The modern smartphone has long ceased to be just a device for making calls, having become a fully-fledged mobile office and digital data management center. Device owners Honor often face the need to provide Internet access to a laptop, tablet, or other gadget in places where there is no wired connection. Model Honor 20, despite its age, remains popular due to the stable operation of communication modules and high-quality software based on EMUI.
The internet sharing feature known as Mobile hotspot, is built into the Android operating system and doesn't require third-party apps. However, properly configuring this feature not only ensures stable data transfer speeds but also protects the network from unauthorized access. In this article, we'll cover all aspects of setting up a hotspot on your device in detail.
It is important to understand that activating the modem mode significantly affects the power consumption and temperature of the device. When actively distributing Wi-Fi, the Honor 20 processor operates in an enhanced mode, which can lead to the case heating above 40 degrees Celsius. Therefore, properly setting security and frequency parameters is critical to the longevity of your device.
Preparing the device and checking the tariff plan
Before starting the technical setup, make sure the SIM card and the device itself are ready to operate as a router. Carriers often limit or charge separately for data traffic shared with other devices. Check your plan's terms in your personal account or the carrier's mobile app.
Make sure your phone's mobile data is enabled and you have a strong network signal. Maximum 4G speed isn't required for a hotspot to work, but a stable connection is crucial. It's also recommended to check your battery level, as Wi-Fi sharing is a power-hungry process.
The following nuances should be taken into account before activation:
- 📱 Make sure your account has enough traffic for seeding.
- 📶 Check the network coverage in the area where you plan to use the hotspot.
- 🔋 Charge your Honor 20's battery to at least 50% before a long session.
⚠️ Please note: Some mobile operators automatically detect the TTL (Time To Live) of packets and may block tethering or charge additional fees. We recommend checking with your provider for current tethering pricing, as rules are subject to change.
If you plan to use your phone as your laptop's primary internet connection for extended periods, it's a good idea to connect the device to a power source. This will offset the high power consumption of the radio module.
Basic Wi-Fi hotspot activation
The process of enabling modem mode in the shell EMUI The feature is implemented as intuitively as possible. The user can activate it in two ways: through the notification shade or through the main settings menu. The first option is suitable for quick activation, while the second is for detailed configuration.
For quick access, double-swipe down the top of the screen. Find the icon with the name Access point or Mobile hotspotIf the icon isn't visible, click the panel's edit button (usually a pencil or plus sign) and drag the desired element to the active panel. Once clicked, the icon will turn blue, indicating the mode is active.
More detailed settings can be made through the menu:
- Open
Settingson the main screen. - Go to the section
Wireless networks(or simplyNet). - Select an item
Mobile hotspot. - Activate the switch Mobile hotspot.
Once turned on, the phone's screen will display the network name (SSID) and default password. This information is required for connecting other devices. We recommend immediately changing the default password to a more complex one to prevent unauthorized connections.
☑️ Pre-launch check
Advanced security and network name settings
The security of your personal network depends on the encryption protocol you choose and the strength of your password. In your access point settings Honor 20 the protocol is used by default WPA2 PSK, which is the modern security standard. Changing it to WPA3 should only be done if all connecting devices support it, otherwise compatibility issues may arise.
To change the network name and password, go to the menu Mobile hotspot and click on the item Hotspot nameHere you can enter any alphanumeric combination. Avoid using personal information (first name, last name, address) as the network name to avoid revealing information about the device owner.
Your password should be complex but easy to enter on other devices. The optimal length is 8 to 16 characters. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, as well as numbers.
There is also a function to hide the network name:
- 🔒 Hides the SSID from the list of available networks on other devices.
- 📝 Requires manual entry of the network name when connecting new gadgets.
- 🛡️ Increases privacy, but is not a data encryption method.
If you hide the network name, connecting to it will only be possible by manually entering the settings on the client device. This is useful for creating a permanent, secure network that only trusted devices can access.
Choosing a Frequency Band: 2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz
One of the key features Honor 20 Dual-band Wi-Fi support is available. You can select the frequency range in the access point settings: 2.4 GHz or 5.0 GHzThe choice depends on which devices will be connected and under what conditions.
The 2.4 GHz band has a longer range and penetrates walls better, but it's often congested by neighboring routers and household appliances. The 5 GHz band offers significantly higher data transfer rates and is less susceptible to interference, but has a shorter range.
