How To Use Your IPhone Or IPad As A Wireless Hotspot

Back in January, while I was helping or sister site PCWorld with CES coverage, my Internet blinked out. After scurrying around the house in a panic—I was in the middle of a story—my sister came to the rescue with her iPad, which she set up as an Internet hot spot. Setting up a wireless hotspot on your iOS device is a simple process, and it’s useful for more than bailing out freaked-out freelance tech journalists. Here’s how to go about it. Before you begin, you’ll need to make sure your cellular service plan supports the wireless hotspot feature. If it doesn’t, check with your carrier for plan pricing and availability. Also, you’ll need to make sure your iPhone or iPad has mobile data switched on. Lastly, keep in mind that any data you use will most likely count against your plan’s data cap, so you’ll want to avoid downloading massive files while on the hotspot. Open the Settings app and tap Personal Hotspot (it’s listed as Cellular Data on the iPad). Then, on the next screen, tap the Personal Hotspot switch so it’s in the “on” position (the switch will turn green). Next, make a note of your Wi-Fi password listed on this screen. If you don’t have Wi-Fi enabled on your iPhone or iPad, you’ll be asked to switch it on at this point. Now, go to your Mac or PC, pop open the Wi-Fi network menu, then select your iOS device’s name and enter the password as you would normally do when you connect to a Wi-Fi network. Personal Hotspot) and switch off the hotspot.

Did you know you can use your iPhone as a hotspot for your iPad, A hotspot offers Internet access over a wireless network. You can find hotspots in a variety of locations, from your local coffee shop to an airport. Sign up to iPhone Life's Tip of the Day Newsletter and we'll send you a tip each day to save time and get the most out of your iPhone or iPad. I was recently sitting in an airport for several hours waiting for a connecting flight. I decided to pass the time by catching up on some TV shows with my Netflix app on my iPad. I connected to the airport's Wi-Fi network and proceeded to watch my show (right now I'm hooked on Damages). It worked for awhile, but as the airport filled with people, my connection slowed and the ability to find out which lawyer is good, which one is bad, and who killed whom was lost. Unfortunately, slow Internet is pretty common with crowded public Wi-Fi networks. Personal Hotspot. Toggle Personal Hotspot On. Next, go to the Settings menu on your iPad, tap Wi-Fi and then find your iPhone's name as an available Wi-Fi network. Tap on your phone's name, then enter the password listed on you iPhone in your iPad's Wi-Fi Password field. Now your phone is tethered and you have Internet access on your iPad. When you're finished using the Internet, don't forget to turn the Personal Hotspot off on your iPhone to avoid extra data charges. Check with your cellular provider to add the hotspot feature to your phone. Another option is to buy an iPad already set-up with the cellular feature.