Modern smartphones have long ceased to be just devices for making calls, turning into powerful tools for work and entertainment, capable of replacing a mobile router. Model Honor 20SEquipped with a high-quality communications module and a powerful processor, it's ideal for creating your own Wi-Fi hotspot, providing stable internet to laptops, tablets, and other devices away from a fixed network. This is especially useful on business trips, in cafes, or when your home internet provider is temporarily unavailable.
The process of activating the modem mode on devices with the EMUI or Magic UI shell, which is typical for Honor, has been simplified as much as possible by the developers, but it contains a number of hidden settings that affect connection speed and security. In this article, we'll cover every setup step in detail, from basic activation to fine-tuning settings for maximum performance.
It's important to understand that proper setup not only saves traffic but also protects transmitted data from unauthorized access. Let's look at the basic methods for activating and setting up internet tethering.
Quick activation via the notification shade
The easiest and fastest way to transform your Honor 20S To create a hotspot, use the quick access panel. To do this, simply unlock your smartphone's screen and swipe down from the top to open the Control Center. Here you'll see a variety of icons, including the one labeled "Hotspot" or "Wi-Fi Zone."
If you don't see the desired icon in the first row, try swiping again or tapping the edit menu button (usually a pencil icon or three dots) to add the shortcut in a prominent location. After tapping, the icon should light up, indicating tethering mode is active. At this point, your phone is already broadcasting the network, but it may be unsecured or have a default name.
To check your connection status, look at the status bar at the top of the screen: an icon resembling an antenna or chain of links should appear there. This confirms that Wi-Fi module switched to broadcast mode.
- 📱 Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the curtain.
- 🔍 Find the "Access Point" icon (may be called "Tethering").
- 🔘 Click on the icon to make it active (colored).
- 📡 Check the top status bar for the seed indicator.
It's worth noting that the quick method doesn't always allow you to set complex security parameters right away, so for regular use, it's best to go to the full settings menu.
Setting up a network name and security password
Using the factory settings of an access point is risky, as the default network name often contains the device model, and the password may be too simple or absent altogether. To change these settings, Honor 20S, you need to go to the settings menu via the gear icon. Next, find the "Wireless Networks" section or directly select "Wi-Fi Hotspot."
In the menu that opens, click "Wi-Fi Hotspot Setup." Here you'll see the "Network Name (SSID)" field, where you can enter any name you like, such as "My_Honor_Net." Below that is the "Password" field, which requires a character string to secure the connection.
⚠️ Attention: When creating a password, avoid simple sequences like "12345678." Use a combination of mixed-case letters and numbers at least 8 characters long to ensure reliable protection against brute-force attacks.
Pay special attention to the "Security" field. Make sure the protocol is selected. WPA2 PSK, as it is the most compatible and secure standard currently available. WEP protocols or open networks do not provide adequate protection for your data.
Path to settings: Settings → Wireless & networks → Wi-Fi hotspot → Set up Wi-Fi hotspotAfter making all the changes, be sure to click "Save," otherwise the new settings will not take effect. Now, when searching for networks on other devices, you'll see the name you specified.
☑️ Network security check
Choosing a Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz
One of the key features of modern smartphones, including Honor 20SThe device's unique feature is dual-band internet access. By default, it operates in the 2.4 GHz band, which has a longer range but lower throughput and is heavily congested by neighboring routers.
Switching to the 5 GHz band significantly increases data transfer speeds and reduces interference, which is critical for watching high-definition video or playing online games. However, the network's range will be shorter, and the signal will have poorer penetration through walls. To switch, find "AP Band" or "Frequency Band" in the access point settings menu.
| Characteristic | 2.4 GHz band | 5 GHz band |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer speed | Up to 150-300 Mbps | Up to 400-800 Mbps |
| Range of action | High (up to 50 m) | Medium (up to 20 m) |
| Penetration through walls | Good | Bad |
| Interference level | High (many networks) | Short |
If you are in an apartment building where the airwaves are clogged with signals from neighbors, the choice 5 GHz This will be the optimal solution for stable operation. However, older devices that don't support the new standard will have to remain set to 2.4 GHz.
