Stay Connected Anywhere: How to Turn Your Phone Into Wi-Fi Hotspot

Sep 18, 2024 06:40 PM EDT

If you are out of internet or Wi-Fi, your phone is probably just that-something. But did you know that smartphones can also share data? That is correct. Android or other devices can share the smartphone's data to give people internet.

In this world where internet connection is a key necessity, staying online is very important. And what do people need? And cannot find any good Wi-Fi networks?

Your smartphone can also be your savior by way of a tiny little Wi-Fi hotspot. From iPhone to iPad to Android devices, here is how you can set up a mobile hotspot to keep laptops, tablets, and other gadgets online.

What Is a Mobile Hotspot?

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If you have no internet or Wi-Fi, your smartphone can serve as one. Did you know that you can tether it on Android or any device to make a mobile hotspot?

A hotspot is a device that actually allows you to share mobile data from your cell phone to your computer, your laptops, and even tablets by letting them connect through Wi-Fi, a USB, or even Bluetooth. It really is super useful when you're kind of under pressure for the internet at a time when there is no Wi-Fi.

Most carriers allow this sharing, but it depends on your service plan and data limit. Keep in mind that using a mobile hotspot eats up battery and data fast. If you use it a lot, maybe buy a portable charger.

Setting Up an iPhone and iPad Personal Hotspot

If you own both an iPhone and an iPad with data, setting up a personal hotspot is very simple. Follow these steps.

Setting Up an iPhone and iPad Personal Hotspot

If you have both an iPhone and an iPad with cellular capabilities, you can set up a personal hotspot pretty easily. Just follow these steps.

Open Settings: On your iPhone or iPad, go into the Settings menu.
Turn On Personal Hotspot: Tap on Personal Hotspot > Allow Others to Join. If you do not see this option tap: Cellular > Personal Hotspot.
Set a Password: Take note of the Wi-Fi password displayed under the settings.
Connect Other Devices: Now open the settings of the other device you want to connect to Wi-Fi and select your iPhone or iPad, say "Alexa's phone" and enter the password.
Your second device will now be internet-enabled over your cellular network.

Using Bluetooth or USB

You can also connect using Bluetooth or with a USB cable besides Wi-Fi:

Bluetooth: Activate the Bluetooth of the devices. For instructions on how to initiate a Bluetooth connection, refer to the manufacturer's guidelines.
USB: Connect your iPhone or iPad by using a USB cable to another device for much stronger connectivity.

With an iPhone, you can share your hotspot with family members through Family Sharing. It means that automatically, every member will join in without a password.

You can activate it by going to Settings, then Personal Hotspot. From here, head to Family Sharing and registering settings for each family member.

How to Create a Wi-Fi Hotspot on Android Devices

Setup varies among producers and also models. But these steps are normally quick and simple:

Access Settings: Open your phone's Settings application.

Enable Hotspot: You go to Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering > Wi-Fi Hotspot

On Samsung, you go to Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering > Mobile Hotspot.
For Google Pixel: The function is available on settings at Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering > Wi-Fi Hotspot.
For Motorola phones: The option can be found on Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering.

Set Password: The name of the hotspot network and the password should appear in the hotspot settings after activation.

Connect Devices: The connecting device, be it the computer or any other device, should be allowed to input the hotspot username and password through the Wi-Fi settings of the device you are connecting.

USB and Bluetooth Tethering

Android phones also allow USB and Bluetooth tethering. Both of these options are relatively safer and more stable but require some additional setup at first:

How to connect to the internet via USB Tethering: Connect the phone and the other device together with a USB cable. Then, on Hotspot & Tethering settings, go to USB Tethering. There will be an option available for you to enable the feature.

How to connect to the internet via Bluetooth Tethering: Pair both of your devices via Bluetooth, then from the very same menu find out the Bluetooth tethering feature and enable it.