In this blog post, we will discuss how to share the internet on Redmi A2. This smartphone offers high-speed internet connectivity and supports almost all types of network bands.
However, there may be times when you want to share your phone’s data connection with other devices such as laptops or tablets. This is where the internet sharing feature comes in handy.
Contents
The Importance of Internet Sharing
In today’s interconnected digital era, the need for internet sharing has become increasingly important. It allows us to stay connected, even in locations where traditional Wi-Fi networks are unavailable, leveraging the mobile data of one device to provide internet access to others.
Internet sharing can be a lifesaver during travel or in instances of home internet downtime. Beyond convenience, it also promotes resource optimization by allowing multiple devices to utilize a single data plan, which can be particularly useful when managing data usage on limited plans.
Before creating a mobile hotspot, you must ensure that your smartphone has an active data plan and that mobile data is activated. This can be through Wi-Fi or mobile data. You can check this by going to the Settings menu.
Method 1: Using Mobile Hotspot
The Redmi A2 has a built-in feature called “Mobile hotspot” that allows you to share your internet connection with other devices. Before turning it on, you need to set up a Portable hotspot first. To enable this feature, follow the steps below:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the notification panel.
- Tap on the gear-shaped settings icon to access the device settings.
- Navigating to “Connection & sharing”.
- Tap on the “Portable hotspot” option.
- Then again tap on “Set up portable hotspot”.
Set up a Portable Hotspot
- Network Name: If you find that you want to change the name of this network, you can easily do so by clicking on the “Network name” section and editing the name as per your preference.
- Hotspot Password: Input your chosen password for the hotspot. Ensure that it is at least 8 characters long for optimal security.
- Security: You can choose from different security types, with “WPA3-Personal“ being the most advanced. However, select the appropriate protocol based on the device you are connecting, as some may only support older ones.
- Select AP bands: In the “Select AP band” option, you can choose between the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band for internet sharing. The 5 GHz band offers better connectivity for short-range devices, while the 2.4 GHz band is better for long-range connections. Select the appropriate band based on your connection needs in the Wi-Fi settings.
- Hide its SSID: MIUI on Redmi A2 lets you hide your Wi-Fi hotspot’s SSID, providing added security. By making your hotspot invisible to other devices, only those who know the exact network name can connect. Simply enable the “Hide its SSID” option in hotspot settings. Remember to manually input the network name on connecting devices, as it won’t be listed.
Now that your Mobile hotspot is set up, you can connect other devices to it. Simply go to the Wi-Fi settings on your device and select the network name (SSID) that you have set for your Mobile hotspot.
Enter the password if prompted and you should now be connected to the internet through your Redmi A2.
Method 2: Sharing Internet via Bluetooth on Redmi A2
With your Redmi A2, you also have the option of sharing your internet connection via Bluetooth. This is particularly useful when dealing with devices that do not support Wi-Fi connectivity. To accomplish this, follow the steps below:
- Navigate to “Settings”.
- Tap on the “Connection & sharing” option.
- Then select “Portable hotspot”.
- Here, you’ll find the option “Bluetooth tethering”.
- Toggle the switch to “On” and pair your Redmi A2 with the device to which you wish to share the internet connection.
Once the devices are paired, the internet should be accessible on the second device. Remember that Bluetooth tethering might result in slower internet speeds compared to Wi-Fi hotspot sharing due to the limitations inherent in Bluetooth technology.
Method 3: Sharing Internet via USB Tethering
USB Tethering is another effective way to share your internet connection with devices that do not have Wi-Fi or Bluetooth capabilities. Remember, this method requires a USB cable to connect your Redmi A2 with your PC. Here’s how to do it:
- Navigate to “Settings”.
- Tap on the “Connection & sharing” option.
- Then select “Portable hotspot”.
- Look for the “USB tethering” option and toggle the switch to “On”.
The device will automatically install the necessary drivers for the connection, and your internet is ready to be shared. Once the cable is connected, the internet from your Redmi A2 will be accessible on your PC.
Keep in mind that while using USB tethering, your phone battery will drain slower as it also charges from the connected device. However, always ensure that you have a stable data connection to have a seamless internet-sharing experience.
Monitor and Manage Connected Devices
As the owner of the mobile hotspot, you can monitor and manage the devices connected to it.
Checking the Connected Devices List
- On your Redmi A2, go to the “Portable hotspot” option.
- In the “Manage Devices” section, tap on “Connected devices”.
- You can view the list of connected devices and their details, such as the device name and data usage.
Disconnecting or Blocking Devices
From the “Manage Devices” section, you can disconnect or block specific devices from accessing your hotspot if necessary.
Troubleshooting
Despite your best efforts, you may encounter connectivity issues with your mobile hotspot. This section provides some common troubleshooting tips.
- Check your mobile data connection.
- Restart your Redmi A2.
- Verify that the hotspot password is correct.
- Check for any software updates on your device.
If you encounter persistent issues with your mobile hotspot, don’t hesitate to reach out to Redmi’s customer support for assistance.
About Redmi A2:
The Redmi A2 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a versatile set of features. Launched on March 24, 2023, it operates on GSM, HSPA, and LTE networks, providing global connectivity. The device boasts a sleek body with dimensions of 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm and a weight of 192 g. It supports dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) for added convenience.
The Redmi A2 features a 6.52-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels, offering a vibrant visual experience. Running on Android 12 or 13 (Go edition) with MIUI, the smartphone is powered by a Mediatek Helio G36 chipset and an octa-core CPU (4×2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.7 GHz Cortex-A53), along with a PowerVR GE8320 GPU.
In terms of memory, the Redmi A2 comes with a microSDXC dedicated slot for expandable storage. It offers various internal storage and RAM configurations, ranging from 32GB with 2GB RAM to 64GB with 4GB RAM. The main camera setup includes an 8 MP wide lens and a 0.08 MP auxiliary lens, supporting features like dual-LED flash and HDR.
The selfie camera is a 5 MP lens with 1080p@30fps video recording capability. The device also features a robust 5000 mAh non-removable battery with 10W wired charging support. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, FM radio, and microUSB 2.0. Available in Aqua Blue, Classic Black, and Sea Green, the Redmi A2 comes in models 23028RN4DG and 23026RN54G.
Conclusion
Sharing the internet on your Redmi A2 is a simple process that can be useful when you need to get online with other devices. By following these steps, you can easily enable the mobile hotspot and connect your devices to it.
Remember to keep an eye on your data usage if you have a limited plan, and make sure to secure your hotspot with a strong password to avoid unauthorized access.
With these tips in mind, you can enjoy internet connectivity on all your devices wherever you go. Happy sharing!