Modern smartphones such as Honor 20, have long ceased to be just devices for making calls and have become powerful tools for work and entertainment. One of the most popular features is the ability to turn a gadget into a full-fledged mobile routerThis is especially relevant when traveling, on business trips, or in situations where your home ISP suddenly cuts power. Owners of flagship models often wonder how to properly activate this feature to ensure a stable connection for their laptop or tablet.
Unlike budget devices, Honor 20 Supports operation in two frequency ranges, which allows you to flexibly configure the connection for specific tasks. Access point This smartphone works reliably, but requires proper initial configuration for maximum performance. In this article, we'll cover all the setup details, hidden settings, and ways to optimize internet sharing.
Before taking any action, make sure your SIM card has mobile internet service activated and sufficient data. Uncontrolled data sharing can quickly deplete your data plan if connected devices start downloading updates or streaming high-quality videos. Therefore, the first step should always be to check your data plan with your carrier.
Basic WiFi hotspot setup
The process of activating modem mode in the shell EMUI or Magic UI The app is as user-friendly as possible. The standard method involves using the notification shade or the settings menu. For a quick start, simply swipe down from the top to open the control panel and find the "Access Point" icon. However, for full functionality, more in-depth configuration of security settings and network naming is required.
To get to the extended menu, follow the path Settings → Wireless & networks → Mobile networks → Portable Wi-Fi hotspotHere you can access the main settings that affect your phone's visibility to other devices. The network name (SSID) by default contains the device model, but it's best to change it to a unique one to prevent neighbors or passersby from trying to connect to yours. Honor 20.
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Pay special attention to the "Password" field. The system will offer a standard set of characters, but to protect against unauthorized access, it's best to use a combination of letters and numbers at least 8 characters long. Using simple codes like "12345678" makes your network vulnerable to automated security scanners. After entering all the information, be sure to click "Save" for the changes to take effect.
Selectable frequency range: 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz
Honor 20 Supports dual-band technology, a significant advantage over older smartphone models. Switching between frequencies allows you to adapt the data transfer rate and coverage range to current conditions. By default, the device can select the band automatically, but manual adjustments often yield better results.
Range 2.4 GHz It has greater penetration through walls and ceilings, but its speed is lower, and the airwaves are often clogged with signals from neighboring routers and household appliances. It's the choice for situations where the receiving device is far from the phone or behind several walls. On the contrary, the frequency 5 GHz provides high speed and stability, but the signal range is much smaller.
The impact of range on battery
Using the 5 GHz band requires more transmitter power, which can cause your smartphone's battery to drain faster than using the 2.4 GHz band.
To change the band, find "WLAN Access Point Band" in the access point menu. If you plan to watch 4K video on your tablet while in the same room as your phone, choose 5 GHz. If you simply need to send documents from your laptop through a wall, it's best to leave 2.4 GHz for reliable reception.
Setting up security and managing connections
The security of your personal network directly depends on the encryption protocol you choose. In the settings Honor 20 modern standard available WPA3 (if supported by the client) or verified WPA2 PSKUsing the outdated WEP protocol or an open network is strongly discouraged, as it allows attackers to intercept transmitted data.
An important feature is the "Blacklist" or management of connected devices. In this section, you can see the MAC addresses of all devices currently using your internet. If you notice an unknown device, you can immediately block it, denying it access to the network. This prevents neighbors from leeching your traffic without your permission.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave your hotspot open (without a password) in public places. This allows hackers to penetrate your local network and intercept logins, passwords, and correspondence, even if websites use HTTPS.
Also available in this section is the "Notify when connected" feature. If you enable this option, your phone will beep every time a new device attempts to connect to your hotspot. This is a convenient way to monitor activity around your device. Honor 20 in real time.
Traffic limits and battery saving
Sharing the internet is a power-intensive process that quickly drains your battery. Honor 20 Smart control mechanisms have been implemented to extend battery life. In the access point settings menu, you can set a timer to turn off the network if no one is connected for a certain period of time, for example, 10 minutes.
There's also a traffic limiter. You can set a limit, such as 1 GB or 5 GB, after which WiFi sharing will automatically stop. This is crucial for plans with limited data packages to avoid additional charges or speed reductions from your carrier.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Impact on the system |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep timer | 10 minutes | Saving battery power |
| Traffic limit | According to the tariff | Protection against overspending |
| Max. number of devices | 4-6 pcs. | Speed stability for everyone |
| Power saving mode | On | Reduce brightness and background processes |
Limiting the number of connected devices is another useful tool. By default Honor 20 It can handle up to 8 clients, but to maintain high speed, it's best to reduce this limit to 3-4 devices. The more devices share a single channel, the less bandwidth each one gets.
USB modem and Bluetooth tethering
WiFi isn't always the optimal sharing method. If you need maximum stability and minimal latency (ping), consider a wired USB connection. Honor 20 supports USB modem mode, which allows you to broadcast the Internet to your computer while simultaneously charging it, or vice versa.
To activate, connect your phone to your PC with a cable, then go to Settings → Wireless & networks → Wi-Fi hotspot → Other sharing methods and turn on the "USB Modem" switch. The computer will recognize the smartphone as a network card. This is ideal for desktop workstations where connection reliability is essential.
Bluetooth tethering is the least popular method, but it's sometimes useful. Its data transfer rate is very low (no more than 1-2 Mbps), but its power consumption is minimal. This option is suitable for sending text messages or working with email when your phone's battery is critically low and it's best to leave the WiFi module turned off.
Troubleshooting and common errors
Sometimes users encounter a situation where the hotspot is enabled, but devices can't connect or don't see the network. Most often, the problem lies in incompatible security protocols or a full network settings cache. The first step is to try restarting your smartphone—this resolves 90% of software issues.
If your devices can see the network but can't obtain an IP address, check your DHCP settings. In rare cases, resetting your network settings may help. To do this, go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settingsPlease note that this action will delete saved WiFi network passwords and Bluetooth pairings, but will not affect your personal files.
⚠️ Note: The menu interface and item layout may vary slightly depending on your Android operating system and Magic UI version. If you can't find the item you're looking for, try searching in the settings.
Another common issue is the lack of internet on a connected device, even though there is a WiFi signal. This means the problem isn't with the phone settings, but with the SIM card or the carrier's network coverage. Check if the internet is working directly on Honor 20 via browser.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Honor 20 battery drain quickly when using WiFi?
Hotspot mode uses the mobile network module at full power, which causes heat and high power consumption. To extend battery life, reduce screen brightness, close background apps, and, if possible, connect your phone to a charger.
Is it possible to share WiFi if the SIM card password is set on the phone?
Yes, you can. The PIN is only required when the phone is turned on. Once the SIM card is unlocked, tethering works normally, regardless of the SIM card password.
How many devices can be connected to Honor 20 at the same time?
Technically, the smartphone supports up to 8 connected clients. However, to ensure comfortable speeds, it's recommended to limit the number of devices to 4-5, especially if you're using 4G/LTE mobile internet.
Does WiFi sharing affect the speed of mobile internet on the phone itself?
Yes, it does. The bandwidth is shared between the phone and connected clients. If the laptop starts downloading a large file, the page loading speed on the smartphone itself may significantly decrease due to the limited bandwidth of the radio module.