How to Share Internet from a Samsung Galaxy A31: All the Methods and Life Hacks

If you urgently need to connect your laptop, tablet or other smartphone to the Internet, and you only have Samsung Galaxy A31 with mobile traffic, the solution is simple - turn your phone into Wi-Fi hotspotThis feature allows you to share your internet connection wirelessly, via USB cable, or via Bluetooth. But how do you properly set up sharing on this model to avoid connection issues or slow speeds?

In this article, we will look at all the current methods of distributing Wi-Fi with Galaxy A31, including hidden Android 12/13 settings that help bypass carrier restrictions. You'll learn how to increase hotspot duration, why devices might fail to connect, and what to do if your internet is slow. You'll also learn how to conserve battery life during extended data sharing.

Important: The procedure may differ slightly depending on the firmware version. One UI (4.1, 5.0 or later), but the basic steps remain the same. If your Samsung Galaxy A31 Updated to Android 14, some menu items may have moved - we'll provide alternative paths.

1. Preparing your phone for Wi-Fi sharing

Before turning on the access point, make sure that your Galaxy A31 ready for this task. Here are the key points:

  • 📶 Check the signal levelIf you have 1-2 network bars, your upload speed will be extremely slow. It's best to be in an area with reliable 4G/5G coverage.
  • 🔋 Battery chargeWi-Fi hotspots consume a lot of power. Ideally, connect your phone to a charger or have at least 50% battery.
  • 📱 Update your software: come in Settings → Software Update and install the latest patches. Older versions of One UI had bugs that prevented the hotspot from disabling.
  • 🛡️ Disable VPN: If you use VPN applications (for example, NordVPN or 1.1.1.1), they can block traffic distribution.

It is also worth considering that some mobile operators (for example, Tele2 or Yota) Internet tethering is blocked by default on certain plans. If devices connect after enabling the hotspot, but the internet doesn't work, the problem is with your plan. Solution: Call your operator and activate the "Internet tethering" option (sometimes there's a fee).

⚠️ Attention: On Samsung Galaxy A31 with firmware below One UI 3.1 5G network support may not be available when tethering. If your phone has 5G but only 4G, update your software.
📊 Which internet sharing method do you use most often?
Wi-Fi (hotspot)
USB cable
Bluetooth
I don't use it

2. Method 1: Sharing Wi-Fi via an access point (hot spot)

This is the most popular and versatile method. It allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously (in practice, 3-5 without losing speed). Here are the step-by-step instructions:

  1. Open Settings (gear on the home screen or in the notification bar).
  2. Go to the section Connections → Mobile Hotspot & Tethering.
  3. Tap on Mobile hotspot.
  4. Activate the slider at the top of the screen. If a warning about data usage appears, confirm the action.

Now it's yours Galaxy A31 distributes Wi-Fi, but by default the network is called Samsung_A31_XXXX, and the password is a complex combination of characters. To simplify the connection, configure the following settings:

  • 🔑 Click Setting up an access point.
  • 📝 In the field Network name Enter a user-friendly name (e.g. My_Samsung_WiFi).
  • 🔒 In the field Password Enter a simple but secure code (at least 8 characters). Avoid spaces!
  • 📡 In Network range select 2.4 GHz for better compatibility with older devices or 5 GHz for high speed (but shorter range).

On Samsung Galaxy A31 With One UI 5.0+, there's an "Automatic Power Off" option that turns off the hotspot if no devices are connected for 5-30 minutes. To disable it, go to More → Timeout and select Never.

☑️ Check before connecting devices

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3. Method 2: Sharing the Internet via USB (USB modem)

If you only need to connect one computer or laptop to the internet, sharing via USB is the best option. It saves battery life and provides a more stable connection.

Instructions:

  1. Connect Galaxy A31 to a PC or laptop using the original cable USB Type-C.
  2. On your phone, in the notification panel, select the mode File Transfer (MTP)USB modem.
  3. If the mode does not appear automatically, go to Settings → Connections → Mobile hotspot & tethering and activate USB modem.

On a computer with Windows 10/11 Drivers are installed automatically. If the internet doesn't work:

  • 🖥️ Check if a new network connection has appeared in Control Panel → Network Connections.
  • 🔄 Restart your phone and PC.
  • 🔌 Try a different USB cable (poor quality cables may not transfer data).
⚠️ Attention: When distributing via USB Samsung Galaxy A31 Your phone may be blocked from charging from your PC. To avoid this, use a USB hub with an external power source.

4. Method 3: Sharing the Internet via Bluetooth

This method is suitable for connecting devices that don't support Wi-Fi (for example, some smartwatches or older printers). The speed will be slower than Wi-Fi or USB, but battery consumption is minimal.

How to set up:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on both devices.
  2. On Galaxy A31 go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth and find the target device in the list.
  3. Confirm pairing.
  4. Return to Settings → Connections → Mobile hotspot & tethering and activate Bluetooth modem.

On the device you are connecting to (such as a laptop), you may need to manually select Samsung Galaxy A31 as an internet source. On Windows, this is done through Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & other devices → Advanced options.

