How to turn on the Wi-Fi hotspot on a Google Pixel (Android 17)

Device

Android

Shown on

Google Pixel 10a, Android 17 (build CP3A.260905.009)

App

Settings

Path

Settings › Network and Internet › Hotspot and tethering › Wi-Fi hotspot › Use Wi-Fi hotspot

Real screenshots

5 of 5 steps

What we did

Looked at each screen; changed nothing

Checked

October 2026

Sources

1 official, linked below

Step by step

1. 

   Open Hotspot and tethering

   Go to Settings, Network and Internet, and tap Hotspot and tethering. Ours said Off.

   Done

2. 

   Tap Wi-Fi hotspot

   Tap the words Wi-Fi hotspot, not the switch, to open its settings.

   Done

3. 

   Set the name and password

   Tap Hotspot name and Hotspot password to change them. Security was WPA2/WPA3-Personal on ours.

   Done

4. 

   Check the extra options

   Turn off hotspot automatically, When no devices are connected, was on. Speed and compatibility was 2.4 GHz.

   Done

5. 

   Turn on Use Wi-Fi hotspot

   Turn on Use Wi-Fi hotspot at the top, then join the network from your other device with the password.

   Done

If you do not see this option

• Hotspot missing or greyed out? Google says some carriers limit or charge extra for hotspots. Mobile data must also be on. Source: Share a mobile connection by hotspot or tethering on Android
• Want a cable instead? Hotspot and tethering also has USB tethering and Bluetooth tethering. Source: Share a mobile connection by hotspot or tethering on Android
• Instant hotspot? Ours showed Instant hotspot Off. It is a separate option at the bottom of Wi-Fi hotspot.

If this does not work

• Hotspot turns off by itself? Turn off hotspot automatically was on. It turns off when no devices are connected.
• Old device can't see it? Ours used 2.4 GHz, compatible with most devices. Check Speed and compatibility.

About this guide

A Pixel can share its mobile data over Wi-Fi, USB or Bluetooth. We opened the settings but did not turn the hotspot on.

The screenshots are from our Google Pixel 10a with Android 17, in Dark mode, with a SIM inserted. We only looked at these screens and changed nothing. The hotspot name and password are blurred.

Good to know

Watch your data use while sharing: how to set a data warning and limit.

In short: Settings, Network and Internet, Hotspot and tethering, Wi-Fi hotspot, Use Wi-Fi hotspot.