Limiting Wi-Fi speed from your phone: How to prevent other users from hogging all your bandwidth

Sharing your phone's internet is a convenient feature, but it often turns into a headache. Imagine: you're sharing your mobile internet with a friend, and they suddenly start downloading torrents, watching videos, 4K or update games on PlayStationYour traffic is melting away before your eyes, and your speed will drop to dial-up levels from the 90s. Even worse, if you have unlimited data FUP (fair usage policy), after exceeding the limit the speed will be cut to 64 kbps, and even WhatsApp eternity will open.

Fortunately, there are several ways to limit the speed of Wi-Fi distribution from your phone: from built-in functions Android And iOS to third-party apps with extended control. But there are some nuances: not all phones support QoS (Quality of Service), and some methods require root-right. In this article, we'll explore working solutions for various scenarios—from basic restrictions to fine-tuning by MAC address.

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Why you should limit your phone's Wi-Fi speed

Mobile internet is a limited resource, even if you have an unlimited plan. Here are three key reasons to impose restrictions:

• 📉 Saving traffic: One device downloading the update Windows or a high-definition movie, can eat up several gigabytes in an hour. If you have a limited data plan, this may incur additional charges.
• 🐢 Stable speed for everyone: Without restrictions, one user can take up the entire channel, leaving only crumbs for other devices. For example, if someone is watching YouTube in 1080p, yours Zoom-the call will constantly "stutter".
• 🔒 SecurityAn open access point or even a password-protected network can attract unwanted "neighbors" who will connect and start using your data. Speed ​​limiting will make such an attack pointless.

According to data OpenSignal, the average mobile internet speed in Russia in 2026 is ~30 Mbps. If you distribute it without restrictions to 3-4 devices, each will only get 7–10 Mbps — that's only enough for instant messaging. And if one device starts downloading something heavy, the others will be left with virtually no connection.

⚠️ Attention: Speed ​​limiting does not protect against data leakage. If you are sharing the internet in a public place, use VPN on the main device to prevent traffic interception.

Built-in speed limiting tools on Android

Most modern smartphones are Android 10+ Allow you to limit Wi-Fi speed without third-party apps. However, the functionality depends on the manufacturer and firmware version. Let's look at two main methods:

1. Setting up QoS (Quality of Service) in modem mode

Some phones (eg. Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi Note series) have a built-in option QoS, which allows you to prioritize or limit traffic for individual devices. To find it:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Tethering & portable hotspot.
2. Tap on Mobile hotspot (or Modem mode).
3. Find the section Connected devices or Traffic management.
4. Select a device from the list and set a speed limit (if available).

On Samsung One UI 5.0+ the path may look like this: Settings → Connections → Mobile Hotspot → Connected devices → ⚙️ (device settings) → Speed ​​limit.

2. Limitation via "Traffic saving mode"

If QoS is not available, you can enable data saving mode for all connected devices:

• 🔄 Go to Settings → Connections → Data Usage → Mobile Data.
• 📊 Enable the option Saving traffic or Mobile data limit.
• 📱 Set a general limit (for example, 5 GB per day) - once it is exceeded, the speed will automatically drop.

The downside of this method is that the limitation affects all devices, including your phone. This means you'll experience lag, too.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) Built-in QoS tools may not work correctly or may be missing. Check the firmware version in Settings → About phone.

Speed ​​Limit on iPhone (iOS)

Apple traditionally limits users in network settings, so on iPhone There's no built-in feature for limiting Wi-Fi speed. However, there are workarounds:

1. Using the Mobile Data Limit feature

This method does not limit the speed directly, but allows you to control the overall traffic:

1. Open Settings → Cellular → Data Options → Mobile Data Limit.
2. Enable the option and set a limit (for example, 10 GB per month).
3. Once the limit is exceeded, the Internet will be disconnected for all devices connected to the access point.

2. Reset network settings after exceeding traffic limits

Radical method for emergency cases:

• 🔄 Open Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone → Reset → Reset Network Settings.
• 📱 This will disable the hotspot and reset all connections. Cons: You'll have to set up your Wi-Fi again.

To fine-tune the speed on iPhone will have to be used additional equipment (for example, a portable router) or P2P modes (we will talk about them below).

Third-party speed limiting apps

If built-in functions aren't enough, specialized utilities can help. Let's look at the top 3 solutions for Android:

How to set up a limit in NetMaster

This is one of the most convenient applications without the requirement root:

1. Download NetMaster from Google Play and open it.
2. Turn on the hotspot on your phone.
3. In the application, go to the tab Hotspot (Access point).
4. Select the connected device from the list and tap Speed Limit.
5. Set a limit (for example, 2 Mbps for download And 1 Mbps upload).
6. Save the settings.

Important: NetMaster does not work on phones with Android 12+ and processors MediaTek No additional drivers required. Before purchasing the premium version, please check compatibility with the free version.

