How to Share Wi-Fi from a Samsung Phone to Another Phone: 5 Working Methods

You find yourself in a situation where you urgently need to share the Internet from another phone, but only yours is at hand Samsung Galaxy? Perhaps your friend's data plan is low, or you want to share mobile internet with a SIM-free tablet. In any case, modern smartphones Samsung offer several ways to organize Wi-Fi distribution - from the classic modem mode to little-known functions like Wi-Fi Direct.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods, including hidden settings that work even on older models like Galaxy S8 or Note 10You'll learn how to avoid common errors (for example, when the second phone "sees" the network but doesn't connect), what security settings to choose, and why it's sometimes better to use Bluetooth sharing instead of Wi-Fi. And also, how to save battery life when using the internet for long periods of time.

Important: If you're tethering mobile data (3G/4G/5G), check your carrier's plan. Some providers block tethering or count it separately from your main data plan. There are no such restrictions for tethering your home Wi-Fi via your phone.

1. Classic Wi-Fi distribution via "Modem mode"

The most versatile and fastest way is to transform your Samsung into a full-fledged access point. This method works on all models, starting from Android 5.0, and allows you to connect up to 10 devices at the same time (on new flagships like Galaxy S23 — up to 15). The speed will be limited only by the capabilities of your plan or home router.

To activate the mode:

1. Open Settings → Connections → Mobile hotspot & tethering.
2. Tap on the item Mobile hotspot.
3. Turn on the switch at the top of the screen.
4. When you turn it on for the first time, the system will prompt you to set up a network name (SSID) and password. Use WPA2-PSK (or WPA3 on new models) for maximum safety.

If the "Mobile Hotspot" option is missing, check:

• 📶 Mobile data is enabled (for distributing mobile Internet).
• 🔄 Airplane mode is off - it blocks all wireless modules.
• 🔒 No operator restrictions (for example, MTS or Beeline there may be separate options for distribution).

⚠️ Attention: On some plans, operators artificially limit upload speeds to 64–128 kbps. If the second phone connects, but the internet is slow, contact your provider's support team.

2. Setting up a network name (SSID) and password: how to make the connection secure

By default Samsung generates an access point name in the format Galaxy_XXXX, Where XXXX — the last digits of the device's IMEI. This is inconvenient (it's difficult to distinguish your network from others) and unsafe: the IMEI can be used to determine the phone model. It's better to specify a unique name:

How to change settings:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile hotspot & tethering → Mobile hotspot.
2. Tap on Tune (or the ⚙️ icon in the upper right corner).
3. In the field Network name Enter any name in Latin (for example, MySamsungHotspot).
4. In the field Password Please enter a combination of at least 8 characters. Use letters, numbers, and symbols (!@#$%).
5. Select security type: WPA2-PSK (recommended) or WPA3-Personal (if supported by the second device).

Safety tips:

• 🔐 Don't use simple passwords like 12345678 or qwerty - they are hacked in seconds.
• 📵 Turn off the hotspot when not needed to avoid unauthorized connections.
• 🔄 Change your password every 1–2 months if you frequently share your internet connection in public places.

3. Sharing the Internet via Bluetooth: When Wi-Fi is Unavailable

If the second phone has a broken Wi-Fi module or you are in an area with strong interference (for example, in the subway), you can share the Internet via BluetoothThis method is slower (maximum ~3 Mbps), but it uses less battery and works more reliably in noisy environments.

Instructions for Samsung:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both phones.
2. On the donor phone (Samsung) go to Settings → Connections → Mobile hotspot & tethering.
3. Activate the item Bluetooth modem.
4. On the second phone, connect to yours Samsung via Bluetooth (in the Bluetooth menu, select the device and confirm pairing).
5. In the connection settings on the second phone, enable the option Use for internet access (the name may differ).

Advantages of Bluetooth sharing:

• 🔋 Lower battery consumption compared to Wi-Fi.
• 🛡️ Automatic traffic encryption (no additional settings required).
• 📶 Works in places where Wi-Fi is blocked (for example, on some airplanes or hospitals).

⚠️ Attention: On iPhone connection to a Bluetooth modem Samsung may require additional configuration in the menu Settings → Cellular → Personal HotspotSome models iPhone do not support this mode with Android-devices.

4. Sharing via USB cable: maximum speed and minimal interference

If you need stable speed (for example, for online gaming or transferring large files), the best option is USB modemThis method is also useful if the second phone's battery is dead: it will charge while using the internet.

What you will need:

• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C — USB Type-C (or adapter if the ports are different).
• 📱 Second device with support USB OTG (most modern smartphones).

