6 Useful Tips to Speed ​​Up Your Mobile Hotspot

Slow mobile hotspot speeds can be a real drag. That's why whenever your hotspot slows down, people try a few tried-and-true tricks that can instantly boost performance, whether you're working remotely or streaming video without Wi-Fi .

6. Check data usage and plan limits

One issue you might not think about when you're struggling with slow hotspot speeds is your mobile plan. Keeping track of your data usage is crucial when using a mobile hotspot, especially if your plan has a limit.

Even with an "unlimited" plan, check the specific terms to make sure you're still within the specified fair usage policy. Once you exceed a certain amount of data, your speed may still be throttled.

Most smartphones allow you to monitor your data usage in your settings, and some carriers also offer apps or alerts to help you monitor your usage. If you've reached your plan's limit, consider upgrading to a plan with more hotspot data or switching to a carrier that offers better terms.

5. Stop or pause data-intensive processes on your hotspot device

Unlike a dedicated router , your phone performs many tasks beyond providing Internet access. The cell phone you're using as a hotspot may be juggling multiple tasks, resulting in slow Internet speeds.

If your phone is running data-intensive processes like system updates, cloud backups, or large downloads, it can quickly eat up your hotspot bandwidth, slowing things down. The main culprits to check include streaming content, app updates, system updates, file downloads, and cloud backups.

To enjoy maximum speed when using a mobile hotspot, stop or pause such tasks on your device. This way, the full bandwidth will be available for use by connected devices.

4. Limit the number of connected devices

Just like regular Wi-Fi, the number of devices connected to your mobile hotspot will affect your speed. Each device shares the same data bandwidth, so the more gadgets you have connected, the slower each device's speed will be.

So connecting too many devices to your mobile hotspot can quickly slow things down. Limit the number of connected devices to maintain a fast and stable connection at all times.

Especially if you need to download a large file or stream your favorite show in the best quality on a particular device, make sure you disconnect devices that aren't in use. Many modern devices perform background updates that you can ignore, but silently eat up your hotspot bandwidth.

3. Turn off battery saving mode or low power mode

Modern smartphones have a battery saver feature to reduce battery usage. This is one of the quickest ways to extend battery life on Android or iOS devices .

However, while battery saving mode or low power mode is effective in extending battery life, it limits performance. To extend battery life, your device may throttle data speeds, resulting in slower mobile hotspot speeds.

When enabled, your phone may not be able to provide enough power to the network functions needed for a strong and stable connection, so for best performance, it's best to turn off these battery-saving features.

To turn off Low Power Mode on iOS, go to Settings > Battery and turn off Low Power Mode . On Android, go to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver and turn off Use Battery Saver .

Note : The steps to turn off battery saving mode on your specific Android device may vary depending on the model and Android version.

2. Optimize hotspot placement

Since your phone acts as both a modem and a router when you use a mobile hotspot, placement is important. The strength of your network signal can have a significant impact on your hotspot speed. You can tell how strong your mobile signal is by checking the network strength in the status bar. If the network indicator is not full or above 80%, your signal may be too weak.

Optimizing your hotspot location can significantly improve your connection speed. For best results, place your device in a high, open area — ideally near a window where it can get a stronger cellular signal.

Avoid enclosed areas such as drawers, bags, or behind thick walls, as these can block the signal and reduce speed. If you are indoors, try different locations around your home or workplace to see where the signal works best. Also, place the connected device closer to the hotspot for best results.

1. Switch to the fastest band

The first and most effective way to speed up your mobile hotspot is to use the fastest available band. Smartphones support a number of bands, including 3G, 4G , and 5G .

The higher the number, the faster your hotspot will be. So switching from 4G to 5G on your phone can make a huge difference. If your phone and carrier support 5G, use it. If not, stick with 4G. 3G networks are being phased out and don't provide enough bandwidth for a strong mobile hotspot.

On iOS, go to Settings > Mobile Service > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data to change your network band. On Android, go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs , select the SIM card you're using for data, then tap Preferred network type .

Mobile hotspot speeds can vary based on many factors. However, following these tips will help you maximize performance and enjoy smoother, more reliable connections wherever you go.

Jessica Tanner

Update 26 May 2025