Can you use a phone as hotspot while connected to Wi-Fi?
When it comes to switching on the hotspot feature on a phone, you will have to consider your data plan because it uses cellular data. However, there is still a lot more you can learn about using your phone as a hotspotwhile connected to Wi-Fi.
From commuters to travelling across countries, one day you may find yourself in need of an internet connection but you cannot access any wireless network around you. So, have you tried using your phone as a hotspot? Are you trying to figure out whether you can use it as a hotspot while still connected to the Wi-Fi?
So, can your phone be a hotspot while connected to Wi-Fi? Well, to cut the long story short, you cannot use your phone as hotspot while connected to Wi-Fi.
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To understand why hotspots work like this, it is important we first explain how hotspot works.
First, given that phones and laptops are now developed with hidden virtual Wi-Fi adapters, you can now use them for internet connection sharing. With the simple click of a button, you can easily share your network with other people around you. For example, with Windows 10, you can press Windows + I on your keyboard to start the processing of switching on your hotspot. From the settings page, select Network and Internet then click on Mobile Hotspot. If you want to share your laptop’s connection, you can easily press on share my internet connection with other devices and you are set.
Luckily, this process is much easier on a phone. With most phones, all you need to do is go to settings, click on the connectivity tab, choose mobile hotspot and switch it on. For it to work you just need data connection on your phone and you are good to go.
Here is how to go about it on Android, iOS and computers.
iOS |
Click on Settings, Go to Personal Hotspot, Set up the password you would like to use then turn on the hotspot.
The only downer with Apple is that allows phone companies to disable hotspot options if they choose to so you have to check whether it is applicable to you first. |
Android |
Go to Settings, Choose Wireless & Networks (Tethering and Portable Hotspot)
To set it up, you have to key in your preferred passwords as well as network name. Once done, be sure to set it at WPA-PSK, so that your phone does not allow just anyone to connect to your network. |
Laptop/PC |
You can do so through wired means like a network cable and click on Internet Connection Sharing.
You can also use the Windows-app called Hotspot which allows you to share wired and Wi-Fi connections on your laptop |
Once you have set up your phone as a hotspot you will immediately see you are using your mobile data. If you and people connected to your phone hotspot are just surfing the web, it should not take too much of your data.
The question then is- can you still use your phone as hotspot while connected to Wi-Fi? Simply put, the answer is no. Here are a few pointers as to why this is the answer.
First, when you use your phone as hotspot, it simply means you are sharing your cellular data with others for their internet connection. The key word here is cellular data because that is what keeps your hotspot running. So do keep in mind that even though your phone might say you are connected to the Wi-Fi, a hotspot connection bypasses it and continues to use your cellular data.
Secondly, we said the answer is no but it is not cut out entirely through because of a number of reasons. This is because you can still access your Wi-Fi even when the hotspot is running. An example is how you can turn on your mobile phone hotspot when you are out on the run then forget to switch it off when you are in a Wi-Fi zone. This in turn means that whoever was connected your hotspot can still usurp all your cellular data even though you are personally connected to the Wi-Fi.
Finally, while you cannot use your phone as hotspot while connected to Wi-Fi, you can still do a whole bunch of things with it. You can make calls and text away while still hosting the hotspot for people around you to use. You can even catch up on your favorite online games without disrupting the internet for others.
Things to Know about Using Your Phone as a Hotspot
It works using the data allotment you have on your phone plan so be sure to put data usage limits or regularly monitor how much data you are using so you can avoid running out of data before your next top up. Using your phone as a hotspot also really sucks up your phone’s battery life so keep your charger nearby especially if you are travelling.
Also remember between selecting an open network and setting up a password, you are better off choosing a password so that you can protect your network and share it with only the people you want.
Conclusion
One of the perks of having your phone with you is that you can share your internet connection if you are not connected to a Wi-Fi network. To set up your phone as a hotspot, you do so by using your cellular data. So the rule of the thumb is that you cannot still be connected to Wi-Fi.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Wi-Fi hotspot on a phone?
Simply put, hotspot is a combination of hardware, software and back-end network elements that work together to deliver internet connectivity to nearby devices. It works using the cellular data on your phone.
Is using your phone as a hotspot secure?
Yes. It is just as secure and private as using your phone to surf the web or check online maps.
