urShadow's Blog: How to create a Mobile Hotspot using BlackBerry 10 OS version 10.3.1

Did you know that you can share your mobile network connection with other devices such as laptops, gaming devices and more?

Provided your wireless service plan supports the Mobile Hotspot feature, you can create a Wi-Fi network that supports up to eight other devices.

Here’s how to do it!

Note: Additional charges may apply to use Mobile Hotspot mode so check your wireless service plan for applicable rates or contact your wireless service provider. You are responsible for mobile hotspot use and are advised to ensure that connected devices use this service legally.

While viewing the home screen, swipe down from the top of the screen
Tap Settings followed by Networks and Connections
Tap Mobile Hotspot
Complete the instructions on the screen if you’ve never used Mobile Hotspot mode before (Read these screens carefully as they provide important information about the Mobile Hotspot feature such as mobile hotspot name and password)
Set the Mobile Hotspot switch to On

After you set up a mobile hotspot, plug your smartphone into a power source because this feature uses battery power. If you don’t plug in, your smartphone automatically turns off the Mobile Hotspot feature if no traffic to or from the mobile network occurs during a set amount of time (15 minutes by default).

To customize the timer which turns off your mobile hotspot, review the steps on how to find and customize your Mobile Hotspot settings.

Add a mobile hotspot shortcut to the quick-settings menu

For fast access to your Mobile Hotspot, consider adding it to the quick settings menu. Doing so allows you to turn your mobile hotspot on or off with a single tap.

Swipe down from the top of the home screen
Tap Settings followed by Quick Settings
Select the check box next to Mobile Hotspot

After you add the shortcut to your quick settings menu, tap the Hotspot icon to quickly turn your Mobile Hotspot on or off. To edit your mobile hotspot settings if needed, tap Hotspot instead of the circular icon.

Find and customize your Mobile Hotspot settings

The first time you setup the Mobile Hotspot you will need to customize a few settings. Later, if you want to change these settings, such as your network name, or password complete the steps below:

While viewing the home screen, swipe down from the top of the screen
Tap Settings followed by Networks and Connections
Tap Mobile Hotspot
Tap

Disconnect a device from your Mobile Hotspot

On the home screen, swipe down from the top of the screen
Tap Settings followed by Networks and Connections
Tap Mobile Hotspot
Tap the name of the device that you want to disconnect
Tap

Note: After you disconnect a device from your mobile hotspot, if you want to connect the device again you must start a new session in Mobile Hotspot mode.

Troubleshooting Mobile Hotspot

If you are running into trouble using the Mobile Hotspot feature here a few things you will need to double check:

Verify your device is connected to the mobile network and that you can browse the website successfully using your device’s web browser. Doing so will verify that your device’s data connection is working properly.
Verify that your wireless service plan supports the use of the Mobile Hotspot feature. If not, you need to change your service plan before Mobile Hotspot mode will properly function.
If you are roaming, verify that your wireless service plan allows the use of the Mobile Hotspot feature. If so, verify that Data Services while Roaming is enabled.
- On the home screen, swipe down from the top of the screen
- Tap Settings followed by Networks and Connections
- Tap Mobile Network
- Set Data services while roaming to On
If you do not see the Mobile Hotspot option on your device, and you are using your device for work, your organization might not allow this feature. Contact your IT department or administrator for guidance.
Depending on your wireless service plan, you might not be able to connect multiple devices to your mobile hotspot, or the number of devices you can connect might be less than eight.