iPhone and Android: using your phone as a hotspot, and testing if Wi-Fi is the problem
A hotspot shares your phone's mobile data with a laptop, tablet or other device. It is also a clever way to test whether a faulty broadband connection is the reason your devices cannot get online.
Check your plan first
Not all plans include hotspot sharing, and data used this way can drain your allowance quickly. Check with your mobile provider. Streaming, video calls and updates can use gigabytes in minutes, so keep an eye on it.
Turn on a hotspot on iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap Personal Hotspot. On some versions it is under Mobile Service.
- Switch on Allow Others to Join.
- Note the Wi-Fi password shown there.
Turn on a hotspot on Android
The path differs by make.
- Samsung: Settings then Connections then Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
- Google Pixel: Settings then Network & internet then Hotspot & tethering.
Switch on the Wi-Fi hotspot, set a strong password, and note the network name shown.
Connect another device
- On the laptop or tablet, open Wi-Fi settings.
- Choose your phone's name from the list.
- Enter the password.
Keep the phone close, and turn on the hotspot only while you use it. It uses a lot of battery, so plug in if you can.
Using it to test your home Wi-Fi
If your laptop or tablet will not load websites at home, connect it to your phone's hotspot.
- Works on the hotspot: your device is fine. The problem is likely your router, broadband or Wi-Fi signal. Restart your router, and contact your broadband provider if it persists.
- Still fails on the hotspot: the problem is probably the device or its settings, so restart it and check for updates.
When to get more help
Get help if hotspot is greyed out or missing, if your provider says it is blocked, or if your devices work on a hotspot but not on home Wi-Fi after restarting the router. We can help you find the cause.