How to use your phone as a hotspot | high speed internet. com (2023)

Follow these simple instructions to set up mobile Wi-Fi access on your phone

How to use your phone as a hotspot | high speed internet. com (1) VonPedro Hollin
Edited byCara Haynes

December 15, 2022 Share
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When you are running errands and suddenly you need the Internet, you can use your phone to set up a WiFi hotspot. With a few taps, you can provide an Internet connection for laptops, tablets, and other connected devices.

To set up a hotspot on your phone, you can usually follow these simple instructions:

Paso 1:Open the settings menu

Paso 2:Go to the "Wi-Fi Hotspot" section (sometimes listed as "Personal Hotspot" or "Portable Hotspot & Tethering").

Paso 3:Turn on the access point.

However, sometimes these instructions are different, so below is a step-by-step guide to help you activate hotspots for different Android and Apple iOS phones. Also included below is a list ofbest phone plans for hotspots.

Pro tip:

Consider getting a portable hotspot device if you use hotspots frequently; connect more devices and save your phone battery. Watch theThe best mobile hotspotsfor details on pricing, dates, and additional features.

Jump to: The best hotspot plans|Enabling phone hotspots for iOS phones and tablets|Enabling phone hotspots for Android devices|What is a dial-up hotspot?|What you need for a dial-up hotspot

The best phone plans for hotspots

The planPreishotspot datasee plans
Magenta MAX de T-Mobile$85.00/mes*40GB (later reduced to 3G speeds)see plan
Verizon 5G does more without limits$80.00/mes.25GB/month. from 4G LTE/5G, later reduced to slower speeds

Check the new zip file

see plan Available in zip code

AT&T Unlimited Extra$75.00/mes.15GB/mes.

Check the new zip file

see plan Available in zip code

Visible$30.00/mes.Unlimited (Limited to one device, with speeds up to 5 Mbps)see plan

Data valid from 12.14.22. Prices and speeds are subject to change. Not all offers are available in all regions.

*Auto pay discount included: -$5/mo. per line

To use your phone's hotspot, you need a cellular plan that provides you with hotspot data. Luckily, many phone plans offer exactly that. The big cell phone companies often give you more hotspot data for your money, but MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) like Mint Mobile and Visible have decent hotspot deals too.

Expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $85 per month for a phone plan with hotspot data. Also, be aware of your hotspot's data cap: You can usually only use a limited amount of mobile data per month before your speed drops to a minimum or your hotspot's connection drops for complete.

Pro tip:

Are you looking for a cute phone to use as a hotpot? Take a look at our recommendations for theThe best 5G phones.

How to enable a dial-up hotspot on an iPhone or iPad

How to use your phone as a hotspot | high speed internet. com (2)

Activating your phone's hotspot is quick and easy with an Apple iOS device.

Use:If you don't already have a cellular plan that allows hotspots, you'll need to contact your carrier to set one up.

Paso 1:Go to Settings > Personal hotspot. Or (depending on your iPhone type), go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot.

Paso 2:Press Shift to activate personal hotspot. If you don't have a cellular plan with hotspot data, you may need to tap a button that says Set up personal hotspot, which tells you to call your carrier.

Paso 3:Turn on the feature that says others can join.

Stage 4:Take note of the password. You can change the password by touching the textXto remove it and enter a new password of your choice.

Once you've turned on your iPhone's hotspot, you can connect another Wi-Fi-enabled device by finding your hotspot name in your device's Wi-Fi menu and entering the password.

Pro Tip: Test Your Internet Speed

Internet speeds from hotspots may vary depending on the cellular service available in your area. take oneSpeed ​​Testto find out how fast your connection is.

How to activate a dial-up hotspot on Android phones

Setting up a hotspot on an Android phone slightly depends on the type of phone you have. However, the instructions are more or less the same regardless of the phone.

You can usually find the hotspot by searching for "hotspot" or "tethering" on your phone. After turning on the access point, connect to another device that needs Internet by selecting your access point name from the device's Wi-Fi menu and entering the password.

Pro tip:

When setting up the hotspot, make sure you have activated your mobile data, which the hotspot uses to provide a Wi-Fi connection.

Samsung phones

How to use your phone as a hotspot | high speed internet. com (3)

Paso 1:Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile hotspot & tethering > Mobile hotspot. Touch to turn it on. You can turn it off in the same way.

Paso 2:Make sure Wi-Fi sharing is turned on; otherwise, you will not be able to connect other devices.

Paso 3:To change the hotspot name, password, and other settings, touch the Portable hotspot menu.

motorola phone

Paso 1:Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering.

Paso 2:Tap Wi-Fi hotspot to turn it on.

Paso 3:Touch Wi-Fi hotspot to edit your hotspot name.

To change your password, go to Advanced > Access Point Password. If desired, touch Hide my device to prevent others from seeing your hotspot. In the Advanced menu, you can also change the AP band to 5GHz to improve your network connection.

google pixel-phone

How to use your phone as a hotspot | high speed internet. com (4)

Paso 1:Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering.

Paso 2:Toggle next to Off (to enable) or On (to disable).

Pro Tip: Tethering via Bluetooth or USB

With iPhone and Android devices, you can connect other devices via USB or Bluetooth connections. This way you can only connect one device, instead of 10 or possibly even more on one hotspot. But it will better conserve your phone's battery power.

