Your AT&T plan’s data connection can be transferred from your phone to one or more other devices. And you might be surprised to see just how fast your data speeds are (in some cases they can be faster than a home internet connection). A mobile hotspot will have roughly the same data speeds as your phone does. If you’re on a 4G LTE connection, then your speeds will be around 25 Mbps (you can learn more about how much internet speed you actually need in our handy guide).1 There are two main things you’ll need to set up a hotspot: a phone plan and a phone. Let’s talk details.
Unlimited Starter: hotspots not offered Unlimited Extra: 15 GB of hotspot data included Unlimited Elite: 40 GB of hotspot data included
If you’d like to upgrade to a plan with more hotspot data, here’s a look at the price difference between AT&T’s three main unlimited plans. Most phones, even ones that are a few generations old, are equipped with hotspot/tethering technology. But if you’re working with an older phone, you could potentially need to upgrade. Here’s a list of the most popular phones from leading brands that are offered through AT&T. Once your hotspot has been enabled on your phone, it will show you a password. I just happen to have an iPhone on an AT&T plan, so here’s a screenshot of what it will look like: Once you’re connected you should see a blue bar at the top of your iPhone screen telling you that the hotspot is enabled and how many devices are tethered. And you’re done! Good work. *There are many different types of Android phones, and sometimes phone manufacturers will create custom settings for their devices. Still, the process for setting up a mobile hotspot should be similar to the one described here. Using this same settings page you can change the security settings and password for your mobile hotspot. Once your mobile hotspot has been enabled in the settings section of your Android device, you can turn it on either in settings or using the “quick settings” and clicking the Wi-Fi hotspot icon. That’s it. Woohoo! If you’re wondering how much an AT&T hotspot device is, the answer is: it depends. But generally you can expect to pay $100+ (AT&T offers monthly installments on many devices). Each hotspot device will have its own specific instructions for setting up, but don’t worry, it shouldn’t be difficult. Just make sure that you’ve got compatible gear before you buy!
Some cars come with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot technology. With other vehicles, you’ll have to buy a separate plug-in device from AT&T. Older cars might not be compatible at all, even with a plug-in device (sad trombone). To learn more about turning your vehicle into a mobile hotspot, look at your vehicle’s manual to see if it has built-in hotspot technology, or check out this plug-in device from AT&T.
