How to Turn Android Phone into WiFi Hotspot

Do you need to connect your laptop to the Internet, but can't find a public Wi-Fi hotspot? If your carrier allows it, you can use your Android phone to create a mobile hotspot that allows other devices to use your phone's mobile data to connect to the Internet. If your carrier doesn't allow it, your other option is to use a third-party application.

Set up an access point using a service pack

How to Turn Android Phone into WiFi Hotspot Picture 1

Check your network provider. While some services offer free mobile hotspots on all plans, not all wireless services offer mobile hotspots without additional charges. If your plan doesn't support mobile hotspots, you can't turn it on.

How to Turn Android Phone into WiFi Hotspot Picture 2

Open the Settings menu. You can access this from Settings on the home screen or app tray, or by tapping your phone's menu button and selecting "Settings".

How to Turn Android Phone into WiFi Hotspot Picture 3

Tap "More" in the "Wireless & networks" section.

How to Turn Android Phone into WiFi Hotspot Picture 4

Tap the "Tethering and portable hotspot" menu. This menu is usually located in the Wireless & Networks section of the Settings menu. You may need to tap "More." to find that menu.

How to Turn Android Phone into WiFi Hotspot Picture 5

Tap the "Set up Wi-Fi hotspot" option to change the settings. Adjust the access point settings. Before activating a mobile hotspot, you should ensure that it is properly secured and that the SSID (network name) does not contain any personal information.

Network SSID - This is the name of the network that will be made public. Anyone nearby can see this name, so make sure there's nothing to confirm it's you.

Security - Unless you are trying to connect older devices that do not support the new security protocol, you should set this to WPA2 PSK.

Hotspot frequency band - Leave the default as 2.4 GHz. Normally, you can keep this setting, but sometimes it is necessary to change to 5 GHz in crowded areas. The 5 GHz level will reduce the distance.

Password - You should always set a password, there should be no exceptions. Make sure the password is strong but easy to remember, as you will have to type it on the devices connected to the access point.

How to Turn Android Phone into WiFi Hotspot Picture 6

Check the "Portable Wi-Fi hotspot" box to enable the access point. The service package will be checked to see if you are allowed to create it or not.

If there is an error, you need to contact your carrier and ask about setting up a mobile hotspot according to your plan. You may not be able to access it until you pay.

How to Turn Android Phone into WiFi Hotspot Picture 7

Connect to an access point on another device. Open the "Connect to network" menu on the device you want to connect to the access point. You will see the new access point in the list of available networks. Select the access point and type in the password you created. Your device will now be connected to the access point.

Find out for yourself the specific steps on different devices.

How to Turn Android Phone into WiFi Hotspot Picture 8

Tap the "Data usage" option in the Wireless & Networks section of the Settings menu to manage data usage. Using a hotspot will often consume data much faster than just using your phone to surf the Internet. Be prepared to see data usage increase when using a hotspot.

Use third-party applications

How to Turn Android Phone into WiFi Hotspot Picture 9

Download FoxFi if your carrier blocks the hotspot creation feature. If your carrier's plan doesn't allow tethering, you can try using a third-party app. These apps are not as reliable as built-in hotspot apps, and can result in charges from your carrier if detected.

FoxFi is one of the most popular hotspot apps.

You can download more reliable apps if your phone is rooted.

Some carriers block versions of apps like FoxFi from their stores because they can be used to circumvent carrier policies. To install these apps, you need to download the APK file using your phone's browser and tap it in the Notification bar to install.

You need to allow third-party apps if you want to download APKs from the website. To do this, open the Settings menu, open the Security section, then check the "Unknown sources" box. This step allows you to install applications downloaded from sources other than the Play Store.

How to Turn Android Phone into WiFi Hotspot Picture 10

Customize access points. When you run the application, you can adjust the access point settings before turning on the access point. Make sure these options are set before turning on the access point.

Network Name - This is the name of the network that will be displayed to everyone within range of the access point. Make sure there is no personal information in the network name.

Password - Every wireless network should have a password. This option also allows you to choose the security type, which is usually always set to WPA2.

How to Turn Android Phone into WiFi Hotspot Picture 11

Check the "Activate WiFi Hotspot" box to turn on the access point. Once turned on, any device that enters the correct password can connect to the access point.

How to Turn Android Phone into WiFi Hotspot Picture 12

Connect to an access point from another device. Open the "Connect to network" menu on the device that needs to connect to the access point. You can see the new access point in the list of available networks. Select the access point and enter the generated password. Your device will now be connected to the access point.

Please study the detailed steps for yourself on different devices.

How to Turn Android Phone into WiFi Hotspot Picture 13

Manage data usage. Typically, using a hotspot consumes data much faster than just using your phone to surf the Internet. Be prepared to see data usage increase when using a hotspot.

You can control data usage by tapping the "Data usage" option in the Wireless & Networks section of the Settings menu. The figures given may not be accurate.