A comparison of the range characteristics is presented in the table:
| Characteristic | 2.4 GHz | 5.0 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer speed | Up to 150 Mbps | Up to 400+ Mbps |
| Range | High (up to 30-40 m) | Medium (up to 15-20 m) |
| Permeability of walls | Good | Low |
| Workload | High | Low |
To connect laptops and tablets for work or watching 4K videos, it is recommended to select a range 5 GHzIf you need to distribute the Internet to older devices or smart technology (IoT) located in another room, it is better to leave the standard ones 2.4 GHz.
Managing connected devices and limits
Control over connected clients is an important part of mobile traffic management. In the interface Honor 20 A convenient list of devices currently using your internet connection has been implemented. You can see the device name, MAC address, and the amount of data transferred.
To access the list, click on the item Connected devices in the hotspot menu. A blocking function is available here: by clicking on a specific device, you can block its network access. This is useful if you notice an unknown user or want to restrict access for children.
It is also possible to set a connection limit:
- 🔢 Limits the maximum number of simultaneously connected gadgets (usually up to 8-10).
- ⏱️ Helps maintain internet speed for your main devices.
- 📉 Reduces the load on the smartphone's battery and processor.
⚠️ Note: The menu interface may vary slightly depending on the EMUI version installed. If you don't find the item, search for "hotspot" or "sharing" in the settings.
Setting connection limits is especially important in public places, where dozens of devices within range may attempt to connect to your network, which can quickly drain your battery.
Alternative distribution methods: USB and Bluetooth
Besides the wireless method, Honor 20 Allows you to share the internet via a USB cable or Bluetooth. These methods are less popular, but can be useful in specific situations, such as when the receiving device lacks Wi-Fi or to conserve battery life.
Distribution via USB Provides the most stable connection and charges your phone at the same time. To activate, connect your phone to your computer with a cable, go to Settings → Wireless networks → Mobile hotspot and turn on the switch USB modemThe computer recognizes the phone as a network connection.
Bluetooth modem is slower but consumes less power than Wi-Fi. To enable it, you must first pair your phone and the receiving device via Bluetooth, and then enable the option Bluetooth modem in a similar settings menu.
Why isn't my USB modem working?
If your computer can't connect to the internet via USB, check your cable. Some cables are designed only for charging and don't transfer data. Use the original cable that came with your device or a high-quality replacement that supports data transfer.
The choice of distribution method depends on your priorities: speed and versatility (Wi-Fi), stability and charging (USB), or energy saving (Bluetooth).
Energy optimization and troubleshooting
Active internet distribution leads to rapid battery drain and heating of the case. To minimize the negative impact, the system EMUI offers a sleep timer feature. You can set the hotspot to automatically shut down if no one connects to it for a certain amount of time (1, 5, or 10 minutes).
If your connection speed is slow or your devices cannot connect, try the following:
- Switch the frequency band from 5 GHz to 2.4 GHz or vice versa.
- Restart your smartphone to reset network settings.
- Make sure your phone doesn't have power saving mode enabled, which may limit background activity.
It's also worth checking your APN (Access Point Name) settings in the mobile networks menu. Sometimes resetting your APN settings to factory defaults can help restore stable internet performance when tethering.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does the laptop see the Honor 20 network, but the internet doesn't work?
The problem most likely lies with your DNS settings or carrier restrictions. Try setting a static DNS (e.g., 8.8.8.8) on your laptop or check if your SIM card has run out of data. Also, make sure your phone's browser is open and you're authenticated to your carrier's network, if required.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network?
In the standard configuration of Android and EMUI A phone can't simultaneously receive and broadcast Wi-Fi (in repeater mode) without using special apps or root access. Typically, when a hotspot is enabled, mobile Wi-Fi on the phone is disabled, and the data connection is transmitted over mobile internet (LTE/3G).
How do I find out who is connected to my hotspot?
Go to the menu Mobile hotspot → Connected devices. It displays a list of all active connections with device names and MAC addresses. You can block any of them directly from this menu.
Does the Honor 20 get very hot when sharing internet?
Yes, this is a normal physical phenomenon. The Wi-Fi module and processor are operating under load. It is recommended to remove the case for better heat dissipation and not cover the phone with a cloth while sharing. If the system overheats significantly, it may automatically disable the access point.