What is an Android mobile hotspot?
Android mobile hotspot is a feature that allows you to share your phone’s mobile data internet connection with other devices. This can be useful if you’re traveling and don’t have access to Wi-Fi, or if you need to connect your laptop or other device to the internet but don’t have an Ethernet cable.
How to use an Android phone or tablet as a Wi-Fi hotspot?
First you must be able to connect to an internet access point via your Android phone or tablet’s Wi-Fi or Mobile data connection. Once connected, you can use the Android phone or tablet as a Wi-Fi hotspot so other devices can also access the internet through your Android’s data connection.
To use Android mobile hotspot, follow these steps:
Many Android phones require that you turn off Wi-Fi to use the mobile data hotspot.
- Open the Settings app.
- Touch on Network & internet.
- Touch on Hotspot & tethering.
- Touch on Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Toggle on Use Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Touch on Configure Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Enter a name for your hotspot and choose a security type.
- Touch on Save.
Your hotspot is now turned on and other devices can connect to it.
To connect to your hotspot, follow these steps on the device you want to connect:
- Open the Wi-Fi settings.
- Select your hotspot name from the list of available networks.
- Enter the hotspot password if required.
- Tap on Connect.
Once your device is connected to your hotspot, you will be able to access the internet.
Rename or secure your portable hotspot
You can also customize your Android mobile hotspot settings. To do this, go to Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot > Configure Wi-Fi hotspot. Here, you can change the hotspot name, security type, password, and other settings.
You can change the name of your Android’s Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and secure its Wi-Fi network.
- Swipe down on your home page twice to open all the quick access settings icons.
- Look for the icon labeled Mobile Hotspot and do a touch and hold (long touch) open the settings for the mobile hotspot.
- On this page, you can change the Network name, Password and the Band preference.
- Touch on Configure for more detailed security settings. Generally, you don’t need to change anything on the Configure page.
The Configure Wi-Fi hotspot dialog opens. You can change the network SSID (name) that other computers see when scanning for Wi-Fi networks. You can also touch the Security menu to configure the network with Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) security, with a pre-shared key (PSK). If you touch the WPA2 PSK security option, a password field is added to the Configure Wi-Fi hotspot dialog. If you enter a password, you will need to enter that password when you connect to the Android device’s hotspot with a computer or other device. Or touch Open in the Security menu to remove security from your Wi-Fi network.
Additional tips for using Android mobile hotspot:
- Make sure your phone has a mobile data connection and that mobile data is turned on.
- If you’re connecting multiple devices to your hotspot, be aware that this may slow down your internet connection.
- If you’re using your hotspot in a public place, consider using a strong password to protect your hotspot from unauthorized access.
- Make sure that your phone and the connected devices are running the latest software updates.
- Try resetting your phone’s network settings.
- Try connecting to a different hotspot to see if the problem is with your phone or the hotspot.
Common problems and solutions for using Android mobile hotspot:
Problem: Hotspot won’t turn on.
Solution: Try restarting your phone. If that doesn’t work, make sure that mobile data is turned on. You can also try changing the hotspot name and password.
Problem: Hotspot is slow.
Solution: Make sure that your phone has a strong mobile data connection. You can also try connecting fewer devices to your hotspot. If you’re using your hotspot in a public place, try moving to a different location.
Problem: Hotspot keeps disconnecting.
Solution: Make sure that all of your connected devices are within range of your hotspot. You can also try changing the hotspot security type. If you’re still having problems, try restarting your phone and the connected devices.
Problem: Can’t connect to hotspot.
Solution: Make sure that the hotspot is turned on and that you have the correct hotspot name and password. You can also try restarting your device. If you’re still having problems, try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network.
Problem: Hotspot is not secure.
Solution: Make sure that your hotspot is using a strong password. You can also try enabling WPA2 encryption.
Problem: Hotspot is draining my battery.
Solution: Try disabling battery saver mode. You can also try turning off your hotspot when you’re not using it.
Frequently asked questions and answers for using Android mobile hotspot:
Q: Can I use Android mobile hotspot to share my data plan with other devices?
A: Yes, you can use Android mobile hotspot to share your data plan with other devices. However, keep in mind that this may use up your data quickly, especially if you’re connecting multiple devices or streaming high-definition video.
Q: How do I secure my Android mobile hotspot?
A: To secure your Android mobile hotspot, use a strong password and enable WPA2 encryption. You can also change the hotspot name to something that is not easily identifiable.
Q: How do I troubleshoot problems with my Android mobile hotspot?
A: If you’re having problems with your Android mobile hotspot, try the following:
- Restart your phone and the connected devices.
- Make sure that mobile data is turned on.
- Check that the hotspot is turned on and that you have the correct hotspot name and password.
- Try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network to see if the problem is with your phone or the hotspot.
- Reset your phone’s network settings.
Additional helpful information:
Read this if you don’t already have internet on your Android phone, How to get internet on your phone or tablet?
You can also share a PC’s Wi-Fi connection with Android using a USB direct connection between the Android phone and the PC. How to Share PC’s Internet with Android via USB or Wi-Fi?
