribute the Internet, but you have a second smartphone (for example, an old one), connect it to the mobile network and distribute Wi-Fi from it. Then connect the main Redmi), connect it to the mobile network and distribute Wi-Fi from it. Then connect the main Xiaomi to this network and activate the modem on it.

How to bypass operator blocking legally?

Some operators offer special tariffs for Internet distribution (for example, Tele2 has an "Internet for devices" option). Usually they cost 50–100 rubles more than the standard tariff, but you get:

✅ Unlimited distribution (or high traffic).

✅ Stable speed without restrictions.

✅ No risk SIM card blocking.

Check the available options in your operator's personal account.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about modem mode on Xiaomi

Is it possible to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi without traffic restrictions?

It depends on your tariff. Most operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) limit or block the distribution of Internet on unlimited tariffs. For example, after exhausting high-speed traffic, the speed may drop to 64–128 Kbps, which will make the modem practically useless.

To avoid restrictions, connect a special option for distribution (for example, "Internet for devices" u MegaFon) or use a tariff with truly unlimited traffic (they are usually 200–500 more expensive rubles per month).

Why is there no “Modem mode” item in the settings on my Xiaomi?

There are several reasons:

1. Outdated version of MIUI: On older firmware MIUI 10 the menu may be called differently - for example, Settings → Advanced → Modem mode.
2. The operator has blocked the function: Some SIM cards (especially corporate ones or with special tariffs) may hide this item. Try inserting a SIM from another operator.
3. Regional restrictions: On devices for the Chinese market (China ROM), the function may be disabled. The solution is to flash Global ROM or Xiaomi.EU.

How to increase the speed of Internet distribution from Xiaomi?

The speed depends on many factors, but you can optimize it:

• 📶 Switch to 4G/5G: Go in Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Preferred type networks and select 4G (LTE) or 5G (if supported).
• 🔄 Change the Wi-Fi band: If your laptop supports 5 GHz, use it - this will reduce interference from other networks.
• 📵 Disable background applications: Close all apps that consume traffic (cloud services, instant messengers with auto-updates).
• 🔋 Connect charging: When the battery level is low (15%), the smartphone can artificially limit the speed.

Is it possible to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi to a console (PS5, Xbox)?

Yes, but there are nuances:

• 🎮 Wi-Fi: Simply connect the console to the access point created on Xiaomi. On PS5 or Xbox Series X go to Settings → Network → Internet connection setup and select your network.
• 🔌 USB: Consoles do not support USB modem directly. You will need a computer as a “bridge”: connect Xiaomi to your PC via USB, and then distribute the Internet from the PC to the console via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Attention: Online games consume a lot of traffic (up to 300 MB/hour). Make sure you have enough gigabytes in your tariff.

How to disable the "Access point in use" notification on Xiaomi?

This notification appears in the status bar and does not let you forget that it is turned on modem. You can’t disable it, but you can make it less intrusive:

1. Expand the notification panel and hold your finger on the notification "Access point is active".
2. Tap "Mute sound" or "Hide notifications" (depending on the version MIUI).
3. To completely remove the icon from the status bar, you will need rights root editing system files (not recommended for inexperienced users).