Today's fast-paced lifestyle often puts us in situations where we need immediate internet access, but a traditional router or wired connection isn't readily available. In such cases, your smartphone comes to the rescue, transforming it into a fully-functional mobile router. Honor 8X, with its powerful processor and good modem, does an excellent job of distributing the Internet to other devices, including laptops and tablets.
Using your phone as a hotspot isn't just a temporary solution, but a fully-fledged alternative for working in a cafe, on the train, or at your dacha. However, to ensure the process goes smoothly and doesn't drain your battery in an hour, it's important to configure your network settings correctly. In this article, we'll cover in detail how to activate tethering, what nuances to consider when choosing a frequency, and how to secure your connection.
Before proceeding with the settings, make sure your mobile data plan is enabled and has sufficient data allowance. Wi-Fi Consumes significantly more data than browsing on the phone itself, as computers often run background updates and sync services, which can silently eat up your entire gigabyte package. Check your balance and ensure your network signal is stable.
Preparing your smartphone and checking the settings
The first step before activating a hotspot is to perform a basic system check. Make sure mobile data is enabled and the internet is working: open a browser and visit any website. If the pages don't load, setting up a hotspot is pointless, as there won't be anything to share.
It is also critical to check the battery level. Sharing mode Wi-Fi Battery life is one of the most energy-consuming processes on a smartphone. If the charge is below 30-40%, it's best to connect the device to a power source or use a USB cable for tethering, which we'll discuss later. A low battery can cause the hotspot to suddenly disconnect at the most inopportune moment.
⚠️ Important: Before turning on your hotspot, be sure to set a strong password. Open networks in public places allow attackers to intercept transmitted data, including email and messaging passwords.
It's a good idea to check if "Data Saver" or "Smart Sharing" mode is enabled on your phone, if these options are available in your firmware version. Sometimes the system can block background data transfer for certain apps, which can lead to connection errors on your laptop.
Activating Wi-Fi Hotspot on Honor 8X
The process of enabling the modem mode in the EMUI shell, on which it is based Honor 8X, is quite simple and intuitive. You don't need third-party apps or root access; all the features are built into the system. First, open the notification shade by swiping down from the top and find the "Hot Spot" icon. If it's not visible, tap the edit icon (usually a pencil or four dots) and drag it to the active panel.
More detailed settings can be made through the settings menu. Go to Settings, then select the item Wireless networks (or simply "Mobile Network" depending on your Android version). There you will find a section Modem modeThis is where all the necessary switches are hidden.
Inside the "Modem Mode" menu, activate the slider Wi-Fi hotspot. After enabling it, the system may warn you that the hotspot is already in use or that mobile data will be used up faster. Confirm the action. Your laptop will now see the new network in the list of available connections.
☑️ Quick activation
Please note that the network may not be visible immediately after activation if the device name (SSID) is hidden in the settings. By default, the network name matches the phone model name, for example, Honor 8X-1234, but it can be changed for ease of searching.
Configuring security settings and network name
Connection security is our number one priority. Go to the hotspot settings menu (usually under "Wi-Fi Hotspot Setup" in the Tethering section). Here, you can change the network name (SSID) to anything convenient for you, making it easy to find among neighboring networks at a cafe or office.
In the security section, be sure to select the encryption type WPA2 PSKThis is a modern standard that ensures reliable data protection. Never select the "Open" or "None" encryption type if you are in a public place. Your password should be complex, contain letters and numbers, and be at least 8 characters long.
You can also configure device hiding in this menu. If you enable the "Hide Device" option, your network won't appear in the general list on your laptop. To connect, you'll need to manually enter the network name (SSID) and password in your computer's Wi-Fi adapter settings. This adds an extra layer of privacy, but it does complicate the connection process.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| SSID (Network Name) | Unique name | Allows you to distinguish your network from others |
| Security | WPA2/WPA3 PSK | Provides traffic encryption |
| Range | 2.4 GHz | Better compatibility with older laptops |
| Max connections | 1-4 | Limits the number of devices to save battery life |
⚠️ Note: The settings interface may vary slightly depending on your Android operating system and EMUI version. If you don't see the option, look for it in the advanced settings.
Choosing a Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz
In the access point settings Honor 8X There's often an option to select a frequency band. This is an important parameter that affects connection speed and stability. The phone can operate in either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band (if the hardware supports it).
