Modern smartphones have long ceased to be just devices for making calls, turning into universal communication tools that allow you to stay online anywhere in the world. Models of the series Honor have proven themselves to be reliable gadgets with powerful functionality, and Honor 8X is no exception, offering users convenient options for creating a personal hotspot. In situations where fixed internet is unavailable or an urgent laptop connection is needed, the function mobile hotspot becomes an indispensable tool in the owner's arsenal.
The process of activating traffic distribution on devices with the EMUI shell installed on Honor 8X, may seem unintuitive to a beginner due to its interface. Unlike some other manufacturers, the settings menu here has its own specific structure, requiring careful attention. Properly configuring the settings will not only allow you to quickly connect other devices, but also secure the communication channel from unauthorized access by third parties, which is critical when using public networks.
In this article, we'll cover every setup step in detail, from basic activation to fine-tuning frequency bands for maximum speed. You'll learn how to change the default network name to a unique one, set a secure encryption key, and manage connected devices. We'll also cover common issues users encounter and effective solutions without having to reset settings to factory defaults.
⚠️ Note: The EMUI interface may vary slightly depending on your Android OS version and regional updates. If you don't find the menu item, check for system updates in Settings or search for your phone's settings.
Preparing your smartphone for modem mode
Before you begin setting up the data connection, you need to make sure your device is ready to transmit data. The first and most important requirement is an active mobile InternetWithout a working SIM card with a valid data plan and a positive balance, creating a hotspot is impossible, as the phone will have nothing to broadcast to the outside world.
Check the connection status at the top of the screen: 4G, LTE, or H+ icons should be displayed, indicating active data transfer with the carrier's base station. If the icon is missing or the letter E/G is lit, the transfer speed will be extremely low, making internet use on connected devices uncomfortable. In some cases, you may need to manually enable data transfer in the notification shade.
The second important aspect is battery life. Access point mode significantly increases processor and radio module power consumption, which can lead to rapid battery drain. Honor 8XIt's recommended to have a charger or power bank on hand, especially if you plan on long work sessions. It's also a good idea to close background apps that may be consuming data to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your bandwidth.
- 📶 Make sure mobile data is turned on and the network signal is stable.
- 🔋 Check the battery charge level, it should be above 20-30%.
- 📱 Free up RAM by closing heavy apps.
- 📡 Make sure that airplane mode is not enabled on your phone.
⚠️ Warning: When actively distributing Wi-Fi, the smartphone's body may become noticeably warm. This is a normal physical phenomenon, but if the temperature reaches a critical level, the device may automatically disable the communication module to protect its components.
Basic Wi-Fi hotspot setup
To start the distribution process, you need to go to the corresponding system settings menu. Honor 8X the path to the desired section looks like this: open Settings, then select the item Wireless networks (or immediately Mobile network depending on the firmware version) and find the section Modem modeThis is where all the tools for managing your internet connection are concentrated.
In the menu that opens, you will see a switch Wi-Fi hotspotActivate it by moving the slider to the "On" position. Once activated, the system automatically creates a network with a default name, which typically reflects the device model (e.g., "Honor 8X"). However, using the default name is not recommended for security reasons and to make it easier to find among numerous nearby networks.
To change the settings, click "Access point name" or "Wi-Fi access point settings." Here, you can enter any convenient name using Latin letters and numbers to ensure compatibility with older devices. This window also contains a field for setting a password. The minimum length of a security key is typically 8 characters, but it's better to use more complex combinations to protect against hacking.
☑️ Check security settings
After entering all the data, be sure to click the button SaveSimply exiting the menu may not apply the changes. Make sure the network you created appears in the list of available networks on another device (laptop or tablet). When you try to connect, the system will prompt you for the password you entered, and after successful authorization, data transfer will begin.
Advanced settings: traffic frequency and limits
EMUI shell on Honor 8X provides users with access to advanced settings that allow them to optimize the access point for specific tasks. One of the key features is the choice frequency rangeBy default, the phone can use the 2.4 GHz band, which provides greater coverage but has lower speeds and is susceptible to interference from nearby routers and household appliances.
For devices that support the 5 GHz standard, it's a good idea to switch to this band. This will ensure faster data transfer rates and a more stable connection, which is especially important when watching high-definition videos or playing online games. However, it's important to keep in mind that the 5 GHz signal has a shorter range and penetrates walls less effectively, so the connected device should be located within close proximity to the phone.
