Picture this scenario: You’re at your favorite coffee shop or cafe, about to dive into serious work on your laptop. But wait, the Wi-Fi there is as unpredictable as the weather, and using public Wi-Fi can be risky and not always secure. So what do you do?
If your phone has internet access, it’s a breeze to turn your Android into a Wi-Fi Hot spot for your laptop or anyone else who needs a stable connection. Here’s how to get started (iPhone users, follow these steps):
Please note that for the following to work, your cell phone service provider must offer the Hotspot option.
How to turn your Android into a Wi-Fi Hot spot
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
- Navigate to your phone’s Settings
- Tap Connections
- Then tap Mobile Hot spot and Tethering
- Toggle ON the switch next to Mobile Hot Spot.
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- Then, If you’re connected to Wi-Fi, go ahead and tap Turn off
- Tap Mobile Hot Spot again.
- Tap Configure or something similar that allows you to customize your Network name and Password. This way, you won’t have to worry about strangers accessing your Wi-Fi.
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- Press Save when you’re done.
- Tap on Configure again.
- Then tap on Advanced.
- Scroll down, select Wi-Fi sharing, and tap OK to begin sharing your Hot spot with other people and devices.
This little trick can be a lifesaver. Say you’re at a hotel, and they charge an arm and a leg for Wi-Fi per device. With Wi-Fi sharing, you pay for one and spread the love to all your gadgets. Or, if you’re already on a Wi-Fi network, you can use Wi-Fi sharing to let others tap into both cellular and Wi-Fi options at once. However, it’s important to note that while these methods can help you share a Wi-Fi connection, they may not work in all situations. Some hotels or other locations may have systems in place to prevent such sharing.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Turning your Android into a Wi-Fi hotspot is not just about staying connected; it’s about making the most of your devices and your time. Whether you’re dodging the Wi-Fi fees at a hotel, want to avoid public Wi-Fi, or just helping a friend out at a cafe, this nifty feature is your ticket to a hassle-free, secure connection. So next time the Wi-Fi isn’t stable or secure, remember, your Android has your back.
What situations would you most likely find using your Android as a Hot spot useful? Let us know in the comments below.
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1 comment
Great info. My email was hacked or should I say the vendor’s email was hacked. I was communicating with a shop I know very well. They sold a very expensive vintage Native American blanket for me. I verified my address with them and waited. When it was a few days over due I called on a wim. Just because my plane was delayed and i had nothing to do. They said followed my directions and emailed the funds to a bank in the Midwest. WHAT. They forwarded the email I supposedly send. After a close look, a scammer added an i to my email address. The vendor and the scammer were communicating for weeks. So many people dropped the ball on protocol, the store’s IT guy, and the multiple banks. I got the state police, feds and banks involved. Everyone eventually got their back.money back. I learned one thing, never use wording in a subject line that says words like money, funds, or bank on an email.