How to Connect a Computer to a Hotspot: Beginner's Guide

Connect to the internet via a mobile hotspot on Windows, macOS, or Chromebook

Co-authored by Naseem Speach and Travis Boylls

Last Updated: September 24, 2024 Fact Checked

Using a Windows PC

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Using a Mac

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Using Chromebook

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Video

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Expert Interview

Did you know you can get internet access on your computer using a hotspot? Whether you want to use your iPhone, Android, or public hotspot, it's easy to connect. This wikiHow article teaches you how to connect your computer to a mobile hotspot.

Quick Steps

Enable your mobile hotspot.
Click the Wi-Fi icon on your computer.
Select your hotspot's name.
Click Connect.
Enter the password.
Click Next.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using a Windows PC

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1
Turn on your mobile hotspot. This process will differ depending on your device.
- On iPhone: Open Settings and tap Cellular, then tap Personal Hotspot. Toggle on Allow Others to Join and set a password.
- On Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the Quick Access menu. Tap the Hotspot icon to turn it on (you may have to scroll right). Tap and hold the icon to edit the hotspot name and password.
2
Click the
icon on your PC. It's in the taskbar near the clock, which is usually at the bottom-right corner of the screen. If you are connected to a network, it will resemble a fan with lines over a dot. If you are not connected to a network, it will resemble a wired globe. This opens a list of available wireless networks.
- You may need to click the text bubble icon to expand the side menu.
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If the Wi-Fi icon, which resembles a fan with arching lines over a dot, is not highlighted, click it to turn it on. On Windows 10, it's at the bottom of the menu. On Windows 11, it's the first icon at the top of the menu.
On Windows 11, click the icon of a bracket pointing right to the left of the Wi-Fi icon. This displays a list of available networks.
In most cases, this is the name of your device.
6
Click Connect. If the hotspot requires a network security key, you'll be prompted to enter it now.
- Some public hotspots (e.g., airports or cafes) require an extra step. Open a web browser and navigate to www.wikihow.com. If you're redirected to a page that tells you to agree to rules or sign up for an account, follow the instructions to get online. If you see wikiHow's homepage, you're good to go.
  - Never log into secure platforms or enter sensitive information while connected to a public Wi-Fi network or hotspot.
As long as you enter the correct password, you should be able to connect to the internet through this hotspot.
8
Use a wired connection (optional). If you don't want to connect via Wi-Fi or have trouble connecting, you can use a wired connection instead. Do the following:^{[1]
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- Plug your phone into your computer via USB.
  - If you're using an iPhone, you must have iTunes installed on your computer.
- Turn on USB tethering in the Mobile Hotspot settings in the Settings menu.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using a Mac

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1
Turn on your mobile hotspot. This process will differ depending on your device.
- On iPhone: Open Settings and tap Cellular. Then tap Personal Hotspot. Toggle on Allow Others to Join and set a password.
- On Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the Quick Access menu. Tap the Hotspot icon to turn it on (you may have to scroll right). Tap and hold the icon to edit the hotspot name and password.
It's in the menu bar at the top-right side of the screen. A list of available wireless networks will appear.^{[2]
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3
Click the hotspot you want to join. If you're using your phone's hotspot, select your phone.
- Some public hotspots (e.g., airports or cafes) require an extra step. Open a web browser and navigate to www.wikihow.com. If you're redirected to a page that tells you to agree to rules or sign up for an account, follow the instructions to get online. If you see wikiHow's homepage, you're good to go.
  - Never log into secure platforms or enter any sensitive information while connected to a public Wi-Fi network or hotspot.
4
Type the password and click Join. As long as you enter the correct password, you should be able to connect to the internet through this hotspot.
- 1. - Android phones cannot connect to a Mac using USB tethering.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Chromebook

Download Article

1
Turn on your mobile hotspot. This process will differ depending on your device.
- On iPhone: Open Settings and tap Cellular. Then tap Personal Hotspot. Toggle on Allow Others to Join and set a password.
- On Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen twice to open the Quick Access menu. Tap the Hotspot icon to turn it on (you may have to scroll right). Tap and hold the icon to edit the hotspot name and password.
It's the button that has the time, battery, and Wi-Fi icons in the lower-right corner.
3
Click the Wi-Fi icon
. It's the first option at the top of the menu. It has an icon that resembles a fan with arching lines over a dot. This will display a list of available networks.
- If you are not connected to a network, it will say "No network."
4
Click your mobile hotspot. It will be listed in the list of available networks. In most cases, it will be the name of your device.
- Some public hotspots (e.g., airports or cafes) require an extra step. Open a web browser and navigate to www.wikihow.com. If you're redirected to a page that tells you to agree to rules or sign up for an account, follow the instructions to get online. If you see wikiHow's homepage, you're good to go.
  - Never log into secure platforms or enter any sensitive information while connected to a public Wi-Fi network or hotspot.
5
Enter your password and click Connect. As long as you enter the correct password, you should be able to connect to the internet through this hotspot.^{[3]
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