What is a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot?
Any smartphone with an LTE, 4G, or 5G connection can be used to create a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot (a Wi-Fi network that other devices can connect to). Hotspots are secure, as you set your own network name and password.
Good to know
Activating a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot
iPhone
- Go to Settings and select Personal Hotspot or Cellular, then Personal Hotspot.
- Make sure the feature is enabled with the green switch in your phone’s hotspot settings.
- Check the network information and change the password if necessary.
- Wait for the other device to connect to the network you just activated.
If necessary, learn more about how to use a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot on an iPhone.
Samsung
: When a Wi-Fi hotspot is activated, this icon appears in the status bar at the top of the screen.
- Go to Settings and select Connections.
- Tap Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
- Tap the Mobile Hotspot switch to enable it.
- Select Mobile Hotspot and then Configure to change network information (name and password).
- Check that the device you want to connect can join the network you just activated.
If necessary, learn more about how to use a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot on a Samsung device.
Others (Android)
When a Wi-Fi hotspot is activated, an icon may appear in the status bar at the top of the screen, depending on the device you have.
: Google, Motorola, Alcatel, BlackBerry
: LG
: Sony
: Huawei
- Go to Settings and select Network and Internet.
- Tap Hotspot.
- Select Wi-Fi Hotspot and drag the switch to ON. If necessary, tap OK to activate the Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Tap Security to change network information (name and password).
- Check that the device you want to connect can join the network you just activated.
If necessary, learn more about how to use a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot on an Android device.
Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi hotspots
There are several benefits to activating a Wi-Fi hotspot on your mobile. For example, you can:
- Connect to Wi-Fi where networks are not usually available
- Connect to the Internet in emergency situations, when there are no other ways to do so (e.g., power outage, network outage)
- Share your mobile data with someone who has less or is nearing their monthly limit, so they don’t incur data overage charges.
While very convenient, sharing a connection using a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot can pose some risks to the device on which the hotspot is enabled. For example:
- You may incur additional charges on your monthly bill: Certain activities, such as streaming and online gaming, can consume data very quickly and push you over your plan’s limit. Share your connection only with people you trust, and regularly change your Wi-Fi hotspot password.
- Your mobile’s battery will drain much faster: When you use your phone as a Wi-Fi router, it consumes more power to provide access to devices connected to it. Overuse of your mobile Wi-Fi hotspot could discharge your battery in no time and make it unusually warm, especially if your device is an older model. If possible, keep your phone plugged in while sharing your data.
No. Devices that connect to your mobile Wi-Fi hotspot cannot access personal information stored on your phone.
