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How to Use the Galaxy S6 Mobile Hotspot

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The Samsung Galaxy S6 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge come with an array of features including the ability to turn them into a mobile hotspot to share their LTE connection with other devices. Today, we want to show you how to use the Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge as a mobile hotspot.

Samsung’s new flagship smartphones are capable of sharing their connection with other devices like laptops, tablets or even portable gaming system thanks to their personal hotspot feature. When you use the Galaxy S6 as a personal hotspot you can connect other devices to the Internet. This technology allows users to turn a single 3G, 4G or 4G LTE connection into one that is shared across several devices devices.

While on a 4G or 4G LTE connection, some users will gain speeds faster than a home internet connection. Turning the Galaxy S6 into a mobile hotspot is a great way to stay connected when you’re out and about without a Wi-Fi connection or if you want to avoid paying for Wi-Fi at your hotel.

Speck CandyShell Grip Galaxy S6 Edge Case Review - 3

Using the Samsung Galaxy S6 as a personal hotspot is often called a mobile hotspot, portable hotspot or tethering. Whatever you call it, this is how you can share your Galaxy S6’s internet connection with other devices. It’s worth noting that you can share the connection with a USB cable in order to keep the Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge charged.

Many plans allow owners to use the Galaxy S6 as a personal hotspot without an additional fee but not all plans provide this. If you are on a shared data plan on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile or Verizon, the personal hotspot feature is included. For users that are not on a shared data plan, there is often an additional monthly fee that comes with it.

Using the Galaxy S6 as a personal hotspot will use more data than surfing on your phone and you should make sure that your computer is not backing up files, downloading updates or performing other tasks that use a lot of data while on a personal hotspot. If you use too much data you will need to pay extra on your next bill.

This guide shows you how to use the Samsung Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge as a personal hotspot. If your account is not set up for it, the phone will tell you and direct you to contact customer service.

How to Use the Galaxy S6 Mobile Hotspot

The video below will outline the steps you need to take to use your Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge as a mobile hotspot. If you learn better watching video, this will go over everything you need. Those of you who learn better by reading instructions can scroll down. We’ve provided detailed instructions that will take you though every single step.

There are a number of ways to turn your Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge into a mobile hotspot. Some versions of the device allow you to easily store the Mobile Hotspot settings in your Quick Settings tray for easy access. Some don’t.

First, pull down your Quick Settings menu from the top of the screen and click the little pencil in the top right corner (if you have it). At this point, you may need to drag the Mobile Hotspot icon up so that it’s available right when you pull the Quick Settings menu down. Pull it up and you will now have easy access to the feature.

You'll want to store the Mobile Hotspot feature in Quick Settings.

You’ll want to store the Mobile Hotspot feature in Quick Settings.

If you own an AT&T version of the Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge, you won’t be able to do this exactly. First, you’ll need to do is head into your Settings. From there, tap More in the top right corner and then tap Edit quick settings. Once you’re there, make sure Mobile Hotspot and Tethering is checked off. It won’t show up in the Quick Settings drop down menu but it will be easily accessible from the Quick Settings tab in Settings.

You don’t have to take these steps but if you use the Galaxy S6 Mobile Hotspot a lot or if you think you’ll use the Galaxy S6 Mobile Hotspot a lot, you’ll want to put the feature in a place that’s easily accessible.

GalaxyS6-Hotspot-3

Now, you’ll want to head into the Mobile Hotspot and Tethering section. Tap More in the top right corner and select Configure Mobile Hotspot. Here, you’ll want to enter a name for your Galaxy S6 Mobile Hotspot. After you pick a name, you’ll want to input a password. Once you have that setup, you can turn your Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge Mobile Hotspot on and share your connection.

GalaxyS6-Hotspot-2

Right now is a good time to take a look at your Timeout settings. Tap that and you’ll come to a screen that allows you to choose how long the Galaxy S6 should keep the hotspot running with no devices connected. Keep in mind the longer you set this time the faster battery life will run down even when you aren’t using the Galaxy S6. It is a good idea to set this for 10 minutes or less.

GalaxyS6-Hotspot

Now it’s time to turn Mobile Hotspot on. Go back to the main menu to enable it. Toggle Mobile Hotspot on when you want to use it. Once it’s enabled, you’ll be able to connect up to 10 devices to your Galaxy S6 or Galaxy S6 Edge. Remember to use the same toggle to turn it off. Mobile hotspot will eat up data and your phone’s battery life if it’s not plugged in.

Samsung Galaxy S6 USB Tethering

If you plug a Micro USB cable into the Galaxy S6 and connect it to a computer the USB Tethering option lights up as available. Tap on the option to activate tethering.

On a Mac you may need to go to Network Preferences and set up USB tethering as a network connection. If you’re running Windows, a small popup should prompt you to connect to a new network.

USB tethering is a nice option but for most users, it is going to be much easier to set up and use the Galaxy S6 as a Mobile Hotspot over Wi-Fi and simply plug-in to a computer or charger for power.

5 Comments

5 Comments

  1. Wahdatullah

    12/06/2015 at 12:07 am

    If a galaxy s6edge doesn’t have hotspot and tethering so what should we do

    • Lifeshaw

      10/15/2017 at 6:52 pm

      Hello mine also doesn’t have mobile hotspot

  2. Dan

    02/06/2016 at 5:38 pm

    My hotspot works and let’s devices connect but then only let’s my device have 0.1mbps when the phone is getting around 80mbps?? Its not the carrier I e spoken to them twice, my girlfriend has the same plan on an s5, I have the s6 and the device connects to hers fine and gets a good speed but not on my s6. I can’t seem to find any answers anywhere on the net. Does anyone else have a similar issue?

  3. Mark Beach

    03/14/2016 at 3:21 pm

    Whether I have security open or WPA my laptop doesn’t connect. I’m using a s6 edge on EE. It worked perfectly on my HTC one which I my regretting not replacing

  4. david harwood

    04/11/2016 at 12:23 pm

    asher is the best customer support agent ever

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