Use a mobile hotspot with Windows or macOS with and without a wire
Did you know you can get internet access on your computer using a hotspot? Whether you want to use your iPhone, Android, or public hotspot, it's easy to connect. Here's how to connect a Windows or Mac computer to a hotspot.
Quick Steps
- Enable your mobile hotspot.
- Click the Wi-Fi icon on your computer.
- Select your hotspot's name.
- Click Connect .
- Enter the password.
- Click Next .
Steps
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1
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On your PC, click the icon. It's in the taskbar near the clock, which is usually at the bottom-right corner of the screen. This opens a list of available wireless networks.
- You may need to click the text bubble icon to expand the side menu.
- If you're not connected to a network right now, you'll see an asterisk (*) at the top-left corner of this icon.
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Click the name of the hotspot. In most cases, this is the name of your device.
- If you want your PC to always connect to this hotspot automatically when it's in range, check the box for Connect automatically .
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Click Connect . If the hotspot requires a network security key, you'll be prompted to enter it now.
- Some public hotspots (e.g. airports or cafes) require an extra step. Open a web browser and navigate to www.wikihow.com. If you're redirected to a page that tells you to agree to rules or sign up for an account, follow the instructions to get online. If you see wikiHow's homepage, you're good to go.
- Never log into secure platforms or enter any sensitive information while connected to a public Wi-Fi network or hotspot.
- Some public hotspots (e.g. airports or cafes) require an extra step. Open a web browser and navigate to www.wikihow.com. If you're redirected to a page that tells you to agree to rules or sign up for an account, follow the instructions to get online. If you see wikiHow's homepage, you're good to go.
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Enter the security key and click Next . As long as you entered the correct password, you should be able to connect to the internet through this hotspot.
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6Use a wired connection (optional). If you don't want to connect via Wi-Fi, or if you're having trouble connecting, you can use a wired connection instead. Do the following:
- Plug your phone into your computer via USB
.
- If you're using an iPhone, you must have iTunes installed on your computer.
- Enable hotspot on your phone.
- Plug your phone into your computer via USB
.
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1Turn on your mobile hotspot. This process will differ depending on your device.
- On iPhone: Open Settings and tap Personal Hotspot . Toggle on Allow Others to Join and set a password.
- On Android: Open Settings and tap Connections . Tap Mobile hotspot & tethering and toggle the switch on.
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2Click the button. It's in the menu bar at the top-right side of the screen. A list of available wireless networks will appear. [1] X Research source
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3Click the hotspot you want to join. If you're using your phone's hotspot, select your phone.
- Some public hotspots (e.g. airports or cafes) require an extra step. Open a web browser and navigate to www.wikihow.com. If you're redirected to a page that tells you to agree to rules or sign up for an account, follow the instructions to get online. If you see wikiHow's homepage, you're good to go.
- Never log into secure platforms or enter any sensitive information while connected to a public Wi-Fi network or hotspot.
- Some public hotspots (e.g. airports or cafes) require an extra step. Open a web browser and navigate to www.wikihow.com. If you're redirected to a page that tells you to agree to rules or sign up for an account, follow the instructions to get online. If you see wikiHow's homepage, you're good to go.
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4Type the password and click Join . As long as you entered the correct password, you should be able to connect to the internet through this hotspot.
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