The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 can act as a personal hotspot, a portable internet connection that can be shared with the millions of iPads, Nexus 7s and laptops we use. Allowing them to connect to the internet wherever there is a cell phone signal. Here we explain how to use the Note 4 as a personal WiFi hotspot.
Whether you call it personal hotspot, portable hotspot, Mobile hotspot or just tethering – we’re talking about using the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 to connect other devices to the internet. Our smartphones’ signal and internet connection for data can be shared, giving your laptop or tablet faster speeds than many home networks, wherever you are.
It’s a concept and feature that many users still don’t understand, but below we’ll explain how easy it is to use your Galaxy Note 4 (or any Android phone) as a personal hotspot and internet connection. This is a useful feature you’ll want to take advantage of if your carrier plan allows it.
The most common and preferred method is to use WiFi tethering. Basically share your phones data connection with any of your devices over WiFi. Share with tablets, whether it’s your laptop or for your kids in the car. It’s similar to how you connect to Starbucks WiFi on an iPad, only using your phone connection. Alternatively, there’s also a wired USB connection so your Galaxy Note 4 can charge while sharing this connection with your Macbook, Galaxy Tab S or laptop of choice.
The easiest way to do this requires users to have an account through their carrier that supports hotspot functionality, which will unfortunately usually cost an extra $15-20 per month unless you are using some of the recent high-limit data plans. But most mobile family sharing plans have hotspot enabled, make sure you don’t use all of them and don’t exceed the limit. This is the easiest way, but it will cost you.
Below we will explain where to go in the settings to activate the personal hotspot, how to change the name and add a password so that others cannot use it, then how to connect your laptop or tablet to your computer. Galaxy Note 4 connection.
Instructions
To enable a wireless hotspot, you will start by going to settings by tapping the gear-shaped settings icon or by scrolling down and hitting settings in the notification popup bar. The first column on the Note 4 is links and one of the first options.
Select Settings > Tethering & hotspot > and slide the toggle to turn it on.
This will open tethering with all the default settings, so you’ll want to change them so others can’t use them too, and add a password if you’re public. Next, you will tap the device name or menu (3 dots at the top) and tap “configure hotspot” to change the name from Note 4 xxx to something more personal and make sure to add a unique password. WPA2 is the most secure, enter the password and hit save.
Now when you go back to the original settings hotspot page, it will show the name and all connected devices. Alternatively, you can manage which devices are allowed to connect for added security and connectivity control. Let the kids tablet connect on the go or with whomever you want.
Your iPad or laptop can now search for a WiFi connection like you always do, find the Note 4 with the name you created, enter the password and you’re ready. You are now using the internet connection on another device. Again, be careful if you don’t have an unlimited data plan because you can quickly use up your entire monthly limit and get stuck with huge overusage charges.
USB tethering
In the same Tethering and hotspot menu in settings, you will also notice that there is a “USB tethering” option below the WiFi hotspot on/off switch. Instead of sharing the connection over WiFi where anyone can connect, USB tethering uses the micro USB cable that came with your Note 4. Plug this into your laptop and Note 3 and you can share the internet connection via USB. This is faster, safer, generally more stable and even charges your Galaxy Note 4 at the same time.
Our preferred method of connecting and using a hotspot function is to use USB, not to mention it simultaneously charges your device to keep you full of battery for a day’s work.
If your carrier is someone who is willing to charge $10 or $20 for hotspot functionality, or if it doesn’t come free with your carrier plan, there are a few other options. In Google Play Store you can find “root without tether” apps which once installed will enable USB tethering to share internet connection absolutely free. our favorite clinksince it’s a simple wired connection, but Easy Tether Pro and other options are also available for those interested.
Some third-party options require root access (Jailbreak version of Android) and some do not. If you are not an advanced user, tether without root options is your best bet.
Finally, it’s a good idea to add a data usage reminder or alert so you don’t spend the entire 5GB data plan. Go to settings > connections > data usage and set the slider to an appropriate limit to keep things under control.
