Modern smartphones have long ceased to be just devices for making calls, turning into powerful tools for work and entertainment, capable of completely replacing a home router in a critical situation. Model Honor 9Despite its age, the built-in modem remains popular thanks to its stable operation and high-quality hardware, which perfectly handles the functions of a router. If you urgently need to connect to the network from a laptop or tablet and don't have a desktop router at hand, the built-in modem is the ideal solution for setting up a local network.
The process of setting up an access point in the EMUI shell, which is installed on Honor 9, has been simplified as much as possible by the developers, but there are a number of nuances that are important to be aware of in advance. Properly configuring security parameters and frequency range will not only allow you to share the internet but also protect transmitted data from unauthorized access. In this article, we'll detail all the steps for activating modem mode, as well as explore hidden settings that can help optimize connection speed.
Preparing your device for modem mode
Before activating the hotspot feature, you need to make sure your device is ready to act as a host for other devices. First, check the battery level, as hotspot mode significantly increases energy consumption and can quickly drain your smartphone's battery. Also, make sure your data plan has tethering enabled, as some mobile operators block this feature or require an additional service plan.
It is important to understand that Honor 9 Supports dual frequency bands, giving users flexibility in choosing between speed and coverage range. If you're in an apartment building with high airborne noise, it might make sense to switch to the less crowded 5 GHz band to ensure a stable connection. However, keep in mind that older devices may not support this standard and simply won't see your network in the list of available connections.
⚠️ Caution: When using the modem mode for a long time, the smartphone's case may become very hot. This is a normal physical reaction of the processor and radio module under high load, but it's best to remove the case to improve heat dissipation.
To get started, make sure mobile data is enabled on your device, as sharing Wi-Fi without an active internet connection is pointless. Check your carrier's APN settings to ensure they are correct, as these are used to authenticate with the provider's network. If the internet connection on your phone is unstable, the speed on connected clients will also be low.
Activating the hotspot via the settings menu
The main way to activate modem mode is in the operating system settings, where all the necessary switches are located. You need to go to the section Settings → Wireless & networks → Mobile networks, where the desired functionality is located. In some firmware versions, the path may be slightly different, so look for an item called "Tethering" or "Wi-Fi Hotspot."
Once you enter the menu, you'll see a switch that activates the sharing function, but it's not recommended to rush into it. First, you need to set up a network name (SSID) and password to prevent unauthorized access to your traffic. Factory default passwords are often too simple, so be sure to change them to a more complex combination of symbols before the first launch.
☑️ Pre-launch check
In this menu, you can also limit the number of connected devices, which will help control the load on the radio channel and your smartphone's battery. If you only plan to connect a laptop, set the limit to one device to prevent neighbors from accidentally or intentionally connecting to your network. The system will automatically disable connection attempts once the set limit is reached.
Setting up security and network settings
Data security is a critical aspect when setting up a wireless network, especially in public areas. In the access point settings Honor 9 By default, the WPA2 PSK encryption protocol is used, which is currently the de facto standard for home use. Selecting "Open Network" mode is not recommended, as all traffic will be transmitted unencrypted and can be intercepted by attackers.
Hiding the network name (SSID) is especially important if you want your device to be invisible to random Wi-Fi scanners. When this feature is enabled, you'll have to connect to the internet manually by entering the network name and password in the client settings. This provides an additional layer of protection, although it's not a panacea against professional hackers using specialized software.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|
| Security protocol | WPA2 PSK | Provides secure data encryption |
| Frequency range | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz | 5 GHz is faster, 2.4 GHz has a longer range |
| Max. number of users | 1-4 | Limits the load on the battery |
| Time-out | 10 minutes | Automatic shutdown when idle |
Additionally, in the advanced settings, you can set a timer to automatically turn off the access point if no one is connected for a certain period of time. This feature is extremely useful for conserving battery life, as it prevents the radio module from idling. You can select an interval from 1 minute to 10 minutes, after which the system will automatically deactivate the hotspot.
How to choose a strong password?
