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Set up a Personal Wi-Fi Hotspot

If you can't find a Wi-Fi hotspot, you can turn your phone into your own personal hotspot and use your 3G data instead.

Apple introduce a brilliant service for anyone with a 3GS and better to use their iPhones as a personal hotspot. This means you can use your PC, MAC, iPad or any other Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-connectable device to look into your iPhone and use its 3G data.

Although the 3GS cannot work over Wi-Fi (it is USB and Bluetooth-only), Wi-Fi is available on the 4 and 4S models and you can attach up to five devices with a maximum of three on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It works amazingly well and it is quite straightforward to set up. It means you will never be caught short, having to run around finding an internet connection.

Wi-Fi Hotspot

The iPhone tells you when you are connected with a blue bar across the screen (this also tells you how many devices are looked up too so you can better manage them) and you can also set your own passwords for security.

There are some downsides. You will eat into your data and if you have a limited plan this could prove expensive so it is worth keeping tethering to a minimum and as an emergency-only option. Your connection will also be faster if you can find a proper Wi-Fi or broadband point. Tethering can also drain your iPhone battery. But as a handy backup, there is nothing better.

Turn on Personal Hotspot

  1. Launch the Settings:
    Go to Settings, then 'General'. Now scroll down and select the 'Network' option.
  2. Personal Hotspot:
    Click on the 'Personal Hotspot' option as you will need to turn this on.
  3. Turn on Hotspot:
    The top option turns Personal Hotspot on. There are three ways to connect - via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or USB.
  4. Enabling Optiond:
    You can opt for Wi-Fi and USB only or tap Turn on Bluetooth to enable that option. Tap your choice.
  5. Become discoverable
    Plug your iPhone into a computer, and it will tell you the name that will be sown for Wi-Fi networks.
  6. Enter a Password:
    The page will also show you a password. You will need this in order to connect so make a note of it.
  7. Computer Options:
    Select System Preferences → Network on Mac. On a PC, go to Network Connections and set one up.
  8. Change the Password:
    If you want a new password, go to Settings → Personal Hotspot then tap the Wi-Fi password.
  9. Check your Usage:
    Go to Settings → General → Usage. Here you can see how much data has been used - keep an eye on it!