If you've ever dreamt of sharing your smartphone's cellular connection with other Wi-Fi-only devices, such as a tablet or a laptop, then you're in luck! Both Apple and Android phones are able to function as a portable Wi-Fi hotspot, which will allow their web connections to be opened up to anyone nearby who knows the password. This is an extremely useful feature since you won't need to worry about finding a place that offers free Wi-Fi any longer, as your cellphone will always have you covered. A word of warning though, if you're on a data plan you'll be using up a lot more data with this method, which may be a little costly if used for prolonged periods of time, or if anyone decides to download large files or stream videos.
In the guide below, we'll show you how to do this for both Android and Apple smartphones. While the steps might vary a bit depending on your device, the overall procedure remains practically the same.
Setting the hotspot up on your smartphone:
1. From your device's home screen, press the menu button, and then go to 'Settings.'
2. From 'Settings,' scroll down until you find a 'Wireless & Networks' button.
3. You should now be able to see an option called 'Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot.' To turn on the hotspot, simply click the check mark next to it. Some phones will even notify you when it has been activated.
4. If you need to check or adjust the hotspot's settings, click on 'Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot Settings.' From here, you'll be able to change the password, router name (SSID), security settings, and even manage any users who might be wirelessly connected to your hotspot.
Connecting to the hotspot from other devices:
1. For each device you want to connect to the hotspot, you'll first have to actually find the Wi-Fi signal. Many devices will find it automatically, but you can also do it manually by going to: Settings > Wireless & Networks > Wi-Fi Settings (Android) or Settings > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi Hotspot (Apple).
2. Once you've located the Wi-Fi signal, all you have to do is enter the password and everything should be up and running as usual.
Setting the hotspot up on your iPhone:
1. Tap on your 'Settings' app, and then choose 'Mobile Data' or 'Mobile,' depending on your model.
2. Tap on 'Personal Hotspot' and tap the slider on the side so that it turns green.
3. If your Bluetooth or Wi-Fi are turned off, your phone will prompt you to switch them on, which is advice that you should follow. If you don't get this prompt, then simply move on to the next step.
4. Next, tap on 'Wi-Fi Password' and enter a secure password.
5. To check what name your hotspot has been given, simply go to 'Connect Using Wi-Fi.'
Connecting to the hotspot from other devices:
1. For each device you want to connect to the hotspot, you'll first have to actually find the Wi-Fi signal. Many devices will find it automatically, but you can also do it manually by going to: Settings > Wireless & Networks > Wi-Fi Settings (Android) or Settings > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi Hotspot (Apple).
2. Once you've located the Wi-Fi signal, all you have to do is enter the password and everything should be up and running as usual.
