Smartphone Tips - How to setup a mobile hotspot on Android and iPhone – DIY in 5 Ep 121

We’ll walk you through how to get internet connectivity to all your essential devices using your phone.

What is a mobile hotspot?
The ability to use your phone as a wifi hotspot, also referred to as mobile tethering, means that you can essentially turn your bars of phone signal strength into a wifi signal that your other devices can access, all while your phone continues to function as a phone. However, it will consume more battery power, so make sure to keep it charged. Most cell phone plans have a hotspot feature included, but usually only up to a certain data limit, and most modern phones have the ability to become a hotspot, but as always double check your data plan and phone specs accordingly. Not only is this useful if your home internet goes down, but it can be a lifesaver when you are out and about with no access to wifi - not only is hotspot data most likely already included in your plan, but it is also more secure than many open wifi access points out in the wild.

Android
The first time you use your hotspot, you’ll want to open Settings, go to Network & Internet, Hotspot & Tethering then tap on Wifi Hotspot. This menu will allow you to turn the hotspot feature on and off, give your network a name, and set up a security type with a password as well as an auto-turn off function and perhaps even choose a 2.4GHz or 5GHz band. Once you have everything configured and turned on you should be able to connect. In the future all you’ll need to do is swipe down from the top of your phone to access your quick settings drawer and you’ll see a little mobile hotspot button right there to toggle on and off with your pre-configured settings.

iPhone
Go to Settings, Personal Hotspot or Settings, Cellular, Personal Hotspot, depending which Apple device over version of iOS you are using. You’ll see a toggle to turn the hotspot off and on. You can also configure a password on this screen to make sure no one else is logging in. iPhones offer the ability to set up Family Sharing as well so that your chosen family members can join your personal hotspot automatically without entering a password. Instant Hotspot allows sharing to your other devices like an iPad or Mac on the same iCloud account, also without having to enter a password. While some phone features that require wifi like iCloud backup or Photo Stream might not work while using your device as a hotspot, most of your phone should function normally.

No matter what type of device you are using, your wifi hotspot is only as good as your cellular signal so make sure to set up shop somewhere where you get the best reception. If you don’t have an unlimited data phone plan, keep in mind that a laptop connected to a hotspot will burn through data much faster than a phone, so you may want to prioritize emails and more simple tasks and save your 4k Netflix binge fests for another time. If you have any questions about hotspots or working on the go, feel free to leave them in the comments.

[moneymakerfosho]

Girl! Do I ever love you❤️❤️❤️. You opened my world. May our Holy LORD bless you and yours😁😁😁

[reneejohnson]

Thank you! You answered every question I wanted to know about a Hotspot. I Appreciate you Explaining it so Thorough!

[constancelupo]

Wow, thanks I really didn't know what hotspot was.

[nivaldo]

Your video is amazing and very helpful . Thanks from Texas

[ExploringFate]

Forgot that some smartphones or iphones also have data saving options or limits to keep from going over data limits or warnings when you approach them. And also app can have data saving option like Spotify or Netflix. Plus some cell plans have unlimited but can slow it after a certain amount used. And last using things like opensignal to find out where to place and what position to place your phone to get the best signal and speeds because some time where your phone is can slow your data.

[DevTrivedi-tbtm]

Hotspot and bluetooth are different? Is there a specific use for both? Thanks.

[josepbel]

So perfectly explained !! Best job indeed !!!

[mpd]

Excellent video, great presentation. Thanks.

[ScottSchneider]

Thanks so much. I had forgotten what my hotspot password was and your instructions helped me locate it. I thought the password was tied to my computer.

[jameswade]

Followed ok up to ( connect away ) but how?

[lyricgibson]

Thanks Mary Jane and ladawn you really are a computer genius Mary Jane

[michaelvargas]

What do you have to do for converting videos ?

[mudgrippmike]

hmmm, , when I try to turn on my mobile hotspot on TCL phone, it tells me to turn the wifi to OFF.... so it doesnt work for hotspot

[RTrotter-my]

So, how does it work with a Samsung Android?

[davewallace]

My laptop has a built-in wifi antenna so I get wifi whenever I need it, as with all laptops unless they are ancient, doesn't it kind of negate the use of hotspots on android these days?

[dianaharris]

What is best to use to connect a laptop to one's phone being used as the hotspot?

[costa]

Thank you very much for the video, very useful. Sorry, I am not very technical... is "mobile hotspot" the same thing as "mobile tethering"? - that is what I cannot really understand. Thanks a lot if you could clarify it! Kind egards.

[JDHD]

Does hotspot effect batterylifespan when it gets hot or just by using hotspot full day everyday? I wanna to know if keeping it cool can save my battery lifespan when using hotspot all-time. Last question does hotspot mobile effect battery life span within months by everyday hotspot use?

[jessicaembers]

Wow, this sounds like a way cool deal for me. I'm always gone all week, and only use the computer internet 2 or 3 times a month. And i like never use it when i'm gone. Why should i pay double? I only got it to upload songs i've written on YouTube, and that don't happen often. THANK You 😊

[samkelobashy]

Connected devices; shows not active, guide me