To set it up, go to Settings > Tethering & portable hotspot. Instead of selecting the portable hotspot (or Wi-Fi), press the button that enables the USB or Bluetooth connection. For USB connection, connect a USB cable to your phone and the other end to your device to connect to the Internet.

lg phone

Paso 1:From the home screen, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Tethering. Or it could appear in Settings > Networks > Tethering.

Paso 2:You will see a switch to turn on the hotspot, which will be labeled Wi-Fi Hotspot or Mobile Hotspot (depending on your LG phone model). Touch the button to turn it on.

Paso 3:Go to Configure Mobile Hotspot to customize settings such as the hotspot name and password. Then click Save.

Pro tip:

Take a look at our guide toThe best cheap 5G phonesfor a device that offers you a lot of performance at a very good price.

Huawei phones

Paso 1:The menu options for Huawei phones are worded slightly differently, but the instructions are largely the same. Access the hotspot and turn it on by going to Settings > Wireless & networks.

Paso 2:Under Wireless & networks, you'll find a section called "Personal hotspot" or "Tethering and portable hotspot." Just search for the word "access point" and it will take you to the button to turn it on. You'll also find options to set your name, password, and more.

Pro Tip: Use a tethering app to avoid fees and speed up.

If you have an Android device, you can download apps likePdaNet+yEasyTetherto set up a WiFi hotspot on your phone without the hotspot feature.

It doesn't work as reliably as your phone's hotspot, but it won't affect your monthly hotspot data limit or you'll need to upgrade your phone plan if you can't set up hotspots automatically. Just check your provider's terms of service to make sure they don't conflict with your phone plan.

Looking for a new internet setup? Do a search using your zip code to see what kind of internet you can get in your area.

What is a phone WiFi hotspot?

A phone Wi-Fi hotspot is an Internet access point built into your smartphone that provides a Wi-Fi connection to other devices within range. It works much like a wired internet connection like you have at home, only it uses your provider's mobile data to give you internet access.

Turn your phone into a hotspot when you're on the go. . .

  • Trip
  • Stay in a vacation home
  • Work in a restaurant or cafeteria.
  • Check for WiFi while your home internet is down

Just remember that your phone's Wi-Fi hotspot is not a suitable substitute for the Internet at home. Hotspot data typically costs a lot more and speeds aren't nearly as fast, so you're still better off with a cable internet plan if you need a setup for everyday use. Or get a dedicated mobile hotspot.

Pro tip:

Phones have all sorts of useful features to make your life easier. Check our step-by-step guide to do itShare your WiFi passwordfrom your phone.

Are you looking for a new Internet? Look up your ZIP code below to find an ISP near you.

Do you need a dedicated hotspot device along with your phone?

If you need regular internet when you travel or work outside the office, it may be worth investing in a portable hotspot that's separate from your phone's hotspot.

While dial-up access points are simple and relatively inexpensive, standalone access points connect more devices, have faster speeds, and often have longer ranges. The most advanced 5G hotspots come with Wi-Fi 6 capability, helping them maintain an efficient connection while supporting a large number of devices. Plus, a separate hotspot means you won't drain your phone's battery.

Take a look at our top recommendations for theThe best mobile hotspots,The best 5G hotspots, ymobile hotspot data plans.

Dial-Up Point Requirements

To set up a hotspot on your phone, you need the following:

  • A smartphone with hotspot capability
  • A phone plan that allows you to set up personal hotspots

Android phones generally allow you to connect up to 10 devices at a time. With Apple, the maximum number of devices you can connect depends on your iPhone and the capabilities of your carrier.

How do I find my phone's hotspot password?

To find your phone's hotspot password, go to the hotspot menu in your phone's settings. You will see a button to enable and disable the hotspot and a section to set passwords and change the name of your hotspot.

See our addresses aboveHotspot Settings for iPhoneyHotspot settings for Android phonesfor more details.

Instead of relying on a hotspot, you can also see if you can get a better, cheaper, or faster internet connection at home. Use our zip code tool to find out what's available near you.

additional resources

  • How to find free public WiFi
  • The best mobile hotspots
  • The best hotspot data plans 2021
  • Here's how to get internet without a phone line or cable

Best Internet Plans and Discounts for Students

Is my WiFi slow because of my router or my ISP?

Author -Pedro Hollin

Peter Holslin has over a decade of experience as a freelance writer and journalist. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in liberal arts and journalism from The New School University in New York City in 2008 and went on to work at publications like Rolling Stone, VICE, BuzzFeed, and many others. At HighSpeedInternet.com, he focuses on covering 5G, learning about frequency bands and virtual RAN, and providing reviews of emerging services like 5G home internet. He also writes about ISP and Wi-Fi plans, hotspots, VPNs, and troubleshooting.

Editor -Cara Haynes

Cara Haynes has edited and written in the digital space for seven years and edited all things Internet for HighSpeedInternet.com for five years. She graduated with a BA in English and a minor in publishing from Brigham Young University. When she's not editing, she makes technology accessible through her freelance writing for brands like Pluralsight. She believes that no one should feel lost in the land of the Internet and that a good Internet connection greatly extends life expectancy.

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