What is a mobile hotspot and how to use it?

Ever been in the middle of an important task while working from home, only for your WiFi to suddenly give up on you? It can be frustrating, especially when you have urgent deadlines to meet. But don’t worry—there’s a quick fix! You can seamlessly use your mobile data on your laptop or tablet by setting up a mobile hotspot, ensuring you stay connected without missing a beat.

At Vi, we know how important it is to stay connected no matter where you are. That’s why we’re here to break down everything you need to know about mobile hotspots—what they are, how they work, and how you can make the most of them. Let’s dive in!

What Exactly is a Mobile Hotspot?

Think of a mobile hotspot as your very own pocket-sized WiFi network. It lets you share your mobile data with other devices—like your laptop, tablet, or even another phone—so you can stay connected wherever you go.

You can turn your smartphone into a personal hotspot, or you can use a dedicated mobile hotspot device that functions like a mini WiFi router. Either way, it’s a super handy way to get online when you don’t have access to regular broadband.

How Does a Mobile Hotspot Work?

A mobile hotspot taps into your mobile data and converts it into a WiFi signal. That means other devices can connect to it just like they would with any standard WiFi. Simple, right?

Here’s how you can enable your WiFi hotspot on both Android and iOS devices:

For Android Users:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap on Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering.
3. Select WiFi Hotspot and turn it on.
4. Set a hotspot name and password to keep things secure.
5. Connect your devices using the details you set.

For iPhone Users:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Personal Hotspot (or go to Mobile Data > Personal Hotspot).
3. Toggle it on and set up a password.
4. Connect your other devices, and you’re good to go!

That’s it! Your phone now works as a mobile hotspot device, letting you browse, stream, and work from anywhere. Just keep in mind that using a personal hotspot does use up your mobile data, so always keep an eye on your usage.

Why Use a Mobile Hotspot?

A WiFi hotspot is a total lifesaver in so many situations. Here’s why you’ll love using one:

1. Stay Connected Anywhere

If you’re enjoying a staycation but WiFi there seems dodgy, or camping in the middle of nowhere, your mobile hotspot has got your back. As long as you’ve got a mobile signal, you can get online and continue to work.

2. Safer Than Public WiFi

Public WiFi might seem convenient, but it’s often unsecure. A personal hotspot is a safer alternative, keeping your data private and protected.

3. Work and Study Without Interruptions

Need a reliable connection for work calls or online classes? A hot spot WiFi ensures you won’t be left hanging.

4. Connect Multiple Devices

A WiFi hotspot lets you connect multiple devices at once. So if you’re travelling with friends or family, everyone can enjoy a stable internet connection.

5. No Need for Extra Equipment

Your phone can act as a mobile hotspot device, so there’s no need to buy extra hardware unless you want a dedicated hotspot for even better connectivity.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Mobile Hotspot

Want to make sure your hot spot WiFi runs smoothly? Here are some quick tips:

• Use a strong password – Keeps unwanted users out.
•  Monitor your data usage – Streaming and downloads can eat up data fast.
•  Find a strong signal – Place your phone or mobile hotspot device somewhere with a good network signal for better speeds.
•  Turn it off when not in use – Saves battery and prevents unnecessary data usage.
• Limit background apps – Close apps that run in the background to save data.

What is a Mobile Hotspot Device?

Unlike smartphone Wifi, a mobile hotspot device is a portable gadget that creates a personal WiFi network through a dedicated SIM card’s mobile data plan, allowing multiple devices to connect securely. Unlike using your phone as a hotspot, a mobile hotspot device offers better battery life, faster speeds, and a more stable connection. Ideal for travel, remote work, or as a backup for home internet, it ensures uninterrupted connectivity wherever you go.

Seamless Internet Connectivity with Vi

Since Hotspots work on the back of the mobile data that you have, it is essential to have a plan that offers high levels of data limits so that you don’t get stranded or overcharged. At  Vi, we offer a wide range of plans, both prepaid and postpaid, that offer features like half-day unlimited internet, data rollover, and so much more. Let’s take a look:

Prepaid plans:

