If you are somewhere and find there is no Wi-Fi connection for your laptop or you don’t want to run risks of using public Wi-Fi networks, you can always tap your phone into the service as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Using your phone in this way is often called tethering, and it’s usually quick and easy to set up, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
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What you need to know about tethering
Different service providers and plans have different rules about tethering. To avoid unexpected charges, always check before you use your phone as a hotspot. Tethering is usually included, but it will count towards your data capacity.
Even with the supposed “unlimited” data plans, there are some limitations. Browsing the web shouldn’t be an issue, but if you want to stream video to your laptop using your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot, for example, you might run into limitations. Speed drops often occur when certain data limits are reached, so check the fine print on your plan.
For tethering to work properly, you’ll need a strong mobile data connection on your phone. When your phone acts as a hotspot it acts like a mini router and appears as a regular Wi-Fi network option so it is important to set a password or any Anyone can connect and use your data.
While it’s typically slower than regular Wi-Fi, a strong 4G or 5G signal should allow for relatively fast speeds. Using your phone as a hotspot also drains the battery quickly, so it’s smart to get a portable charger and be aware that it may cause your phone to get very hot.
How to set up your iPhone as a Wi-Fi hotspot
It’s hard to set up tethering on your iPhone. Here’s how to do it:
