PC Doctor June 8, 2020

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Dear PC Doctor:

I recently moved and haven't started paying for internet service yet. I have an unlimited data plan on my phone, and someone told me I could use my phone as a wifi hotspot. I want to connect my laptop. Can I do that? How?


Thank you,

Home Alone



Dear Home Alone:


Yes. It's pretty cool. In just a few steps, you can turn your smartphone into an internet connection that you can use for your laptop, tablet, or even another phone.

To set up a personal hotspot on your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot and toggle it on (if you don't see Personal Hotspot in Settings, tap Cellular > Personal Hotspot). You will need the Wi-Fi password that appears on screen.

Open the Wi-Fi menu on the laptop you want to connect to the internet. Look for your iOS device (ex: Home Alone's iPhone), tap it, and enter the password that appears on your iPhone's Personal Hotspot screen.

Your laptop should now be able to surf the web (and consume mobile data). To disconnect, toggle Personal Hotspot to off on your iOS device.

The process is similar for Android devices, but it will look different for each manufacturer. Essentially, go to your Settings and look for "tether." For specific instructions for your brand of phone do an internet search for how to tether my (your kind of phone) for a wifi hotspot.

If you decide to do this, just know that it will use both data and your phone's battery charge quickly.


Until next time, Happy Computing!

PC Doctor

Editor's Note: Questions should be directed to PC Doctor, care of the Athol Public Library, info@athollibrary.org or Athol Public Library, 568 Main St., Athol, Mass. 01331, or dropped off at the library.