How to Share Internet from a Huawei Mate 20 Pro: 3 Proven Methods + Troubleshooting

Huawei Mate 20 Pro — the flagship of 2018, which still remains relevant thanks to its powerful hardware and flexible firmware EMUIBut even experienced users sometimes encounter difficulties when trying to share Wi-Fi from this smartphone. Unlike modern models, there is no automatic switching between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and the access point settings are hidden deeper than in HarmonyOSIn this article - Three working methods for distributing the Internet, including hidden features to increase connection speed and stability.

We tested all methods on firmware from EMUI 9.0 to EMUI 12 (last available for Mate 20 Pro). Important: If your phone was updated through Huawei AppGallerySome menu items may differ—this is normal. The main rule: before setting up, check that your mobile internet connection is stable (for example, using Speedtest) and that your traffic meter shows sufficient gigabytes.

At the end of the article - FAQ with solutions to 90% of errors, including “Unable to turn on the hotspot” and “Devices connect, but the Internet does not work.” If your Mate 20 Pro rooted or flashed with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), some instructions may not work - for such cases, we have added a separate section.

1. Standard method: access point in settings

This is a basic method that works on all smartphones. Huawei With EMUISuitable for sharing internet with laptops, tablets, and other phones. Its main advantage is that it doesn't require additional apps and works even without root access.

To turn on the hotspot:

1. Open Settings (gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Wireless Networks → Mobile Hotspot.
3. Activate the switch Mobile hotspot.
4. Click Setting up an access pointto set the network name (SSID) and password.

By default, the network will operate in the range 2.4 GHzIf your devices support 5 GHzWe recommend selecting it manually—this will reduce latency (ping) and increase speed. To do this:

• 📶 In the access point settings, select Frequency range → 5 GHz.
• 🔒 Set a password of at least 8 characters (it’s best to mix letters, numbers, and special characters).
• ⚡ Turn on the option Maximize compatibility, if older devices are connected (for example, iPad 2 or Kindle).

⚠️ Attention: If your mobile internet connection disappears after turning on the hotspot, check your APN settings. Mate 20 Pro Sometimes the operator profile gets lost - it can be reset Settings → Mobile network → Access point names (APN) → Factory reset.

Mobile internet is working (check in your browser)

There is enough traffic on the counter (minimum 100 MB)

Access point is enabled in settings

The password is complex (not "12345678")

5 GHz band is selected (if devices support it)

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2. Alternative Method: USB Tethering

If you can't distribute Wi-Fi (for example, due to operator restrictions), you can use USB tetheringThis method is suitable for connecting laptops or PCs that require a stable connection without packet loss. USB tethering typically offers higher speeds than Wi-Fi, as there's no interference from other networks.

Instructions:

1. Connect Huawei Mate 20 Pro to the computer via the original USB cable (important: not all cables support data transfer!).
2. Select the mode on your phone File Transfer (MTP) (a notification will appear after connection).
3. Open Settings → Wireless & networks → Tethering & Mobile Hotspot.
4. Activate the switch USB tethering.

On a computer with Windows 10/11 The drivers will install automatically. If the internet still doesn't work:

• 🖥️ Check that in Device Manager there is no exclamation mark next to Huawei.
• 🔄 Restart your phone and PC.
• 🔌 Try a different USB port (better USB 3.0 blue color).

USB tethering speed on Mate 20 Pro limited by port capacity USB-C 3.1 — to 480 Mbps (actually ~300-350 Mbps due to overhead). This is faster than most smartphone Wi-Fi hotspots.

Wi-Fi hotspot

USB tethering

Bluetooth tethering

I don't share internet from my phone.

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3. Bluetooth tethering: for older devices

If neither Wi-Fi nor USB is suitable (for example, you need to connect smart watch or fitness bracelet), can be used Bluetooth tetheringThe speed will be low (up to 3 Mbps), but it's enough for instant messaging or data synchronization.

How to set up:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
2. On Mate 20 Pro go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
3. Find the target device in the list and pair it.
4. Return to Settings → Wireless & networks → Tethering & Mobile Hotspot.
5. Activate Bluetooth tethering.

Limitations of the method:

• 🐢 The speed is 10-20 times slower than Wi-Fi or USB.
• 🔋 Battery consumption is higher than with other tethering methods.
• 📱 Not all devices support Bluetooth tethering (for example, some models Xiaomi require manual activation in the developer).

⚠️ Attention: On Mate 20 Pro with firmware EMUI 9.1 and below, a bug may occur where Bluetooth tethering disconnects after 5-10 minutes. Solution: Update the firmware to EMUI 10+ or use third party apps like PdaNet+.

4. Optimization of speed and stability

Even if the hotspot is enabled, speed may drop due to interference or phone settings. Here's how to improve your connection:

A few more tips:

• 📡 If you are distributing internet in an apartment building, select a channel Wi-Fi manually (e.g. 44 or 149 for 5 GHz) via the app WiFi Analyzer.
• 🔋 When distributing for a long time, connect your phone to a charger - Mate 20 Pro the battery drains quickly due to the processor heating up Kirin 980.
• 🚫 Disable background apps (especially messengers and cloud services) that can eat up your data.