Another useful feature is the installation traffic limitIf your tariff plan isn't unlimited, you can set a data limit after which data transfer will automatically stop. This will protect you from unexpected charges or your number being blocked by your operator. You can also set a statistics reset period to track your usage during the current billing period.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz band | 5 GHz band |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer speed | Up to 150-300 Mbps | Up to 400-800+ Mbps |
| Range | High (up to 30-40 m) | Medium (up to 15-20 m) |
| Penetration ability | Good | Low |
| Compatibility | All devices | Only modern gadgets |
⚠️ Note: Not all connected devices support the 5 GHz frequency. If your laptop or tablet doesn't see the network after switching bands, return the setting to "2.4 GHz" or "Auto."
What is an AP Band and how to choose one?
AP Band is the technical name for the frequency range. The choice depends on the environment: in an apartment building with many neighboring routers, the 2.4 GHz channel is often noisy, so switching to 5 GHz can significantly improve speed. In rural areas or when located far from your phone, it's better to stick with 2.4 GHz.
Managing connected devices
Controlling who uses your internet is an important part of security. In the hotspot menu on Honor 8X There's a "Connected Devices" section that displays a list of all devices currently connected to the network. Here you can see the MAC addresses and names of connected clients, allowing you to quickly detect unauthorized access.
If you detect an unknown device, you can block it directly from this menu. Additionally, there's a "Whitelist" feature that allows connections only to predefined devices. When this mode is enabled, all other connection attempts will be ignored by the system, even if the attacker knows the correct password.
You can also limit the maximum number of simultaneous connections in this section. By default Honor 8X Allows you to connect up to 8 devices, but to maintain speed stability and battery life, it's recommended to set the limit to 3-4 devices. This will prevent overloading the smartphone's processor when multiple users attempt to download large files simultaneously.
- 👁️ Check the list of active connections regularly.
- 🚫 Use the blocking feature for unknown MAC addresses.
- 🔒 Enable "Allowed devices only" mode for maximum protection.
- ⚙️ Limit the number of clients to 3-4 for stable work.
Alternative ways to distribute Internet
In addition to classic Wi-Fi, Honor 8X supports other methods of transferring an Internet connection, which can be useful in other situations. One such method is USB modemThis option is ideal for desktop computers without a wireless adapter or for laptops with a dead Wi-Fi battery. It also provides a more stable connection and parallel charging of the phone.
To activate USB modem, connect your phone to your computer using a high-quality data cable (not just a charging one). Then, in the menu Modem mode the item will become active USB modemThe computer will automatically install the necessary drivers, and the new adapter will appear in your network connections. Transfer speed in this mode is limited only by the bandwidth of the cable and USB ports.
Another option is - Bluetooth modemAlthough this method is significantly slower than Wi-Fi and USB, it consumes minimal power. This can be a lifesaver when you urgently need to send a text message or quick email but your battery is critically low. It's activated in the same way through the tethering menu after pairing the devices.
A comparison of methods shows that the choice depends on your priorities: speed or energy efficiency. Wi-Fi remains the gold standard for multimedia and productivity, USB for stability, and Bluetooth for emergency power savings.
Typical problems and solutions
Despite the system's reliability, users may encounter various difficulties when setting up sharing. One of the most common issues is when devices see the network but are unable to connect, returning the error "Failed to obtain IP address." In this case, resetting the phone's network settings or simply rebooting the device, which clears the radio module's temporary caches, can help.
Another common situation is that the internet is available on a connected device, but pages won't load. This is often due to incorrect DNS settings or blocking by the internet service provider (for example, a ban on torrenting or P2P traffic). In such cases, changing the DNS server in the access point settings to a public address, such as Google's (8.8.8.8), can help.
If your hotspot turns off by itself after a certain amount of time, check your sleep timer settings. To save power, the system may turn off the Wi-Fi module if no active clients are connected for a long time. Also, make sure your phone isn't in "Ultra Power Saving" mode, which severely limits background processes.
Why doesn't my phone see the 5 GHz network?
Not all modifications Honor 8X Some firmware versions support operating as an access point in the 5 GHz band. This is a hardware or software limitation. If you don't have a band selection in the settings, your model only operates on 2.4 GHz.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if the phone is connected to Wi-Fi?
On most Android smartphones, including Honor 8X, you can't simultaneously receive Wi-Fi and broadcast it (repeater mode). A phone can either receive Wi-Fi or broadcast mobile data. However, there are third-party apps that require root access that bypass this limitation.
How can I find out who exactly has connected to my network?
MAC addresses are displayed in the "Connected Devices" menu. To identify a device, look up the MAC address in the Wi-Fi settings on your laptop or tablet and compare it to the one listed on your phone. The first six characters of the address indicate the device manufacturer.
Does Wi-Fi sharing affect the speed of mobile internet on the phone itself?
Yes, it does. The connection channel is shared between all connected clients. If one of the connected devices starts downloading a large file, the speed on the phone itself and other devices will drop significantly due to the limited bandwidth of the radio module.