How to use mobile hotspot without using data

Internet connectivity has changed in many ways. In the past, you needed a cable to connect to the internet. Then, there were wireless connections (Wi-Fi) and mobile hotspots that let you share your mobile data flexibly. You may wonder what a mobile hotspot is. What is it exactly? Is there a way to use it with no cellular data?

What's a mobile hotspot, you ask?

A mobile hotspot can be defined as a device that allows other devices to use its wireless signal to connect while they are on the move. This should not be confused with a hotspot which can be found in public places such as hotels, coffee shops, and malls. These hotspots are available only to those who have Wi-Fi networks within their buildings.

Mobile hotspots work by using an LTE connection from your phone and then converting it to a Wi-Fi signal. The hotspot can then be "connected" to your computer or another device in the same manner as a Wi-Fi network at home or in public.

The physical mobile hotspots can be carried in your pocket and provide a reliable battery life of up to one day. These hotspots can be used in public places, such as at the beach or in parks, while abroad or wherever your LTE connection is available. In addition, they can connect to any WiFi-based device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or gaming console.

Hotspots are now standard features on smartphones. However, depending on the carrier and device you use, there might be additional charges for accessing them. Also, the speed and endurance of your mobile hotspot will depend on how much data you have and what kind of plan you have.

What does a mobile hotspot do?

It works just like Wi-Fi but isn't always available. Mobile hotspot works with 3G and 4G cellular networks. It focuses on a data connection to share it with nearby devices via Wi-Fi. It functions as a portable router or broadband data source, using the 802.11ac protocol. It doesn't require a Wi-Fi card. All you need is a signal and a data plan.

All devices with Wi-Fi capability can connect to the hotspot and get internet access. This includes tablets, smartphones, and laptops. However, a smartphone cannot act as a mobile hotspot if cellular data is unavailable because it depends on this connection. For example, if there is no signal in your area, your data will not work, your mobile hotspot.

However, you can still use your cellular data and mobile hotspot capabilities outside the country. So it's possible that it won't work as you expect. You may also be charged additionally if your plan doesn't include it.

How much data does a mobile hotspot consume?

There is no universal data hotspot usage. It all depends on how often and what type of usage is made. For example, heavy video streaming can void mobile data faster than browsing the internet. This means that your data consumption is directly affected by the activity. This applies to other devices connected to your Mobile hotspot. Data consumption is generally faster if more devices are connected via hotspot.

Although there isn't a standard data allowance for mobile hotspots, you can gauge the amount you consume based on which apps you use. There are many types of mobile plans depending on the mobile carrier. For example, many cellular providers give you data traffic. They, however, have limits. You might want to upgrade your plan or buy an additional data allowance if you notice using your data very quickly.

Some carriers also offer mobile hotspot plans. These include a data allowance for your mobile hotspot and an overall data allowance. These plans have hotspot data limits that range from 20 GB up to 100 GB per month. Your speed will decrease automatically after you reach your data limit. Many carriers also offer a way for you to monitor your data usage.

How to set up a mobile hotspot

It is easy to set up your mobile hotspot. You can do it in a few easy steps, and it takes no time. You can even create shortcuts from your smartphone's notification panel to quickly turn on or off the device. Follow these instructions for Android users if you don't have this option.

Android

Here's how to configure the mobile hotspot functionality on Android devices:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Tap the Connections option (may also be called Network & Internet).
3. Click on Mobile hotspot and Tethering to get started.
4. Turn the Mobile hotspot switch on to the on position.
5. In this section, you may also adjust the settings for your mobile hotspot. You might do this by clicking on mobile hotspot. You may also modify the name and password of your hotspot. They are usually set to default values, which isn't safe.

iOS

Follow this steps to set up a mobile hotspot on Apple devices:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap on Cellular (or Personal hotspot).
3. Adjust the slider to allow others to join to the on position.

How to use mobile hotspot without using data

A mobile hotspot is helpful, but it has its downsides. Mobile hotspots can eat up all of your data, a problem that many smartphone owners have. Data is easily consumed when tethering or a mobile hotspot is enabled. This is due to both the number of hotspot devices and the nature of the usage. Is there a way to use mobile hotspots without data?

Yes, if put simply. Wi-Fi tethering is a feature that does the same thing. It "transforms" your device into a router! This is the best part: you can use your existing smartphone to do this. You don't need to lose data or use too much battery to access a mobile hotspot. This is possible with most older phones, but you will need to verify.

Here are some ways to use a mobile hotspot without a data plan.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Click on the Wireless & Networks button.
3. Look for the Portable Wi-Fi hotspot choice.
4. To turn it on, tap on the button beside that option.
5. You can use a different device to search for the Wi-Fi access point or turn on the Wi-Fi to scan for wireless networks nearby.
6. Click on the name of your wireless connection to enter the password.

How to share mobile data without hotspot

To share data without hotspot you may use the other possibilities of your devices. You saw the instructions for a Wi-Fi hotspot, but there are other alternatives. Let's look at two options: USB and Bluetooth.

How to connect mobile internet to computer with a USB cable

A USB is another way to set up your mobile hotspot. Unfortunately, all Android devices do not support this, so be aware.

Here are some ways to share your mobile data with an Android USB:

1. Use the USB cable that came with your Android phone to connect it to your computer.
2. Wait until a PC or a laptop recognizes your device. Then, connect.
3. Open the Settings app on Android.
4. Tap the Connections option (may also be called Network & Internet).
5. Click on Mobile hotspot and Tethering to get started.
6. Turn the USB Tethering switch on.
7. The same process can be used to enable mobile data sharing for your iPhone or iPad. You will need to confirm the alert asking you to "Trust This Computer". Simply tap Trust to confirm.

How to share mobile data using Bluetooth

Bluetooth may also be used to share your data traffic, but it is slower than the USB version due to wireless instability for Bluetooth protocol.

Here's how you can enable mobile data sharing via Bluetooth on Android:

1. Open the Settings app on Android.
2. Tap the Connections option (may also be called Network & Internet).
3. Click on Mobile hotspot and Tethering to get started.
4. Turn the Bluetooth Tethering switch on.

Here's how to enable mobile data sharing via Bluetooth on Apple (which requires iOS 7.0 or higher):

1. Go to Settings > Personal hotspot to turn on your hotspot.
2. Start your Apple device and any other connected devices to the hotspot.
3. Go to Settings > General > Make a Reset.
4. Tap Reset Network Settings.

Using mobile hotspot without sharing cellular data

You may choose this option if you want to create a local network. For example, to play an Android game with your friends that are in the same room as you.

To do this, disable your Internet data traffic. You should only enable the hotspot, and you're in the same network as your friends if they connect to your device, of course.