Using your smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot is quite simple - after making some settings, the Wi-Fi signal appears as a regular wireless hotspot that your other devices can connect to. Using this function, you will get simultaneous Internet access for multiple devices.
Similar to how the iPhone can be used as a Wi-Fi hotspot, many Android smartphones starting from version 2.2 (Froyo) can also be used as a mobile hotspot. This allows up to 5 other devices to share the network, including cell phones, tablets, and computers. Wi-Fi data sharing is built into all Android devices.
How to make a smartphone a Wi-Fi hotspot
Turn on Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot on your Android smartphone. Go to the settings screen on your phone. You can get into it by pressing the "Menu" button when you are on the main screen and then selecting "Settings".
Find the "Wireless & networks" option. You should see the "Modem and Access Point" menu item. Click the checkbox next to it to enable the hotspot and the phone will behave like a router. You should see a message in the notification bar when this setting is enabled.
To control the hotspot, tap the "Wi-Fi hotspot settings" option. You will need to do this if you do not know the default password that will be generated for your hotspot. You will need it to connect other devices. In these settings, you can also change the default password, security level, router name (SSID), and also manage users connected wirelessly.
Find a Wi-Fi hotspot from each of the devices you want to connect to the Internet. This will likely be done automatically - your computer, tablet, or smartphone will most likely notify you that a new wireless network has been detected to connect. If it doesn't appear, on your Android device, you'll be able to find wireless networks under Settings> Wireless & networks> Wi-Fi settings. Establish a connection by entering the password you noted above.
Things to remember while doing this
Make sure you turn off the Wi-Fi hotspot function when you no longer need to share with other devices, as this can drain your cell phone battery very quickly.
By default, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot will most likely be created with WPA2 security and a shared password. If you are using this feature in a public place or are concerned about security, it is best to change your password before turning on the alarm.
Please be aware that your mobile operator may charge additional fees or restrictions when using this feature, so check your data plan ahead of time or contact your operator for more information.