Your password must contain at least 8 characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using birthdays, simple sequences (such as 12345678), or dictionary words. A random character set saved in a password manager is ideal.
Using the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequency bands
Choosing the right frequency band is key to connection speed and stability in urban environments. The 2.4 GHz band has better penetration through walls and ceilings, but it's heavily congested with signals from neighboring routers, microwave ovens, and Bluetooth devices. This can result in slower data transfer rates and significantly increased ping, which is critical for online gaming and video calls.
5GHz band supported Honor 9, offers much higher data transfer rates and is virtually interference-free in most residential areas. However, the signal range in this range is significantly shorter and penetrates obstacles less effectively. If you are in the same room as the receiving device, choosing 5 GHz is the optimal solution for maximum performance.
You can switch between bands in the access point settings menu by selecting the appropriate option from the "AP Band" list. It's worth noting that switching to 5 GHz will prevent older devices that don't support this standard from seeing your network. Therefore, if you're sharing internet with an older tablet or laptop, you may need to switch back to the 2.4 GHz standard to ensure compatibility.
Control of connected devices and traffic
EMUI's functionality not only allows you to share your internet but also effectively manage connected clients in real time. The access point menu displays a list of all devices currently using your connection, along with their MAC addresses. This allows you to quickly identify unauthorized users and block their access with the click of a button.
For those who monitor their data usage, there's the option to set a data limit, after which internet tethering will automatically stop. You can set the threshold in megabytes or gigabytes, which is especially useful for plans with limited data packages. The system will warn you when you're approaching the limit, so you can take action in time.
⚠️ Please note: Mobile operator interfaces and plan terms change frequently. Before actively using large amounts of data, check the current terms of your plan in your account or operator app to avoid unexpected charges.
It's also worth mentioning the whitelist feature, which allows connections only to pre-approved devices. To implement this feature, you need to know the MAC address of each device you plan to connect and enter it in the security settings. This is the most reliable way to protect your network from unauthorized access, as even knowing the password will prevent unauthorized access.
Solving common connection problems
Despite the stability of work Honor 9Users may encounter situations where devices cannot see the network or obtain an IP address. Most often, the problem stems from incompatible security protocols or a full DHCP server table on the smartphone. In such cases, rebooting the access point or completely rebooting the smartphone itself, which resets all temporary network settings, can help.
If you have internet access on your connected device but pages won't load, try changing the DNS servers in your mobile network settings to public ones, such as Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1). Sometimes providers block access to certain resources or route requests incorrectly, and changing the DNS can help bypass these restrictions. Also, check if you have a VPN installed on your smartphone, as this could interfere with the tethering feature.
If the problem persists for a long time, it might be worth resetting your network settings to factory defaults. This will delete all saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but it often resolves deep software conflicts in the Android network stack. After the reset, you'll need to re-enter your favorite network passwords, but the improved network stability is worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why doesn't the laptop see the network created on the Honor 9?
The problem is most likely a frequency band incompatibility. If you enabled the 5 GHz band, but your laptop's network card is old and only supports 2.4 GHz, it won't be able to detect the signal. Try switching the access point to 2.4 GHz mode in the settings.
Does the battery drain significantly when using modem mode?
Yes, hotspot mode is one of the most power-hungry processes in a smartphone. The radio module simultaneously receives and transmits data, resulting in high current consumption. For extended use, it's recommended to keep the phone connected to a charger.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if VPN is enabled on the phone?
By default, Android does not forward a VPN connection to devices connected via a hotspot. For clients to access the internet through a VPN, third-party apps or root access are required to configure traffic forwarding at the system level.
What is the maximum range of the Honor 9 hotspot?
In open spaces, the range is approximately 10-15 meters for the 2.4 GHz band and slightly less for the 5 GHz band. Indoors with concrete walls, the range can be reduced to 5-7 meters, depending on the number of obstacles and the level of interference.
Does Wi-Fi sharing affect the speed of mobile internet on the phone itself?
Yes, the radio channel's bandwidth is shared among all connected devices. If one client starts downloading a large file, the speed on the smartphone and other devices will drop significantly due to the limited bandwidth and processor load.