Modern smartphones have long ceased to be just devices for making calls, having turned into full-fledged control centers for the digital space. Model Honor 20, released on the basis of the Android operating system with the EMUI shell, has a powerful modem that can work stably not only in the receiving mode, but also in the transmitting mode. Internet distributionThis feature, known as a mobile hotspot, allows you to instantly share your network with laptops, tablets, and other devices in your vicinity.
Many users face the need to quickly connect to the global network on another device when the wired internet is unavailable or faulty. In such situations, knowing how to properly configure mobile hotspot, becomes a critical skill. Honor 20 offers flexible tools for managing traffic and connection security that often remain hidden deep in menus.
In this article, we'll cover all the steps for activating modem mode, configuring security settings, and optimizing network performance for various use cases. You'll learn about the differences between frequency bands, ways to hide your network from prying eyes, and methods for conserving battery power when the radio is active. Proper configuration will help you avoid common errors and ensure stable data transfer speeds.
Preparing the device and checking the settings
Before you begin activating the sharing mode, you need to make sure your device is ready to act as a server. First, check that your SIM card is activated and that mobile internet is available, as traffic distribution This is only possible with an active connection to the operator's network. It's also worth paying attention to the battery level, as operating in hotspot mode significantly increases power consumption.
It's important to check your mobile operator's data limits. Some plans may limit the amount of data that can be transferred via tethering or even block it entirely. To avoid unpleasant surprises such as additional charges or a sudden speed drop, it's recommended to check your plan's terms in advance in your operator's app or personal account.
Make sure your device doesn't have any power-saving modes enabled that might force the communication modules to shut down. In the battery settings Honor 20 You may find optimization options that sometimes aggressively limit background activity. For stable operation of the access point, it's best to switch the power profile to "Performance" or temporarily disable hard limits for system services.
⚠️ Caution: When using Wi-Fi, your phone may become significantly hot. Avoid covering the device with a cloth and try to keep it on a hard surface to improve heat dissipation.
Enabling the hotspot through the settings menu
The primary and most reliable way to activate the sharing feature is through the operating system's default settings menu. To do this, unlock your smartphone's screen and find the icon. Settings, which usually looks like a gear. Inside the menu, scroll down to the section Wireless networks or find the item directly Mobile hotspot, which in some firmware versions may be called Modem mode.
After going to the appropriate section, you will see a switch Mobile hotspotActivating this slider starts the process of creating a wireless network. The system will automatically assign a name (SSID), typically consisting of the device model, to the network and set a password, which can be changed. Interface EMUI allows you to manage this process intuitively, providing access to the main parameters directly on the section's main screen.
Here, in the settings menu, you can see a list of connected devices, giving you complete control over who's using your data. If you spot an unfamiliar user, you can instantly block them or change their password. This section also displays the amount of data transferred and the hotspot's operating time, making it convenient for monitoring your data usage in real time.
☑️ Check before switching on
Configuring security settings and network name
Security is a top priority when setting up a wireless hotspot, as sensitive data may be transmitted over your connection. By default Honor 20 suggests using an encryption protocol WPA2 PSK, which is currently considered the security standard for mobile devices. It is not recommended to select the "Open Network" option, as this will allow any device within range to connect to your internet without a password.
Changing your network name (SSID) helps you easily identify your device in the list of available connections, especially in crowded places like offices or cafes. The name can be up to 32 characters long, and it's best to avoid using personal information, such as your last name or apartment number, in the network name. This is a basic digital hygiene measure that reduces the risk of social engineering.
The password should be complex enough to resist brute-force attacks, yet easy to enter on devices without a physical keyboard. The optimal password length is 8-12 characters, including letters and numbers. The system will automatically check the password's complexity and warn you if it appears too simple to provide reliable protection.
There's also the option to hide the network name, making it invisible to general scanning. In this case, connection is only possible by manually entering the SSID and password on the client device. This adds an extra layer of protection from prying eyes, although it does make the connection process slightly more complicated for legitimate users.
⚠️ Note: The settings interface may vary slightly depending on the EMUI version installed. If you can't find the item, try searching through the settings.
What is MAC filtering?
This feature allows you to restrict connections to specific devices using their unique hardware address. Even with the password, an outsider won't be able to connect unless their device is whitelisted.
Using the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands
One of the advanced features available in Honor 20, is the ability to select the frequency range for the access point. By default, the device operates in the 2.4 GHz band, which provides broad compatibility with older devices and better penetration through walls. However, this band is often overloaded with signals from nearby routers and household appliances, which can lead to connection instability.
Switching to a range 5 GHz This allows for higher data transfer rates and lower latency (ping), which is critical for online gaming or high-definition video streaming. This band is less crowded, but has a shorter range and is less effective at penetrating obstacles. The choice of frequency depends on specific conditions: in an apartment with thick walls, 2.4 GHz is best, while in open spaces or when working near a phone, 5 GHz is preferable.
To switch the range, you need to go to the advanced settings of the access point and find the item AP rangeHere you can select your preferred frequency or leave it in automatic mode if supported by your software version. Keep in mind that some older laptops or tablets may simply not detect a network operating at 5 GHz.
A comparison table of range characteristics will help you make your choice:
| Characteristic | 2.4 GHz band | 5 GHz band |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer speed | Average (up to 150 Mbps) | High (up to 400+ Mbps) |
| Range | Big | Medium/Small |
| Penetration of walls | Good | Low |
| Interference level | High | Short |
| Compatibility | Universal | Only modern devices |
Managing connected devices and limits
Controlling connected clients is an important part of access point management. In the menu Connected devices A list of all gadgets currently using your internet connection is displayed. Each device's name, MAC address, and data transfer volume are shown. This allows you to quickly identify