To buy a hotspot, most people actually need to add the Personal Hotspot service to their existing phone plan rather than purchase a separate hardware device. The process to get personal hotspot depends on whether you use an iPhone or Android device, and each platform has its own settings path to turn on the feature.
How to buy a hotspot: start with your carrier plan
Buying a hotspot usually means enabling the Personal Hotspot feature on your current smartphone, not buying a separate mobile router. Apple and Google both document that the key requirement is an activated carrier plan that includes Personal Hotspot service. Before you look at hardware, check whether your existing plan supports hotspot, if it does, you can turn it on in your phone's settings. If it doesn't, you may need to contact your carrier to add the service or switch to a plan that includes it.
Check your iPhone plan for Personal Hotspot
Apple states that Personal Hotspot requires an iPhone or iPad (Wi‑Fi + Cellular) with an activated carrier plan that includes Personal Hotspot service. To verify your plan supports it, open Settings > Cellular and look for the Personal Hotspot option. If the option is dimmed or missing, go to Settings > Cellular and make sure Cellular Data is turned on, if it still doesn't appear, your carrier plan likely does not include hotspot service.
Turn on Personal Hotspot on iPhone
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Set Up Personal Hotspot if you see that option, or go directly to Settings > Personal Hotspot if the menu already exists. Apple documents this setup path of Settings > Cellular > Set Up Personal Hotspot when Personal Hotspot is not already present.
- If Personal Hotspot is dimmed, return to Settings > Cellular and confirm Cellular Data is enabled.
- Once enabled, other devices can connect using Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, or a cable.
Turn on hotspot on Android
- Google's Android support page says to enable hotspot by swiping down from the top of the screen and tapping Hotspot.
- Tap Hotspot to turn it on. If the icon is not visible, tap Edit and drag Hotspot into the panel.
- For security settings, touch and hold Hotspot. Google says you can open the hotspot security setting this way, then under Security tap None if you want no password protection.
- Other devices connect by selecting your phone's hotspot name from their Wi‑Fi list.
Connect your devices and manage settings
You can share your phone's cellular data connection through Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, or a USB cable. Apple says you can only share the cellular internet connection on your iPhone; you cannot share a Wi‑Fi connection through Personal Hotspot. Apple's Instant Hotspot feature works automatically when the other device does not have Wi‑Fi internet access. If you experience connection issues, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot and turn on Maximize Compatibility. Apple documents Allow Others to Join as a hotspot-related setting in Settings > Personal Hotspot when troubleshooting or connecting devices. Remember that a hotspot shares only your phone's cellular data, it cannot share a Wi‑Fi network connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hotspot?
A hotspot uses your phone's cellular data connection to create a portable Wi‑Fi network that other devices can join. Apple says Personal Hotspot uses the cellular data connection of an iPhone or iPad (Wi‑Fi + Cellular) to create a portable Wi‑Fi network for other devices. It lets laptops, tablets, and other phones get online when no other internet source is available.
Can I use it with my existing carrier?
Yes, if your current carrier plan includes Personal Hotspot service. Most major carriers offer hotspot as an add-on or include it in certain plans. Check your plan details or contact your carrier to confirm eligibility.
What if my hotspot isn't working?
First, confirm that Cellular Data is turned on in your phone's settings. On iPhone, also try enabling Maximize Compatibility in Settings > Personal Hotspot. On Android, long-press the Hotspot icon to verify the security settings and that the hotspot name is visible to other devices.
Where to buy a mobile hotspot?
If you decide you need a separate hardware device, you can buy a mobile hotspot from your carrier's store, major electronics retailers, or online marketplaces. However, most users find that turning on their phone's existing hotspot feature is simpler and avoids an extra purchase.
