How to Use Wi-Fi and Hotspot at the Same Time

In today’s hyper-connected world, staying online is essential. Sometimes, however, you may find yourself in a situation where the available WiFi connection is slow or unreliable, and you need to maintain a steady internet connection. This is where the power of using WiFi and a mobile hotspot simultaneously comes into play.

Assess Your Equipment

Before diving into the technical aspects, it’s essential to make sure you have the necessary equipment. You’ll need a device, such as a laptop or smartphone, with WiFi capability and a cellular data connection, such as a mobile phone with hotspot functionality. Make sure both devices are in working order and can connect to the internet.

Enable Your Mobile Hotspot

First, enable the mobile hotspot on your smartphone or mobile device. To do this:

• For Android devices: Go to Settings, then Network & Internet, and tap on Hotspot & tethering. Toggle the switch to enable the Mobile Hotspot.
• For iOS devices: Open the Settings app, go to Personal Hotspot, and turn it on.

Connect to the Mobile Hotspot

After enabling the mobile hotspot, connect your computer or other WiFi-enabled device to it, just as you would connect to any other WiFi network. You will need to enter the hotspot’s password if you have set one.

Connect to a Wi-Fi Network

Now, keep your mobile hotspot active and connect to a WiFi network as well. If you’re using a laptop, you can connect to WiFi by clicking on the WiFi icon in the taskbar or system tray and selecting your preferred network.

Adjust Network Priorities (Advanced)

By default, your device may prioritize the WiFi network over the mobile hotspot. If you want to use both connections simultaneously, you’ll need to adjust your network preferences. Here’s how to do it on Windows:

• Open the “Control Panel.”
• Click on “Network and Sharing Center.”
• On the left panel, click on “Change adapter settings.”
• Select both the WiFi and mobile hotspot connections (press and hold Ctrl while clicking each one).
• Right-click and select “Bridge Connections.”
• On a Mac, you can use the “Set Service Order” option to prioritize one connection over the other. This can usually be found in the network settings.

Please note that modifying network preferences can be tricky and may not be available on all devices. It’s important to exercise caution when making such changes.

Enjoy Enhanced Connectivity

With both your WiFi and mobile hotspot active, your device will automatically use both connections to improve your internet speed and reliability. This can be especially helpful for downloading large files, streaming high-definition videos, or online gaming, where a stable and fast internet connection is crucial.

Monitor Data Usage

Using both WiFi and a mobile hotspot simultaneously may increase your data consumption, so keep an eye on your data usage to avoid unexpected charges from your cellular provider. You can set up data usage alerts or limits to stay in control.

Using WiFi and a mobile hotspot at the same time can be a game-changer when you need a reliable and fast internet connection. It’s particularly handy when you’re on the move, in an area with weak WiFi, or facing connectivity issues. Just remember to ensure your equipment is compatible, configure your connections carefully, and monitor your data usage to avoid any unexpected costs. With this knowledge, you can make the most of your connectivity, no matter where you are.