There are times when I need to access the internet from my computer while traveling, and public Wi-Fi is either not available or a known security risk. I was in this situation last year in an airport, and recalled how some friends had previously used the iPhone for tethering. Tethering is a term for using a smartphone to connect a computer to the internet. I figured this process must have gotten easier and more automated in the past few years, and Googled iPhone for wifi hotspot to figure it out.
Sure enough, my iPhone 6 (using AT&T as the carrier) had an option in Settings to use the phone as a Personal Hotspot. I was able to open Settings, click Personal Hotspot, and connect my computer to Wi-Fi with a password.
Settings > Select Personal Hotspot
Turn hotspot on > retrieve Wi-Fi password
Once you have a password, go to the Wi-Fi icon on your computer and search for your iPhone’s network. If your iPhone doesn’t show up as an available network, consider restarting the computer. Select your iPhone’s network, enter the password, and now you’re connected!
Curious about extra charges, I called AT&T to inquire about usage rates for the hotspot. As long as I stay within my contract’s data limit, the service representative assured me there would be no extra charge. Having used the service several times in the past year, she was correct that I did not incur extra charges. However, it’s possible the arrangement is different for every carrier.
Did you know about this feature on your smartphone? I’d like to hear how it works for you, too.
Lorraine Akemann | Cofounder and Editor | Moms With Apps
Photo Credit Flickr [Yahoo]
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