Bluetooth Tethering & WiFi Hotspot Guide

TL;DR

This guide shows you how to share your phone’s internet connection with your computer using Bluetooth tethering and creating a WiFi hotspot. We’ll cover setup on both Android and iOS, plus troubleshooting tips.

Android – Bluetooth Tethering

1. Enable Developer Options (if needed): Go to Settings > About phone. Tap the ‘Build number’ seven times rapidly. You may need a PIN or password.
2. Turn on Bluetooth: Make sure Bluetooth is switched on in your settings.
3. Pair with Your Computer: Put your computer into pairing mode (usually found in its Bluetooth settings). On your Android phone, scan for devices and select your computer to pair. You’ll likely be asked to confirm a code on both devices.
4. Enable Bluetooth Tethering: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and tethering. Switch the ‘Bluetooth tethering’ option on.
5. Connect on Your Computer: On your computer, find the paired device (your phone) in the Bluetooth settings and connect to it. It should automatically start using the internet connection from your phone. If not, you may need to right-click the device and select ‘Connect using Access Point’.

Android – WiFi Hotspot

1. Go to Hotspot Settings: Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and tethering.
2. Configure Your Hotspot: Tap ‘Mobile hotspot’.
3. Set a Network Name (SSID) & Password: Choose a name for your WiFi network (e.g., MyPhoneHotspot) and set a strong password.
4. Security Type: Select WPA2 PSK or WPA3 Personal for the best security.
5. Turn on Mobile Hotspot: Switch the ‘Mobile hotspot’ option on.
6. Connect from Your Computer: On your computer, find your phone’s WiFi network in the list of available networks and enter the password you set.

iOS (iPhone/iPad) – Bluetooth Tethering

1. Turn on Personal Hotspot: Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot.
2. Enable Allow Others to Join: Switch the ‘Allow Others to Join’ option on.
3. Pair with Your Computer: Put your computer into pairing mode (usually found in its Bluetooth settings). On your iPhone/iPad, scan for devices and select your computer to pair. You’ll likely be asked to confirm a code on both devices.
4. Connect on Your Computer: On your computer, find the paired device (your phone) in the Bluetooth settings and connect to it. It should automatically start using the internet connection from your phone. If not, you may need to check the Bluetooth service is running correctly on your computer.

iOS (iPhone/iPad) – WiFi Hotspot

1. Turn on Personal Hotspot: Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot.
2. Enable Allow Others to Join: Switch the ‘Allow Others to Join’ option on.
3. Note Your WiFi Password: The password for your hotspot is displayed here. Make a note of it.
4. Connect from Your Computer: On your computer, find your iPhone/iPad’s WiFi network in the list of available networks and enter the password you noted.

Troubleshooting

• Bluetooth Pairing Issues: Make sure both devices are discoverable. Try unpairing and re-pairing. Restart both devices.
• No Internet Connection (Tethering): Check your phone has a working mobile data connection. Ensure Bluetooth tethering is enabled on your phone. On your computer, check the network adapter settings to make sure it’s using the correct Bluetooth connection.
• WiFi Hotspot Not Showing Up: Make sure Personal Hotspot is switched on in iOS or Mobile hotspot is switched on in Android. Check the WiFi password you’re entering is correct. Restart your phone and computer.
• Slow Connection Speeds: Tethering speeds can be slower than a direct WiFi connection. Close unnecessary apps on your phone to free up bandwidth. The quality of your mobile data signal will also affect speed.