Range 2.4 GHz is the most versatile. It provides greater coverage and penetrates walls better, but speeds are lower, and the airwaves are often clogged with signals from microwaves and neighboring routers. If your laptop is old or located far from your phone, choose this option.
Range 5 GHz Offers significantly higher data transfer rates and less interference, but has a shorter range. If you're sitting close to your phone and need to download a large file or watch a high-definition video, switch to 5 GHz. However, make sure your laptop's Wi-Fi adapter supports this standard, otherwise it simply won't see the network.
What happens if I select the wrong range?
If your laptop doesn't support 5 GHz and you enable this mode on your phone, the device simply won't detect the network. Switch to 2.4 GHz for maximum compatibility.
Alternative connection methods: USB and Bluetooth
Wi-Fi isn't the only way to share the internet. If your wireless connection is unstable or you want to save battery, you can use a cable. Connect Honor 8X to your laptop via a USB cable. In the "Modem Mode" menu, enable the option USB modemThe computer will recognize the phone as a network device, and the Internet will appear automatically.
The advantage of a USB connection is that the phone is simultaneously charged by the laptop, offsetting the energy consumed by data transfer. Furthermore, a cable connection is usually more stable and has a lower ping, which is important for online gaming or video calls.
The third option is - Bluetooth modemIt's enabled in the same settings menu. This method is suitable if the USB port is busy and the laptop's Wi-Fi adapter is faulty. The speed will be low, sufficient only for instant messaging or loading light pages, but the connection will be very energy-efficient.
Each method has its advantages: Wi-Fi gives you freedom of movement, USB provides stability and charging, and Bluetooth is a lifesaver in emergency situations. The choice depends on your current conditions and needs.
Troubleshooting and optimization
Sometimes users encounter a situation where the hotspot is enabled, but the internet on their laptop is slow or unavailable. One common cause is a glitch in Android's network services. Try turning on airplane mode for 10 seconds and then turning it off. This will restart the radio.
Another common issue is the limit on the number of connected devices. Check the "Maximum connections" setting in your hotspot settings. If it's set to "1" and you try to connect a second device, the system will block access. Increase the limit to 4-8 devices.
If your laptop displays "No Internet Access" even though Wi-Fi is connected, check your DNS settings. Sometimes your mobile provider blocks data sharing (tariffs). In this case, changing the DNS in your mobile network settings to a public one (for example, Google's 8.8.8.8) can help, although on the Honor 8X, this may require third-party apps.
It's also worth remembering that the phone can become very hot when actively sharing. Remove any case if it's thick, and avoid placing the device on soft surfaces (like a sofa or bed) to avoid affecting heat dissipation.
Saving traffic and battery when sharing
Sharing the internet is a resource-intensive process. To Honor 8X If your battery isn't low by mid-day, use the Scheduler feature. In the hotspot settings, you can set an automatic shutdown time if no one is connected to the network for a certain period (for example, 5 or 10 minutes).
Limit background app activity on the connected laptop. Disable automatic Steam game updates, cloud storage syncing, and torrents. Mobile data isn't unlimited, and 10-20 GB data limits can be used up very quickly during heavy downloads.
Use Turbo mode or similar optimizations only when absolutely necessary. High speeds aren't necessary for normal surfing, and standard mode will save more power.
⚠️ Please note: Carriers may automatically detect traffic distribution (TTL) and block it or charge additional fees. Please check your carrier's plan for details, as terms and conditions may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does the laptop see the Honor 8X network but not connect?
Most often, the problem is an incorrect password or encryption type. Try forgetting the network on your laptop and re-entering the password. Also, check if there's a MAC address restriction in the access point settings.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if the phone has 3G?
Yes, it's technically possible, but the speed will be very slow. The hotspot will work, but pages may take a long time to load. We recommend switching to 4G/LTE in your mobile network settings.
Does the Honor 8X get very hot when sharing?
Yes, heating is a normal physical reaction when the radio module is actively operating. However, if the phone becomes hot to the touch, it's best to remove the case and place it on a hard surface or connect it to a USB port to reduce the strain on the battery.
How do I know who is connected to my hotspot?
The Honor 8X's hotspot settings menu usually displays a list of connected devices. You can see the device's name and MAC address there, and block an intruder if necessary.