How to set up a mobile hotspot on Android

While using your smartphone as your sole internet source is not preferable, there are times when turning your Android phone into a hotspot can come in handy.

Please take the time to get to know your mobile carrier and the service plan you have purchased. Not all plans allow for tethering and hotspot services and may incur additional charges. Also, some carrier-branded phones may have disabled hotspot capabilities altogether on your Android phone. We’ll try to get you up and running with a few techniques today, but it simply may not be possible on your device.

You have likely seen the hotspot button in your device’s quick settings drawer. While that is the fastest and easiest way to turn your mobile hotspot on and off, you are going to want to take a moment to configure things first.

Here’s how you configure a hotspot connection on Android:

Open the Settings app;
Select the Network & Internet option;
Select Hotspot & tethering;
Tap on Wi-Fi hotspot;
This page has options for turning the hotspot feature on and off. Additionally, you can change the network name, security type, password, and more;
Follow the instructions to customize the hotspot feature to your liking.

After you have configured the hotspot, you may use the toggle button to do so in the settings, or you can use the notification shade’s quick settings.

Keep in mind that smartphone manufacturers often add their UI elements to the experience. This often means moving settings and options around. We based these instructions on the stock Android settings menu in a Google Pixel 3 XL. Things might be slightly different depending on which device you own, but it should be relatively similar.