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- Samsung: Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering > Mobile Hotspot.
- Other Android phones: Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot.
- When the hotspot is activated, connect your other devices to it as you would any other Wi-Fi network.
This article describes how to use an Android phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot. The instructions apply to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel smartphones, but should also work on other Android phones.
How to Make a Hotspot on Your Samsung Smartphone
The Mobile Hotspot toggle needs to be switched on to enable the Wi-Fi hotspot on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone. Here’s how to do that:
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Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
On some Samsung devices, go to Settings > Wireless & networks > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
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Switch the Mobile Hotspot toggle so it turns on. The phone becomes a wireless access point and displays a message in the notification bar when it’s activated.
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To find the password and instructions for the hotspot, tap Mobile Hotspot. This is also how you can change the network name and password—just tap one of them to edit it—and enable a one-time password.
Be selective when sharing your Wi-Fi hotspot with other people. Data processed through your phone’s hotspot counts against your monthly allotment of mobile data.
How to Make a Hotspot on a Google Pixel or Stock Android
Follow these steps to enable a hotspot on a Pixel or stock Android:
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Go to Settings > Network & internet.
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Tap Hotspot & tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot.
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Turn on the Wi-Fi hotspot toggle.
Tap Wi-Fi hotspot (the text, not the toggle) if you want to change the hotspot name, password, and other advanced settings, like automatic shutoff and the frequency band.
Find and Connect to the New Wi-Fi Hotspot
When the hotspot is activated, connect your other devices to it as you would any other Wi-Fi network:
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Search for an available network using your device’s built-in network finder. For example, on Windows, select the network icon by the clock.
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Select the hotspot created by the Android phone.
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Establish the connection by entering the password for the Wi-Fi hotspot.
Enable Wi-Fi Hotspot for Free on Carrier-Restricted Plans
You might not get internet access on your laptop or tablet after you connect because some wireless carriers restrict Wi-Fi hotspot access only to those who pay for the feature.
In this case, you can use an app like Elixir 2, which toggles the Wi-Fi hotspot on or off on your home screen. This makes it possible to access the hotspot feature directly and without adding extra charges from your wireless provider.
Be aware that, in many cases, bypassing carrier limitations constitutes a terms-of-service violation in your contract. Use these apps at your discretion.
Tips and Considerations
When using the Wi-Fi hotspot, follow these recommendations:
- Turn off the hotspot when you no longer need it. Leaving it activated drains the battery.
- Choose a strong password. While a simple password is tempting because it’s easier to share, you’ll make it far easier for random people to use your phone’s internet if the password is easy to guess.
- Devices and carriers use different methods to activate the mobile hotspot feature. Some carriers require the use of a standalone app. Check the specific instructions for your device and service provider.
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