How To Set Up A Wifi Hotspot on Your iPhone or iPad in 3 Minutes
This update is current as of March 2014. This article was originally published on December 3rd 2
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OS: iOS 7 Devices: iPhone, iPad, iPad Mini
Do you need WiFi for your laptop in the middle of nowhere? Would you rather pay $20 a month for Wifi, rather than $30 an hour? If the answer is yes, read on.
Activating the WiFi hotspot feature on an iPhone or iPad is actually quite easy once it’s set up. Note that it doesn’t work on phones before the iPhone 4, or the original iPad.
Step 1: The right data plan
To set up your hotspot, you’re first going to need the right data plan. This varies from cell carrier to carrier. I use Verizon, which includes tethering in my monthly data allowance. If you’re on Verizon (and many other carriers) no setup is required here. If the steps below don’t work, call your cell carrier, and ask them to enable “tethering” on your phone.
Step 2: Turn it on
Once your personal hotspot is set up, it’s literally as easy as flipping a switch (although if you’re not using iOS 7 – Apple’s latest operating system, this setting may be a bit buried)
- Open your settings app.
- Tap “Personal Hotspot”
- Tap the toggle switch next to “Personal Hotspot” from white to green.
- If your Wifi and bluetooth are off, turn them on so that you can properly access your network. I usually keep Wifi on, but Bluetooth off, to conserve battery.
- (Optional:) I highly recommend setting a good password, so nobody wastes your data. Simply tap “Wifi Password” in that same submenu with the toggle switch”, enter your new password, and press OK.
- Enjoy your Wifi!
Step 3: Tweet this article, if you found it helpful
*SEE ALSO: How Wifi saved me in a storm*
