How to hotspot on an Android phone

How to use a hotspot on an Android phone

Traveling with friends or working on the go? No more hunting for Wi-Fi in crowded coffee shops or relying on sketchy public networks. Simply turn your Android device into an internet hotspot and share the Wi-Fi connection with as many other devices as you like. 

Using a hotspot on your Android phone is a great way to have internet while you travel. And no, you don’t have to spend a fortune on international roaming — simply get an eSIM for mobile data abroad and share your hotspot connection with your travel buddies!

It only takes a few taps on your Android screen to set up a hotspot, so let’s see how it’s done. 

How to set up a hotspot on an Android phone

It takes just a few seconds to configure a hotspot on your Android phone. The specific steps may differ depending on your phone’s software and hardware, but you will always find the hotspot option somewhere  under network settings.

For example, here’s how you can turn your Samsung Galaxy smartphone into a mobile hotspot: 

1. Go to “Settings” and tap either “Network and internet” or “Connections,” depending on your device.

   

2. Then tap “Mobile hotspot and tethering.”

   

3. Finally, toggle on “Mobile hotspot.”

   

By the way, you can also tether one device to your phone by using a USB cable, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi.

How to find and change the Android hotspot name

Would you like your hotspot name to be just as unique as you? On top of adding some zing to your hotspot name and making it easier for your friend to find it, you will also add to your phone’s security. How? Default names might reveal the make and model of your phone, making it an attractive target for online snoopers. Then change it to whatever you like:

1. Go to “Settings” and tap either “Network and internet” or “Connections,” depending on your device.

   

2. Then tap “Mobile hotspot and tethering.”

   

3. Instead of toggling on “Mobile hotspot,” simply tap on it to open the settings.

   

4. Tap “Configure.” 

   

5. In the “Configure mobile hotspot” window, type in a new network name and tap “Save.”

   

And since you’re about to change your hotspot name, why not change the password while you’re at it?

How to find and change the Android hotspot password

Have you been sharing your hotspot password left and right? Yes, sharing is caring, but if you’ve suddenly noticed a spike in mobile data usage, it could mean someone you shared your password with is taking advantage of your phone’s hotspot. It’s best if you change your password and turn the freeloaders away.

To change your hotspot password, follow the same steps as for changing its name. In the “Configure mobile hotspot” window, type in a new password and hit “Save.” 

How to quickly turn the hotspot on (and off) on Android

Most smartphones running Android make it super easy to quickly turn the hotspot on and off. You can do so either in the “Settings” (see above), or in the “Quick settings” panel. Just swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification panel, swipe down again to expand the “Quick settings” panel, and tap “Mobile hotspot.” 

That’s it! Your phone is now a Wi-Fi hotspot. Tap the “Mobile hotspot” icon again to stop sharing your internet connection. 

If the “Mobile hotspot” icon is not in the “Quick settings” panel, add it by opening the “Quick settings” panel, tapping the three dots in the upper right corner, and tapping “Edit buttons.”

A panel with available buttons will open — simply tap the “Mobile hotspot” icon to add it to the “Quick settings” panel.

How to connect to an Android hotspot

Let's say you are connecting to your friend's Android hotspot. First, your friend has to turn on the hotspot on their phone and tell you the hotspot’s name. Then, you have to open Wi-Fi settings on your device, find your friend’s hotspot name in the list of networks, and tap on it. You’ll then have to provide the password for your friend’s hotspot. Once you do, you’ll be immediately connected to their internet connection.

Your friend can also share a QR code with you for an easy-peasy connection. The QR code is in the “Mobile hotspot” window — your friend can show it to you or share a link.

Once you scan it, you’ll be automatically connected to your friend’s network.

How to check the connected devices

If you’re not sure if anyone else is using your Android hotspot, you can easily check in the settings.

1. Go to “Settings” and tap either “Network and internet” or “Connections,” depending on your device.

2. Tap “Mobile hotspot.”

3. You’ll see a list of connected devices.

   

4. To see information about a specific device, tap on it to see its information.

   

How to check hotspot usage on Android

Have you lost track of how much data you’re using when your phone acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot? It takes just a second to check!

1. Go to “Settings” and tap either “Network and internet” or “Connections,” depending on your device.

2. Tap “Data usage.”

   

3. Then tap “Mobile data usage.”

   

4. Scroll down the list to find the “Mobile hotspot and tethering” section and tap it.

   

5. See your hotspot data usage for the current or previous months.

   

You might also want to check your eSIM data usage, especially if you’re abroad and use your phone as an eSIM hotspot. Just follow the same steps as above. Your eSIM might be listed under “Mobile data usage” or under “Mobile data only apps.” Just tap on it to see how much data you’ve used.

How to limit hotspot data usage on Android

Feeling like you’ve gone a bit wild with your hotspot usage? You can limit your hotspot data usage any time:

1. Go to “Settings” and tap either “Network and internet” or “Connections,” depending on your device.

2. Tap “Data usage.”

3. Select “Mobile hotspot and tethering.”

4. Tap “Mobile hotspot.”

5. Tap “Configure.”

   

6. Tap “Advanced.”

   

7. In the dropdown menu, find “Set mobile data limit” and tap it.

   

8. Type in the number of MB you want to set your limit at, for example, 5 MB, and tap “OK.” 

   

When you reach your data limit, your mobile hotspot will be automatically turned off, and all devices will be disconnected from the hotspot.

If you get more data and feel like the limit is too restrictive, you can change it any time!

FAQ

Is a hotspot free to use on Android?

Most plans let you use your hotspot, but it uses up your data — watch out for overcharges if you go beyond your limit. Keep in mind that some carriers charge extra for hotspot use or require a special plan. Even with unlimited data, your plan might have a cap on high-speed hotspot data, so check the fine print or get in touch with your carrier to find out if the hotspot costs money or not. 

How can I remove or block a connected device from my Android hotspot?

The ability to remove or block devices from your Android hotspot largely depends on your phone model and Android OS version. On some phones it’s possible, but on others it isn’t. To see if your phone allows removing or blocking devices, go to “Settings” > “Network and internet” or “Connections” > tap “Mobile hotspot and tethering” > tap “Mobile hotspot.” There, look for a “Connected devices” or “Manage devices” option and tap on it. You should be able to select a specific device and choose to either select “Remove” or “Block” it.

How many devices can be connected to the same Android hotspot?

You can connect up to 10 devices to an Android hotspot on most Android phones. but keep in mind that the number of devices varies by device and manufacturer, so check your device’s manual or the manufacturer’s website to be sure.

Can I limit the number of devices connected to an Android hotspot?

On some Android devices, you have the option to set the maximum number of devices that can connect to your hotspot under the “Manage connected devices” (or similar) section. However, your device only supports a fixed number of connections (usually up to 10), which can’t be exceeded.

My Android hotspot is not working — What are the possible causes?

Don’t worry if your Android hotspot is acting up — it’s fixable! A hotspot might not be working due to a few reasons that will set you on the right path to fixing the issue.

1. Check if your plan includes hotspot data.

2. Ensure you have a strong mobile signal.

3. Verify that the hotspot is turned on and configured correctly.

4. You might have reached the maximum number of connected devices. You’ll have to remove one to get a new one connected to your hotspot.

5. Restart your phone or check for software updates. This might fix the issue.