Mobile internet has become an integral part of modern life, and situations often arise where you need to provide network access to a laptop or tablet while away from a fixed router. Samsung Galaxy M31sWith its powerful battery and support for modern communication standards, it's ideal for creating a personal Wi-Fi zone. This feature turns your device into a fully-functional router, allowing you to share mobile data with other devices.
The process of activating this option on the shell One UI The network is intuitively implemented, but hidden settings allow you to optimize network performance for specific tasks. You can customize the network name, set a strong password, or even hide the access point from prying eyes. Understanding these nuances will help you take advantage of the network's capabilities. mobile hotspot as efficiently and safely as possible.
In this guide, we'll walk you through every setup step, explore advanced settings, and troubleshoot common connection issues. Proper configuration will not only share your internet connection but also conserve battery life and ensure stable data transfer speeds for connected devices.
Basic hotspot activation via the notification shade
The fastest way to enable tethering on Samsung M31s — Use the Quick Settings panel. To do this, simply swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade. If the icon you need isn't on the first screen, swipe again or tap the edit button to add a shortcut. Mobile Hotspot in available widgets.
Tap the "Mobile Hotspot" icon. When you first launch it, the system may ask you to confirm activation, as this feature consumes data and power. Once activated, the icon will become active, and other devices will be able to find your network in the list of available Wi-Fi connections.
However, the standard power-on screen doesn't provide access to fine-grained security and frequency range settings. For these settings, it's best to go to the main system settings menu to set the network name and password that will be used by default each time the device is turned on.
Deep network settings customization in the smartphone menu
To manage all Internet distribution parameters, you need to go to the menu Settings → Connections → Mobile Hotspot & TetheringThis is where you'll find the control center, where you can change the network name (SSID) that other users see. By default, it usually matches your phone model, for example, Galaxy M31s, but it can be replaced with any one convenient for you.
Particular attention should be paid to security settings. In the "Security" section, it is recommended to select a protocol WPA2 PSK, as it provides reliable encryption of transmitted data. Using an open network or the outdated WPA standard makes your transmitted information vulnerable to interception by hackers.
⚠️ Important: If you change your password, make sure it contains at least 8 characters, including letters and numbers. Weak passwords can be cracked by automated programs in minutes.
The "Hide Device" feature is also available in this section. When enabled, your phone will stop broadcasting the network name. Connecting to this access point will only be possible by manually entering the SSID and password on the connected device, significantly increasing privacy.
☑️ Setting up a secure hotspot
Choosing a Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz
Samsung Galaxy M31s It supports dual frequency bands, and choosing the right one is critical for connection stability. The 2.4 GHz band provides wider coverage and better signal penetration through walls, but its speed is lower, and the airwaves are often congested by neighboring routers.
The 5 GHz band offers significantly higher data rates and less interference, as it's less congested. However, its range is shorter and it penetrates obstacles less effectively. For watching high-definition video or making video calls, it's best to choose 5 GHz if the device being connected is close to the phone.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Average | High |
| Range | Big | Medium/Small |
| Permeability of walls | High | Low |
| Airtime congestion | High | Low |
You can switch the range in the menu Set up Wi-Fi access point → AP rangeHere you'll see options such as "2.4 GHz," "5 GHz," or "Auto." Selecting automatic mode allows the system to automatically determine the optimal frequency based on environmental conditions and connected clients.
Managing connected devices and traffic limits
You can control who's using your internet connection through the list of connected devices. The hotspot menu displays the number of active clients, their names, and MAC addresses. You can click on a specific device at any time and select "Disconnect" to terminate the connection with the unwanted user.
The "Data Management" feature allows you to set a data limit for Wi-Fi tethering. This is especially useful if you have a metered internet plan. You can set a data limit after which Wi-Fi tethering will automatically turn off, preventing unexpected charges.
- 📱 Maximum number of devices: By default, up to 10 connections are allowed, but for stable operation it is better to limit the number to 3-5 gadgets.
- 📉 Time-out: Set your hotspot to automatically turn off if no one is connected to it for 1, 3, 5, or 10 minutes.
- 🛡️ Whitelist: In advanced settings, you can allow connections only to specific MAC addresses, blocking all other login attempts.
Regularly checking the list of connected devices helps identify unauthorized access. If you notice an unknown device, change the access point password immediately, as the previous one may have been compromised.
Sharing the Internet via USB and Bluetooth
In addition to the wireless network, Samsung M31s Allows you to share your internet connection via a USB cable or Bluetooth. A USB modem provides the most stable connection with minimal latency (ping) and simultaneously charges your phone, a significant advantage for extended use.
To activate the USB modem, connect your phone to the computer with the original cable, then go to Settings → Connections → Mobile Hotspot & Tethering and activate the switch USB modemThe system will automatically install the necessary drivers, and a new network connection will appear on your PC.
⚠️ Note: When using a USB modem, wireless Wi-Fi distribution on the phone itself may be temporarily disabled by the system to prevent network interface conflicts.
A Bluetooth modem consumes less power than Wi-Fi, but offers significantly lower data transfer speeds. This option is suitable for email or messaging, but not for video streaming. To connect, pair your phone and PC via Bluetooth, then select the option to use your phone's network access in the Bluetooth connection properties on your computer.
Why is my USB modem sometimes not detected by my computer?
Often, the problem lies in a low-quality cable that only supports charging but not data transfer. Use an original Samsung cable or a certified replacement marked "Data." You may also need to install the Samsung USB Drivers on your PC.
Energy optimization and troubleshooting
Hotspot mode is a power-hungry process that drains your battery quickly. Samsung M31sTo minimize power consumption, we recommend reducing screen brightness, disabling background apps, and, if possible, keeping your phone connected to a charger. Overheating is normal during active data sharing, but at critical temperatures, the system may limit performance.
If your devices are unable to connect to the network, try resetting your phone's network settings. Go to Settings → General Settings → Reset → Reset Network SettingsThis action will reset Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile network settings to factory defaults without affecting your personal files and contacts.
Another common issue is an IP address conflict. In this case, switching the hotspot mode in the developer settings or simply restarting the phone can help. Also, make sure your SIM card hasn't reached its data limit and your carrier isn't blocking tethering (although it might). Samsung M31s (This is rare).
- 🔋 Energy saving: Enable "4G/LTE Only" mode in your mobile network settings to prevent your phone from wasting resources constantly searching for 5G signals if coverage is unstable.
- 📡 Positioning: For better signal reception, place your phone closer to a window or on an elevated surface, avoiding metal surfaces.
- 🔄 Update: Check the software updates section regularly
Settings → Software Update, as Samsung frequently releases patches that improve the stability of the Wi-Fi module.
Why does my phone get hot when the hotspot is turned on?
When operating in router mode, the phone's radio module operates in enhanced transmission mode, which causes the processor and modem to heat up. This is normal behavior. To reduce the temperature, remove the phone's case if it has a thick one, and avoid placing the phone on soft surfaces that block heat dissipation.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network?
On most modern Samsung smartphones, including the M31s, Wi-Fi Sharing is limited or requires special permissions. Typically, the phone shares mobile data (4G/LTE). Sharing a received Wi-Fi signal often requires third-party apps or root access, as standard Android functionality often blocks Wi-Fi access in both directions simultaneously.
How to hide an access point from prying eyes?
In the mobile hotspot settings, enable the "Hide device" option. This will remove the network from the list of available networks on other devices. To connect, you'll need to manually enter the exact network name (SSID) and password in the Wi-Fi settings on the connecting device.