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

Connect to the internet via a mobile hotspot on Windows, macOS, or Chromebook

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. This wikiHow article teaches you how to connect your computer to a mobile 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 3:

Using a Windows PC

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    This process will differ depending on your device.
    • On iPhone : Open Settings and tap Cellular , then tap Personal Hotspot . Toggle on Allow Others to Join and set a password.
    • On Android : Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the Quick Access menu. Tap the Hotspot icon to turn it on (you may have to scroll right). Tap and hold the icon to edit the hotspot name and password.
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    It's in the taskbar near the clock, which is usually at the bottom-right corner of the screen. If you are connected to a network, it will resemble a fan with lines over a dot. If you are not connected to a network, it will resemble a wired globe. This opens a list of available wireless networks.
    • You may need to click the text bubble icon to expand the side menu.
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    If the Wi-Fi icon, which resembles a fan with arching lines over a dot, is not highlighted, click it to turn it on. On Windows 10, it's at the bottom of the menu. On Windows 11, it's the first icon at the top of the menu.
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    On Windows 11, click the icon of a bracket pointing right to the left of the Wi-Fi icon. This displays a list of available networks.
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    In most cases, this is the name of your device.
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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 sensitive information while connected to a public Wi-Fi network or hotspot.
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    As long as you enter the correct password, you should be able to connect to the internet through this hotspot.
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    If you don't want to connect via Wi-Fi or have trouble connecting, you can use a wired connection instead. Do the following: [1]
    • Plug your phone into your computer via USB .
      • If you're using an iPhone, you must have iTunes installed on your computer.
    • Turn on USB tethering in the Mobile Hotspot settings in the Settings menu.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using a Mac

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    This process will differ depending on your device.
    • On iPhone : Open Settings and tap Cellular . Then tap Personal Hotspot . Toggle on Allow Others to Join and set a password.
    • On Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the Quick Access menu. Tap the Hotspot icon to turn it on (you may have to scroll right). Tap and hold the icon to edit the hotspot name and password.
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    It's in the menu bar at the top-right side of the screen. A list of available wireless networks will appear. [2]
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    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.
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    As long as you enter the correct password, you should be able to connect to the internet through this hotspot.
          • Android phones cannot connect to a Mac using USB tethering.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Chromebook

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    This process will differ depending on your device.
    • On iPhone : Open Settings and tap Cellular . Then tap Personal Hotspot . Toggle on Allow Others to Join and set a password.
    • On Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the Quick Access menu. Tap the Hotspot icon to turn it on (you may have to scroll right). Tap and hold the icon to edit the hotspot name and password.
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    It's the button that has the time, battery, and Wi-Fi icons in the lower-right corner.
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    It's the first option at the top of the menu. It has an icon that resembles a fan with arching lines over a dot. This will display a list of available networks.
    • If you are not connected to a network, it will say "No network."
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    It will be listed in the list of available networks. In most cases, it will be the name of your device.
    • 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.
  5. 5
    Enter your password and click Connect . As long as you enter the correct password, you should be able to connect to the internet through this hotspot. [3]
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      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about wireless networks, check out our in-depth interview with Naseem Speach .

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/9059108
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/iphone-ipad-connect-mac-internet-mchl7594e36f/mac
      3. ↑ https://www.google.com/chromebook/howto/connect-to-wifi/

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