How to hotspot when connected to Wi-Fi?

Sharing the Internet: How to Turn Your Android Phone into a Wi-Fi Hotspot (Even When Connected to Wi-Fi)

Need to share your internet connection with a laptop, tablet, or another phone, but you’re already connected to Wi-Fi on your Android device? It might sound counterintuitive, but with a little tweaking, your Android phone can actually act as a Wi-Fi repeater, sharing its Wi-Fi connection as a mobile hotspot. This is especially handy when you’re in a location with a weak Wi-Fi signal, but your phone has a slightly stronger connection that you want to amplify and share.

Here’s a breakdown of how to share your Android’s Wi-Fi connection via hotspot:

Understanding the Limitation:

It’s important to understand that directly sharing your Wi-Fi connection as a hotspot isn’t always possible by default. Many Android devices don’t allow you to simultaneously be connected to a Wi-Fi network and broadcast your own hotspot using the same Wi-Fi signal. This is due to technical limitations regarding how Wi-Fi radios operate.

The Solution: Wi-Fi Repeater Apps

The key to achieving this functionality lies in using third-party applications that essentially turn your Android phone into a Wi-Fi repeater or extender. These apps work by creating a new, virtual Wi-Fi network using your phone’s Wi-Fi antenna and then relaying the internet connection from the original Wi-Fi network to the devices connected to the new hotspot.

Here’s a general guide on how to use these apps (specific steps may vary depending on the app you choose):

1. Download a Wi-Fi Repeater App: Search the Google Play Store for “Wi-Fi Repeater,” “Wi-Fi Extender,” or “Tethering” apps. Some popular options include “NetShare- no-root-tethering” and similar alternatives. Carefully review app permissions and user reviews before downloading to ensure its legitimacy and security.
2. Install and Grant Permissions: Install the chosen app and grant the necessary permissions. These usually include access to your Wi-Fi, location (for Wi-Fi scanning), and potentially data usage.
3. Configure the App:
   • Connect to the Wi-Fi Network: Ensure your Android phone is connected to the Wi-Fi network you want to share.
   • Enable Wi-Fi Sharing: Within the app, there will typically be an option to “Start Sharing,” “Enable Repeater,” or similar. Activate this option.
   • Configure the Hotspot Name and Password: The app will likely allow you to customize the name (SSID) of the Wi-Fi network it broadcasts and set a secure password. Choose a strong password to protect your connection.
4. Connect Your Other Devices: On the devices you want to connect to the internet, search for available Wi-Fi networks. You should see the name of the hotspot you configured in the app. Connect to it using the password you set.

Important Considerations:

• Battery Life: Sharing your Wi-Fi connection will significantly drain your Android phone’s battery. Keep your phone plugged into a power source whenever possible.
• Performance: The speed of your internet connection will be divided between all connected devices. You may experience slower speeds if multiple devices are using the hotspot simultaneously.
• Security: Always use a strong password for your hotspot to prevent unauthorized access.
• Root Access: Some apps might require root access for certain features. Rooting your phone can void your warranty and poses security risks, so proceed with caution and do thorough research before rooting.
• App Compatibility: Not all apps are created equal. Experiment with different Wi-Fi repeater apps to find one that works reliably with your specific Android device and operating system.

In conclusion, while Android doesn’t natively support Wi-Fi sharing while connected to Wi-Fi, third-party apps provide a viable solution to turn your phone into a repeater. By carefully choosing and configuring the right app, you can easily share your Wi-Fi connection with other devices, providing a convenient way to stay connected when a stronger signal is needed.