Android phone wifi hotspot app

How to Use Your Android Phone as a Wi-Fi Hotspot

Former Lifewire writer Melanie Uy has 5+ years’ experience writing about consumer-oriented technology and is an expert telecommuter.

Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years’ experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.

In This Article

What to Know

• On Samsung, go to Settings >Connections >Mobile Hotspot and Tethering and turn on Mobile Hotspot.
• On other Androids, go to Settings >Network & Internet >Hotspot & tethering >Wi-Fi hotspot.
• When the hotspot is activated, connect your other devices to it as you would any other Wi-Fi network.

This article shows how to enable and use the Android hotspot feature on Samsung and Google Pixel smartphones as examples. The instructions should apply to most current Android phones and software versions.

How to Make a Hotspot on Your Samsung Smartphone

To turn on the Wi-Fi hotspot on a Samsung smartphone, follow these steps:

On some Samsung devices, go to Settings > Wireless & networks > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.

Turn on the Mobile Hotspot toggle switch. The phone becomes a wireless access point and displays a message in the notification bar when it’s activated.

Be selective when sharing your Wi-Fi hotspot with other people. Also, data processed through this Wi-Fi feature counts against your monthly allotment of mobile data.

How to Make a Hotspot on a Google Pixel or Stock Android

Follow these steps to enable a hotspot on a Pixel or stock Android:

Tap Hotspot & tethering >Wi-Fi hotspot.

Turn on the Wi-Fi hotspot toggle switch.

Find and Connect to the New Wi-Fi Hotspot

When the hotspot is activated, connect your other devices to it as you would any other Wi-Fi network:

1. On your device, find the Wi-Fi hotspot. It might notify you that new wireless networks are available.

To find the wireless networks, use your Android phone and go to Settings > Wireless & networks > Wi-Fi settings. Then, follow the general Wi-Fi connection instructions for most computers.

Enable Wi-Fi Hotspot for Free on Carrier-Restricted Plans

You might not get internet access on your laptop or tablet after you connect because some wireless carriers restrict Wi-Fi hotspot access only to those who pay for the feature.

In this case, download and use an app like Elixir 2, which toggles the Wi-Fi hotspot on or off on your home screen. This makes it possible to access the hotspot feature directly and without adding extra charges from your wireless provider. If Elixir 2 doesn’t work, try the FoxFi app; it does the same thing.

Be aware that, in many cases, bypassing carrier limitations constitutes a terms-of-service violation in your contract. Use these apps at your discretion.

Tips and Considerations

When using the Wi-Fi hotspot, follow these recommendations:

• Turn off the Wi-Fi hotspot feature when you no longer need it. Leaving the feature activated drains the cellphone battery.
• By default, portable Wi-Fi hotspots are set up with WPA2 security and generic passwords. If you use a hotspot in a public place or are concerned about hackers intercepting your data, change the password before broadcasting your signal.
• Devices and carriers use different methods to activate the mobile hotspot feature. Some carriers require the use of a standalone app. Check the specific instructions for your device and service provider.

It depends on your plan. Some carriers charge $10-$20 per month for a hotspot. With other carriers, a mobile hotspot uses your data plan.

To connect your Android to your computer wirelessly, use AirDroid from Google Play, Bluetooth, or the Microsoft Your Phone app.

Your phone creates a hotspot by turning the cellular network signal into a Wi-Fi signal, essentially functioning like a modem and a router in one device.

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Free Wi-Fi Hotspot App for Android without Rooting

If you wish to turn your phone or tablet into a Wifi hotspot, then there are many ways to do so. You can now download certain apps which let your device be a Wifi hotspot without rooting. While some of these apps are free, others may be paid but they perform the useful function of Wifi tethering.

The following is a list of the top 5 free Wifi hotspot app for Android without rooting:

Free Wifi hotspot apps for Android

1. FoxFi

Features and functions:

• This is a free Wifi hotspot app for Android without rooting which allows you to make your phone a hotspot and share internet connections through Bluetooth, Pda net and other ways.
• This app requires no extra tether plan and this is one of its highlight feature.
• This is an extremely versatile app which works very fast.

Pros of FoxFi

• One of the positives of this app is that it connects through many options including USB, PdaNet and others.
• It has a simple installation and connecting process.
• Another good thing about it is that it works across phones as well as tablets.

Cons of FoxFi

• One of the drawbacks of this app is that it needs you to use its paid version after a while
• It may not work well in some cases and for some Android devices.
• Another drawback is that multiple sharing can reduce the speed of connection.

User reviews

• I have just confirmed that everyone EVEN the people granfathered into unlimited plan can get the tether from Verizon for $29.
• Stopped workingUsed to work well but now it doesn’t work even though the desc_x_ription says it would on my phone even with lockdown.
• Have been using this right up till 2 days ago. Have key and unlimited data package and now all of a sudden no longer works.

