A mobile hotspot is a feature that lets a phone or portable device share its cellular internet connection with other devices over Wi-Fi. You can use a smartphone hotspot to connect a laptop, tablet, or another phone when regular Wi-Fi is unavailable.
Some Android phones can connect up to 10 devices through a Wi-Fi hotspot.
A mobile hotspot is also called tethering, Personal Hotspot, or internet sharing.
Mobile Hotspot at a Glance
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Internet source | Cellular data from a mobile network |
| Connection method | Usually Wi-Fi, with Bluetooth and USB also available on some devices |
| Main device | Smartphone, tablet, or dedicated portable hotspot |
| Common use | Connecting a laptop or tablet when Wi-Fi is unavailable |
| Main limitations | Uses mobile data, reduces battery life, and may be restricted by your carrier |
How Does a Mobile Hotspot Work?
A mobile hotspot uses a phone's cellular connection to provide internet access to another device.
The process usually works like this:
- The phone connects to a 4G LTE or 5G mobile network.
- The phone creates a temporary Wi-Fi network.
- You select the hotspot's network name on another device.
- You enter the hotspot password.
- The connected device goes online through the phone's cellular data plan.
Android phones can commonly share mobile data through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB. Depending on the phone and its software, an Android device may also share an existing Wi-Fi connection.
Apple calls its equivalent feature Personal Hotspot. An iPhone Personal Hotspot shares the iPhone's cellular internet connection with another device. An iPhone cannot connect to Wi-Fi and rebroadcast that same Wi-Fi connection through Personal Hotspot, according to Apple.
What Can You Connect to a Mobile Hotspot?
A mobile hotspot can usually connect devices such as:
- Laptops and desktop computers with Wi-Fi
- Tablets
- Other smartphones
- Streaming devices
- Some cars and gaming consoles
- Smart home devices that support Wi-Fi
The permitted number of connections depends on the phone, operating system, and mobile carrier. Some Android phones support up to 10 devices through a Wi-Fi hotspot.
How to Turn On a Phone Hotspot
The steps vary by phone model and software version. The general process is below.
On an iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap Cellular.
- Tap Set Up Personal Hotspot, or open Personal Hotspot if it is already available.
- Turn on Allow Others to Join.
- On the device you want to connect, open its Wi-Fi settings.
- Select the iPhone's hotspot name.
- Enter the displayed Wi-Fi password.
Apple uses the iPhone's device name as the Personal Hotspot name.
On an Android Phone
- Open Settings, or swipe down to open Quick Settings.
- Tap Hotspot or Mobile Hotspot.
- Turn on the hotspot.
- Check the network name and password.
- On the other device, open the Wi-Fi settings.
- Select the hotspot network and enter the password.
The menu names vary between Android phones, including Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and other manufacturers.
Mobile Hotspot vs. Regular Wi-Fi
The main difference is the internet source. Regular Wi-Fi usually comes from a fixed broadband connection, while a mobile hotspot uses cellular data from a phone or portable hotspot.
| Connection type | Internet source | Typical location |
|---|---|---|
| Home Wi-Fi | Cable, fiber, DSL, or fixed wireless broadband | House or office |
| Public Wi-Fi | A router connected to someone else's internet service | Café, hotel, airport, or library |
| Mobile hotspot | Cellular data from a phone or portable hotspot | Anywhere with suitable mobile coverage |
A hotspot is useful when home internet is down, you are travelling, or you need to work somewhere without dependable Wi-Fi. It may not replace home broadband for regular use because cellular data can cost more, slow down during congestion, or be limited by a data allowance.
What Are the Disadvantages of Using a Mobile Hotspot?
The main disadvantages are mobile data use, battery drain, changing performance, and security risks.
It Uses Mobile Data
Every connected device uses the hotspot owner's cellular data. Video streaming, large downloads, software updates, and cloud backups can use data quickly.
Some mobile plans set a separate allowance for hotspot use. A carrier may also charge extra, require a qualifying plan, or reduce hotspot speeds after a certain amount of data is used.
It Drains the Phone Battery
A phone running a cellular connection and a Wi-Fi network at the same time can lose battery power faster. Connect the phone to a charger if you plan to use the hotspot for a long session.
Performance Depends on Mobile Coverage
A hotspot depends on the phone's cellular connection. Speed and stability may drop in areas with a weak signal, network congestion, or limited 4G or 5G coverage.
It Can Create Security Risks
Use a strong hotspot password and turn the hotspot off when you finish. An unsecured hotspot may allow nearby people to connect and use your data or access shared network resources.
Is a Mobile Hotspot the Same as Tethering?
Yes. Tethering is the broader term for sharing one device's internet connection with another device. A mobile hotspot usually refers to sharing that connection over Wi-Fi.
Tethering can also use:
- USB: Usually stable and can charge the phone while connected
- Bluetooth: Uses less power but is generally slower
- Wi-Fi: Convenient for connecting multiple devices
Is a Mobile Hotspot Worth Using?
A mobile hotspot is worth using when you need temporary internet access for a laptop, tablet, or another device and a trusted Wi-Fi network is unavailable. It can be useful for travel, remote work, emergencies, and backup connectivity.
Before using a hotspot regularly, check your mobile plan's:
- Included hotspot data
- Maximum connection speed
- Supported number of devices
- Overage charges
- Speed limits after reaching the hotspot allowance