5. Solving common errors

Even with proper setup, problems can still arise. Here are the most common ones and their solutions:

Error 1: "Unable to turn on the access point"

• 📱 Check if your carrier is blocking it (for example, Tele2 Previously, it required connecting the "Mobile Office" option.
• 🔄 Restart your phone.
• 🛠️ Reset network settings in Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings.

Error 2: The devices connect, but the internet doesn't work.

• 🌐 Make sure your mobile internet connection is working on your phone (open the website in your browser).
• 🔧 Check your APN settings (must match your operator).
• 🔒 Disable VPN or proxy on your phone.

Error 3: The access point turns off automatically after 5-10 minutes.

• ⚡ Disable the adaptive battery in Settings → Battery → Advanced.
• 📵 Add an app Access point in optimization exceptions.
• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version EMUI.

What to do if nothing helps?

If none of these methods work, the issue may be a hardware limitation (such as a broken Wi-Fi module) or a carrier-level block. In this case:

1. Test your phone with a different SIM card (for example, from a different operator).

2. Perform a full reset (data backup is required!).

3. Contact the service center - Mate 20 Pro Sometimes the antenna switch responsible for Wi-Fi and mobile network fails.

6. Wi-Fi sharing on custom firmware

If your Huawei Mate 20 Pro stitched LineageOS, GrapheneOS or other custom firmware, the default settings may not work. In this case:

For firmware based on Android 10+:

1. Install the application NetShare or PdaNet+ from F-Droid.
2. Turn on Developer mode (Click 7 times on Build number in the phone settings).
3. IN Developer Settings activate USB debugging And OEM Unlock.
4. Launch NetShare and select the mode Wi-Fi Hotspot.

For firmware without Google Services (for example, GrapheneOS):

• 📥 Install Termux and run the command:

su
setprop tether.denied false
svc wifi enable
svc data enable

• 🔧 Or use Open Garden to create a mesh network.

⚠️ Attention: On custom firmware, Wi-Fi hotspot access may violate your warranty (if it's still valid) and increases the risk of processor overheating. Monitor your phone's temperature—if it exceeds 60°C, disable the hotspot.

7. Comparison of Internet distribution methods

Which method should you choose? It depends on your goals:

Way	Speed	Stability	Battery consumption	When to use
Wi-Fi hotspot	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (up to 150 Mbps)	⭐⭐⭐ (depending on interference)	⭐⭐⭐⭐	For multiple devices (laptop + tablet)
USB tethering	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (up to 350 Mbps)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐ (charges while in use)	For PC/laptop where maximum speed is required
Bluetooth tethering	⭐ (up to 3 Mbps)	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	For smartwatches or older devices

For most users The best option is a 5 GHz Wi-Fi access pointUSB tethering is suitable for gamers or those working with large files. Bluetooth should only be used in extreme cases.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from Mate 20 Pro without a password?

Technically yes, but it's not secure. To remove the password, go to the hotspot settings and select Security Type → Open NetworkHowever, in this case:

• Anyone can connect to your network and use your traffic.
• The speed will be lower due to operator restrictions (many throttle open access points).
• Risk of phone hacking due to vulnerabilities in the Wi-Fi protocol.

It is better to set a complex password and enable the option Hide networkto prevent your access point from appearing on the public list.

Why is there no 'Tethering' option on the Mate 20 Pro?

On Huawei This function is called differently - Mobile hotspot or TetheringIn some regional firmware versions (for example, for Europe), this option may be hidden. To restore it:

1. Install the application Activity Launcher from Play Market.
2. Find in the list com.android.settings.TetherSettings.
3. Launch this activity to reveal hidden tethering settings.

How to share Wi-Fi from Mate 20 Pro to iPhone?

iPhone connects to hotspot Huawei the same as with any other router:

1. On Mate 20 Pro turn on the access point (as described above).
2. On iPhone open Settings → Wi-Fi.
3. Select your network Huawei and enter the password.

If your iPhone won't connect:

• 🔄 Restart both devices.
• 📶 On Mate 20 Pro change the security type from WPA3 on WPA2-PSK.
• 📱 Forget the network on your iPhone (Settings → Wi-Fi → ⓘ → Forget this network) and reconnect.

How many devices can I connect to the Mate 20 Pro's hotspot?

Officially - until 8 devicesHowever, in practice:

• When connecting 5+ devices, the speed drops by 40-60%.
• If you enable battery saving, the connection may be interrupted when 3-4 gadgets are connected.
• For stable operation, it is better to limit yourself to 2-3 devices.

To increase the limit:

1. Install the application 3C Toolbox (root required).
2. In the section Access point change the parameter wlan.ap.max_client by 10.

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from the Mate 20 Pro if the phone itself is connected to another Wi-Fi network?

No, Huawei Mate 20 Pro does not support the mode Wi-Fi Repeater (repeater) at the firmware level. However, there are workarounds:

• 📶 Connect your phone to Wi-Fi and use it for sharing Bluetooth tethering or USB tethering.
• 📱 Install the application NetShare (root required) - it allows you to share the Internet even if the phone itself is connected to Wi-Fi.
• 🖥️ If you need to share Wi-Fi from your laptop, connect Mate 20 Pro via USB and use Internet access sharing in Windows.