Mobile hotspots offer a convenient way to share internet access with multiple devices.
Please note:
If you do not have hotspot capability, please contact their cellular provider to add this feature.
Hotspot speeds and usage limits will depend on specific carrier and plan and may occur additional charges.
Help on connecting using the hotspot on your personal device
ANDROID DEVICES
How you access hotspots on Android devices will depend on which phone you have and what version of Android you’re running. You can generally open the pull-down shade and turn on your mobile hotspot from there or find it buried in settings. Where exactly and what it’s called will differ depending on your phone’s manufacturer. (Don’t see Mobile Hotspot in Settings? Contact your mobile carrier to ask about adding the feature to your plan.)
Samsung phones hide it in Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering > Mobile Hotspot.
Google’s Pixel has it under Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot.
Motorola phone can open Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering.
USB and Bluetooth tethering options are also available from these menus.
You can probably find it quicker on your specific device by searching for “hotspot” or “tether.” Once the hotspot has been enabled, there should be a network name and password displayed in the settings screen. Enter those credentials in the other device’s Wi-Fi settings and join the hotspot like you would for any other network.
APPLE DEVICES
Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot and enable Allow Others to Join. (Don’t see Personal Hotspot in Settings? Contact your mobile carrier to ask about adding the feature to your plan.) Make note of the Wi-Fi password.
Now, open the Wi-Fi menu on the device that needs internet access and look for the sharing device’s name. Select it, then enter the password to connect (devices using the same Apple account will automatically connect). You should then be able to use the internet (while consuming mobile data).
To connect over Bluetooth, make sure it’s turned on for both devices and select the phone from the list of Bluetooth devices. You may need to turn on Maximize Compatibility to make these connections work but keep in mind that the quality of your connection may be impacted. For a USB connection, connect the phone to your computer, permit access, and make sure it’s accessible in iTunes or Finder.
If you use Family Sharing, your hotspot can be set up so family members can join it automatically without a password. Open Settings > Personal Hotspot > Family Sharing and enable the feature. Tap the name of your family members, then determine if they must ask for approval or can join automatically.
Once you no longer need the Wi-Fi hotspot running, remember to head back to Settings > Personal Hotspot and toggle the feature off.