Despite its age, the Honor 20 Pro smartphone remains a powerful device, easily capable of serving as a mobile router in any situation. Owners often wonder how to activate the internet tethering feature when fixed Wi-Fi is unavailable and a laptop or tablet urgently needs internet access. The setup process in EMUI is extremely intuitive, but there are a number of hidden nuances that affect connection stability.
Before you begin activation, you need to make sure that your mobile carrier plan allows you to use your phone as a modem. Some providers may block it. traffic distribution Or charge an additional fee for it, so checking the plan's terms beforehand is a smart move. The Honor 20 Pro smartphone itself supports LTE standards, ensuring high data transfer speeds for multiple connected devices simultaneously.
In this article, we'll cover every setup step in detail, from basic setup to advanced security settings, so you can create a reliable and secure network. We'll also cover power consumption and heat management, as hotspot mode is a resource-intensive process for any device. Understanding these aspects will help you maximize the capabilities of your device. Honor 20 Pro as efficiently as possible without damaging the battery.
Basic hotspot activation via settings
The easiest and most reliable way to turn your smartphone into a Wi-Fi signal source is to use the standard system settings menu. This method gives you full control over network settings and allows you to configure a security name and password. To get started, unlock the screen and locate the app icon. Settings, which usually looks like a gear.
In the menu that opens, scroll down to the section Wireless networks or find the item directly Mobile network, depending on your EMUI firmware version. Within this section, you need to select the option Modem mode, where the desired function is hidden. Here the user has access to a switch Wi-Fi hotspot, which needs to be activated.
- 📱 Tap on the access point name to change the default device name to something more recognizable.
- 🔒 Be sure to set a complex password using letters and numbers to prevent neighbors from using your traffic.
- 📡 Select the frequency range (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz) depending on the compatibility of the devices you are connecting to.
Once the slider is enabled, your smartphone will begin broadcasting a signal, and other devices will be able to detect it in the list of available networks. If you spot an unfamiliar device, you can immediately block it by changing the password or adding it to the blacklist.
Quick launch via the notification panel
For those who need to share internet quickly and for a one-time use, there's a more efficient method of activating it via the notification shade. This method saves time, allowing you to launch the hotspot with just one tap, without having to delve into the settings menu. Simply swipe down from the top of the screen to reveal the control panel.
In the menu of icons that opens, you need to find the icon with the inscription Access point or a key icon. If the icon isn't present on the first screen, swipe left or tap the edit button (usually a pencil or three dots) to add the widget to the panel's main screen. Once tapped, the icon will light up, indicating the signal has begun broadcasting.
⚠️ Note: When using the quick start method, the network may be created with default security settings, so it is recommended to periodically check the password in the full settings menu.
This method is especially convenient when you urgently need to send a file or open a page on your tablet and don't have time to go through lengthy settings. However, for regular use, it's best to go to the full menu and configure power saving settings and the sleep timer. This will help conserve battery life and protect your data.
☑️ Check before enabling distribution
Setting up security and network settings
The security of the network you're creating is critical, especially if you're in a public space or apartment building. The Honor 20 Pro allows you to flexibly configure encryption protocols, choosing between the outdated WPA2 PSK and more modern options. By accessing the access point settings, you can change not only the name (SSID) but also the encryption type.
It is recommended to always select the encryption type WPA2/WPA3, as this ensures maximum protection of transmitted data from interception. Older protocols like WEP or open networks without a password make your traffic vulnerable to hackers who can intercept website logins and passwords. This menu also configures the maximum number of connected users.
Particular attention should be paid to the frequency range. The Honor 20 Pro supports the 5 GHz band, which provides higher speeds and less congestion, but has a shorter range compared to 2.4 GHz.
Recommended settings for maximum compatibility:Band: 2.4 GHz
Channel: Auto
Encryption: WPA2 PSK
If your devices are older and don't detect the 5 GHz network, switch the band in the settings. This will resolve the compatibility issue, although speeds may be slightly slower. In today's Wi-Fi climate, choosing a clear channel or the 5 GHz band can significantly improve connection stability.
Why is it important to change the default password?
Standard passwords are often known to hackers and are easily guessed by automated programs. A unique password of 10+ characters, including numbers and letters, makes network hacking virtually impossible for the average user.
