What is a hotspot?
A hotspot is a device that provides access to Wi-Fi. Most of the new smartphones come with this capability. If you want to connect a laptop or another device to your personal hotspot, generally you would go to your smartphone's settings, then turn on the Personal Hotspot button, then set up a password for your hotspot.
How do I set up a hotspot from my smartphone?
These steps will vary depending on the type of smartphone, version, and software update. If you do not see an option for a Personal Hotspot, contact your carrier to make sure that your plan allows it.
For more information on specific devices, see:
- How to Turn Your Phone into a Wi-Fi Hotspot (from PC Magazine)
- Android Help
- iOS support
Setting up a Hotspot from an iPhone
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Personal Hotspot.
- Tap on the toggle button to enable the personal hotspot.
- Set up your hotspot password.
Setting up a Hotspot from an Android
- Tap on the Mobile Hotspot app
- Tap on Mobile Hotspot and Tethering
- Turn on the Mobile Hotspot
- Pay attention to the instructions on your Android device that provide you with the name of your hotspot network
- Locate your hotspot's password
How do I connect a laptop to my hotspot?
- Set up your hotspot from your smartphone by following the instructions in the previous section.
- Go to the laptop or library tablet.
- Click on the Wi-Fi icon located on the right side on the taskbar.
- Select your hotspot Wi-Fi signal from the list of networks. It may take a few moments for the hotspot signal to appear on the list.
- Enter your hotspot password.
When you are done with the session, be sure to disconnect the laptop or library tablet from your hotspot, and then be sure to turn off your hotspot from your smartphone.
