No wireless (or other) network nearby while you really have to access the internet with your laptop or tablet? If you have an iPhone, you don't have to worry. With an iPhone you simply create your own WiFi hotspot! In this article you can read how it works.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Setting up a hotspot
Step 1. Open 'Settings'
Click on the 'Settings' icon to open the phone control panel. The 'Settings' icon is usually found on the home screen.
Step #2. Tap on 'Personal Hotspot'
If your provider allows the use of the 'Personal hotspot', you will see this option in the first group of the 'Settings'.
Note: If you don't see this option, your provider probably doesn't allow this option. To be able to use it, you must contact the provider. You can see which options are available on the provider's website
Step 3. Turn on mobile data (LTE), if you haven't already
You may not see the option if your iPhone was sold as a prepaid plan, as companies often leave this setting disabled until some payments have been made. iPhones sold as prepaid plans through third-party offerings often leave the LTE service off until they can be sure that you can afford the data service on the phone for a certain period of time. Tap Cellular in your Settings, then tap the toggle switch next to Cellular Data. If you see this switch turning green (or was already green), look just below it for a second tick for the "Personal Hotspot" option.
Step #4. Go back to your main settings screen
Tap the 'Settings' button in the top left corner.
Step 5. Tap on 'Personal Hotspot'
If you've turned on your wireless provider's Personal Hotspot, you'll see the Personal Hotspot icon in the first group of settings.
Note: If you have not enabled this service, you must do so before continuing. Visit your provider's website and find the service that best suits your needs and budget
Step 6. Turn on the 'Personal Hotspot'
Turn on Personal Hotspot to share your iPhone's Internet connection. You do this by clicking the top switch.
Step 7. Set a password
The current password is displayed in plain text on the screen. If you have taken out a subscription with your wireless provider, you will find a default password here. To change this password, tap 'Wi-Fi access'. Now enter a password and press 'Done'. You can also leave the password unchanged. Make a note of the password somewhere for future reference.
Method 2 of 4: Connect another mobile device to Wi-Fi
Step 1. Connect another mobile device
To connect your iPad to your mobile hotspot, click on the 'Settings' icon.
Step 2. Open the Wi-Fi control panel
Click on 'Wi-Fi' in the left column.
Step 3. Choose your iPhone's 'Personal Hotspot'
Under 'Choose a Network…' you should see your iPhone's 'Personal Hotspot'.
Step 4. Enter your password
A screen will pop up asking you for the password. You set this up in Part One. Enter that password here.
Step 5. Confirm you are connected
If your device is successfully connected to the iPhone's 'Personal Hotspot' you will see the icon of a linked chain in the top left corner of your screen. Normally the Wi-Fi symbol is here.
Method 3 of 4: Connecting a laptop to Wi-Fi
Step 1. Open the laptop's network settings
Locate the Network Control Panel: On a Mac, open System Preferences from the dock. On a PC, click the 'Network Connections' icon at the bottom right of your screen.
Step 2. Select your iPhone from the list of available networks
If prompted, enter your password and you're connected
Method 4 of 4: Manage connections
Step 1. Check the connection status
The top bar on the iPhone, which is normally black, is now blue. The bar also shows how many people are connected to the 'Personal Hotspot' on the iPhone.
Note: There is no way to check who is connected. If you notice that more people are using it than you would expect, turn the hotspot off again. Then change the password and turn it back on. Do not forget to pass on the new password to the people who are allowed to use it
Tips
- Some providers offer a monthly service for using the personal hotspot. You have to pay for this.
- Check with your mobile provider what the best option is. Take out an extra subscription for the use of 'tethering' (connecting with your iPhone), or take out another mobile subscription for the device to be connected (iPad, laptop).