We'll walk you through how to get internet connectivity on all your essential devices using your phone.

What is a mobile hotspot?
The ability to use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot, also known as mobile tethering, means you can essentially turn your phone signal strength bars into a Wi-Fi signal that your other devices can access, all still functioning like a telephone. However, the battery will consume more power, so be sure to keep it charged. Most cell phone plans include hotspot functionality, but usually only up to a certain data limit, and most modern phones have the ability to become a hotspot, but as always, check your data plan and phone specifications accordingly. Not only is this useful if your home internet connection goes down, but it can also be a lifesaver when you're out and about without access to Wi-Fi – not only is hotspot data likely already included in your plan , but they are also more secure than many open wifi hotspots in the wild.

Android
The first time you use your hotspot, you'll need to open Settings, go to Network & Internet, Hotspot & Tethering, then tap Wifi Hotspot. This menu will allow you to turn the hotspot feature on and off, give your network a name, and configure a security type with a password as well as an auto-shutoff feature and perhaps even choose a 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band. Once you have everything configured and activated, you should be able to log in. In the future, all you'll have to do is swipe up from the top of your phone to go to your quick settings drawer and you'll see a little mobile hotspot button right there to turn it on and off your preconfigured settings.

iPhone
Go to Settings, Personal Hotspot or Settings, Cellular, Personal Hotspot, depending on the Apple device on the version of iOS you're using. You will see a toggle to turn the hotspot on and off. You can also set up a password on this screen to ensure no one else logs in. iPhones also offer the ability to set up Family Sharing so that your chosen family members can automatically join your personal hotspot without entering a password. Instant Hotspot allows sharing with your other devices like an iPad or Mac on the same iCloud account, also without having to enter a password. Although some phone features that require Wi-Fi, like iCloud backup or Photo Stream, may not work when you use your device as a hotspot, most of your phone should work normally.

No matter what type of device you're using, your Wi-Fi hotspot is only as good as your cellular signal, so make sure you set up somewhere where you get the best reception. If you don't have a phone plan with unlimited data, keep in mind that a laptop connected to a hotspot will burn data much faster than a phone. So you may want to prioritize emails and simpler tasks and record your 4k Netflix binge fests. for another time. If you have any questions about hotspots or working on the go, feel free to leave them in the comments.

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