Alex Ruben
How to Use Wi-Fi and Mobile Hotspot Simultaneously on Your Android Device
In this guide, you’ll learn two effective methods to utilize your Wi-Fi connection and mobile hotspot at the same time on your Android phone. This is particularly useful if you want to share your Wi-Fi connection with other devices without consuming your mobile data. By following these steps, you will be able to enhance your connectivity options, allowing multiple devices to access the internet seamlessly.
Before starting, ensure your Android device and any connected devices are fully updated. For method one, you will need a Windows computer with Bluetooth capability. For method two, you will need to download the NetSharing app from the Google Play Store.
Step 1: Enabling Bluetooth Tethering
To begin, you will enable Bluetooth tethering on your Android device.
- Open your phone’s Settings.
- Navigate to Connections or Network & Internet, depending on your Android version.
- Locate and tap on Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
- Toggle on Bluetooth Tethering.
Step 2: Pairing Your Android Device with Windows
Next, you will pair your Android device with your Windows computer via Bluetooth.
- On your Windows computer, open the Settings from the Start menu.
- Select Devices and then Bluetooth & other devices.
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled, and click Add Bluetooth or other device.
- On your phone, go to the Bluetooth settings and make your device discoverable.
- On the computer, select your phone from the list of available devices and choose Pair.
- Confirm the pairing request on both the phone and computer.
Step 3: Enabling Internet Access on Windows
Now that your devices are paired, you need to enable internet access using the Bluetooth connection.
- On your Windows computer, go back to the Bluetooth settings.
- Select your paired device and find the option for Internet Access.
- Ensure the Internet Connection Sharing option is enabled.
Step 4: Using the NetSharing App
If Bluetooth tethering is not an option, you can use the NetSharing app to share your Wi-Fi connection.
- Download and install the NetSharing app from the Google Play Store.
- Open the app and check the box for Start Wi-Fi Hotspot.
- Click Allow to grant necessary permissions.
- After a few seconds, the app will provide a Wi-Fi name and password.
- Take note of the address and port displayed at the bottom of the app interface.
Step 5: Connecting Devices to the Hotspot
With the hotspot active, connect your other devices to it.
- On the device you wish to connect, go to Wi-Fi settings and find the hotspot name you set up.
- Enter the password provided by the NetSharing app.
- Connect to the Wi-Fi network.
Step 6: Configuring Proxy Settings for Internet Access
After connecting, you may need to configure the proxy settings to enable internet access.
- On the connected device, open the Wi-Fi settings and select the connected network.
- Scroll down and select Proxy settings.
- Enable the manual proxy setup and enter the IP address and port number noted from the NetSharing app.
- Save the settings and restart your browser to check for internet access.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some tips for troubleshooting common issues:
- Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices and they are within range.
- Restart both your Android device and the Windows computer if you encounter connectivity issues.
- Check that your mobile data is enabled if you are using NetSharing, as it may require active data for proper functioning.
Conclusion
By following these methods, you can easily use your Android device’s Wi-Fi and hotspot capabilities simultaneously, allowing for better connectivity options for you and your devices. If you run into issues, refer to the troubleshooting tips provided in this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use these methods on any Android device?
Yes, these methods work on most Android devices, although some settings may vary slightly based on the manufacturer.
Do I need root access for the NetSharing app?
No, the NetSharing app does not require root access, making it usable for a wide range of devices.
What should I do if I can’t connect my phone to my computer via Bluetooth?
Ensure both devices are discoverable and within range. You may also need to remove the previous pairing and re-pair them.