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Having access to the internet when you’re away from home doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're on holiday, visiting the family, or simply out and about, there are easy ways to get internet access on your devices. This article explains two simple solutions that can keep you online wherever you go.
What is a Pocket WiFi Device?
A pocket WiFi device is a small, portable gadget about the size of a deck of cards (or even smaller) that creates your own personal internet connection. Think of it as carrying your home WiFi router in your pocket. These little devices connect to mobile networks like Telstra or Optus (just like your phone does) and then share that internet connection with your phone, tablet, or any other device that uses WiFi.
Why would you want one?
Pocket WiFi devices are great for several reasons:
- When you're traveling internationally and don't want to pay expensive roaming charges,
- If you need reliable internet in areas where public WiFi isn't available or trustworthy,
- When you want to connect multiple devices at once (your tablet, laptop, and maybe your travel companion's phone), and
- For peace of mind knowing you have your own secure internet connection.
How to use a Pocket WiFi Device
First, charge the device using the included USB cable, just like charging a phone. Once it's powered on (usually with a simple button press), the device starts working immediately. You’ll need the WiFi name and password, which is usually printed on a sticker on the device itself or in the instruction booklet.
Then, on your phone, tablet, or laptop, go to your WiFi settings just as you would when connecting to WiFi at home. Find the network name that matches your pocket WiFi device, select it, and enter the password. And that's it, you're connected.
Most pocket WiFi devices can connect five to ten devices at once, so your whole family can use the same device. The battery typically lasts four to twelve hours depending on the model, and you just recharge it when needed.
What is a Mobile Hotspot?
If you have a smartphone (iPhone, Samsung, etc.), you already have the means to create a mobile hotspot. Your phone can share its internet connection with your other devices, turning your phone into a pocket WiFi device. This is a feature built right into both iPhones and Android phones.
When should you use your Mobile Hotspot?
Your phone's mobile hotspot feature is perfect for:
- Emergency situations when you need to get your laptop online quickly,
- Short periods when you need internet on another device,
- Times when there's no other WiFi available, and
- Avoiding sketchy public WiFi networks that might not be secure.
Keep in mind that using your phone as a hotspot uses your phone's data plan, so check with your carrier about any limits or extra charges. Many modern phone plans include hotspot capability, but some may charge extra or have data caps.
How to turn on Mobile Hotspot on your iPhone
- Open your Settings app (the gray icon with gears on it).
- Look for "Personal Hotspot" or "Cellular" and tap it. If you see "Cellular," tap that first, then look for "Personal Hotspot".
- Toggle the switch next to "Allow Others to Join" to turn it on. The switch will turn green when it's active, or, if you’re using VoiceOver, it will report that it’s switched on.
- Your iPhone will now display a WiFi password on this screen. You can tap on it to change it to something easier to remember if you'd like.
To connect another device, simply go to that device's WiFi settings, look for your phone's name in the list of available networks, and enter the password shown on your phone’s screen. Your phone will show a blue bar at the top of the screen when something is connected to your hotspot. VoiceOver reports this as “Personal Hotspot Active”.
When you're done, just go back to Settings and turn off Personal Hotspot, or it will automatically turn off after a period of inactivity.
How to turn on Mobile Hotspot on your Android phone
Android phones also make this process simple, though the exact steps might vary slightly depending on your phone's manufacturer (Samsung, Google, Motorola, etc.). Here's the general process:
- Swipe down from the top of your phone's screen to see your quick settings. Look for a tile or icon that says "Hotspot," "Mobile Hotspot," or "Tethering." If you see it, you can tap it to turn it on right away.
If you don't see it in the quick settings, open your Settings app. Look for "Network & Internet" or "Connections" (Samsung phones often say "Connections"). Tap on that, then look for "Hotspot & Tethering" or "Mobile Hotspot."
- Tap "Mobile Hotspot" or "WiFi Hotspot" and toggle the switch to turn it on. You'll see the network name and password on this screen. Many Android phones let you tap on the password to change it to something more memorable.
To connect another device, simply go to that device's WiFi settings, look for your phone's name in the list of available networks, and enter the password shown on your phone’s screen. When you're finished, return to these settings and toggle the hotspot off, or it will turn off automatically after no devices have been connected for a while.
A few helpful tips
Watch Your Battery: Using your phone as a hotspot drains the battery faster than normal use. If you plan to use it for a while, keep your phone plugged in or bring a portable charger.
Mind Your Data: Streaming videos or downloading large files uses a lot of data very quickly. If your phone plan has a data limit, save those activities for when you're on regular WiFi.
Security Matters: Only share your WiFi password with people you trust.
Signal Strength: Your hotspot can only be as good as your phone's cellular signal. If your phone has weak reception, the internet connection will be slow for any connected devices.
Which option is right for you?
If you only occasionally need internet access for your laptop or tablet when you're out, using your phone's mobile hotspot feature is perfect. It's free (assuming you have data in your plan), always with you, and requires no extra device to carry or charge.
However, if you travel frequently, especially internationally, or if you regularly need internet for multiple devices throughout the day, investing in a pocket WiFi device might be worthwhile. They often have better battery life than using your phone's hotspot, won't drain your phone's battery, and can be more cost-effective for international travel.
Whichever you choose, you can feel better knowing you are being safe online.