To use an AT&T hotspot, you turn on the Personal Hotspot feature on your iPhone or Android phone and then connect your other devices to it over Wi-Fi. This lets you share your phone's cellular data connection with a laptop, tablet, or another phone when you don't have access to a regular Wi-Fi network.
What to know before using your AT&T hotspot
Before you can use your phone or tablet as a hotspot, you need two things. First, your wireless plan must include hotspot data. AT&T lists current plans that support hotspot use, including Elite 2.0, Premium 2.0, Extra 2.0, and Value 2.0, along with several legacy unlimited and Mobile Share plans. Second, you need a smartphone or tablet that is hotspot-capable. AT&T says many of its smartphones and tablets work as a hotspot if the plan supports it. Prepaid hotspot use requires being within the AT&T coverage area.
How to turn on your AT&T hotspot on iPhone
You can turn on the Personal Hotspot from the Settings app or quickly from Control Center.
To use Settings:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Cellular, then tap Personal Hotspot.
- Turn on Allow Others to Join.
To use Control Center, swipe down from the upper-right corner of the screen, then press and hold the center of the Connectivity tab to find and toggle Personal Hotspot on or off.
How to turn on your AT&T hotspot on Android
On Android, the steps are in the Settings app, and you can also use a shortcut from the quick settings panel.
To use Settings:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections or Network & Internet.
- Tap Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
- Turn on the Mobile Hotspot toggle.
- If you want to change the network name or password, open Mobile Hotspot settings or Configure Mobile Hotspot, edit the Wi-Fi network name, password, and security settings, then tap SAVE.
For a shortcut on some Android devices, swipe down from the top of the screen, tap the Settings icon, tap More, tap Tethering & Mobile Hotspot, then tap the Mobile Hotspot toggle.
How to connect another device to your hotspot
Once your hotspot is on, connecting another device is straightforward.
- Open the Wi-Fi settings on the device you want to connect.
- Select the hotspot network name you created.
- Enter the hotspot password.
If you are using a standalone AT&T-branded hotspot device, turn the device on, enable and name the Wi-Fi network, set a password, then connect from your other device using the network name shown on the hotspot screen.
AT&T hotspot data limits and how to add more
Your hotspot data allowance depends on your plan. AT&T documents the following hotspot data allowances for its current unlimited plans: AT&T Elite 2.0: 250GB hotspot data, AT&T Premium 2.0: 100GB hotspot data, AT&T Extra 2.0: 50GB hotspot data, and AT&T Value 2.0: 3GB hotspot data. If you need more, you can purchase a hotspot data add-on. To add hotspot data: go to wireless add-ons on the AT&T website, sign in if prompted, select the line you want to change, scroll to Get new add-ons, select Hotspot data, choose Monthly or One time, then select Add to device and follow the prompts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my AT&T hotspot while traveling internationally?
Yes, but additional charges may apply. AT&T offers international data plans that can be activated for hotspot use in select countries. Check with AT&T before traveling to understand the available options and costs.
How many devices can connect to my AT&T hotspot at once?
The number of devices that can connect may vary by your specific plan and device model.
Will using my hotspot slow down my phone's data speed?
Using your hotspot uses your plan's data allowance. Once you reach your plan's hotspot data limit, your hotspot speed may be reduced, but your phone's data speed for other activities is managed separately according to your plan's terms.
Do I need a separate device to use an AT&T hotspot?
No. Most AT&T smartphones and tablets have a built-in hotspot feature that lets you share your cellular data connection. You do not need a separate mobile hotspot device unless you prefer one.
How do I find the password for my AT&T hotspot?
On an iPhone, the password is shown in the Personal Hotspot settings. On Android, you can find or change the password in the Mobile Hotspot settings under Configure Mobile Hotspot.
