Until recently, the majority of internet users relied on cable connections. However, internet connectivity has changed in so many aspects over the past couple of years. It is now possible to use wireless devices, including mobile hotspots and WiFi, to access the internet while maintaining a strong and reliable connection.
Some of you may usually find yourself wondering “What is a mobile hotspot and how does it work?” While others might have no idea about how to access it without using mobile data.
So, let’s begin by answering your queries.
What Is a Mobile Hotspot?
Mobile hotspots are reliable devices that allow users to create a wireless signal to stay connected while on the go. It serves as a WIFI access point for other devices allowed to connect. It is also known as tethering and portable hotspot.
To avoid confusion, this is not a regular “hotspot,” where private networks have been set up to provide free WiFi access or like the one which can be accessed in public areas including malls, hotels, and coffee shops. A mobile hotspot allows you to control the devices to be connected. So, with mobile hotspots, you don’t need to be worried about cable internet connections any more.
When you enable your smartphone’s mobile hotspot or tethering functionality, the connected devices can surf the internet using your cellular data. Of course, this means they’ll deplete your data, raising your data prices.
This is why some people are taken aback when they receive their cell phone bills. They either forget to switch off or mistakenly turn on their mobile hotspot. The simplest way to prevent these costly expenses is to sign up for a mobile hotspot plan that can manage significant data usage.
How to Configure a Mobile Hotspot
It’s very easy to set up your mobile hotspot. It consists of only a few steps that you may perform in no time. Some smartphones even give the option to generate a shortcut right in your notifications panel to switch it on and off swiftly. If you don’t have that choice, follow the instructions for Android users below.
Mobile Hotspot Setting for Android
To enable or disable the mobile hotspot on an Android device, follow these steps:
- Go to the settings on your device.
- Take a look at the Connections tab (possibly listed as Network & Internet).
- Search for Tethering and Mobile Hotspot on your phone’s menu, and tap that option.
- Turn on your mobile hotspot by flipping the switch.
You can also make changes in your mobile hotspot setting from here. To do so, press the Mobile Hotspot button. Here, you can change your mobile hotspot’s password and name, which are required by other devices to connect to your data network.
Mobile Hotspot Setting for iOS
On Apple devices, here’s how to activate and deactivate the mobile hotspot:
- Make your way to the Settings menu.
- Select Cellular from the drop-down menu (or Personal Hotspot).
- Turn on the slider right beside Allow Others to Join.
How to Use a Mobile Hotspot Without Consuming Mobile Data Plan?
A mobile hotspot has its advantages and disadvantages. Many smartphone users have an issue with mobile hotspots consuming all their data.
This is due to the number of devices connected to the hotspot and the nature of the use. It makes people think, “Is it possible to utilize a mobile hotspot without consuming data?”
In a single word, we’d say Yes.
A WIFI tethering feature performs the same thing as a mobile hotspot, but it’s a little more convenient. It turns your phone into an internet router. To top it all off, you don’t even need a new smartphone to do this. That means you won’t be wasting data or battery power only to access a mobile hotspot. Most of the older phones offer this feature, but you should double-check first for your phone.
Steps to Use Mobile Hotspot Without Consuming Data Plan
- Go to the Settings app.
- Select Wireless & Networks from the drop-down menu.
- Look for the Portable WiFi Hotspot option.
- Turn it on by tapping the button beside this option.
- Look for the WiFi access point with a different device, or simply switch on the WiFi to search for any nearby wireless networks.
- Enter the password by tapping on the other device’s WiFi connection name.
You may also adjust the settings of your WiFi hotspot in the Settings app. You can, as previously stated, alter the password to cap the number of connected devices. The Portable WiFi Hotspot option turns your smartphone into a wireless access point when enabled. To put it another way, it will now serve as a mobile hotspot.
Share Mobile Data Without a Hotspot
If you don’t want to enable it, you can still share your data with neighboring devices via other means.
Use USB
Here’s how to use a USB to share mobile data on Android:
- Make use of the USB cable that came with your Android phone to connect with the computer
- When your computer recognizes and processes the connection, you can proceed.
- On your Android device, open the Settings app by tapping the menu button.
- Go to setting on your Android.
- Take a look at the Connections tab (Network & Internet).
- Tap for Tethering and Mobile Hotspot on your phone’s menu.
- Turn on USB tethering by flipping the switch.
Use Bluetooth
You can also share data through Bluetooth, although this method is much slower than the USB alternative.
Here’s how to enable Bluetooth mobile data sharing on Android:
- On your Android device, go to the Settings app.
- Select the Connections option (listed as Network & Internet).
- Select Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
- Turn on the Bluetooth Tethering switch.
To Wrap It Up
We have shared all the important points about using mobile hotspots without consuming mobile data. If you run into a speed problem while using a mobile hotspot, close the background apps, change the location and remove the charger. Also, make sure you’re subscribed to a worthy data plan that lets you access mobile hotspots for free! Spectrum internet plans will certainly have something for you. Hope you get all the points!