Have you ever been tempted to connect to a public Wi-Fi network when you're outside? You might want to check your email, browse social media, or stream music.
But before you do that, you should know that public Wi-Fi can be dangerous and expose your personal information to hackers and cybercriminals.
That's why you should avoid suspicious public Wi-Fi and use your iPhone's hotspot instead. Hotspot is a feature that allows you to share your iPhone's cellular data with other devices, such as a laptop or tablet.
This way, you can enjoy a secure and private Internet connection wherever you go. Check it out before learning how to set up a hotspot. Cell Phone Booster vs. Mobile Hotspot: What's the Difference and How to Choose?
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![phone hotspot 1](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/02/1200/675/1-Avoid-public-WiFi-by-using-your-iPhone-as-a-hotspot.jpg.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Woman using mobile phone using hotspot (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
How to Set Up Hotspot on iPhone
Setting up a hotspot on your iPhone is easy and fast. Just follow these simple steps:
- Heat setting Apps on iPhone
- Choose personal hotspot
- Toggle next to where it says Allow others to join Update your password if necessary.
- Devices signed in to the same iCloud account don't need a password to connect to iPhone. personal hotspot
![phone hotspot 2](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/02/1200/675/2-Avoid-public-WiFi-by-using-your-iPhone-as-a-hotspot.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to set up hotspot on iPhone (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
- Optionally, you can also select: family sharing If you have other family members, you want to allow them to access your personal hotspot without a password. Tap it Family sharing.
- Then turn it on. Family sharing.
- Below that you will see the names of your family members. You can set it up so that each family member can join automatically, or ask for your approval before connecting. Just click name Then choose one of the following: automatic or Request approval.
![phone hotspot 3](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/02/1200/675/3-Avoid-public-WiFi-by-using-your-iPhone-as-a-hotspot.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to allow other users or devices to use your iPhone hotspot (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
- If you're trying to connect from an older Wi-Fi device and your iPhone's Wi-Fi network doesn't appear or the connection fails, you may need to turn on Maximize Compatibility.
Clever tricks to speed up your Wi-Fi network connection
- To do this, go to: setting. tapping personal hotspot Then if you scroll down on the side Maximum compatibilityswitch to.
![phone hotspot 4](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/02/1200/675/4-Avoid-public-WiFi-by-using-your-iPhone-as-a-hotspot.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Toggle Maximize Compatibility on iPhone (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
By default, your iPhone's hotspot is named the same as your iPhone. You can change the name of your iPhone by following the steps below.
- lean towards setting
- water tap Normally
- click for
- water tap name
- change name on your iPhone by entering it in the box.
- water tap complete
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![phone hotspot 5](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/02/1200/675/5-Avoid-public-WiFi-by-using-your-iPhone-as-a-hotspot.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to change iPhone name (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
See More: Best Portable Phone Chargers of 2024
How to Connect Other Devices to iPhone Hotspot
- move to Preferences On another device. In this case I'm using a MacBook Pro.
- Scroll down and tap Wi-Fi on your device hotspot name and Tap it. Simply enter your password if requested.
![phone hotspot 6](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/02/1200/675/6-Avoid-public-WiFi-by-using-your-iPhone-as-a-hotspot.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Steps to Connect Other Devices to iPhone (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
The hotspot feature may be hidden or disabled by your carrier, so if you don't see it or can't turn it on, you'll need to contact us to see if your plan includes device usage. As a hotspot.
See More: 5 Best Phone Boosters
Keep track of how much data you use with your iPhone hotspot
Using a hotspot can be a great way to stay connected and safe online. However, it does use your iPhone's cellular data, so you'll need to watch your usage carefully. Here's how to check your data usage:
- movement setting
- Tap it cellular
- Scroll down to check it out. data amount you used in current period
![phone hotspot 7](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/02/1200/675/7-Avoid-public-WiFi-by-using-your-iPhone-as-a-hotspot.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
How to spy on data on iPhone (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
If your data plan is limited, you can limit your hotspot use to avoid additional costs. You can also save battery life by turning off the hotspot when you are not using it. To do so, follow these steps:
- Go back to setting
- Tap it personal hotspot
- rotate turn off switch next to Allow others to join
See more: Best accessories for your phone
How to Protect Your Hotspot Privacy and Security with a VPN
Hotspots pose the same risks as public Wi-Fi connections, including data breaches or misuse by hackers and other nefarious actors. However, there are ways to protect yourself when using your iPhone hotspot. virtual private network Or VPN.
It adds an extra layer of security and helps keep you safe online. If you decide to create and use a personal hotspot, always make sure it is password protected. We'll walk you through the benefits of using a VPN with a hotspot and show you step-by-step how to set up a VPN. Click here.
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Kurt’s Key Takeaways
Use your iPhone as a hotspot for convenient and secure Internet access on the go. You can share cellular data with other devices, control who can join your hotspot, and customize your hotspot name and password. However, you should also be mindful of your data usage and battery life, and use a VPN to protect your privacy and security online.
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