12.06.24
A hotspot is simply a portal to connect to the internet, either on Wi-Fi or by using a cellular network to create a Wi-FI connection. Here’s what to know about the types, where you might use them, and cost considerations.
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Wi-Fi vs hotspot
People often use the terms interchangeably, but technically Wi-Fi is a broader term encompassing all wireless networking of devices. Generally, though, when people say “hotspot” they just mean a place for accessing the internet, and they’re referring to one of two things:
A Wi-Fi network in a stationary location (such as public Wi-Fi hotspots).
A mobile device that uses a cellular network to create and share a Wi-Fi connection (usually a smartphone).
Who needs a hotspot?
Browsing websites, streaming entertainment, using apps etc. requires a Wi-Fi connection or a cellular connection and data. At home, you may have an internet service that provides Wi-Fi to do all those things. Away from home — or if you don’t have home internet service — you can use a public Wi-Fi hotspot.
If you can’t access public Wi-Fi or have security concerns about it, you can create a mobile hotspot using your smartphone or hotspot device — if your phone plan or tablet data plan supports it — then use it to connect other devices to the internet. For example, you might use your smartphone’s hotspot feature to connect your laptop so you can work from anywhere.
Types of hotspots
Public Wi-Fi hotspot: A Wi-Fi network in a set location that’s available for wide public use or to a targeted group of people, like customers.
Mobile hotspot: Most smartphones have a feature that lets them use cellular data to create a Wi-Fi connection so other devices can then connect to the internet through them. You can also purchase a separate dedicated mobile hotspot device that works similarly but also creates a better connection or lets more devices connect.
Here’s what to know about using the different types of hotspots.
Public Wi-Fi hotspots
You’ve probably used these a fair bit. Businesses and public facilities often offer a public Wi-Fi hotspot — think restaurants, hotels, libraries, community centers, etc. They may be open to anyone or available only to paying customers, and you may need a password to sign in.
How do you connect to a public hotspot?
Open Settings and go to Wi-Fi, then click on the hotspot offered by a business or other public location. Verify the exact name and be sure it’s spelled correctly to avoid look-alike sites set up by a hacker.
You may or may not need to enter a password. Whether password-protected or not, public hotspots come with security worries. Follow these tips to browse more safely:
Don’t do sensitive tasks like banking or entering key information, such as your Social Security number, in a form.
Look for indications the websites you’re visiting are secure: a URL starting in “https” and a padlock symbol.
Consider using a VPN, or virtual private network. These services encrypt your web usage to make it more secure and private.
Pros and cons of public Wi-Fi hotspots
Pros
Cons
Often provided free, or free to paying customers of a business. May not be secure, and your browsing activity is not private.
Using Wi-Fi lets you save your cellular data for other uses. Speeds may be slower than you’re used to.
How to get free hotspot
If you’re in a spot that typically offers free Wi-Fi as a perk, check for a sign with the name of the network, and password if needed, or ask the staff. You can also open your phone’s setting and go to Wi-Fi to see what networks show up nearby.
You could also download an app that maps out free Wi-Fi spots and provides info such as the connection speed. Go to the Apple App Store or Google Play to see what’s available.
Cell phone hotspots
Your smartphone may have a hotspot feature that lets you use your phone’s cellular data to connect other phones, laptops or tablets to the internet.
How do I use my phone as a hotspot?
Make sure your phone plan includes personal hotspot data and verify how much. Plans typically cap usage of high-speed data to a set amount of gigabytes. There will also be a limit on how many devices you can connect.
Turn on personal hotspot on your phone:
Android:
Swipe down from the top -> tap Hotspot. (You may have to tap the Edit pencil icon and drag Hotspot into your Quick Settings if you don’t find it there.) Turn on Wi-Fi Hotspot.
Tap on the Hotspot Name and the Password fields to see or change them. (Changing the password disconnects any devices that are on your hotspot.)
IPhone:
Go to Settings -> tap Personal Hotspot -> toggle on Allow Others to Join.
Tap on Wi-Fi Password to view or change the password. (Changing it will bump off any users who are connected.) Find the name of your device in the text below the password field.
Keep that screen open on your phone while the other device connects.
You can use Family Sharing to let family members join without entering the password. Turn on Family Sharing in the Personal Hotspot screen and select which members can join automatically and which must get your approval to join.
Connect other devices to your phone:
Android:
On the device that’s connecting, open Wi-Fi, then enter the hotspot name and password.
Or connect with Bluetooth. Pair the devices, then turn on Bluetooth Tethering by touching and holding Hotspot on your device.
Or connect with a USB cable. Once your phone is connected to the other device, touch and hold Hotspot, then choose USB Tethering.
IPhone:
On the other device, go to Settings -> Wi-Fi and then tap your hotspot name and enter the password. (Devices on the same Apple account will connect automatically, without needing to enter the password.)
To connect via Bluetooth, go to Settings -> Bluetooth and stay on that screen. On the other device, find Bluetooth in Settings.
To use a USB, connect your phone to a Mac using a USB cable. Tap Trust if you get a prompt saying “Trust this computer?”
How much should I pay for a hotspot?
You’ll need a phone plan that supports personal hotspot use. Check your plan’s details — you might already have hotspot data included. If not, you will have to upgrade to another plan. Think about how often you'll use your phone as a hotspot, and how much data you tend to use, so you can pick a plan that covers you without overspending.
Which carriers and phone plans offer mobile hotspot data?
All three major carriers — AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon — offer hotspot data on some of their postpaid or prepaid phone plans. Check the plan details to see how much mobile hotspot data you’ll get for your money and at what data speeds.
In addition, several but not all MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) offer mobile hotspot data on some or all plans. As always, read the details to understand whether hotspot data is included, how much and at what speeds.
How to monitor your hotspot data use
If your phone plan has a limit on data or you’ve chosen a prepaid plan you’ll want to keep an eye on how much you’ve used during the billing cycle.
Android:
Go to Settings -> Network & Internet and tap Internet (or, on a Pixel, tap SIMs).
Tap on the Settings icon for your carrier to see total data.
IPhone:
Go to Settings -> Cellular and scroll down to the Cellular Data display.
Be sure to turn off your hotspot when it’s no longer needed.
Pros and cons of personal phone hotspots
Pros
Cons
Convenient. Your phone, and all connected devices, are using your data, which can add up quickly.
You can limit who can access your hotspot by setting a password. Can drain your phone battery quickly.
Dedicated mobile hotspots
You can buy a separate device to create a hotspot if you don’t want to use your phone. These small devices create a secure Wi-Fi connection using cellular data, and they tend to be faster and more reliable than a cell phone hotspot connection.
However, you need a separate SIM card or eSIM, and a hotspot data plan covering the device.
Pros and cons of dedicated mobile hotspots
Pros
Cons
More secure (you can limit who can access your hotspot). Requires its own data plan (monthly or prepaid) or you may be able to add to your existing unlimited plan for an additional fee.
Better connection than cell phone hotspot, and doesn’t drain your phone battery. The device is one more thing to buy and tote around.
How much should I pay for a dedicated mobile hotspot?
Maybe you use your phone hotspot a lot — say you really love working in coffee shops — and are routinely draining your battery or exceeding your phone plan’s data limit. Consider buying a dedicated device to provide a mobile hotspot if it fits in your budget. Expect to pay around $200 or higher, and factor in that the device needs data and a SIM card. Search your carrier’s website to see if it offers deals on hotspot devices and compare to prices elsewhere, such as big-box stores.
