This guide will show you how to set up and use the Galaxy Note 8 as a mobile hotspot. It allows you to share your internet connection with other devices such as laptop, tablet or portable gaming system. Basically, turning the Note 8 into a WiFi network for the rest of your devices.
Mobile hotspots are a great way to stay connected while traveling without paying for expensive hotel WiFi or fiddling with Starbucks connections. Depending on your carrier, some phones are faster than 4G LTE, home internet. It offers high speeds to any device you need.
It’s often called a mobile hotspot, portable hotspot, or tethering, but they’re all the same thing. There are several different ways to use the Galaxy Note 8 hotspot, including those using your USB Type-C charging cable for a more secure connection. We’ll cover both in our instructions below.
Before you begin, note that some carriers charge an additional monthly fee for the hotspot functionality. Not to mention the many unlimited plans it doesn’t offer at all. Also, be careful when using your access point, as it’s easy to use an entire 5GB monthly data plan in one day. Basically, know what your carrier allows and be careful how you use it.
How to Use Your Galaxy Note 8 as a Mobile Hotspot
Before using the access point, be sure to change the name or at least use a password you can remember.
Basically, you turn on the hotspot, allow it to authorize, then set a name and password. After enabling the hotspot, simply connect to the newly created WiFi network with your tablet, laptop, computer, gaming device or other WiFi-enabled devices.
Before continuing, it’s a good idea to press the three dots at the top of the screen and select . Next, choose how long your Galaxy Note 8 keeps the hotspot active when not in use. In this way, after 10 minutes, no one connects, it shuts down. This will save your data connection and battery life.
Turn Your Galaxy Note 8 WiFi Hotspot On/Off
After you set this up for the first time, you’ll want to quickly access this feature when you need it. Add the hotspot to your list of quick settings in the notification popup bar.
Swipe down twice from the top of the screen to see an expanded few of all the quick settings icons. Usually there are options for WiFi, Bluetooth, Sound, Flashlight and other useful settings. Find the Mobile Hotspot quick setting tile and tap it once as shown above. This instantly turns the hotspot feature on and off.
You can also scroll down twice, then press the 3-dot menu button and select ““. Then rearrange the buttons so Mobile Hotspot is one of the first six shown for faster access.
How to Use Galaxy Note 8 Tethering (USB Type-C)
Similar to the WiFi hotspot, the Galaxy Note 8 can also share its internet and data connection via the USB port at the bottom. It’s in the same settings menu as above, under it. This provides a faster connection, but also a more secure connection as you are not broadcasting a signal, but sharing it directly to a laptop via a cable.
This works pretty much the same as a mobile hotspot. Turn it on and connect your USB Type-C cable to your computer and Galaxy Note 8. On Mac, you need to go to Network Preferences and set USB tethering as a network option. In Windows a small popup will ask you to connect to a new network and your device may need to download and install some drivers first. Then connect to Note 8 and use it for your internet access source.
This is another safer option. However, it is usually more convenient to use a mobile hotspot. Also, most wireless providers like Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile do not accept tethering or may charge an additional monthly fee for access.
A Few More Details
It’s a good idea to check your data usage after using the Galaxy Note 8 as a mobile hotspot. Those with unlimited data plans need not worry, but for everyone else, an access point can easily consume your monthly data cap in just a few hours. Again, be careful.
We recommend that you dive into the topic and watch closely so you don’t go over the limit or see additional charges on your next month’s bills.
Learn how to disable the Bixby button while you’re here, or check out our list of 20 Best Note 8 cases from the slideshow below.
