To share your phone’s cellular connection, turn on hotspot sharing on the phone, then open the Wi-Fi settings on the other device, choose the phone’s name, and enter the password the phone displays. Wi-Fi is the most general route because it works with any device that can join a Wi-Fi network. Hotspot traffic uses your cellular data, and whether the feature is included, limited, or charged separately depends on your carrier and plan.
Before you start
- Check plan eligibility. Apple’s iPhone User Guide states that Personal Hotspot isn’t available with all carriers. Additional fees may apply. Google also warns that some carriers limit or charge extra for tethering on Android. Confirm this with your carrier before relying on the feature.
- Confirm cellular service. The phone must have a working cellular connection to share it.
- Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on the phone. Apple recommends both be on for Personal Hotspot and advises keeping devices within 30 feet (10 meters) of each other.
- Look for the right menu name. Labels vary by operating system version, manufacturer, and region. Search Settings for “Personal Hotspot,” “Hotspot,” or “Tethering.”
Turn on the hotspot on your phone
iPhone
- Open Settings > Personal Hotspot. On some iOS versions the path is Settings > Cellular (or Mobile) > Personal Hotspot.
- Turn on Allow Others to Join. Keep this screen open so the password stays visible.
- Note the password shown in Personal Hotspot settings. Apple’s guidance says an Apple device signed into the same Apple Account can join without entering a password, so you only need the password for other devices.
Apple’s guide on connecting to a Personal Hotspot covers joining and disconnecting from the receiving side.
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Android
Most Android phones can share mobile data over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB, according to Google’s Android Help article on sharing a mobile connection. Search Settings for “hotspot” or “tethering,” turn on the mobile hotspot, and note the network name and password the phone shows. The exact option names differ between Android versions and manufacturers.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Samsung’s Galaxy connection options page lists a mobile hotspot and tethering over USB, Bluetooth, or Ethernet. Which of these appears depends on the Galaxy model and how you plan to connect.
#1 Best Overall
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Connect the receiving device
Laptops and computers
- Windows (Wi-Fi): Open the Wi-Fi menu from the taskbar, select the phone’s hotspot network, and enter the password from the phone.
- Windows (Bluetooth): Microsoft documents joining a hotspot-capable phone through a Bluetooth network connection in Windows. Follow its steps for pairing and connecting.
- Mac (Wi-Fi): Choose the phone’s network from the Wi-Fi menu in the menu bar and enter the password.
Microsoft’s page notes that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. If you are on Windows 10, treat its steps as older guidance and plan an upgrade or a Wi-Fi connection that does not depend on Windows 10 support.
Tablets and other phones
On an iPad or another iPhone, open Wi-Fi settings, choose the hosting phone’s name, and enter the password. On an Android tablet or phone, use its Wi-Fi list the same way. Apple’s guide states that its Personal Hotspot supports sharing with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows, and other Wi-Fi-capable devices.
Rank #2
- 2-in-1 Solution: The SIMO Hero features a powerful hotspot device along with an 5250mAH powerbank built-in. Note: For best results please use the charging cable included.
- Optimized to Share WiFi: Confidently connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.
- SignalScan AI: Easily find the strongest signal across multiple mobile carriers – No SIM and No Locked-In Contracts Needed.
- Global Coverage: SIMO delivers WiFi in 140 countries with 300+ carriers worldwide.
- Two Data Packs Included: Each SIMO device comes bundled with 1GB of Free Data every month, forever (12GB Yearly) along with a one-time 30GB pack of Global Data (30GBs expires in 30 days)
Choose a connection method
Wi-Fi works in the most situations. Bluetooth and USB are alternatives when both devices support them and you have the right hardware. The table below summarizes what each official source says about each method.
| Method | Devices and support stated by sources | What you need | Limits stated by sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Apple: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows, and other Wi-Fi-capable devices. Android: most phones share over Wi-Fi. | Wi-Fi on both devices and the hotspot password. | Apple recommends being within 30 feet (10 meters). |
| Bluetooth | Apple documents Bluetooth connections for Mac and Windows. Google lists Bluetooth tethering on most Android phones. Microsoft documents Bluetooth network connections in Windows. | Bluetooth on both devices and pairing. | Not stated for speed or range beyond Apple’s general distance guidance. |
| USB | iPhone: Apple’s guide covers USB tethering. Android: Google covers USB tethering. | A cable that matches both devices’ ports. On Windows with an iPhone, Apple Devices or iTunes must be installed. | Google says Android USB tethering does not work with Mac computers. |
Pick the method based on the devices involved, whether the receiving device has working Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and whether you have a compatible cable. The official sources do not establish speed, battery, or security differences between these methods, so this article does not rank them on those points.
