So, how do you set up a T-Mobile hotspot? A T-Mobile hotspot may not be as fast as your home internet connection, but its speeds are respectable. If you’ve got 4G LTE service, then your speeds will be around 25 Mbps (you can learn more about how much internet speed you actually need in our handy guide).1 Setting up a mobile hotspot requires two main things: a phone and a hotspot capable phone plan. Many of T-Mobile’s plans are hotspot capable. But some of these hotspot capable plans have pretty restrictive limits, such as capping data at 3G speeds (which is about as fast as your old dial-up internet). Here’s a look at how much hotspot data you’ll get with each of T-Mobile’s unlimited data plans: Essentials: unlimited hotspot data at 3G speeds Magenta: 5 GB of full-speed LTE hotspot data and then unlimited hotspot data at 3G speeds Magenta MAX: 40 GB of full-speed LTE hotspot data and then unlimited hotspot data at 3G speeds T-Mobile’s limited-data plans will allow you to use your purchased full-speed data as hotspot data, but after that you’ll be limited to 3G speeds. Here’s a list of the most popular phones from leading brands that are offered through T-Mobile. After you’ve enabled the hotspot on your phone, it will give you a password to use for tethering other devices. Here’s a screenshot from my iPhone to show you what it will look like. Once you’re connected a blue bar will appear at the top of your iPhone screen telling you that the hotspot is enabled. And that’s it, you’ve done it! *There are many different types of Android phones, and sometimes phone manufacturers will create custom settings for their devices. Still, the process for setting up a mobile hotspot should be similar to the one described here. You can also change the security settings and password for your mobile hotspot on this settings page. Once your mobile hotspot has been enabled, you need to be sure to turn it on. You can do this either in settings or using the Quick Settings and clicking the Wi-Fi hotspot icon. Each dedicated hotspot device will have its own set-up instructions, but they shouldn’t be difficult to follow. Not all cars are equipped with the required technology to become internet hotspots, so be sure to check your vehicle’s manual before making any purchases. Opensignal, “Mobile Network Experience Report January 2020”
