If you do some work and suddenly need an internet connection, you can use your phone to set up a Wi-Fi hotspot. With a few tapes, you will be able to provide Internet connectivity for laptops, tablets, and other connected devices. To set up a hotspot on your phone, simply open the Settings menu, go to the section labeled Wi-Fi Hotspot (sometimes labeled as Personal Hotspot or Mobile Hotspot and Tethering), and turn it on. Most phones have hotspot functions, and all you need is a phone system with hotspot data to work. Whether you are an Android or iOS user, here are some step-by-step instructions to help you unlock your phone hotspot.
Expert Tip
Phone hotspots can only connect a handful of devices and consume a lot of battery power. So if you use a lot of hotspots, consider investing in a different, mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. See the best mobile locations for pricing, data, and additional features.
How to unlock phone hotspot on iPhone or iPad
Changing your phone hotspot is quick and easy with the Apple iOS device.
Step 1: Go to Settings> Personal Hotspot. Or (depending on the type of iPhone you have) go to Settings> Mobile> Personal Hotspot.
Step 2: Click the Convert button to open the Personal Hotspot. If you do not have a mobile app with hotspot data, you may need to click the Set Your Personal Hotspot button, which will let you know that you have called your provider.
Step 3: Change the function of Let Others Join.
Step 4: Write down the password. You can change the password by tapping on the text, tapping X to delete it, and then typing in the new password you selected.
Once you have unlocked your iPhone hotspot, you can connect another Wi-Fi enabled device by checking your hotspot name in your device’s Wi-Fi menu and typing in the password.
Expert Tip
Hotspot Internet speed may vary depending on the mobile service available in your area. Take a speed test to find out how fast your connection is.
How to unlock phone hotspot on Android phones
Setting up a hotspot on an Android phone depends a little on what type of phone you have. But the instructions are almost the same for any phone.
You can usually find a hotspot by searching your phone “hotspot” or “modem.” After you have opened the hotspot, connect it to another device that requires the internet by selecting your hotspot name in the device’s Wi-Fi menu and enter the password.
Expert Tip
As you set up a hotspot, be sure to turn on your mobile data, which the hotspot uses to provide a Wi-Fi connection.
Samsung Phones
Step 1: Go to Settings> Connectivity> Mobile Hotspot and use phone as a modem> Mobile Hotspot. Tap to open it. You can close it the same way.
Step 2: Make sure the Wi-Fi sharing option is turned on — otherwise you can’t connect to other devices.
Step 3: To change the hotspot name, password, and other settings, press the Mobile Hotspot menu.
Motorola Phones
Step 1: Go to Settings> Network and Internet> Hotspot & Using the phone as a modem.
Step 2: Tap Wi-Fi Hotspot to unlock it.
Step 3: Tap Wi-Fi Hotspot to edit your hotspot name.
To change your password, go to Advanced> Hotspot Password. If you want to, tap Hide My Device to prevent others from seeing your hotspot in the public list. In the Advanced menu, you can also switch AP Band to 5 GHz to improve your network connection.
Google Pixel Phones
Step 1: Make your way to Settings> Network and Internet> Hotspot & use phone as a modem.
Step 2: Switch next to Off (enable) or On (off).
IPhones and Android devices allow you to use the phone as a modem for other devices using USB or Bluetooth connection. You can tie one device this way — with 10 or more hotspots. But it will do a better job of saving the battery power of your phone. To set it up, go to Settings> Hotspot for Mobile & Using the phone as a modem. Instead of choosing a mobile hotspot (or Wi-Fi), press the button that allows you to use the phone as a modem via USB or Bluetooth. To use the phone as a modem via USB, connect the USB cable to your phone and connect the other end to your device to get an internet connection.
