Using Android Tethering and Mobile Hotspot Features

In this tutorial, we will learn how to use the tethering and mobile hotspot features on an Android device. Tethering allows you to share your Android device's internet connection with other devices, while the mobile hotspot feature turns your Android device into a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. Both features are incredibly useful when you need to connect multiple devices to the internet on the go.

Prerequisites

• An Android device running Android OS version 4.0 or higher
• Active mobile data plan or a Wi-Fi connection

Enabling Tethering and Mobile Hotspot

To get started with tethering and mobile hotspot, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on Network & internet.
3. In the Network & internet menu, locate and tap on Hotspot & tethering or a similar option (may vary depending on your device and Android version).
4. On the next screen, you should see options related to tethering and mobile hotspot. Tap on Wi-Fi hotspot or Mobile hotspot to proceed.

Configuring Tethering Settings

After enabling tethering or mobile hotspot, you may want to configure some additional settings. Here's how:

1. In the Wi-Fi hotspot or Mobile hotspot screen, you will find various options to configure:

   • Network name (SSID): This is the name that will appear when other devices search for available Wi-Fi networks. You can set a unique name for your hotspot.
   • Password: You can set a password to protect your hotspot from unauthorized access. Make sure to use a strong password for security.
   • Security type: Choose the security type for your hotspot. It is recommended to use WPA2 PSK for maximum security.
   • Band: Select the frequency band for your hotspot. If you are unsure, leave it on the default setting.
   • Timeout: Set the duration of inactivity after which the hotspot will turn off automatically.

2. Once you have configured the desired settings, return to the previous screen and toggle the switch to enable the hotspot.

Connecting to the Hotspot

To connect other devices to your Android hotspot, follow these steps:

1. On the device you want to connect, enable Wi-Fi and wait for it to scan for available networks.
2. From the list of available networks, locate your Android hotspot's network name (SSID) and tap on it.
3. If you have set a password, you will be prompted to enter it. Enter your hotspot password, then tap Connect.

Managing Tethering and Hotspot Usage

You may also need to manage certain aspects of tethering and hotspot usage. Here are a few important points to consider:

• Data usage: Tethering and mobile hotspot consume data from your mobile plan. Keep an eye on your data usage to avoid exceeding your limits.
• Battery life: Enabling tethering or mobile hotspot can drain your device's battery quickly. Consider connecting your device to a power source during prolonged usage.
• Connected devices: To view and manage the devices connected to your hotspot, go to the Hotspot & tethering settings and look for Connected devices or a similar option. From there, you can see the connected devices and control their access if needed.
• Security: Always use a strong password for your hotspot to prevent unauthorized access. Regularly update your password to maintain security.

Summary

In this tutorial, we have learned how to use the tethering and mobile hotspot features on an Android device. We covered enabling hotspot, configuring settings, connecting other devices, and managing usage. Now you can enjoy internet connectivity on your Android device and share it with other devices effortlessly.