Using a smartphone as a portable router is one of the most sought-after features available to owners of modern gadgets. Model VIVO 1820 (often known as the Y18) is equipped with a powerful battery, making it ideal for creating Wi-Fi coverage while traveling, at the cottage, or in an office with unstable wired internet. The built-in modem supports modern communication standards, allowing high-speed data transfer to a laptop, tablet, or other phone.
The process of activating modem mode in the shell Funtouch OS The implementation is fairly simple, but there are some nuances regarding security and battery conservation. The user must not only enable data transfer but also properly configure the network settings to prevent unauthorized access. In this article, we will cover all setup steps in detail.
Before you begin, make sure your SIM card is activated for mobile data and has sufficient data. Wi-Fi hotspots consume data quite quickly, especially if connected devices start downloading heavy content or updating their systems. It's also worth checking the signal strength in your location, as it directly impacts the stability of your connection.
Preparing the device and checking network settings
The first step before activating a hotspot is to perform a basic check of your mobile network status. Make sure your phone has a SIM card from a carrier that provides coverage in your location. If you're using a dual-SIM device, it's important to select the one with the data plan included, as VIVO 1820 allows you to flexibly configure the data transfer priority.
Go to your mobile network settings and ensure the "Mobile Data" and "Data Roaming" sliders (if you're abroad or in another carrier's coverage area) are enabled. Without this step, tethering will be impossible, even if the hotspot itself is enabled. The system simply won't have a source for transmitting data packets.
Pay attention to the indicators at the top of the screen. For stable operation, it's best to see the 4G or LTE icon. If only 3G or E is displayed, the connection speed on connected devices will be extremely slow, making video viewing or video calls virtually impossible.
⚠️ Important: Before actively sharing data, check your data plan. Some carriers block or charge separately for data shared via a hotspot, rather than for data consumed by the smartphone itself.
It's also recommended to close background apps on your phone that may be consuming data to avoid placing additional strain on your connection during setup. This will help you more accurately assess the actual speed and stability of your connection after launching the hotspot.
Activating the access point via the system menu
The main way to enable modem mode is in the operating system settings. Interface Funtouch OS, based on Android, has a logical menu structure, but accessing the necessary options can be confusing for beginners. You need to open the main app menu and find the "Settings" icon.
In the list of settings that opens, find a section that may be called "Network & Internet" or "Connections." Within this section, we're interested in the "Access Point & Modem" option. This is where all the tools for managing your device's external connections are located.
Tap the switch next to "Wi-Fi Hotspot" to activate the mode. Your phone will now begin broadcasting a wireless signal. By default, the network will be named after your device model, for example, VIVO 1820 or VIVO Y18, followed by random characters.
To quickly access this feature in the future, you can use the notification shade. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick control panel and find the "Tethered Hotspot" icon. If it's not on the first page, swipe left or tap the edit button to add it to your active widgets.
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Setting up a network name and security password
Leaving the hotspot settings at their default values is risky, as the default device name is easily identified, and the factory password may be too simple or known. It's crucial to change these settings immediately after initial activation. Return to the "Hot Spot & Tethering" menu and select "Hot Spot Settings."
In the "Network Name" (SSID) field, enter any name you like. This could be your name, a company name, or an abstract word. It's important to use Latin characters, as some older devices may not correctly display Cyrillic characters in the list of available networks.
Pay special attention to the "Password" field. Security The complexity of this combination depends on your personal network. Use at least 8 characters, combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid simple sequences like "12345678" or "password."
In the Security section, make sure the encryption protocol is selected. WPA2 PSK or WPA3, if available. This will ensure secure encryption of transmitted data and protect against traffic interception by attackers within range of your signal.
After making changes, be sure to click the "Save" button. From now on, the network will be broadcast under the new name, and you'll need to enter the updated password to connect.
Hiding the SSID and managing connected devices
To increase your privacy, you can hide your network name (SSID). In this case, the access point VIVO 1820 It will no longer appear in the general list of available networks on nearby devices. You will only be able to connect to it manually by entering the exact network name and password.
To activate this feature, find the "Hide Device" or "Hide SSID" option in the access point settings menu and enable it. Keep in mind that this will make connecting new devices more difficult, as the automatic search won't detect them.
Managing currently connected clients is done through the "Device Management" section in the same menu. Here you'll see a list of all devices currently using your internet connection, along with their IP and MAC addresses.
