There was once a time when people could only connect to the internet using a personal computer directly connected to the modem. Thanks to technological advancement, there are now multiple ways to get online, and one of the most popular is using a mobile hotspot. Nowadays, most devices already support this feature, whether it’s a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop.
In this article, we’ll help you learn how to connect your device to a mobile hotspot, as well as understand how mobile hotspots work. Let’s begin!
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What Is a Mobile Hotspot?
A mobile hotspot is a small, portable device that allows you to wirelessly connect your laptop or other devices to the internet via an LTE connection, which your phone converts to deliver a wireless internet connection to other devices. It’s different from hotspots that you usually find in public places, like libraries, hotels, and coffee shops.
You can carry a physical mobile hotspot in your pocket and expect it to last for at least a few hours. As long as you have a working LTE connection, you can use them in public places like a park or the beach.
How Does a Mobile Hotspot Work?
As mentioned, a mobile hotspot is a device that creates an LTE connection, which your phone converts into a Wi-Fi signal that other devices can connect to. When you turn on your mobile hotspot, your phone will create a Wi-Fi network that other devices can join. You can usually find the name of your Wi-Fi network and the password in the settings of your phone.
However, depending on your mobile internet provider and device, accessing mobile hotspots may involve additional charges. The speed and duration of your mobile hotspot are also affected by your data plan. There are also a limited number of devices that can be connected to your phone.
How to Set Up a Mobile Hotspot on an iPhone
If you want to use a mobile hotspot on your iPhone, there are a few things you need to do first. First, check if your iPhone is connected to the internet via LTE. You can do this by going to Cellular > Cellular Data > Turn On. Then, once you’re connected to the internet, you simply need to go to Personal Hotspot > On. That’s it! Your personal hotspot is already available to nearby devices.
How to Set Up a Mobile Hotspot on an Android Phone
The process of setting up a mobile hotspot on an Android phone is similar to that of an iPhone. First, make sure your phone is connected to the internet via LTE. You can do this by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage > Turn On Mobile Data.
Then, once you’re connected to the internet, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering > Turn On Wi-Fi Hotspot.
How to Connect to a Mobile Hotspot
Now that you know how to set up a mobile hotspot, it’s time to connect to one. Here’s how to do it.
- Go to Settings on your device and look for the Wi-Fi option.
- Select the name of the mobile hotspot you want to connect to.
- Enter the password for the mobile hotspot when prompted.
- Once you’re connected, you should be able to access the internet on your device.
Keep in mind that connecting to a mobile hotspot will use up your phone’s battery life quicker than usual. So if you’re planning on using your hotspot for a long period of time, make sure to keep your phone charged or plugged into a power source.
You could also encounter a bug wherein once the hotspot device’s screen goes off, the connected devices will be disconnected from the hotspot. When you encounter this issue, it’s best to turn your Auto-Lock to Never and keep the hotspot device connected to power, as it will definitely drain the battery.
Final Thoughts
A mobile hotspot can be a great way to stay connected to the internet while on the go, especially during crucial times. Just remember to take care of your device and monitor your data usage to avoid any nasty surprises on your bill. Do you have any questions about mobile hotspots? Let us know in the comments below!
