Mobile hotspot: sharing your phone's internet abroad
You can share your phone's internet connection with a tablet or laptop. Here are the steps for iPhone and Android, plus tips on data and safety while travelling.
Phone and internetPublished
What is a mobile hotspot?
A mobile hotspot means your phone shares its mobile data with other devices as wifi. To the other device it looks like an ordinary wifi network. The feature is also called tethering or internet sharing.
Other devices use your phone's data. Shared data therefore comes out of the same plan as your phone's own use.
Where to find the setting
| Phone | Menu |
|---|---|
| iPhone | Settings → Personal Hotspot → Allow Others to Join |
| Samsung Galaxy | Settings → Connections → Mobile Hotspot and Tethering → Mobile Hotspot |
| Other Android phones | Settings → Network & internet → Hotspot & tethering → Wi-Fi hotspot |
How to share internet with a tablet or laptop
Turn on sharing on the phone
Open the menu for your phone model from the table above and switch on the hotspot. Check that the phone's mobile data is on.
Check the name and password
You can see the network name and password in the phone's menu. You can change both.
Find the network on the other device
Open the wifi settings on your tablet or laptop and select your phone's network.
Enter the password and test the connection
Once connected, open a browser and try loading a page. Switch sharing off when you no longer need it.
How to save data when sharing
A computer uses data faster than a phone.
- Pause the computer's automatic updates before sharing.
- Stop cloud syncing, such as photo and file backups.
- Avoid video calls and streaming if your data is limited.
- Keep an eye on data use in your phone's settings.
- Download large files and updates on the hotel wifi.
Does sharing work with a travel eSIM?
Sharing usually works when a travel eSIM is used for the phone's mobile data and the plan allows sharing. If sharing matters to you, confirm with [email protected] before you buy that the plan you chose allows it.
Select the eSIM for the phone's mobile data and turn on its roaming. Other devices then use the eSIM's data. Use it sparingly, because a shared connection uses data quickly.
Battery and security
- Sharing drains the battery quickly. Keep the phone on a charger if you share for a long time.
- Set a strong password of your own for the network. Do not leave the network open.
- Do not tell the password to strangers. Change it if you suspect someone else has joined the network.
- Switch sharing off when you do not need it. It saves both battery and data.
- Check in the settings which devices have joined.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a hotspot?
A hotspot is a feature where your phone shares its mobile data with other devices as wifi.
How do I share internet from my phone to a tablet?
Turn on the phone's mobile hotspot, select your phone's network in the tablet's wifi settings and enter the password.
Where do I find the hotspot password?
The password is shown in the phone's hotspot settings. You can change it from the same menu.
Does sharing internet use a lot of data?
It does, especially on a computer. Updates and videos use data quickly, so keep an eye on your usage.
Can I share a travel eSIM's data with others?
Often you can, but it depends on the plan. Write to [email protected] before you buy if sharing matters to you.