Any recent Android mobile phone can function as a Wifi mobile Access Point (AP) for for tablets, laptops, netbooks and other smartphones. This can be extremely usefull when travelling with laptop, netbook or tablet and needing access to the Internet.
The procedure is very simple and straithforward
Data subscrition
A maximum of 5 devices can connect to the internet at once, provided there is enough bandwith available through your data subscription with your mobile service provider. Your data subscription over the 3G or 4G mobile phone networks should ideally have a ‘faire use policy’ for unlimited access instead of bandwith restrictions (like 250MB / 1 GB per month) which can become very costly if exceeded.
What do you need – Prerequisites:
- Phone with Android 2.2 Froyo or later
- Working 3G or 4G data connection
- Wifi capable device
How to enable the mobile access point
Go to Settings > Wireless and network > Mobile AP > select Mobile AP.
Optional: change the Mobile AP settings such as Network name (SSID), WPA2 PSK Password and hiding your phone from other Wifi devices.
Testing the connection
Normally laptops, game consoles, tablet PC’s and smartphones have Wifi capabilities built in. Some PC’s have a Wifi USB card to provide wireless networking. All these devices can be used to test your Wifi connection. Depending on the security settings you should be able to connect in seconds.
I noticed that an iPad 1.0 needed the network settings resetted to factory default to make the Wifi connection work.
And now the good part: huge savings and more
With this setup you can save on the extra data subscription (100-200 Euro/year) for your laptop, netbook or tablet and you will still be able to go on the internet whereever you are.
For the Apple iPad you also do not need the 3G functionality which saves another 100 Euro.
LAN parties should theoretically be possible provided the bandwith is there 
3 Comments
Hey, if i use my phone(samsung galaxy mini) as an access point does it cost me money. I can disconect from the wifi and have no credit but still use it as an access point. Can you please explain to me how Access Points work, thankyou.
@Ethan It depends on your telecom subscription plan. Also, many plans without a data-plan do not prohibit you from accessing the internet but you will pay dearly, sometimes as much as 50 cent per MB – or more. You should ask your telco about this!
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