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Connect the phones with a cable. The second device may prompt you to select a mode. Select Data transfer or USB modem.
2. On Samsung go to Settings → Connections → Mobile hotspot & tethering.
3. Turn on the item USB modem.
4. On the second phone, wait for the Internet connection notification to appear.

USB sharing speed can reach up to 300–400 Mbps (depending on cable and ports), which is 5-10 times faster than Wi-Fi. However, keep in mind:

• 🔌 The cable must support USB 3.0+ for maximum speed.
• 📱 On some phones (eg. iPhone) The USB modem only works with a PC, but not with other smartphones.
• 🔄 When connecting to Mac or Windows Driver installation may be required.

Why is a USB modem faster than Wi-Fi?

When connected via USB, data is transferred over a wire without interference or limitations of wireless protocols. Wi-Fi, on the other hand, operates in the noisy 2.4/5 GHz band, where speeds drop due to interference from other devices.

5. Wi-Fi Direct: sharing without a password (but with limitations)

Wi-Fi Direct — a technology that allows devices to connect directly without a router. In the context of internet sharing, it works like this: your Samsung Creates a secure connection with another phone and then shares your internet connection with it. The main advantage is that you don't need to enter a password, but there are some downsides:

How to set up:

1. Turn on both phones Wi-Fi.
2. On Samsung open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Select the second device from the list and confirm the connection.
4. After pairing, return to Mobile hotspot and modem and turn it on Wi-Fi Direct modem (the name may differ).

Limitations of the method:

• 📱 Works only between devices with Wi-Fi Direct (most smartphones after 2015 support it).
• 🔄 The speed is lower than that of a classic access point (up to 50–70 Mbps).
• 🔒 There is no password, but the connection is encrypted using the protocol WPA2.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Samsung (For example, Galaxy A50 or J6) option Wi-Fi Direct modem hidden. To activate it, first connect via Wi-Fi Direct, and then turn on the mobile hotspot - the system will automatically offer to share the Internet via a direct connection.

6. Troubleshooting: Why the second phone won't connect

Even with the correct settings, the connection may not work. Here are common causes and solutions:

If nothing helps:

• 🔄 Restart both phones - this resets the network settings.
• 📱 Update the firmware on Samsung (Sometimes bugs are fixed in new versions One UI).
• 🛠️ Reset network settings V Settings → General Management → Reset → Reset Network Settings.

7. How to save battery life during long-term distribution

Sharing Wi-Fi is one of the most battery-consuming features on a smartphone. To keep your phone's battery from draining in an hour, follow these tips:

Optimizing settings:

• 🔋 Turn it off Search for Wi-Fi in sleep mode V Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi → Advanced.
• ⏱️ Set the hotspot auto-off timer (available on One UI 4.0+).
• 📶 Switch to range 5 GHz - it is less loaded, and the phone spends less energy on data transfer.

Hardware solutions:

• 🔌 Connect Samsung to charge during distribution (preferably via a 15–25 W adapter).
• 🧊 Use it power saving mode, but exclude the application Settings from the restrictions.
• 🔄 If you distribute with Galaxy S20+ or newer, activate Adaptive battery V Settings → Device Care → Battery.

On phones with support Wireless PowerShare (For example, Galaxy S21 Ultra) You can simultaneously distribute Wi-Fi and charge a second phone wirelessly - but this will greatly reduce battery life.

FAQ: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi with Samsungif I have an unlimited tariff?

Yes, but the operator can block the distribution or count it separately. For example, Tele2 Unlimited data is only available on the phone itself, while data sharing is charged at a different rate. Check the terms in your account or with support.

How many devices can be connected to the access point? Galaxy S23?

Up to 15 devices simultaneously (up to 10 on older models). However, the actual speed will be divided among all connected devices. For stable operation, we recommend limiting the connection to 3–5 devices.

Why doesn't the second phone see the Internet when sharing via USB?

Check:

1. On Samsung included USB modem (not just file transfer).
2. On the second phone, USB is selected in the settings Use for internet.
3. The cable supports data transfer (not all charging cables are suitable).

If the problem persists, try a different cable or port.

How to share Wi-Fi with Samsung on iPhone?

iPhone can connect to an access point Samsung as with a regular router:

1. Turn on mobile hotspot on Samsung.
2. On iPhone open Settings → Wi-Fi.
3. Select your network Samsung and enter the password.

If the connection does not work, check:

• On Samsung included AP insulation (disable it in the access point settings).
• On iPhone VPN is disabled (it may be blocking the connection).

Is it possible to share the internet with Samsung on a laptop?

Yes, all the methods described (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB) also work for connecting laptops. Windows or macOS No additional drivers are required - the system automatically detects the network.

Exception: If you are using USB modem, on Windows 7/8 You may need to install a driver Samsung USB Driver for Mobile Phones.