Price	Validity	Benefits
₹ 449	28 Days	- Truly Unlimited Calls - 3GB/Day Data - 100 SMS/Day - Vi Movies & TV Super (28 days access to 16 OTTs) - Half Day Unlimited Data (12 AM - 12 PM) - Weekend Data Rollover - Up to 2GB of backup Data every month (Claim via ViApp)
₹ 469	28 Days	- Truly Unlimited Calls - 2.5GB/Day Data - 100 SMS/Day - JioHotstar Subscription (3 months access to JioHotstar Mobile) - Half Day Unlimited Data (12 AM - 12 PM) - Weekend Data Rollover - Up to 2GB of backup Data every month (Claim via ViApp)
₹ 795	56 Days	- Truly Unlimited Calls - 3GB/Day Data - 100 SMS/Day - Vi Movies & TV Super (60 days access to 16 OTTs) - Half Day Unlimited Data (12 AM - 12 PM) - Weekend Data Rollover - Up to 2GB of backup Data every month (Claim via ViApp)
₹ 979	84 Days	- Truly Unlimited Calls - 2GB/Day Data - 100 SMS/Day - Vi Movies & TV Super (84 days access to 16 OTTs) - Half Day Unlimited Data (12 AM - 12 PM) - Weekend Data Rollover - Up to 2GB of backup Data every month (Claim via ViApp)
₹ 1198	70 Days	- Truly Unlimited Calls - 2GB/Day Data - 100 SMS/Day - Netflix Basic Subscription (TV + Mobile) for 70 days - Half Day Unlimited Data (12 AM - 12 PM) - Weekend Data Rollover - Up to 2GB of backup Data every month (Claim via ViApp)
₹ 3799	365 Days	- Truly Unlimited Calls - 2GB/Day Data - 100 SMS/Day - Amazon Prime Subscription (1 year of Prime LITE) - Half Day Unlimited Data (12 AM - 12 PM) - Weekend Data Rollover - Up to 2GB of backup Data every month (Claim via ViApp)

Subscribers using our prepaid services in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Assam, North East, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh circles will be able to access Unlimited Data all day, every day with our Non-Stop Superhero plans.

Postpaid:

Price	Validity	Benefits
₹451 (Vi Max 451)	Monthly	- 50GB with 200GB Monthly Rollover   - Unlimited Night Data (12 Midnight to 6 AM)     - Unlimited Calls     - 3000 SMS/Month        - Vi Games: Play Esports, Multiplayer games & more for free on Vi App           - Choose any 1 free from below:           - Vi Movies & TV: Top OTTs in one app (first 3 months free)    - JioHotstar: 1-year mobile subscription           - Sony LIV: 360 days of mobile subscription       - Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover
₹551 (Vi Max 551)	Monthly	- 90GB with 200GB Monthly Rollover     - 3000 SMS/Month        -Unlimited Calls            -Unlimited Night Data (12 Midnight to 6 AM)     - Vi Games: Play Esports, Multiplayer games & more for free on Vi App           - Choose any 2 free from below:           - Vi Movies & TV: Top OTTs in one app (first 3 months free)       - Amazon Prime: 6-months trial with paid yearly auto-renewal     - JioHotstar: 1-year mobile subscription           - Sony LIV: 360 days of mobile subscription      - SwiggyOne: 1-year access (two coupons of SwiggyOne quarterly membership)       - EazyDiner: 1-year access (two coupons of EazyDiner quarterly membership)           - Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover
₹751 (Vi Max 751)	Monthly	- 150GB with 200GB Monthly Rollover             -Unlimited Night Data (12 Midnight to 6 AM)     - 3000 SMS/Month        -Unlimited calls             - Vi Games: Play Esports, Multiplayer games & more for free on Vi App           - Choose any 3 free from below:           - Vi Movies & TV: Top OTTs in one app (first 3 months free)       - Amazon Prime: 6-month trial with paid yearly auto-renewal               - JioHotstar: 1-year TV+Mobile subscription     - Sony LIV: 360 days TV+Mobile subscription                 - SwiggyOne: 1-year access (two coupons of SwiggyOne quarterly membership)       - EazyDiner: 1-year access (two coupons of EazyDiner quarterly membership)         - Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover
₹1201 (REDX 1201)	Monthly (6-month lock-in)	- Unlimited Data, Unlimited calls           - 3000 SMS/Month        - Lock-in period: 6 months        - Additional benefits:     - International Roaming: 7-day i-RoamFree pack (worth ₹2999)     - Airport Lounge Access: 4 times per year (Domestic & International)             - Vi Games: Play Esports, Multiplayer games & more for free on Vi App           - Fully loaded with benefits:      - Netflix Basic: Watch on 1 device (auto-renewing at no extra cost)       - Amazon Prime: 6-months trial with paid yearly auto renewal      - JioHotstar: 1-year TV+Mobile subscription     - Sony LIV: 360 days of TV+Mobile subscription                  - SwiggyOne: 1-year access (two coupons of SwiggyOne quarterly membership)    - Norton: 1-year Norton 360 Mobile Security cover

Subscribers using our postpaid services in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Odisha, Assam, North East, Jammu and Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh circles will be able to access Unlimited Data benefits with the aforementioned plans.

A mobile hotspot is your go-to solution for the internet on the move. Whether you’re using your phone as a personal hotspot or a dedicated mobile hotspot device, you’ll always have a reliable connection at your fingertips.

At Vi, we offer flexible data plans to make sure your hot spot WiFi runs smoothly without any interruptions. So go ahead—connect, stream, work, and browse wherever you are. With a WiFi hotspot, the internet is always within reach!