Distribution method Max. speed Battery consumption Number of devices Difficulty of setup
Wi-Fi (hotspot) up to 150 Mbit/s High up to 10 Low
USB modem up to 300 Mbit/s Short 1 Average
Bluetooth up to 3 Mbit/s Minimum 1-3 High

5. Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Sharing on the Samsung Galaxy A31

Even after proper setup, glitches may still occur. Here are the most common issues and their solutions:

🔴 Devices don't connect to the access point

  • 🔄 Restart your phone and the device trying to connect.
  • 📵 Make sure that on Galaxy A31 the mode is not activated On the plane.
  • 🔒 Check your password - you may have entered incorrect characters (case-sensitive!).
  • 📡 Change the network range with 5 GHz on 2.4 GHz (or vice versa).

🟡 There's a connection, but the internet isn't working.

  • 📱 Check your mobile internet balance and activity on your phone.
  • 🔄 Turn the mode on and off On the plane for 10 seconds.
  • 📵 Make sure your phone is not turned on Power saving mode - It can block background traffic.
  • 🛡️ Disable your VPN or firewall (e.g. Avast or Kaspersky).

🟠 The access point keeps disconnecting

  • 🔋 Connect your phone to a charger—when the battery is low, Android automatically turns off data sharing.
  • ⏱️ Disable the timeout in the access point settings (Advanced → Timeout → Never).
  • 📱 Update your firmware - older versions of One UI had bugs that caused the app to shut down spontaneously.
What should I do if the operator blocks the distribution?

Some operators (eg. MTS (On the "For Laptop" plan) data sharing is blocked at the SIM card level. Solutions:

1. Call support and ask to activate the "Internet Sharing" option (sometimes free).

2. Use apps like PDANet+ or ClockworkMod Tether to bypass restrictions (root required).

3. Buy a separate SIM card with an unlimited tariff for sharing (for example, Yota Unlimited).

6. How to increase Wi-Fi distribution speed

If your internet connection is slow, try these optimization methods:

  • 📶 Change your Wi-Fi band: if you have a lot of devices on 2.4 GHz, switch to 5 GHz (less interference, but smaller radius).
  • 📵 Disable background apps: Close all programs that consume traffic (for example, YouTube, TikTok, cloud services).
  • 🔄 Reset network settings: go to Settings → General → Reset → Reset network settingsThis will delete all saved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections, but often solves speed issues.
  • 🛡️ Use third-party applications: NetMaster or WiFi Analyzer will help you choose the least loaded Wi-Fi channel.

It's also worth checking whether your mobile operator is throttling your speed. For example, with "unlimited" internet plans, after the high-speed data is used up, the speed may drop to 64-128 kbps. Check the terms and conditions in your operator account.

7. Saving battery power when distributing Wi-Fi

Sharing the internet is one of the most energy-consuming functions of a smartphone. Galaxy A31 If your battery doesn't run out within an hour, follow these tips:

  • 🔋 Connect your phone to the charger (preferably the original 15-25W adapter).
  • 🌑 Activate the dark theme: Settings → Display → Dark ThemeOn an AMOLED screen, this reduces power consumption.
  • 📵 Disable unnecessary modules: GPS, NFC, automatic synchronization (in Settings → Accounts and Archiving).
  • Limit background activity: Settings → Device Maintenance → Battery → Background Battery → disable for unnecessary applications.

If you need to share the Internet for a long time (for example, on a trip), take it with you powerbank with a capacity of 10,000 mAh. Samsung Galaxy A31 with the access point and screen turned on, it consumes ~10–15% of the charge per hour.

8. Alternative methods of Internet distribution

If standard methods don't work, try these options:

🔹 Using distribution apps

Apps like PdaNet+ or FoxFi They allow you to bypass carrier restrictions and share your internet connection even on plans without this option. The downside is that root access or a paid version is often required.

🔹 Modem mode via PC

If you have a Windows computer, you can set up distribution through it:

  1. Connect Galaxy A31 to PC via USB.
  2. Turn on USB modem on the phone.
  3. On your PC, open Settings → Network & Internet → Mobile Hotspot and allow other devices to connect through your computer.

🔹 Using a second phone as a repeater

If you have a second smartphone (for example, an old one Samsung), you can set up a chain: primary phone (with internet) → second phone (hotspot) → your devicesThis helps if the direct signal is weak.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Wi-Fi hotspots on the Samsung Galaxy A31

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from the Galaxy A31 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, this will allow outsiders to connect to your network, reducing speed and increasing the risk of hacking.

Why does my phone get so hot when using Wi-Fi?

Sharing the internet puts a strain on the processor and Wi-Fi module, which leads to heat. This is normal, but if the temperature exceeds 45°C (you can check it in the app) AIDA64), turn off the hotspot and let the phone cool down. Use the phone on a flat surface for better cooling.

How many devices can I connect to a hotspot on Galaxy A31?

The theoretical maximum is 10 devices, but in practice, speed drops noticeably with just 3-4 devices connected. For stable operation, we recommend connecting no more than 2 devices simultaneously.

Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from the Galaxy A31 if a VPN is enabled on the phone?

It depends on the VPN app. Some services (for example, ProtonVPN) are blocking traffic distribution. Try disabling your VPN or using apps with the "Allow Local Network" option (for example, Windscribe).

How do I reset my access point to default settings?

Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile hotspot and tethering → Mobile hotspot → Set up hotspot and press Reset settingsOr reset all network settings of your phone in Settings → General → Reset.