How to find and set up an access point on an Android phone: 5 proven methods

An access point on a smartphone Android is a function that turns your phone into a mini-router that distributes the Internet to other devices via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or via USB. But not all users know where to look for this option in the settings, especially if the phone interface has been changed by the manufacturer (like Samsung, Xiaomi or Huawei). In this article we will look at all the ways to find an access point - from the standard path to hidden menus.

It is important to understand that the location of the settings may differ depending on the version Android (from Android 8.0 Oreo to Android 14) and shell (for example, One UI y Samsung or MIUI y Xiaomi). If you cannot find the item you need, do not rush to panic: perhaps it is simply hidden behind additional tabs or has a different name. Next, you will learn how to quickly find an access point on any phone, even if the settings menu is heavily modified.

1. Standard method: through the main Android settings

The most universal method is searching through the main settings menu. It works on most devices, including Google Pixel, Nokia, Motorola and other "pure" smartphones Android or with minimal interface changes.

Open the application Settings (gear icon) and follow these steps:

• 🔍 Find the section Network and Internet (or Connections on some devices).
• 📶 Tap on the item Access point and modem (may be called Modem mode or Mobile hotspot).
• 🔄 Turn on the slider Wi-Fi access point (or Portable access point).

If you have Android 12 or newer, the path may look like this: Settings → Network and Internet → Access point and modem → Wi-Fi access point. On some devices (for example, Sony Xperia) this item is hidden in section More... inside the menu Network.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with two SIM cards (Dual SIM), before turning on the access point, check which SIM is used for data transfer. Sometimes the system automatically selects the wrong card, which is why the Internet is not distributed.

2. Quick access through the notification panel

Don't want to dig into the settings? Most smartphones allow you to enable the hotspot directly from notification bar (curtains). data-i="83">Swipe down again to expand the full panel (if it is not expanded).

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification panel.
2. Swipe down again to expand the full panel (if it's not expanded).
3. Find the icon Access point (usually an icon with a picture of a router or an icon Wi-Fi with rays). If it is not there, click on the button Edit (pencil) and add it to the panel.
4. Click on the icon to activate Internet distribution.

On On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy c One UI), the icon may be called Mobile hotspot or Modem mode. If you don’t see it in the curtain, it means that the manufacturer has hidden it in the settings.

3. Search by settings (for non-standard shells)

Manufacturers like Xiaomi, Huawei or Oppo often rename menu items, which complicates the search. In such cases, the built-in function search by settings:

• 🔎 Open Settings and find the search field (magnifying glass) in the top line.
• 📝 Enter request: access point, hot spot or modem mode.
• 📱 The system will show all relevant sections - select the one you need.

For example, on Xiaomi s MIUI the path may look like this: Settings → Connection and sharing → Portable hotspot. On Huawei s EMUI — Settings → Mobile network → Hotspot.

Manufacturer	Shell	Path to the access point
Samsung	One UI	Settings → Connections → Mobile hotspot and modem
Xiaomi	MIUI	Settings → Connection and sharing → Portable hotspot
Huawei	EMUI	Settings → Mobile network → Hotspot
Google Pixel	Stock Android	Settings → Network and Internet → Hotspot and modem

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Huawei after updating to EMUI 12+ item Access point may be missing if there is no SIM card installed in the phone. Insert the card and reboot the device.

4. Configuring an access point through the engineering menu (for experienced ones)

If standard methods do not work (for example, due to a software failure or custom firmware), you can try to enable the access point through engineering menu. This method is suitable for advanced users and requires caution.

Instructions:

1. Open the application Phone and enter the code:

   ##4636##

2. Select Phone information (or Testing on some devices).
3. Scroll down and find Wi-Fi information or Hotspot.
4. Activate the option Wi-Fi hotspot (if available).

Not all manufacturers leave the ability to control the access point through the engineering menu. On some devices (Samsung, OnePlus), this method may not work or lead to network settings being reset.

What to do if the engineering menu does not open?

If nothing happens after entering the code, check:

1. Correctness of the code (sometimes you need to enter ##4636## without asterisks).

2. Having superuser rights (root) - on some firmware the engineering menu is only available with root.

3. Android version: on Android 10+ some of the functions of the engineering menu may be blocked.

5. Using a USB modem or Bluetooth (alternative methods)

If Wi-Fi access point does not work or cannot be found, you can distribute the Internet via USB or Bluetooth. These methods are less convenient, but sometimes they save you in critical situations.

To connect via USB modem:

• 🔌 Connect your phone to a computer or laptop via a cable.
• 📱 In the phone settings, find Modem mode (usually next to the Wi-Fi access point).
• 🖥️ Enable the option USB modem.
• 🌐 A new network connection will appear on your computer - use it to access the Internet.

To connect via Bluetooth:

• 🔵 Turn on Bluetooth on both devices and pair.
• 📱 On your phone turn on Bluetooth modem in the menu Access point and modem.
• 💻 On a computer or other phone, connect to the Internet via Bluetooth-connection.

⚠️ Attention: When using USB modem some mobile operators may block data transfer or charge additional fees. Check the tariff conditions before connecting.

Make sure that:

- mobile data is enabled on the phone

- SIM card supports data transfer

- On the connected one VPN is disabled on the device (it may block the connection)

- The access point has a unique name (SSID) and a strong password-->

6. Solving problems: the access point does not turn on or does not work

Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the access point does not turn on, does not distribute the Internet or turns off after a few minutes. Here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:

Problem	Possible cause	Solution
The access point does not turn on	Operator restriction	Check the tariff or call support
The Internet is distributed, but does not work	Blocking VPN or firewall	Disable VPN on the connected device
The access point turns off itself	Saving battery power	Add the application Settings to exceptions optimization
Device does not connect	Wrong password or Wi-Fi frequency	Change password or select range 2.4 GHz instead 5 GHz

If the problem is not solved, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the phone.
• 📶 Manually select the operator network in the settings Mobile network.
• 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Android hotspot

Is it possible to distribute Internet from a phone without restrictions?

It depends on your tariff. Many operators (for example, MTS, Beeline, MegaFon) limit traffic for distribution or block it completely. Check the tariff conditions in your personal account or contact support. Some operators offer special options for distributing the Internet (for example, “Modem” or “Hot Spot”).

Why does the access point turn off after 5-10 minutes?

This may be due to the energy saving settings. Go to Settings → Battery → Battery optimization and disable optimization for the application Settings or Hotspot. Also check to see if there is a time limit set in the settings of the hotspot itself (some phones have an option “Disable when inactive”).

How change the password for the access point?

Go to the access point settings (see section 1 or 3 of this article) and find the item Wi-Fi access point setup (or Configuration). There you can change:

• 🔐 Password (it is recommended to use at least 8 characters with numbers and letters).
• 📡 Network name (SSID) —it is better to avoid spaces and special characters.
• 📶 Band —select 2.4 GHz for better compatibility with older devices.

Is it possible to distribute the Internet from a phone to another phone?

Yes, but there are nuances:

• 📱 If both phones support Wi-Fi Direct, you can connect directly without an access point.
• 🔗 If you use an access point, make sure that the mobile data is turned off on the second phone to avoid network conflicts.
• 🔋 Sharing the Internet consumes a lot of battery power - keep your phone charged.

How can I learn how many devices are connected to my access point?

In the access point settings there is usually a section Connected devices (or Device management). A list of gadgets with their MAC addresses and IP is displayed there. On some phones (for example Samsung) this menu is hidden - use third-party applications like Fing or Wi-Fi Analyzer for monitoring.