If you spot an unknown device, you can block it by pressing the corresponding button or change the access point password, which will force the connection to all clients. This is an effective way to combat "unauthorized users."
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| SSID | Your network name | Use Latin characters, no personal data |
| Range | Signal frequency | 2.4 GHz for compatibility, 5 GHz for speed |
| Max clients | Connection limit | Install 3-4 devices for stability |
| Time-out | Auto power off | 10 minutes to save battery |
Limiting the number of connected devices is a useful feature if you want to guarantee high speeds for your laptop. Setting a limit of 1 or 2 devices will prevent bandwidth congestion.
Advanced settings: frequency range and timeout
In the advanced settings of the access point VIVO 1820 You can find the frequency range selection option. The default is often "2.4 GHz," which provides better range and compatibility with older devices. However, this range is often overloaded with signals from neighbors and household appliances.
Switching to a range 5 GHz (If the model supports it and allows the choice) will provide a significant increase in speed and stability, but the signal range will be reduced. This is ideal for working in close proximity to the phone, such as when connecting a laptop in a cafe.
Another important option is the auto-off timer. If no one connects to the hotspot for a set period of time (for example, 5 or 10 minutes), the phone will automatically turn off tethering. This prevents unnecessary battery drain if you forget to turn it off manually.
This menu may also include settings for the Wi-Fi standard. It is recommended to select mixed mode or 802.11 ac/nto ensure a balance between speed and compatibility with various gadgets of guests or colleagues.
Saving traffic and optimizing battery
Hotspot mode is one of the most power-hungry processes in a smartphone. The screen, radio module, and processor operate in an enhanced mode, which causes the case to heat up quickly. VIVO 1820 and battery drain. For extended battery life, it's recommended to keep the phone connected to a charger.
System Funtouch OS has built-in optimization mechanisms. In the hotspot menu, you can activate the "Data Saver" mode, which limits background data transfer for connected devices. This is useful if you have a limited gigabyte package.
Reducing your phone's screen brightness will also help reduce heat. Since the screen is often not needed in router mode, you can turn it off completely, leaving only notification lights. However, be careful not to place your phone on soft surfaces (like blankets or pillows) to avoid disrupting heat dissipation.
⚠️ Caution: Extended use in access point mode at high temperatures may cause temporary performance throttling. Allow the device to cool.
If you plan to use your phone as a regular router, consider disabling unnecessary background syncs and app updates on your phone itself to free up bandwidth for your primary devices.
Troubleshooting connection issues
Sometimes users encounter a situation where the hotspot is enabled, but the internet connection on the connected device is unavailable. Most often, the issue lies with the DNS or APN settings of the mobile operator. Try switching to airplane mode for 10 seconds and then turning it off to reboot the communication module.
If the device sees the network but cannot connect ("Authentication Error"), check that the password you entered is correct. Make sure Caps Lock is not enabled on the connected device's keyboard and that the correct language layout is selected.
In rare cases, you may need to reset your network settings. This will return all Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile settings to factory defaults, but will not delete your personal files. Here's how to reset: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings.
What to do if the speed is very low?
Try changing the Wi-Fi channel in your router settings (if available) or move to a location with better 4G reception. Also, close torrents on connected devices.
If the problem persists, you should contact your carrier's technical support to ensure there are no blockages or maintenance work on the provider's side.
Why does my phone's battery drain quickly when using Wi-Fi?
In access point mode, the Wi-Fi module operates continuously and at high power, drawing significant current. Additionally, the processor is actively encrypting and routing data packets. To extend battery life, use a power bank.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if it is connected to another Wi-Fi?
The VIVO 1820, like most modern Android smartphones, supports Wi-Fi Repeater, but this depends on the Funtouch OS version and the hardware module. Most often, the phone can either receive Wi-Fi or share mobile data.
How many devices can be connected simultaneously?
Technically VIVO 1820 It supports up to 8-10 connections, but for comfortable speeds, it's recommended to limit the number of clients to 3-4. With more clients, the 4G channel bandwidth is divided among everyone, and speeds drop.
Does Wi-Fi sharing affect the speed of mobile internet on the phone itself?
Yes, it does. The connection bandwidth is divided between the phone's own tasks and connected clients. If the laptop starts downloading a large file, web pages on the smartphone may load more slowly due to bandwidth constraints.