How to Use Your Phone as a WiFi Hotspot

What is a Mobile Hotspot?

Your phone can share its mobile data connection with your laptop or other devices, creating a portable WiFi network.

Useful when:

• Office internet is down
• Working from a location without WiFi
• Travelling for work

Before You Start

Check Your Data Plan

Hotspot uses your mobile data. Make sure you have:

• Adequate data allowance
• Hotspot feature enabled on your plan

Considerations

• Mobile data may be slower than WiFi
• Video calls use a lot of data
• Keep sessions brief if data is limited

iPhone: Enable Hotspot

Step 1: Open Settings

• Open Settings
• Tap Personal Hotspot

Step 2: Turn On Hotspot

• Toggle on Allow Others to Join
• Note the WiFi Password shown
• You can tap to change the password

Step 3: Connect Your Laptop

On your laptop:

• Open WiFi settings
• Find your iPhone's name
• Enter the password
• Connect

Quick Access

You can also turn on hotspot from Control Centre:

• Swipe down from top right (or up on older iPhones)
• Long-press the WiFi/Bluetooth box
• Tap Personal Hotspot

Android: Enable Hotspot

Step 1: Open Settings

• Open Settings
• Tap Network & internet (or Connections)
• Tap Hotspot & tethering (or Mobile Hotspot)

Step 2: Configure Hotspot

• Tap WiFi hotspot
• Set a network name (optional)
• Set a secure password
• Toggle the hotspot On

Step 3: Connect Your Laptop

• On your laptop, open WiFi settings
• Find your Android phone's hotspot name
• Enter the password
• Connect

Tips for Using Hotspot

Save Data

• Avoid video calls if possible
• Don't stream video
• Close unused apps on your laptop
• Disable automatic updates temporarily

Battery Life

Hotspot drains your phone battery quickly:

• Keep your phone charging if possible
• Monitor battery level
• Turn off hotspot when not needed

Security

• Use a strong password
• Don't leave hotspot on unattended
• Turn off when finished

Troubleshooting

Laptop can't see hotspot?

• Move laptop closer to phone
• Toggle hotspot off and on
• Restart phone

Connected but no internet?

• Check phone has mobile signal
• Check data is not exhausted
• Restart hotspot

Slow connection?

• Check mobile signal strength
• Move to area with better reception
• Limit what you're doing online

Work Considerations

Your company may have policies about hotspot use. Check with IT if unsure.

Need Help?

For hotspot questions, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.