Rank #3
- 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝟔 𝐀𝐗𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 - Wi-Fi 6 Speeds up to 1,201 Mbps (5 GHz) and 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz) for up to 60 devices simultaneously. Actual Wi-Fi speeds vary based on source bandwidth, environment, distance to devices, and obstacles. ◇§
- 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 - Roam 6 AX1500 is a pocket-sized travel router compactly designed for trips and adventures, featuring a 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port and a 1 Gbps LAN port for reliable wired connectivity.
- 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗶-𝗙𝗶 𝗼𝗻-𝘁𝗵𝗲-𝗴𝗼 - Connects to public Wi-Fi and creates a private, secure network for all your devices. Supports multiple devices at once, ideal for hotels, Airbnbs, airports, and even home use. VPN connectivity enables secure remote work.
- 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 - (1) Router Mode: Connects to public Wi-Fi, ISP, or phone (USB tethering). (2) AP/RE/Client Mode: Adds WiFi to wired setups, extends WiFi, or connects wired devices wirelessly.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. Advanced security is integrated into the device’s design, development, and ongoing maintenance.
USB tethering steps
- Connect the phone to the computer with a cable that fits both devices’ ports.
- On iPhone, accept the Trust This Computer? prompt if it appears.
- On Windows with an iPhone, install Apple Devices or iTunes before connecting, as Apple’s guidance requires.
- On Android, turn on USB tethering from the hotspot and tethering settings. This does not work with a Mac, according to Google.
Troubleshooting
Work through these checks in order. They are documented steps from Apple and Google, not a guarantee that every device-specific fault will be resolved.
- Confirm the hotspot is on and the phone has cellular service. Verify the password in the phone’s hotspot settings and re-enter it on the receiving device.
- Check Wi-Fi. For Wi-Fi tethering, Wi-Fi must be on. Apple also recommends Bluetooth stay on, and the devices should be within 30 feet (10 meters).
- Try Maximize Compatibility on iPhone. If a receiving device cannot connect, turn on Maximize Compatibility under Personal Hotspot. Apple warns this may reduce performance for connected devices, so turn it off once the connection works if speed matters.
- Recheck USB setup. Accept the Trust prompt on iPhone, confirm the cable fits both ports, and on Windows install Apple Devices or iTunes.
- Check with your carrier. If the hotspot option is missing or cellular internet is not shared, the plan may not include hotspot access, or fees may apply.
If none of these steps works, the manufacturer’s support pages for your phone and computer are the next place to look, because device-specific faults vary.
Rank #4
- 2-in-1 Solution: The SIMO Pro features a next gen 5G hotspot device (Wi-Fi 6E) along with a 8000mAH power bank built-in
- Optimized to Share WiFi: Confidently connect up to 20 devices simultaneously.
- SignalScan AI: Easily find the strongest signal across multiple mobile carriers – No SIM and No Locked-In Contracts Needed.
- Global Coverage: SIMO delivers WiFi in 140 countries with 300+ carriers worldwide, offering a reliable signal with high-speed data wherever you go.
- Two Data Packs Included: Each SIMO device comes bundled with 1GB of Free Data every month, forever (12GB Yearly) along with a one-time 30GB pack of Global Data
Data use and plan limits
The hotspot shares the phone’s cellular connection, so every device on it uses your cellular data. Apple’s guidance also says the number of devices that can connect at once depends on the carrier and the iPhone model. Google notes that some carriers limit or charge extra for tethering. Check your plan for hotspot eligibility, data allowances, and any extra charges before you rely on the connection for large downloads, video calls, or work.
Samsung’s Galaxy page and Apple’s guide both describe hotspot sharing as a feature of the phone itself. Neither establishes how much data a particular plan includes, so use your carrier’s account details for those figures.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝟔 𝐀𝐗𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐃𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 - Delivers fast Wi-Fi 6 speeds (1201 Mbps on 5 GHz, 300 Mbps on 2.4 GHz) for uninterrupted video streaming, downloading, and online gaming all at the same time. Actual Wi-Fi speeds vary based on source bandwidth, environment, and distance to devices.
- 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐢-𝐅𝐢 𝐎𝐧-𝐓𝐡𝐞-𝐆𝐨 - Connects to public Wi-Fi and creates a private, secure network for all your devices. Supports multiple devices at once, ideal for hotels, Airbnbs, airports, and even home use. VPN connectivity enables secure remote work. This is not a Mi-Fi device or mobile hotspot.
- 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, 𝐀𝐧𝐲 𝐖𝐚𝐲 - Offers (1) Router Mode for Ethernet or USB (phone) tethering connections, (2) Hotspot Mode for secure access to public WiFi , and (3) AP/RE/Client Mode to extend WiFi, add WiFi to wired setups, or connect wired devices wirelessly.
- 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 - The Roam 6 AX1500, measuring a compact 4.09 in. × 3.54 in. × 1.10 in., is a pocket-sized travel router perfect for your next trip or adventure.
- 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐫 - Power the Roam 6 via its USB-C port using the included adapter or any 5V/3A PD power source, like a power bank.
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