Why doesn't the device see the 5 GHz network?
Not all network adapters in laptops and tablets support the 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) standard. If your device was manufactured more than 7-8 years ago, it will physically be unable to detect a 5 GHz network, even if the phone is broadcasting it. In this case, you'll need to switch to 2.4 GHz.
Managing connected devices
Controlling who is connected to your access point is a crucial aspect of security and traffic management. In the interface Honor 20S You can view a list of connected users. In the "Wi-Fi Hotspot" menu, tap "Connected Devices."
Here you'll see a list of all devices currently using your internet connection, along with their MAC addresses and names. The system not only allows you to monitor activity but also forcibly block unwanted users. To do this, simply click on a specific device and select the block option.
Additionally, there's a "Whitelist" feature that allows connections only to specific, pre-approved devices. By activating this mode, you can be sure that no one else will be able to connect to your network, even if they know the password.
- 👁️ Check the list of active connections regularly.
- 🚫 Block unknown devices with one click.
- ✅ Use whitelist for maximum protection.
- 📉 Monitor your traffic consumption in real time.
This is especially useful in public places where unauthorized access attempts can occur automatically using special scripts.
Hiding your network name (SSID) for increased privacy
For users who require the highest level of privacy, Honor 20S offers a network name hiding feature. When enabled, your phone stops broadcasting its SSID, making the access point invisible to standard searches on other devices.
To connect to a hidden network, the user must manually enter the network name (SSID) and password in the Wi-Fi settings of the connecting device. This creates an additional barrier for casual users and simple network scanners, although for experienced attackers, a hidden SSID is not an insurmountable obstacle.
⚠️ Attention: Hiding the SSID may increase battery life on connected devices, as they must constantly send requests to find the hidden network. Use this feature only when absolutely necessary.
You can find this setting in the same access point configuration menu where you changed the password. Look for the "Hide Device" or "Hide SSID" switch. Once enabled, the network will disappear from the list of available networks but will still work.
Problem solving and performance optimization
Despite the reliability of the system Android and shells HonorUsers may encounter situations where the access point is unstable, slow, or devices cannot see the network at all. Often, the problem lies in power saving. The system may try to conserve battery life by limiting the Wi-Fi module's modem operation.
To resolve this issue, go to battery settings and find the app or service responsible for your hotspot. Set the operating mode to "Performance" or prevent the system from closing this process in the background. Also, make sure your mobile data is enabled and you have a strong cellular signal.
Another common cause of crashes is a full network settings cache or IP address conflict. In this case, a simple restart of the communication modules helps: enable airplane mode for 10 seconds, then disable it. If the problem persists, reset the network settings.
Reset path: Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settingsKeep in mind that resetting network settings will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but will not affect your personal files and photos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does the Honor 20S get very hot when using Wi-Fi for a long time?
Yes, when actively transferring data, especially in the 5 GHz band and with poor cellular signal, the phone may become noticeably warm. This is a normal physical process. We recommend removing the protective case for better heat dissipation and not covering the phone while in use.
How many devices can connect to the hotspot at the same time?
Technically Honor 20S Supports connections for up to 8-10 devices simultaneously. However, the actual number depends on the processor load and the speed of the incoming internet connection. When connecting to a large number of users, the speed on each device will decrease.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if my phone has a data limit?
Yes, you can set a data limit in the hotspot settings. Once the set data limit is used, sharing will automatically stop, helping you avoid unexpected mobile phone charges.
Why does the laptop see the network but not connect?
This is most often caused by an incorrect password or an IP address conflict. Try forgetting the network on your laptop and re-entering the password. Also, check if your phone has a "Whitelist" feature blocking new connections.