How to connect to your own hotspot

You can create your own Wi-Fi hotspot using your smartphone in just a few seconds.

If you find yourself trying to jump on Wi-Fi at a cafe, airport or hotel, chances are you already know how slow those networks can be. Worse, they can be insecure and vulnerable to hackers who might be trying to snoop your data.

If you're using a smartphone, you're surfing on wireless data networks that are faster than ever and can be much faster than a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing you to finish downloading that movie just before you jump on a plane, or stream Netflix in the doctor's office.

If you have a data plan — we recommend having an unlimited data plan for Wi-Fi hotspotting — setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot is a breeze. If you don't have an unlimited plan, you may face additional charges. If you aren't sure, a quick call to your carrier to make sure you have the function should be all you need.

We'll break this guide down into Android and iOS, so you can get started no matter the smartphone you're using.

How to turn an iPhone into a mobile hotspot...

On iOS, open Settings > Personal Hotspot and tap the toggle button to turn it on. You can also set your Wi-Fi password, which you'll want to make unique. Then, look for that Wi-Fi hotspot name on your computer and connect using the password you just set up.

...and how to do that with an Android phone

On Android (in this case a Galaxy S8), open Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering and toggle "Mobile Hotspot" on. You'll be able to set your network name and choose security. Make sure you choose to enable security and set a password. Leaving the network open makes you more vulnerable to attack. Then, on your laptop, search for the hotspot and connect using the password you created.

That's it! Now you're surfing on your own secure Wi-Fi network and, so long as you have good data coverage, you're probably cruising at faster speeds than a coffee shop's free hotspot.

Gone are the days of relying on public Wi-Fi for your laptop or tablet. Today, most smartphones from Verizon include a built-in mobile hotspot function that allows you to work and browse the Internet while you’re on the go.

With a mobile hotspot, you can connect multiple devices on a 5G1 capable or 4G LTE capable smartphone. After a few quick steps, the phone creates its own secure Wi-Fi network for your devices to join. There’s no need for a USB cable, and multiple users can share your phone’s mobile data plan at once.

There are just a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. If you aren’t subscribed to one of Verizon’s Unlimited Plans, then any data used by a connected device will be deducted from your plan’s total data allowance. Also, be sure to keep your mobile hotspot password protected - if disabled, anyone can connect without your permission and potentially access transmitted data.

How to use a mobile hotspot on Verizon.

Many of our monthly phone plans and certain prepaid plans let you use Mobile Hotspot on capable devices for no additional monthly charge.

When a device is connected to your phone’s Mobile Hotspot feature or app, data usage is applied to your data plan's monthly allowance.

After exceeding your plan's monthly high-speed allowance, depending on the plan, you have a few options available. You can move to a plan with a higher monthly hotspot data allowance, purchase Data Boost for $35 for an additional 5GB, or continue to use your mobile hotspot at a lower speed. 

Our current Unlimited plans give more Mobile Hotspot data:

  • 5G Get More – 50 GB/month premium Mobile Hotspot data, then unlimited lower-speed data.

  • One Unlimited for iPhone, 5G Do More and 5G Play More – 25 GB/month premium Mobile Hotspot data, then unlimited lower-speed data.

  • 5G Start – 5 GB/month 5G Nationwide/4G LTE mobile hotspot data, then unlimited lower-speed data. 

Once you’ve determined if your plan has mobile hotspot capabilities, you can then focus on turning on your smartphone’s mobile hotspot functionality.

Many smartphones and tablets have a built-in Mobile Hotspot feature that you can access in your device's Settings or the App menu. The feature may have a different name on your device (e.g., Personal Hotspot [iOS], Internet Sharing [Windows®] or Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot [Google™ Nexus devices]), but they do the same thing. Turn your mobile hotspot on using these features in settings, and viola! Your device should be able to find your mobile hotspot network and be able to connect from there.

What’s more, you can also purchase an individual mobile hotspot device and power it with Verizon. Learn more about mobile hotspot options available to shop now.

Bring the Internet with you.

Turn your laptop into a virtual office, stream live videos over your camera or rock out to your favorite online playlists right from your smart speaker. Mobile hotspots make it easy to connect to the web via your smartphone. And you can make the most of your connection by pairing popular devices like the Apple iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S22, and Google Pixel 6 with Verizon, the network America relies on.

1. 5G Ultra Wideband available in select areas. 5G Nationwide available in 2700+ cities.

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How to connect to your own hotspot

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This content is provided for information purposes only. All information included herein is subject to change without notice. Verizon is not responsible for any direct or indirect damages, arising from or related to use or reliance of the above content.

Can you connect to your own Mobile Hotspot?

Hotspot is used for other phones to connect to your phone using Passcode and use the service. You cannot connect to hotspot in the same phone. Depending on what data plan you have, your phone will work as a hotspot unless your device does not have an option to enable a hotspot (ie, older devices).

How do I connect to my own hot spot?

Here's how you configure a hotspot connection on Android:.
Open the Settings app..
Go into Network & internet..
Select Hotspot & tethering..
Tap on Wi-Fi hotspot..
This page has options for turning the hotspot feature on and off. ... .
Follow instructions to customize the hotspot feature to your liking..

Why can't I join my own personal hotspot?

Make sure the password is right If your hotspot is password protected, look at the password on your phone and make sure you've entered the password correctly on the device you're connecting with — if it's not, you won't be able to connect.