How to use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot (and avoid burning through your data)
A hotspot shares your phone’s mobile data with another device, such as a laptop or tablet. It is handy when the home internet is down or you are travelling, but it can use data quickly.
On Android
- Open the settings and look for Hotspot or Tethering (often under network or connections).
- Switch on the portable Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Set the network name and a strong password.
- On the laptop or tablet, choose the network and enter the password.
On iPhone
- In the settings, look for Personal Hotspot.
- Switch on Allow Others to Join and set a Wi-Fi password.
- Join the network from the other device.
Other ways to share
- USB tethering connects through a cable and charges the phone at the same time.
- Bluetooth tethering is slower and rarely needed.
Check your package
Some packages count hotspot data differently or limit it, so read your package’s terms. If you use a hotspot often, compare the best monthly internet packages.
How much data will it use?
A laptop uses far more data than a phone, because of updates, cloud sync and video. Use our data usage calculator to estimate.
Save data
- Pause automatic updates and cloud backup on the laptop.
- Use a low video quality.
- Turn off background sync.
- Mark the hotspot as a metered connection in the laptop’s Wi-Fi settings, if available.
- More ideas: how to reduce mobile data usage.
Stay secure
- Use a strong password and do not leave the hotspot open.
- Switch it off when you are done.
- Do not share it with people you do not know.
Save battery and heat
Hotspots drain the battery and warm the phone. Plug in the charger, keep the phone in the shade, and read how to make your phone battery last longer.
If it does not work
Restart the phone, check that mobile data is on and that you have balance, and forget and rejoin the network from the other device.