Install the app from the official store|

Turn on hotspot on your phone|

Connect a test device (laptop/tablet)|

Check your speed without restrictions (for example, via speedtest.net)|

Run NetMaster and grant all permissions-->

Speed ​​limiting via a portable router

If software methods are not suitable (for example, you have iPhone or old Android), can be used portable router with a speed limiting function. This solution is suitable for:

• 🌍 Frequent internet sharing while traveling.
• 🏠 Organizing a temporary network for guests.
• 🔧 Fine-tuning QoS by MAC addresses.

Top 3 Portable Routers with Speed ​​Limits

How to set up a limit on TP-Link M7350

Instructions for most portable routers:

1. Connect the router to the phone via USB or Wi-Fi (in client mode).
2. Go to the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1 or tplinkmodem.net).
3. Go to the section Advanced → QoS or Bandwidth Control.
4. Add a rule to limit the speed:
   • Please specify MAC address target device (you can find it in the network settings on that device).
   • Set limits Download And Upload (for example, 512 Kbps and 256 Kbps).

Save the settings and reboot the router.

The advantage of this method is that the router takes on all the internet distribution burden, freeing up your phone. You can also connect to it. multiple SIM cards for the backup channel.

How to find your MAC address on Windows

Open Command line (Win + R → cmd) and enter ipconfig /all. The MAC address is specified in the line Physical address next to the active adapter (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

Speed ​​limitation via P2P modes (Bluetooth, USB)

If Wi-Fi is too resource-hungry, you can distribute the Internet through alternative channels, where the speed is initially limited:

• 🔵 Bluetooth: Maximum speed is ~3 Mbps (enough for instant messengers, but not for video).
• 🔌 USB cable: The speed depends on the protocol version (up to 480 Mbps for USB 2.0, but in reality it is 20–50 Mbit/s).
• ⚡ USB-C (Thunderbolt): Up to 10 Gbps, but the phone must support it USB tethering in mode RNDIS.

How to enable USB tethering on Android

1. Connect your phone to your PC or laptop via USB cable.
2. In your phone settings, open Settings → Connections → Tethering & portable hotspot.
3. Enable the option USB modem.
4. On your PC, check your connection: the Internet should appear automatically (sometimes you need to install drivers RNDIS).

Speed ​​through USB It is usually more stable than Wi-Fi and is harder for outsiders to steal. However, for iPhone this method is not suitable - Apple blocks USB sharing without iTunes.

Hidden Methods: MAC Filtering and VPN Tunnels

If you need to not just limit the speed, but have complete control, who and how uses your access point, advanced methods will come in handy.

1. MAC filtering

This method allows you to allow connections only to certain devices:

1. Find the MAC addresses of trusted devices (see spoiler above).
2. In your phone's hotspot settings, find the section MAC filter or List of approved devices.
3. Add addresses to the whitelist.
4. Enable the option Allow only specified devices.

Disadvantage: MAC addresses can be spoofed, so this method does not provide 100% protection.

2. Distribution via VPN

A complex but effective method:

• 🔒 Install a VPN client on your phone (for example, OpenVPN or WireGuard).
• 🌐 Set up a VPN server on your PC or rent a virtual server (for example, on DigitalOcean).
• 📡 Share your internet connection through a VPN tunnel, where you can limit the speed at the server level.

This solution is suitable for tech-savvy users. It not only limits speed but also encrypts all traffic.

⚠️ Attention: Using a VPN to share your internet connection may violate your plan's terms. Some carriers (e.g., MTS or Beeline) block VPN traffic on mobile networks. Check your plan's rules in your personal account.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about limiting Wi-Fi speed from your phone

Is it possible to limit the speed for a specific device without root?

Yes, but the functionality depends on the firmware. On most phones Android 10+ (For example, Samsung, Xiaomi) There is a built-in option to limit the speed for individual devices in the access point settings. If there is no such option, use apps like NetMaster (without root) or PdaNet+ (with root). On iPhone This is impossible without jailbreak.

Why did the internet disappear completely after the speed limitation?

Possible reasons:

• Too low a limit (less than 128 kbps may block some protocols, for example, ICMP for ping).
• Conflict with VPN or firewall on the phone.
• MAC filtering error (check if you have blocked your device).

Solution: Reset your access point and set up the restriction again.

How to limit speed on an Android Go phone?

On devices with Android Go (For example, Nokia 1, Samsung Galaxy J2 Core) There are no built-in speed limiting tools. Options:

1. Use a portable router (eg. TP-Link M7000).
2. Share the Internet through Bluetooth (speed is automatically limited to ~3 Mbps).
3. Install alternative firmware (for example, LineageOS), if the phone supports bootloader unlocking.

Will the speed limit work while roaming?

Yes, but keep two things in mind:

• When roaming, the operator can limit the speed itself (for example, up to 64 kbps for some tariffs).
• Some applications (eg. NetMaster) may conflict with roaming settings. Test the restriction on your home network before traveling.

Is it possible to limit the speed for individual websites or applications?

At the phone level, no. But there are workarounds:

• Use DNS filtering (for example, through AdGuard Home on the router).
• Set up firewall on the connected device (for example, Windows Defender Firewall or Little Snitch on Mac).
• Share the Internet through VPN with traffic filtering (For example, ProtonVPN with option NetShield).