Hotspot & Tethering

 Using Hotspot and tethering will allow you to use your device to give internet connection to another device through your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. For example, if you are on a road trip and someone in the car wants to watch a movie on a tablet that has no connection, you can use your phone’s hotspot to allow the tablet to connect to the internet.

Apps can also create a hotspot to share content with nearby devices.

Wi-Fi Hotspot

This allows your Pixel to act as a Wi-Fi Modem for other devices. Turn on Use Wi-Fi Hotspot and you will see the following options.

Note: Wi-Fi Hotspot is usually an additional feature that comes with your data plan. Check with your wireless network provider for more information about using hotspot.

Hotspot Name

This will be the Wi-Fi name that the other device will want to search for and connect to. You will search for and connect to this name on the other device just as you would connect to any Wi-Fi. If you want to change the name, simply tap on the hotspot name and type in what you want to change it to then click OK.

Security

This is the Wireless Security Protocol used to keep your Wi-Fi Hotspot connection safe.

Hotspot Password

This is the password you will type in once you find the Hotspot Name on the device you want to give hotspot to. If you want to change the password, simply tap on Hotspot Password and change the password to what you want it to be, then click OK.

Turn Off Hotspot Automatically

When there are no devices connected to your hotspot, then it will turn off without you having to disconnect it. It is highly recommended that you leave this setting on as most data plans only allow you to have a limited amount of high speed hotspot and if it stays on while you’re not using it, it will waste your hotspot and possibly generate extra charges on your wireless bill depending on your data plan. Check with your wireless carrier for more details.

Extend Compatibility

This will help other devices find your hotspot.

Note: This will cause your phone to use more battery.

USB Tethering

Rather than using a wireless connection, you can tether your hotspot to another device using a cable. This may come in handy if you want to connect your phone directly to a computer.

Bluetooth Tethering

This will allow your phone to tether hotspot to a device using bluetooth.

Note: Bluetooth has a shorter range so the device must be within 10-20 feet.

Ethernet Tethering

This will allow your phone to tether hotspot to another device using an ethernet cable.