How to turn your Android device into an Internet hotspot

Lately, we have been having some problems with our local Internet provider. Internet goes down unannounced at times or it is barely usable.

That is a big issue if you need the Internet to make a living. For some time now, I have been using Android’s mobile hotspot feature to regain access to the Internet.

Good news is, it is really easy to set up and use. Before we look at that, I’d like to list where a mobile hotspot may be useful.

• When the local Internet connection is down or unstable.
• To avoid public Wi-Fi.
• To replace the local Internet connection entirely.
• In locations without Internet, but mobile connectivity.

Word of warning: Using the Android device as a mobile hotspot uses-up your monthly data. Not a problem if you are on an unlimited plan, but very much so a problem if your monthly data allocation is rather low.

Using your Android phone for Internet

The main idea is to turn the Android device into a mobile hotspot. Other devices may then use Wi-Fi to connect to the Android device in question.

This requires a few things:

• Both devices need to be in range.
• The Internet quality is determined by the mobile connection of the Android device.
• I’m using a Samsung Galaxy A55 for the guide, but the experience should be very similar on other Android devices.

Here is a step-by-step guide to set this up:

1. Swipe down twice to display the full Quick Settings panel.
2. Locate Mobile Hotspot and tap on the feature.
3. If Wi-Fi is turned on, you get a prompt to turn it off. Select the Turn off option to continue.

The mobile hotspot is now enabled and you should see the Android device when you check for wireless access points.

To check name and password, it is necessary to do the following:

1. Swipe down twice again to bring up all Quick Settings.
2. Tap and hold the mobile hotspot icon until the configuration menu opens.

There you find the name, password, and band information, which you can change here by tapping on the information.

• Change the wireless access spot’s name.
• Change the password that you need to type to connect to the Android device’s hotspot.
• Switch the band from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz, or vice versa.
• Make changes to the security (WPA).

You can furthermore make plenty of other configuration options. This includes enabling Wi-Fi 6 support, setting up a one-time password for guests, or change auto-turn off preferences.

Closing Words

Mobile hotspots provided by your Android device (Apple has a similar feature) are helpful in many situations. They may improve security and get you over periods where the regular Internet connection may not be available at all or unstable.

Have you tried the mobile hotspot feature of your mobile device? When do you use it, or when would you use it? Feel free to leave a comment below.