Sharing the Internet via USB and Bluetooth
Using a wireless connection isn't always convenient, especially when maximum speed is essential or you want to conserve your smartphone's battery. In these cases, the Honor 20 Pro offers alternative methods for sharing the internet: via a USB cable or Bluetooth. A USB modem ensures a stable connection while simultaneously charging your phone.
To activate the USB mode, you need to connect your smartphone to the computer with a cable, then in the menu Modem mode turn on the switch USB modemThe system will automatically install the necessary drivers, and the computer will recognize the phone as a wired network device. This is ideal for desktop PCs without a Wi-Fi module.
Bluetooth modem is slower but consumes significantly less power than Wi-Fi. To set it up, pair the Honor 20 Pro with the receiving device via Bluetooth, then turn on the corresponding switch in the modem menu. This option is suitable for transferring small amounts of data or when the Wi-Fi module on the receiving device is faulty.
| Parameter | Wi-Fi hotspot | USB Modem | Bluetooth Modem |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | High | Maximum | Low |
| Battery consumption | High | Charging your phone | Short |
| Number of devices | Up to 8-10 | 1 device | 1 device |
| Range | Up to 15 meters | Cable length | Up to 10 meters |
The choice of method depends on your current tasks: Wi-Fi or USB are best for watching videos and downloading files, while Bluetooth is suitable for background email syncing. The Honor 20 Pro's flexible settings allow you to switch between these modes depending on the situation.
Connection problems and their solutions
Even with proper configuration, users may encounter situations where devices don't see the network or can't connect to it. Most often, the problem lies in incompatible frequency bands or issues with the smartphone's network settings. The first step should always be to reboot the access point.
If the problem persists, try changing the frequency band from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz, as older devices may simply not support the new standard. It's also worth checking if there's a limit on the number of connected users that might have been accidentally enabled in the security settings.
- 🔄 Restart your Honor 20 Pro smartphone to clear temporary network errors.
- 📶 Make sure your cellular network signal strength is sufficient for data transmission.
- 🔐 Try forgetting the network on the device you're connecting to and re-entering the password.
In rare cases, the cause may be an IP address conflict or DNS errors. In such situations, resetting network settings to factory defaults can help, but this will require re-entering passwords for all known Wi-Fi networks. Before taking any drastic measures, check that mobile data is working on your phone.
⚠️ Note: The menu interface and item names may differ slightly depending on the EMUI operating system version and regional firmware.
The impact of distribution on the battery and heating
Hotspot mode is one of the most power-hungry processes on a smartphone, as the Wi-Fi module operates in a constantly active signal transmission mode. The Honor 20 Pro has a 4000 mAh battery, which allows for several hours of operation in this mode, but heavy discharge is inevitable. The device may become noticeably warm during prolonged use.
Heating of the casing is a normal physical reaction under high load on the processor and radio modules. However, avoid placing the phone on soft surfaces (such as a pillow or blanket) that impede heat transfer. For long-term internet use, it's best to place the phone on a hard surface or use external cooling.
To extend battery life, you can reduce screen brightness, disable background apps, and use a dark theme. You can also set a timer in the hotspot settings to automatically turn off the network if no one connects to it for a long time, which will save battery life.
If your phone gets too hot, the system may automatically limit data transfer speeds or disable the hotspot to protect components. In this case, allow the device to cool down by removing the case and stopping use of resource-intensive apps.
The myth about the harm of fast charging when distributing
Using the original charger while sharing Wi-Fi is safe. The Honor 20 Pro's power system regulates current to prevent overheating, but the phone will still be warmer than usual.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many devices can be connected to Honor 20 Pro at the same time?
Technically, the smartphone supports connections to up to 8-10 devices simultaneously. However, the actual number depends on the processor load and mobile internet speed. When connecting to a large number of users, the speed on each device will decrease, and the battery will drain faster.
Why does my laptop see the network, but it says "No Internet access"?
Most often, this means the Honor 20 Pro smartphone itself doesn't have a stable cellular signal or has run out of data. The issue could also be with the DNS settings on the connecting device. Check if websites can open in the phone's browser.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if your phone is connected to someone else's Wi-Fi?
The repeater function (distributing Wi-Fi data) is blocked by most carriers and manufacturers using standard Android and EMUI tools. The phone can only distribute mobile data (3G/4G) but cannot extend the signal from another router.
How to hide your network from strangers?
In the hotspot settings on the Honor 20 Pro, you can enable the "Hide device" option. This will prevent the network from appearing in the general list, and to connect, you'll need to manually enter the exact network name (SSID) on the device you're connecting to.