Mobile internet has become an integral part of modern life, and situations often arise when a laptop or tablet urgently needs network access, but a stationary router is not nearby. Smartphones of the Honor 8X have excellent communication modules that allow you to turn the device into a full-fledged mobile hotspot. This function, known as modem mode or hotspot, allows you to share mobile traffic with other gadgets via a wireless communication channel.
The process of activating distribution on the EMUI shell, which is installed on Honor 8X, is intuitive, but has a number of hidden settings that affect connection stability and data transfer speed. Many users limit themselves to the basic settings, unaware that they can optimize the network for their needs. In this article, we'll cover all the configuration details to ensure maximum performance.
Before we get into the technical details, it's worth noting that the quality of the broadcast directly depends on the cellular network signal strength in your location. If the smartphone itself Honor 8X If your internet is slow or unstable, your connected devices will experience the same difficulties. Therefore, always check the connection indicators in the top bar of your screen first.
Basic hotspot activation via settings
The easiest and most reliable way to enable tethering is to use the operating system's settings menu. This method provides access to all possible configuration options, allowing you to set the network name, password, and frequency range. To get started, open the main application menu and find the icon labeled Settings, which usually looks like a gear.
In the list of options that opens, you need to find the section responsible for wireless connections. Depending on the EMUI firmware version on your Honor 8XThis item may have different names, but it's usually located at the top of the list. Find and click on the item. Wireless networks or go directly to the menu Mobile network.
Next, the system will ask you to select the distribution type. You are interested in the option Modem modeInside this menu you will see a switch Wi-Fi hotspotBefore activating the slider, we recommend tapping the function name to access advanced settings. Here you can change the network name (SSID) to something more recognizable and set a secure password to prevent neighbors from accessing your traffic without permission.
⚠️ Attention: When you turn on the access point on Honor 8X The power-saving feature is automatically disabled for this process, which may cause the battery to drain faster. It is recommended to keep the device connected to a charger during extended use.
Using the Quick Access Toolbar
For those who need to quickly and frequently connect to the internet on other devices, there's a more efficient method. The control panel or notification shade allows you to activate the hotspot with just one tap, bypassing deep system menus. This is especially convenient when you urgently need to connect your laptop to the internet in a cafe or on public transport.
To use this method, swipe your finger from the top edge of the screen Honor 8X down. This will open the notification panel, where you'll find quick access icons for features like Bluetooth, flashlight, and Wi-Fi. If you don't see the icon Access point immediately, swipe again or tap the edit button (usually a pencil icon or three dots) to add the widget to the home screen of the panel.
Click on the icon Access pointto activate the mode. The icon's color will change, indicating that sharing is active. However, it's important to remember that this widget often doesn't allow you to quickly change the password or frequency range without going into full settings. This solution is for ad hoc use, not for in-depth configuration.
Frequency range settings and device compatibility
One of the key features of setting up Wi-Fi on Honor 8X The ability to select a frequency band is crucial. Modern smartphones support two bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Understanding the difference between them is critical to ensuring a stable connection with both older and newer devices.
Range 2.4 GHz is the de facto standard for most gadgets. It has better wall penetration, but is often overloaded by nearby routers and appliances, reducing speed. Range 5 GHz provides higher data transfer rates and is less susceptible to interference, but has a shorter range and may not be supported by very old laptops or tablets.
To set up, go to the access point menu and find the item Access point frequency rangeHere you can select your preferred option. If you're sharing internet with a modern Ultrabook or gaming tablet, choosing 5 GHz will give you a speed boost. However, if you need to connect an older GPS device or e-reader, it's best to stick with 2.4 GHz for maximum compatibility.
| Parameter | 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 20-30 m) |
| Compatibility | Almost 100% of devices | Only modern gadgets |
| Interference resistance | Low (a lot of noise) | High (pure ether) |
Managing Connected Devices and Security
Controlling who is connected to your network is an important aspect of security and data savings. EMUI shell on Honor 8X Provides built-in tools for monitoring active clients. You can always see a list of devices currently using your internet connection and block unwanted users if necessary.
In the access point menu, click on the item Connected devicesA list of all devices with their MAC addresses and names will be displayed here. If you see an unknown device, you can click on it and select the option BlockThis will immediately terminate the connection and prevent reconnection from this ID.
