Modern smartphones have long ceased to be mere calling devices and have become full-fledged communication hubs capable of providing internet access to entire groups of gadgets. Owners of devices of this brand Honor People often wonder how to effectively turn their device into a router to connect a laptop or tablet to a network in areas without a wired connection. This process is fairly simple, but there are a number of nuances that affect connection speed and stability, especially in dense urban areas.
The internet sharing feature known as mobile hotspot, is built into the MagicOS (or EMUI on older models) shell by default and doesn't require any third-party software. However, properly understanding security settings and frequency bands will not only save you data but also protect your data from unauthorized access. In this article, we'll cover all the configuration steps in detail, as well as explore hidden features that not all users are aware of.
It's worth noting that the quality of the data connection directly depends on the cellular network signal strength and the battery charge of your device. Before setting up, make sure that tethering isn't blocked on your plan, as some carriers may limit speeds or charge additional fees for using your phone as a modem.
Basic Wi-Fi hotspot setup
The first and most obvious way to activate tethering mode is through the standard system settings menu. To do this, open the app Settings on the home screen or in the notification shade. Next, you need to find the section, which, depending on the firmware version, may be called Mobile network or immediately Connections and SharingThis is where the main controls for managing your smartphone's network interfaces are hidden.
Inside this menu we are interested in the item Modem mode or Wi-Fi hotspotClicking on it will take you to a submenu where you can not only enable the feature itself but also fine-tune its settings. The system will prompt you to set a network name (SSID), which other devices will see when searching, and also set a password to protect against unauthorized connections.
Particular care should be taken when choosing a password. It is recommended to use a combination of upper- and lower-case letters and numbers, at least 8 characters long. Using simple passwords like "12345678" makes your network vulnerable to automated brute-force attacks, which can lead to traffic leaks or data interception.
⚠️ Attention: When you enable the hotspot, the system will automatically disable Wi-Fi on the phone itself, as the antenna cannot simultaneously receive and transmit a signal in standard mode. Make sure your mobile data is enabled.
☑️ Pre-launch check
After you turn on the activation slider, your phone will begin broadcasting a signal. Other devices (laptops, tablets) will find your network by the specified name. By entering the set password, the device will gain access to the global network via your SIM card. Honor.
Using 5GHz frequency for high speed
By default, many smartphones, including models Honor, create an access point in the 2.4 GHz band. This band has a longer range, but it's often congested with neighboring routers and household appliances, reducing the actual data transfer rate. If your receiving device (such as a modern laptop) supports the 802.11ac or ax standard, it makes sense to switch to a different frequency. 5 GHz.
To change the frequency range, you need to find the item in the access point settings menu AP range or Setting up a Wi-Fi hotspotHere you'll be asked to choose between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Switching to 5 GHz will significantly increase channel throughput, which is critical for watching 4K video or playing online games.
However, the 5 GHz band has a significant drawback: shorter range and poorer wall penetration. If you plan to share internet within a single room, this option is ideal. If the receiving device is in another room, it's better to stick with the 2.4 GHz frequency.
It's also worth keeping in mind that not all older phone or laptop models support 5 GHz networks. If your device doesn't detect your network after switching, reset the setting or use dual-band mode if supported by your specific phone model.
Hotspot 2.0 function and connection security
Modern versions of the MagicOS shell include technology Hotspot 2.0 (also known as Passpoint). This feature allows devices to automatically and securely connect to a hotspot without having to manually enter a password each time, using enterprise-grade encryption protocols. While this may seem unnecessary for home use, it's a great way to streamline the connection process for regular collaboration with colleagues or clients.
Activating this feature is located in the same hotspot settings menu. Enabling Hotspot 2.0 forces the system to use more complex authentication algorithms. This is especially important if you frequently share internet with different devices and don't want to have to dictate a complex password or show a QR code each time.
However, for one-time connections with unfamiliar devices, the classic password method remains the most transparent and straightforward. You can always temporarily disable the access point or hide the network name (SSID) so it doesn't appear in other people's lists of available networks.
| Parameter | 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum speed | up to 150-300 Mbit/s | up to 800+ Mbps |
| Range | High (up to 50 m) | Medium (up to 20 m) |
| Penetration of walls | Good | Low |
| Airtime congestion | High | Low |
Why doesn't 5GHz work on older devices?
The 5 GHz standard requires support from Wi-Fi modules. Devices released before 2013-2014 often don't physically have antennas for this range and simply won't detect your network.
Sharing the Internet via USB and Bluetooth
It's not always convenient or safe to use a wireless connection. In situations where maximum stability is required or you need to charge your phone while sharing the internet, a wireless connection is the optimal solution. USB modemThis method allows data to be transmitted over a cable, eliminating speed losses due to radio interference and saving battery power, since the phone is powered by the computer port.
To activate, connect your phone to your computer or laptop using a high-quality USB cable. Then, in the menu Modem mode activate the switch USB modemThe system will automatically install the necessary drivers (in Windows 10/11 this happens instantly), and a new adapter will appear in your network connections.
A Bluetooth modem is a third option, less commonly used due to its low data transfer speed, but it can be useful for connecting older devices or specific equipment that doesn't support Wi-Fi. Speeds are limited by the Bluetooth protocol and rarely exceed 2-3 Mbps, which is only sufficient for text messaging or navigation.
For pure Internet distribution, select the "Charging only" or "File transfer" mode if access to memory is not required.
Operator restrictions and traffic control
Many users encounter a situation where, after enabling data sharing, the internet stops working or works very slowly. This is due to policy mobile operators, which often separate traffic into "phone" and "modem/router" traffic. The operator sees that a device with a different User Agent (for example, Windows instead of Android) has connected to the network and may block the connection or charge additional fees.
To get around this limitation, some users resort to changing the TTL (Time To Live) value in the system settings, however, on modern smartphones Honor This is difficult to do without root access. A more legal and easier way is to sign up for plans that officially allow data sharing or use special options.
⚠️ Attention: Uncontrolled internet sharing can quickly deplete your data plan. Computers and tablets can start background system or cloud service updates, eating up gigabytes in minutes.
In the hotspot settings on your phone Honor There's a useful feature called a data limit. You can set a limit, for example, of 1 GB, after which the hotspot will automatically turn off. This will save you from unexpected phone bills.
Troubleshooting and optimization
Sometimes users encounter issues where devices see the network but can't connect, or where they're connected but pages won't load. First, try rebooting the access point: turn the slider off and then back on. This resets network services and often resolves the DHCP server freeze issue.
If the issue persists, check the list of connected devices in the access point menu. If you see an unfamiliar device, change the password and encryption type immediately. It is recommended to use the standard WPA2 PSK, as it provides the best balance between compatibility and security.
It's also worth checking if "Power Saver" mode is enabled. In this mode, the system can limit background activity and network modules to extend battery life, which can negatively impact the stability of the data connection. For tethering, it's best to switch to "Performance" mode or add the access point to the optimization exceptions.
Why does my phone's battery drain quickly when using Wi-Fi?
Hotspot mode uses the antennas, processor, and screen (if enabled) at full power, resulting in high power consumption. For extended use, it's recommended to keep your phone charged.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi if the phone is connected to Wi-Fi?
On most modern models Honor Android 10 and above support Wi-Fi Repeater, which allows you to receive and distribute internet via Wi-Fi. However, this depends on the specific model and software version.
How to hide your network name (SSID)?
In the access point's advanced settings, find the "Hide device" or "Hide SSID" option. This will prevent the network from appearing in the general list, and you'll need to manually enter the network name on the receiving device to connect.