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Hotspot

Setting up a hotspot or tethering lets you share your device's cellular data connection with other devices when you don't have access to a Wi-Fi network.

Hotspot cannot replace home internet

Using your phone as a permanent home internet replacement via hotspot is not permitted under US Mobile's terms of service and may result in account suspension.

Before setting up a hotspot​

Check your US Mobile plan to make sure:

  1. You have sufficient data in your plan
  2. Your plan includes the hotspot feature
note

All custom data and Shareable Data plans have hotspot functionality. Unlimited plans have limited hotspot available.

Hotspot carrier blockages​

Carrier-branded phones may block hotspot

If you brought your phone from another carrier and it still has carrier firmware (common with devices purchased directly from a carrier on contract), hotspot may be blocked at the firmware level even if your US Mobile plan includes it. Contact your previous carrier to request a full unlock if hotspot is not working on an otherwise compatible plan.

Setting up hotspot on iPhone​

  1. Go to Settings > Cellular / Mobile data
  2. Select the Cellular / Mobile data slider to turn it on
  3. Select Personal Hotspot, then select the slider to turn it on
  4. You can connect to this hotspot using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB

Setting up hotspot on Android​

  1. Go to Settings > Connections / Network and Internet > Hotspot and tethering
  2. Select Mobile Hotspot / Wi-Fi Hotspot to configure the hotspot
  3. The Network name, Security type, and Password are displayed and can be edited. Other users will need this information to connect to the Wi-Fi network.
  4. Select the Mobile Hotspot / Wi-Fi Hotspot switch to turn on the hotspot

Troubleshooting hotspot issues​

If you're able to use data and other services but still have issues with mobile hotspot, follow the steps below.

First steps​

  1. Make sure you're in a good coverage area
  2. Check if you have sufficient data in your plan
  3. Verify your plan includes hotspot (Unlimited Starter, Unlimited Premium, and Shareable Data bundles offer hotspot by default)
  4. Verify that hotspot is set up properly
  5. Check these settings on the device you're trying to connect:
    • Wi-Fi is turned on and devices are within 15 feet of your device
    • The device is connected to the right hotspot Wi-Fi network
    • Try accessing a different website or app. If they work as expected, the hotspot is not the problem.
    • Delete the Wi-Fi profile on the device and re-add it
    • Close or turn off any programs running in the background and clear the browser cache and history

Troubleshooting on Android​

Follow these steps if you're having hotspot issues on an Android device.

Step 1: Check APN settings​

  1. Check that the APN settings are configured correctly (see List of APN settings)

  2. If the APN settings are correct but your hotspot still doesn't work (Light Speed only), update the APN type to:

    APN type: default,MMS,supl,dun

Step 2: Turn airplane mode on and off​

  1. Go to Settings > Connections / Network & Internet > Flight mode
  2. Turn flight mode on
  3. Turn flight mode off
  4. Restart your device
  5. Check that hotspot is turned on

Troubleshooting on iPhone​

Step 1: Check APN settings (Light Speed only)​

If you're on Light Speed, check that the APN settings are configured correctly. If there is a hotspot section appearing under Settings > Cellular / Mobile data > Cellular / Mobile Data Options, enter "pwg" under that APN field too.

Step 2: Reset cellular connection​

  1. If you're using an eSIM, turn off the eSIM profile, turn it back on after a minute, and proceed with Step 4
  2. If using a SIM card, remove the SIM card from your device
  3. Go to Settings > Cellular / Mobile data, then insert the SIM back into the device
  4. Select the Cellular / Mobile data toggle to turn it on
  5. Select Personal Hotspot, then select the toggle to turn it on

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