How to create a Wi-Fi hotspot on your phone or computer

When the Wi-Fi goes down—due to power outages, blizzards, or other unforeseen events—creating a mobile hotspot can keep you connected. While streaming may be impossible, you can still access essential services like messaging and news. Remember, hotspot use consumes your mobile data plan. Exceeding your data limit leads to slower speeds or disconnection.

Creating a Secure Hotspot

Setting up a hotspot varies by device and plan, but these security steps are crucial:

Hotspot Name

Give your hotspot a clear, recognizable name. Android users find this setting in Hotspot & Tethering. iPhone/iPad users can modify their device name (which defaults to the hotspot name) in Settings > General > About.

Strong Password

Protect your hotspot with a robust, unique password. Tethering exposes your device to cyberattacks, so only connect with trusted individuals. Unsecured hotspots are like public restrooms—avoid them! Remember, tethered devices use your data, even for high-bandwidth activities. Avoid reusing passwords; create a new, strong one for each hotspot. Many devices automatically reconnect to known networks, potentially consuming your data without your knowledge. For enhanced security, use a USB cable and remember to disable the hotspot when finished.

Battery Drain

Hotspot use significantly drains battery life. Keep a charger handy.

Setting Up a Hotspot

Both Android and iOS offer user-friendly hotspot setup:

Android

Navigate to Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering. Enable the Wi-Fi Hotspot; up to 10 devices can connect via password or QR code. The "turn off automatically" option conserves battery.

iOS/iPadOS

Go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot, and toggle "Allow Others to Join." Set a password. Older iOS versions automatically disconnect when the tethered device locks; newer versions (iOS 13 and later) do not. The maximum number of connected devices depends on your model.

Using Your Computer as a Hotspot

Modern Macs and Windows 10 PCs (version 1607 and later) have built-in hotspot capabilities:

Windows

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Hotspot to share your internet connection.

Mac

In System Preferences > Sharing, select Internet Sharing. Choose your internet source and sharing method (they cannot be the same; e.g., Wi-Fi source requires Bluetooth, USB, etc., for sharing).

Mobile Hotspot Routers: A Proactive Approach

For more reliable, multi-device connectivity and longer battery life, consider a mobile hotspot router. These standalone devices offer extended battery life (though advertised times may vary) and support more connections (5-20). While not an immediate solution during an outage, they're valuable for preparedness.

Carriers often bundle mobile hotspots with data plans, but for occasional use, a prepaid SIM card offers a cost-effective alternative. Google Fi ($8.50 on Amazon with a $10 credit) and Straight Talk (various prices) are examples of prepaid data-only SIM card options. Remember, these typically offer 30 days of service.

Mobile hotspots range from $60 to $300, depending on features and speed (4G/5G or up to 150 Mbps).

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