2. One-Click Wifi tether no root

Features and functions:

• This is yet another efficient free Wifi hotspot app for Android without rooting which can be used to share internet connections.
• This brilliant app works on 1 single click and is easy to use.
• It lets you get internet connection on Windows, Mac, phones and tablets.

Pros of 1-Click Wifi tether no root

• One of the positives of this app is the fact that it works across multiple devices.
• It works on a single click and this is a positive too.
• This app is easy to use and has a fast connection.

Cons of 1-click Wifi tether no root

• One drawback of this app is that it doesn’t work after recent updates.
• It works only on certain Android handsets and not on the other few.
• It keeps showing a lot of ads and pop ups and that can be irritating.

User comments/reviews

• Perfect. Awesome. Exactly what it claims. Other tethers don’t compare. 3 other tethers, all confusing, more complex.
• easy to the pointI want sure at fussy because I couldn’t get anything to connect.
• If you have unlimited data, this app is a God send.

3. PdaNet

Features and functions:

• This free Wifi hotspot app for Android without rooting is one of the best in this category and connects your computer to your cellular network.
• It supports tethering over both options-Bluetooth and USB.
• The fact that this app lets you share internet connection over 4G is a highlight feature.

Pros of PdaNet

• One of its strengths is that it lets you share internet connection over Bluetooth and USB.
• This is ideal for beginners also who may not have much technical expertise.
• This app works brilliantly over 4G networks.

Cons of PdaNet

• One thing which doesn’t impress much is that a lot of things and sites are blocked when used through it.
• Another limitation is that Wifi doesn’t often work and this can be very frustrating.
• It works slowly at times especially in case of multiple connections.

User comments/reviews

• I like it.Works well for mw. Galaxy S4 on Verizon. I have no issues with Wifi like the others mentioned.
• I was going to buy the app but it only lets me go to Bing, Facebook, and Twitter. Every thing else it’s blocked. I am on metro pcs. Hopefully they can find a way around this I will gladly buy the app.
• Worked on bluetooth modeTablet connected but couldnt download or use internet enabled apps. Just google chrome worked.

4. Wifi tether

Features and functions:

• This is an effective free Wifi hotspot app for Android without rooting wich lets you connect your phone wifi with that of others.
• It turns your device into a Wifi router without any hassles.
• This app works with most Android devices including tabs and phones.

Pros of Wifi tether

• This free Wifi hotspot app for Android without rooting makes connections very easy and fast.
• It supports USB and Bluetooth tethering which is a plus.
• It does a better job than many other competitive apps.

Cons of Wifi tether

• One of the drawbacks of this app is that it some of its latest updates aren’t very effective.
• It has bugs and this makes it work in a glitchy and sluggish way.

User comments/reviews

• This comes in handy when I need reliable hotspot service while making and receiving phone calls. App support is also golden.
• I have always used foxfi, but it just stopped working and I tried 10 other ones before I just bought this and it worked right away.
• I’ve used this app for the better part of a year and never had any problems until now. Tmobile picks up on me using it now? Is there a way fix this problem? Please tell me there is.

5. Easy tether lite

Features and functions:

• This is another free Wifi hotspot app for Android without rooting connects Android phones to computer without any hassles.
• It lets you connect via USB and has an easy setting up process.
• This app has a sleek and easy interface which makes the process of connecting smooth.

Pros of Easy tether Lite

• The best thing about this free Wifi hotspot app for Android without rooting is that it connects easily.
• It has a sleek interface and this too is a positive thing about it.
• It is easy to install and connect with.

Cons of easy tether lite

• It limits access to some of the sites and this is its major drawback.
• This app does not connect to gaming consoles and this too is something which can be counted as a negative.
• It may crash at times and this may disconnect all the shared devices which too is a negative.

User comments/reviews

• Only one work on z667tNothing else works. You know this is the best app when it offers Linux support and very specific instructions.
• OMG. I can’t beleive itss work. Thanks Publisher for giving us such an awesome app. Thank u very much.
• Speed test from ookla shows I have a 55mbps download speed yet my actual download speed is a few kbps.

Must-have manager for the Wifi hotspot apps

You can also manage the Wifi hotspot apps with Dr.Fone — Phone Manager on your phone.

Dr.Fone — Phone Manager (Android)

PC-based Solution to More Intuitively Manage Wi-Fi Hotspot Apps

• Manage system and user-installed apps on your Android
• Manage, export/import your music, photos, videos, contacts, SMS, Apps etc.
• Transfer iTunes to Android (vice versa).
• Install and uninstall apps of your Android device with a PC.
• Fully compatible with Android 8.0.

Manage the Wifi hotspot apps on Android devices.

Further Reading for More Android Apps Tips:

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