Boost Mobile customers can get a free wifi hotspot in two ways: if your plan includes it, you can turn on your phone's built-in hotspot at no extra charge, or you can use free public Wi‑Fi to save your plan's data. The key is knowing whether your plan includes hotspot capability and how to activate it.
Does Boost Mobile include free wifi hotspot?
Yes, hotspot is included at no additional cost on Boost Mobile's Unlimited+ and Unlimited Premium plans. For other plans, the hotspot feature can be added through your account online, in the Boost Mobile app, or by contacting customer care. Once added, connecting devices to a hotspot draws from your plan's existing high-speed data bucket. The hotspot add-on page says hotspot will consume data directly from your allocation of high-speed data. Boost's blog says hotspot data is shared from the same monthly unlimited data package on plans that include it. Independent coverage reports hotspot allowances varying by plan, including 12GB on one unlimited plan and up to 30GB on a premium tier.
How to check your plan for hotspot
- Log in to your Boost Mobile account online or open the Boost Mobile app.
- Look for your plan details, specifically the data allowance and any mention of hotspot or tethering.
- If the hotspot feature was recently added, power your device off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. Boost says a restart is usually required for the network change to take effect.
Turn on your phone's hotspot
Hotspot works by sharing a cellular connection to other devices such as tablets and laptops.
On Android
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering, then enable the hotspot. You can set a network name and password for security. Boost Australia's Android path: Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering.
On iPhone
Go to Settings and enable Personal Hotspot. Other devices can then connect using the displayed Wi‑Fi password. Boost Australia's iPhone path: Settings > Personal Hotspot.
Remember that hotspot usage consumes your plan's monthly high-speed data. Once that data is exhausted, additional data can be purchased for an extra charge.
What to do if your plan doesn't include hotspot
If your current Boost Mobile plan does not include hotspot, you can add the feature by logging into your account online, using the Boost Mobile app, or calling Boost Customer Care at (833) 502-6678 (available daily from 8 a.m. to midnight ET). After adding the feature, restart your phone to activate the change. If you run out of high-speed data, you can buy more data directly from your account.
Save data with free public Wi‑Fi
To supplement your cellular hotspot and stretch your data further, look for free public Wi‑Fi at libraries, cafes, retail stores, and community spaces. Boost Mobile does not provide a directory of these hotspots, but many businesses and municipal areas offer complimentary access. Connecting to these networks lets you browse, stream, and work without tapping into your plan's data allowance.
Use Wi‑Fi calling when coverage is weak
When you are in an area with poor cellular signal, enable Wi‑Fi calling on your Boost Mobile device. This feature routes your calls over any available Wi‑Fi network, helping you stay connected in basements, rural locations, or buildings with thick walls. To turn it on, go to your phone's settings and look for the Wi‑Fi calling option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will using my phone as a hotspot slow down my other data?
Yes, hotspot usage pulls from the same high-speed data bucket as your phone's regular data. If you use a lot of hotspot data, you may run out of high-speed data sooner, after which speeds may be reduced or you may need to purchase additional data.
Can I use hotspot while roaming internationally?
Contact Boost Customer Care at (833) 502-6678 to confirm whether hotspot is available on your plan while traveling abroad.
Does every Boost Mobile phone support hotspot?
Boost Mobile says hotspot can be added to an account and used on the device, but the company does not publish a list of supported iPhone or Android models. If your phone is relatively recent and runs a current operating system, it should support the feature once it is enabled on your plan.
How do I know how much hotspot data I have left?
Check your data usage in the Boost Mobile app or your online account. Since hotspot data comes from your plan's high-speed bucket, the remaining data shown there is what you have left for both phone and hotspot use.
Is free public Wi‑Fi safe to use with my Boost Mobile phone?
Public Wi‑Fi networks are generally less secure than your personal hotspot. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or making payments on unsecured public networks. Using a VPN adds an extra layer of privacy.
