Mobile Hotspot and Tethering Basics: Stay Connected Anywhere

Jun 10 / Yuridia Ginez


These days, having access to the internet is part of daily life. People use it for work, school, communication, and everyday tasks like watching videos or paying bills. But sometimes, Wi-Fi isn’t available.

In those situations, mobile hotspots and tethering can be useful. They allow you to connect to the internet using your phone’s mobile data, even when you're away from a regular Wi-Fi connection.

What is a Mobile Hotspot?

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A mobile hotspot is a feature that allows your phone to share its cellular data connection with other devices like laptops, tablets, or other phones. It creates a small Wi-Fi network that your other devices can connect to just like your home Wi-Fi router.

Most smartphones have this feature built-in. You can usually turn it on with just a few taps in your settings.


Hotspot Devices

Besides using your smartphone, you can also stay connected with a dedicated mobile hotspot device. These are small, portable gadgets that connect to a mobile network and create a Wi-Fi signal for multiple devices.

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Why use a dedicated hotspot device?

  • Better battery life than using your phone
  • More stable signal for multiple users
  • No impact on your phone’s performance or battery
  • Often support faster speeds and 5G connectivity
 

These devices are great for travelers, remote workers, or families needing multiple devices online at once.


LA County Library lets you borrow a free Wi-Fi hotspot with your library card. You can use it at home or on the go for up to 6 weeks. It’s a great way to get internet if you don’t have it! For more details, stop by your local LA County Library or check their website.

What is Tethering?

Tethering is the general term for sharing your phone's internet connection with another device. There are three common types:

1. Wi-Fi Tethering (Mobile Hotspot)

This is the same as a mobile hotspot. Your phone creates a small Wi-Fi network (like a mini Wi-Fi router).

2. USB Tethering

Connect your phone to your computer with a USB cable. It’s fast and more stable than Wi-Fi tethering, and it charges your phone at the same time.

3. Bluetooth Tethering

Shares your internet connection over Bluetooth. It’s slower than Wi-Fi and USB tethering but consumes less battery.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQkpc2UlXdU

Common Uses of Mobile Hotspot or Tethering


You might use a mobile hotspot or tethering when:

  • Your home internet goes down and need to get online.
  • Stay connected in places where there's no Wi-Fi.
  • Share your phone's internet with friends or family.

    Note:     Mobile hotspot and tethering use your phone’s data plan. If you don’t have an unlimited plan, keep an eye on your usage to avoid extra charges.

How do you connect using Mobile Hotspot or Tethering

Connecting to the Internet via Mobile Hotspot

Let's learn how to connect to a mobile hotspot quickly and easily! This video shows simple steps to share your phone’s internet with other devices using Wi-Fi tethering. Perfect for staying online anywhere, anytime.

Source: https://youtu.be/9hItJNvMlKY?si=fCZSlAftlidANJYP

 

Connecting to the Internet via USB Tethering

Learn how to connect your phone to a computer using USB tethering. It’s a quick and easy way to share your mobile data and get internet access on your laptop using just a USB cable.

Source: https://youtu.be/fJC4UKaw6Mc?si=xPnom_7xr_1mzbxq

Using a mobile hotspot or USB tethering lets you easily share your phone’s internet with other devices, keeping you connected wherever you go. Try it out today and enjoy internet access anytime, anywhere!

Tips for using Hotspots and Tethering

  • Use a password:
    Add a password so other people can't connect without your permission.
  • Turn it off when not in use: 
    Switch off the hotspot when you're done to save your phone’s battery. 
  • Save your data:
    Tethering uses your mobile data, so it can drain your data allowance quickly. Stop apps on your laptop or tablet from updating in the background to help reduce data usage. 
  • Try USB tethering:
    If you can, connect your phone to your computer with a cable. It’s usually faster and more stable.


Note: Not Everyone Can Use Hotspot or Tethering!

Some phone plans don’t allow you to use your phone as a hotspot or for tethering.

Others might:

  • Charge extra money for it
  • Limit how much data you can use
  • Make the internet slower when sharing


Check with your mobile company to see if your plan includes hotspot or tethering.

Conclusion

Mobile hotspots and tethering help you stay online when there’s no Wi-Fi around. Whether you're working, studying, traveling, or just need a backup, they make it easy to stay connected anywhere. You can use your phone’s built-in hotspot or get a separate hotspot device for more reliable internet. Just remember to watch your data, use a password to keep it secure, and turn it off when you're done. That way, you can stay connected without any hassle—no matter where you are. 

Give it a try today and see how easy it is to stay connected!

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Created By

Yuridia Ginez

Yuridia is a motivated professional with a background in Computer Science and a passion for giving back to her community by teaching the fundamentals of technology. With a bachelor’s degree in the field, she combines patience and dedication to help individuals learn, always encouraging them to expand their skills and reminding them that it's never too late to start. 
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