Modem mode on smartphones Xiaomi allows you to turn the device into a full-fledged access point that distributes mobile data to laptops, tablets or other gadgets. This function is indispensable when traveling, when there is no fixed Wi-Fi, or when you urgently need to connect several devices to the network. However, many users face difficulties: where to find the settings, why the distribution does not work, or how to save battery power during long-term use.

In this article we will look at all the ways to activate the modem mode on Xiaomi (including models Redmi, POCO i Black Shark), consider the nuances of setting for different versions MIUI, and also give advice on optimizing connection speed and security. We will place special emphasis on typical errors due to which the access point may be disabled or not detected by other devices.

What is modem mode and why do you need it

Modem mode (tethering) is a function in which the smartphone acts as a router, transmitting mobile traffic (3G/4G/5G) to others devices. On Xiaomi there are three distribution options available:

  • 📶 Wi-Fi access point —the most universal solution, supports up to 10 connected devices simultaneously.
  • 🔌 USB modem —connection via cable provides stable speed and charging of the smartphone.
  • 🔵 Bluetooth modem —saves battery power, but is limited in speed (suitable for data transfer, not streaming).

Main usage scenarios:

  • 💻 Working on a laptop on the road or in a cafe without Wi-Fi.
  • 🎮 Connecting a game console (Nintendo Switch, PS5) to the mobile data.
  • 📱 Data exchange between smartphones (for example, when setting up a new phone).
  • 🚗 Organizing the Internet in the car for a navigator or passengers.

It is important to understand that distributing the Internet consumes traffic according to your mobile tariff. Some operators (for example MTS, Beeline) may block modem mode or charge additional fees for its use. Before activation, check the conditions in your operator's personal account.

📊 How often do you use the modem mode on your smartphone?
Every day
Several times a week
Only when traveling
Never used

Preparing a Xiaomi smartphone for Internet distribution

Before turning on the modem mode, follow a few mandatory steps:

  1. Check balance and tariff. Make sure that you have enough mobile traffic and that the operator is not blocking the distribution. Some tariffs (for example, “For smartphone” from Tele2) limit the use of the modem.
  2. Update MIUI. Go to Settings → About phone → System update and install the latest patches. This will eliminate possible bugs with Internet distribution.
  3. Disable traffic saving. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Traffic saving and deactivate the option.
  4. Check network signal. If the coverage level is weak (1-2 bars), the distribution speed will be low. Try switching to another SIM card or changing location.

☑️ Preparing to enable modem mode

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If you plan to distribute the Internet via USB, prepare an original cable (low-quality cords may not transmit data). To Wi-Fi set a memorable network name (SSID) and a strong password - this will make it easier to connect other devices.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Xiaomi (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro), when you turn on the access point for the first time, a warning about an additional fee for distribution may appear. This is a requirement of the operator, not the smartphone. Ignoring the message will block the function.

How to enable a Wi-Fi hotspot on Xiaomi

The most popular way to distribute the Internet is through Wi-Fi hotspot. The instructions are relevant for MIUI 12/13/14:

  1. Open Settings (gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to section Network and Internet → Access point and modem.
  3. Tap on Wi-Fi access point.
  4. Activate the slider Wi-Fi access point (at the top of the screen).
  5. Configure network parameters:
    • Network name (SSID) —enter a unique name (for example, Xiaomi_Hotspot_123).
    • Protection —select WPA2-PSK (the most secure option).
    • Password —set a combination of 8+ characters (use numbers and letters).
  • Click Save and connect other devices to the created network.

    • By default, the smartphone automatically turns off the access point after 5 minutes without active connections. To avoid this:

    1. In the access point settings, tap on Timeout.
    2. Select Never or set the desired interval (for example, 30 minutes).
    What to do if the access point does not turn on?

    If the slider Wi-Fi access point is inactive, check:

    1. Is the SIM card connected to the mobile data.

    2. Is the operator blocking the function (call support or check the tariff in your personal account).

    3. phones).

    4. Is the firmware updated to the latest version of MIUI.

    To speed up the connection of other devices, use QR code:

    1. In the access point settings, tap on the icon QR code (next to password field).
    2. Scan the code from another device (for example, from a laptop or tablet).

    Setting up a USB modem on Xiaomi

    Distributing the Internet via USB cable ensures maximum connection stability and charges your smartphone at the same time. This method is ideal for laptops or PCs without a Wi-Fi adapter:

    1. Connect your smartphone to the computer with the original cable (preferably included in the kit).
    2. On your phone, select the data transfer mode File transfer (MTP) or Charging only (in the drop-down menu after connection).
    3. Open Settings → Network and Internet → Access point and modem.
    4. Activate slider USB modem.

    After this, a new network connection will appear on the computer. Possible problems and solutions:

    Problem Cause Solution
    The computer does not see the connection There are no drivers Mi USB Driver Download the driver from the official website Xiaomi or via Mi PC Suite
    No Internet access Blocked by the operator Check the tariff or contact support
    Slow speed USB 2.0 instead of 3.0 Use the USB 3.0 cable and port (blue)
    The connection is interrupted Saving energy on your PC Disable "Allow the device to be turned off to save power" option in Windows Device Manager

    For MacOS you may need to further configure your network settings:

    1. Open System Preferences → Network.
    2. Select connection Xiaomi and click Advanced.
    3. In the section TCP/IP install Configure IPv4: Manually.
    4. Enter IP address 192.168.42.XX (where XX is any number from 2 to 254).
    💡

    If the USB modem is unstable, try enabling the option in the developer settings USB debugging (path: Settings → About the phone → MIUI version - tap 7 times, then return to Additional settings → For developers).

    Bluetooth modem: saving power during distribution

    Internet distribution via Bluetooth consumes a minimal amount of energy, but the speed is limited ~1-3 Mbit/s. This method is suitable for sending messages, mail or navigation, but not for video streaming. Step-by-step guide:

    1. Activate Bluetooth on both devices (smartphone Xiaomi and client gadget). data-i="195">Pair devices: on
    2. Pair devices: on Xiaomi go to Settings → Bluetooth, find the target device and confirm the connection.
    3. Return to Settings → Network and Internet → Access point and modem.
    4. Turn on the slider Bluetooth modem.
    5. On the client device (for example, a laptop), select an Internet connection via Bluetooth PAN.

      6. Features Bluetooth modem on Xiaomi:

      • 🔋 Battery consumption is 2-3 times lower than with Wi-Fi distribution.
      • 📱 Supports simultaneous connection to only one device.
      • 🔒 To reconnect, you do not need to enter a password (devices remember the pairing).
      • 📡 Range - up to 10 meters (depending on obstacles).

      If the connection is lost, try:

      • Reboot both device.
      • Delete pairing and reconnect.
      • Disable power saving mode on Xiaomi (Settings → Battery → Energy saving mode).
      ⚠️ Attention: On some models Xiaomi (for example, POCO X3 Pro) when activated Bluetooth modem automatically turns off Wi-Fi. This is normal system behavior - for simultaneous operation of both modules, manual configuration is required in developer mode.

      Optimizing distribution speed and security

      To make the most of modem mode, follow these recommendations:

      🔧 Increase speed

      • 📶 Switch to network 4G (LTE) or 5G (if supported): Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Preferred network type.
      • 🔄 Disable background applications that consume traffic (for example, auto-update of applications in Play Market).
      • 📡 If you use Wi-Fi, select channel 5 GHz (less busy, but shorter range) or 2.4 GHz (better passes through walls).
      • 🔌 For USB modem use port USB 3.0 (usually blue) and a high-quality cable.

      🔒 Increased security

      • 🔐 Change the standard access point password to a complex one (minimum 12 characters with numbers and letters).
      • 🔄 Update the password regularly (once every 1-2 months).
      • 📵 Disable distribution when it is not needed - this will prevent unauthorized connection.
      • 🛡️ Enable MAC address filtering (in the access point settings) to allow connection only to trusted devices.

