Imagine you're traveling in a remote area and you receive an alert about an important work project that needs immediate attention. You need internet access for your laptop, but no public Wi-Fi options are available or you don't have a virtual private network (VPN) to keep your connection safe.

Now, suppose you have a cellphone plan with hotspot data and a signal. In that case, you're in luck because your phone can become a mobile hotspot connecting your laptop or tablet to the internet.

A mobile hotspot is a movable access point that can share a phone's cellular connection signal with a compatible device, connecting the device to the internet through a process known as tethering.

With a quick visit to your phone's settings or a swipe down on most newer devices and a tap engaging the mobile hotspot option, you can transform most Android or iPhones into personalized local Wi-Fi connections.

Learn how to break dependence on existing Wi-Fi networks and enjoy the freedom and convenience of using your cellphone as a mobile hotspot to stay connected on the go.

What is a mobile hotspot?

A mobile hotspot is a wireless connection that can move with a device such as a cellphone or dedicated mobile hotspot device. Wi-Fi hotspot devices do have advantages such as faster connection speeds and longer battery life than cellphones, but they can cost from $95 to $799 just for the device, which doesn’t necessarily include a service plan and data.

Cell phone mobile hotspots can offer a simpler, more affordable option as they come built into a phone's hardware. Cellphone hotspots are wireless connection points created by channeling a phone's cellular internet connection signal to other devices such as laptops, tablets, or smart TVs. Customers with hotspot data plans can enjoy the convenience and safety of their phone's connection signal on compatible devices anywhere they have coverage.

Wireless hotspots can come in handy when:

• You’re traveling either overseas or domestically
• You need quick internet access in a remote area where other Wi-Fi connections aren't available
• You want to avoid the security risks associated with using public Wi-Fi and use your phone provider's safer internet connection
• You need a larger, better-equipped device for a specific task but want to continue using your phone's cellular connection signal

How to use your cellphone as a hotspot

Today, most Androids and iPhones offer plans that allow you to share your mobile hotspot through either Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB connections.

Some Android carriers limit or charge extra for using a mobile hotspot, so check with your provider regarding its hotspot data policy before proceeding.

How to use a hotspot on iPhone or iPad

If you want to use your Apple device as a hotspot, please follow the steps below to activate your device's mobile hotspot option.

1. To turn on your iOS device's hotspot, go to Settings, Cellular, Personal Hotspot or navigate to Settings, and then Personal Hotspot. Tap the slider to "Allow Others to Join." If no personal hotspot option appears, check with your carrier to see if your plan includes a personal hotspot option.

2. After the personal hotspot activates, be ready to verify the Wi-Fi password and model of phone.

3. On the compatible device you want to connect, go to settings or internet access options (usually located in the upper right corner of the taskbar) and find your phone's name on the list of Wi-Fi options. Select your phone's connection option and be prepared to enter a password if required.

How to use a hotspot on an Android device

Android phone owners can choose from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB connections to create a hotspot and tether compatible devices. Activating and using a hotspot is like creating a VPN on your Android device. Remember that the steps for activating and connecting a hotspot may differ slightly based on the make and model of each device.

Android version 9+

Below is a list of general steps for turning on your newer Android (version 9 and up) hotspot:

1. Swipe down from the top of your phone's screen.
2. Tap Hotspot to engage, and if the Hotspot option isn't visible, tap Edit at the bottom left and drag Hotspot into quick settings.
   

Android version 8 and older

Below is a list of general steps (these may differ slightly for different models) for locating and activating an older Android's hotspot:

1. Go to Settings and then Network & internet.

2. Proceed to Mobile Hotspot & tethering, then select the Mobile Hotspot option.

3. Tap the Mobile Hotspot setting to activate (and hit OK on some models).

See the steps below for setting up and using a hotspot on Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, LG, and Huawei models.

Samsung

1. Go to Settings, then select Connections.
2. Choose the Mobile hotspot/ tethering option.
3. Turn on the Mobile hotspot option.
4. Find your phone's name on the list of Wi-Fi connection options and select it to connect.
5. Be ready to enter a network password if necessary.

Google Pixel

1. Go to Settings and tap Network/internet HS/tethering.
2. Select the Wi-Fi hotspot option and activate using a password if necessary.
3. Find your phone on the Wi-Fi connections list and select it.
4. Click to connect and enter a password if necessary.

Motorola

1. Turn off Wi-Fi by going to Settings, Wireless networks, and switching Wi-Fi to off
2. Go to Settings, then select More
3. Choose the Tethering and portable hotspot option, then select Portable Wi-Fi hotspot and turn it on.
4. Find your phone on the Wi-Fi connections list and select it.
5. Click to connect and enter a password if necessary.

LG

1. Go to Settings, then select the Network/internet option.
2. Choose the Tethering option and tap Mobile hotspot to turn on your hotspot.
3. Find your phone on the Wi-Fi connections list and select it.
4. Click to connect and enter a password if necessary.

Huawei

1. Go to Settings and select Mobile network.
2. Choose the Personal hotspot option and turn it on.
3. Find your phone on the Wi-Fi connections list and select it.
4. Click to connect and enter a password if necessary.

What phone plan is best for Wi-Fi hotspots?

To use your cellphone as a hotspot, you’ll need to select a phone provider plan that includes or allows the addition of hotspot data. Many carrier plans include sufficient data that is both hotspot-friendly and capable of delivering an acceptable work-from-home internet speed for today’s remote workforce.

Plan prices vary along with how many gigabytes of data each package includes. Here’s a list of some options:

5 cellphone plans with hotspot data

Mobile hotspot FAQs

Bottom line

Is public Wi-Fi unavailable, or are you concerned about the safety of a public connection? No problem, because now you know how to turn your cellphone into a portable Wi-Fi hotspot capable of sharing a safe internet connection signal with compatible devices.

The freedom to safely connect anywhere cellular coverage exists is as simple as finding and activating your phone's mobile hotspot and then selecting your device's name from a list of available Wi-Fi connections.

For customers of most major cell carriers, having enough monthly data for a moderate amount of mobile hotspot usage isn't a worry. However, if you just want to protect your smartphone while using public Wi-Fi, check out our guides to the best VPNs for Android and the best VPNs for iPhone.

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Author Details

Mark Knowles

About the Author

Mark Knowles is a freelance tech content writer specializing in cybersecurity. His expertise includes DevSecOps, cyber risk management, and Zero Trust model security. Mark has completed numerous case studies, blog articles, and e-books for leading technology companies over the last eight years, with a focus on the cybersecurity vertical over the last five years. When not interviewing experts in the field or creating fresh cybersecurity content for organizations, Mark enjoys pushing the limits of fitness and personal growth while planning his next traveling adventure.