Turning your phone into a mobile hotspot (also known as tethering) is a handy solution when you’re out and about and there’s no Wi-Fi. Using your phone as a router means you can access the internet on your laptop or tablet almost anywhere and everywhere. Our guide explains everything you need to know to set up your android phone as a router. If you’ve got an iPhone, read our How to set up an iPhone as a router guide.
First, to enable your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot you need to check your phone has an active SIM card. You also need to turn on data transmission.
There are three ways to share the internet from your Android phone:
• USB tethering
• Portable Wi-Fi hotspot
• Bluetooth tethering.
Virtually every smartphone will offer at least one of these three options.
USB tethering means you can access your phone’s internet using a USB cable. To enable your phone as a router via USB:
1. Connect your smartphone to your laptop, computer or tablet using a USB cable.
2. Go to your phone “Settings”.
3. Click the “Network and Internet” tab.
4. Select the “Hotspot and tethering” option.
5. Enable “USB tethering”.
Portable Wi-Fi tethering is the most popular way to set up your phone as a router. Follow these steps:
1. Open the “Settings” tab
2. Select “Network and Internet” and go to “Hotspot and Tethering”.
3. Turn on “Portable Wi-Fi hotspot”.
1. Open “Settings”.
2. Select “Network and Internet” and go to “Hotspot and Tethering”.
3. Click “Set up Wi-Fi hotspot”.
4. Select the change you want to make by following the on-screen instructions.
5. Select “Save”.
If necessary, you can configure your hotspot connection so that it does not require a password. To do this, in the security section, select the "None" option.
1. First, check the network name and password of your smartphone
2. Open “Settings”.
3. Select “Network and Internet” and go to “Hotspot and Tethering”.
4. Click “Set up Wi-Fi hotspot”.
5. Select “Show Password”.
2. Connect your laptop or another device to your hotspot
1. Open the list of Wi-Fi networks on the device.
2. Select the network name for your smartphone from the list.
3. Enter the password.
4. Click “Connect”.
Another option is to share the internet from your Android phone via Bluetooth. To pair your phone with a computer or laptop via Bluetooth:
1. Open “Settings” on your phone.
2. Select “Network and Internet” and go to “Hotspot and Tethering”.
3. Choose “Bluetooth tethering”.
Note: The instructions above are for smartphones with Android 8.0 or later. Android is not always exactly the same on all devices.
A book phone case is a practical accessory when you use your phone as a mobile hotspot. It protects your phone from bumps and knocks when you’re out and about. It also offers added convenience as it can be folded into a sturdy stand. These classic phone covers come in a choice of elegant and unique designs in the most fashionable colours. There are book-style phone cases to fit all your favourite brands, including Samsung, Sony, Huawei, LG, Motorola, and LG.