To increase the level of security, it is recommended to use an encryption protocol. WPA2 PSKIt's the security standard for home networks and is strong enough to protect against simple hacking. Also, avoid using simple passwords like "12345678." Choose a combination of letters and numbers at least 8 characters long.
☑️ Network security check
There is also a function White List, which allows connections only to pre-approved devices based on their MAC address. This is the most secure method of protection, as even knowing the password will prevent an outsider from connecting to your Honor 8X, if his address is not included in the list of allowed ones.
Sharing the Internet via USB and Bluetooth
A wireless connection isn't always the optimal solution. In situations where maximum stability is required or you need to conserve your smartphone's battery, wired or alternative wireless interfaces can be used. Honor 8X Supports Internet distribution via USB cable and Bluetooth channel.
A USB modem is a great option for connecting to a desktop computer that doesn't have Wi-Fi or requires a stable ping. To activate, connect your smartphone to the PC with a cable, then in the menu Modem mode activate the switch USB modemThe system will automatically install the necessary drivers, and the computer will see the new network connection.
A Bluetooth modem consumes less power than Wi-Fi, but provides significantly lower data transfer rates (usually no more than 2-3 Mbps). This option is suitable for connecting tablets or e-readers where only text content is important. To use it, you must first pair the devices via Bluetooth, then enable the corresponding mode in the access point settings.
⚠️ Important: When using a USB modem, make sure the cable is working properly and supports data transfer, not just charging. Cheap "charge-only" cables will not allow tethering.
Why doesn't the computer see the USB modem?
If your computer makes a connection sound when you connect the cable, but the internet connection doesn't appear, check if USB debugging is enabled in the developer options. Sometimes, replacing the USB port on your computer or using the original cable included with your Honor 8X can help. Also, make sure your PC has the latest mobile device drivers installed.
Optimization of work and solution
During operation, users may encounter a number of typical problems: devices do not see the network, there is a connection, but the Internet does not work, or Honor 8X The battery drains quickly. Most often, the problem lies in power saving settings or an IP address conflict.
If your speed is low, try changing the Wi-Fi channel in your access point's advanced settings. Automatic channel selection isn't always effective in dense urban areas. Manually select channels 1, 6, or 11 for the 2.4 GHz band, as they have the least interference.
To save battery, set a timer for your hotspot. You can configure the settings to turn off Wi-Fi if no one is connected for 10 minutes. This will prevent wasted power if you forget to turn off tethering.
The table below lists the problems and their solutions:
| Problem | Possible cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The laptop doesn't see the network. | Unsupported range | Switch to 2.4 GHz in settings |
| No internet access | There is no traffic on the SIM card | Check your balance and tariff plan |
| Communication breakdown | Weak 4G signal | Move to a better reception area |
| Slow speed | Smartphone overheating | Remove the cover and let it cool. |
⚠️ Attention: The menu interface and item names may differ slightly depending on the version of the EMUI operating system and the regional firmware of your device. Honor 8XIf you don't find the item described, search for a similar one or consult the official user manual.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many devices can connect to the hotspot on Honor 8X at the same time?
Technical characteristics of the Wi-Fi module in Honor 8X Supports up to 8-10 simultaneously connected clients. However, connecting more than 4-5 devices may result in a significant drop in speed and increased ping due to the smartphone's limited processor resources.
Does Wi-Fi sharing affect file download speed on a smartphone?
Yes, it does. The connection is split between data transfer for apps running on the phone and data distribution to external devices. When actively downloading data on a connected laptop, the internet speed actually drops. Honor 8X will also decrease, since the bandwidth of the radio module is limited.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if airplane mode is enabled on the phone?
No, you can't. Airplane mode (Airplane mode) forcibly disables all wireless interfaces, including the cellular network, which is the internet source. To share Wi-Fi, the cellular network must be active. However, you can manually enable Wi-Fi after activating airplane mode, but this will not allow mobile internet sharing, as the cellular network will remain disabled.
Why does the battery drain quickly when the access point is running?
Hotspot mode is a power-hungry process, as the smartphone simultaneously receives a 4G/LTE signal and broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal. Both modules operate at high power. To minimize power consumption, we recommend reducing screen brightness, closing background apps, and, if possible, keeping the phone charging.