How to Connect a Computer to a Hotspot: Beginner's Guide

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

  1. Enable your mobile hotspot.
  2. Click the Wi-Fi icon on your computer.
  3. Select your hotspot's name.
  4. Click Connect .
  5. Enter the password.
  6. Click Next .
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using a Windows PC

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  1. 1
    Turn 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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    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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    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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    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.
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    As long as you entered the correct password, you should be able to connect to the internet through this hotspot.
  6. 6
    Use 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.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using a Mac

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  1. 1
    Turn 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.
  2. 2
    Click the
    Mac Wifi
    {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/b\/b9\/Macwifi.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b9\/Macwifi.png\/41px-Macwifi.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":337,"bigWidth":41,"bigHeight":30,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Mac icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    button.     It's in the menu bar at the top-right side of the screen. A list of available wireless networks will appear. [1]
  3. 3
    Click 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.
  4. 4
    Type 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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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/iphone-ipad-connect-mac-internet-mchl7594e36f/mac

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