      To check distribution speed, use services like Speedtest or nPerf. If the speed is lower than expected:

      • Check network coverage (switch to another SIM card or change location).
      • Turn off the VPN (if used) - it may limit your bandwidth.
      • Try a different type of distribution (for example, with Wi-Fi on USB).
    💡

    For maximum speed when distributing via Wi-Fi, choose standard 802.11ac (5 GHz) and a channel with minimal interference (use applications like WiFi Analyzer to analyze the airwaves).

    Typical errors and their solutions

    Even with proper configuration, users Xiaomi may encounter problems. Let's consider the most common ones:

    Error Possible cause Remedy
    The access point turns on, but the Internet does not work The operator blocks the distribution Check the tariff or contact support. Try using a VPN (for example, 1.1.1.1)
    The devices connect, but the speed is very low Restriction from the outside operator or weak signal Switch to another SIM card or change location. Check the APN settings
    The access point turns off spontaneously Battery saving Disable the option Automatic shutdown in the access point settings
    Cannot turn on the USB modem No drivers on PC Install Mi PC Suite or download the driver manually from the website Xiaomi
    The Bluetooth modem is unstable Interference from other devices Disconnect other Bluetooth devices nearby or restart both gadgets

    If none of the methods helped, reset your network settings:

    1. Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Advanced → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile data and Bluetooth settings.
    2. Confirm the action and restart your smartphone.
    3. Configure the access point again.

    On Xiaomi models with a MediaTek processor (for example, Redmi 9A), additional APN settings may be required for the modem mode to work correctly. Check the settings in the section Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Access points (APN) and compare them with the recommendations of your operator.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about modem mode on Xiaomi

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

    It depends on your tariff. Most operators (for example MegaFon, Beeline) do not limit the amount of traffic during distribution, but may reduce the speed after the high-speed package is exhausted. Some tariffs (for example, “For a laptop” from MTS) are specifically designed for a modem and offer large limits. Check the details in your operator's personal account.

    Why does a message about an additional fee appear when you turn on the access point on Xiaomi?

    This is a requirement of your mobile operator. Some tariffs block Internet distribution or charge an additional fee (for example, 50-100 rubles per day). You can: Ignore the message (you risk blocking the function). simultaneously?

    • Ignore the message (you risk blocking the function).
    • Enable the distribution option in the operator’s personal account.
    • Change the tariff to one that allows the modem without additional charges.
    How to distribute the Internet from Xiaomi to several devices at the same time?

    Through Wi-Fi you can connect up to 10 devices (depending on the smartphone model). To do this:

    1. Enable the access point as described above.
    2. On other devices, find the network with the name of yours Xiaomi and connect by entering the password.

    When connecting more than 3-4 devices, the speed may drop. For stable operation, limit the number of clients or use it for critical devices (for example, a laptop). s USB modem for critical devices (eg laptop).

    Is it possible to share the Internet with Xiaomi if the phone itself is connected to Wi-Fi?

    Yes, but only on some models with MIUI 12+. To do this:

    1. Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
    2. Go to Settings → Network and Internet → Access point and modem.
    3. Enable Access point Wi-Fi.
    4. In the section Access point settings select Internet source: Wi-Fi.

    Please note: not all operators and routers support this mode. If the function is inactive, your smartphone does not know how to “share” Wi-Fi.

    How to save battery power when using the Internet for a long time?

    Use these tips:

    • Connect your smartphone to a charger (especially when Wi-Fi-distribution).
    • Switch to USB modem —it is less energy-consuming than Wi-Fi.
    • Turn off background applications and lower the screen brightness.
    • Activate the mode Battery saving, but exclude the application from optimization Settings (so that the access point does not turn off).
    • Use Bluetooth modem for minimal battery consumption (but with speed limits).