Mobile Hotspot

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Mobile Hotspot (somtimes referred to as tethering) allows customers to share their device's data connection with up to 10 Wi-Fi-enabled devices.

Things to know

  • Mobile Hotspot uses wireless data to provide data access for eligible phones, computers, tablets, and other Wi-Fi enabled devices. 
  • Customers can make and receive calls and text messages when using Mobile Hotspot.
  • Mobile Hotspot is included with most T-Mobile plans (See the examples below and refer to individual plan pages for details). 
    • Plans such as Go5G, Magenta, ONE, Business Unlimited
      • The plan has unlimited high-speed data AND a high-speed Mobile Hotspot bucket 
      • Mobile Hotspot speed slows (usually to 3G speeds) once customers use the high-speed Mobile Hotspot bucket limit
      • High-speed device data continues
    • Plans such as Simple Choice
      • Unlimited data with limited high-speed buckets. Includes mobile hotspot in the high-speed bucket. 
      • For example, the 5 GB plan includes a total data bucket of 5 GB to use for either phone data or hotspot.
      • Unlimited data with data speed reduction when bucket is exceeded
    • Mobile Internet for Hotspots plans
      • Unlimited data with high speed data up to GB allotment. Speeds slow at GB allotment.
      • Unlimited 3G speeds after you use your high-speed data up to your plan's limit
  • Mobile Hostpot services such as Binge On may not work with all devices.
  • Some devices such as TVs and gaming consoles manage streaming differently which may prevent T-Mobile from accurately identifying data usage. 
  • Non T-Mobile devices may not be compatible with Mobile Hotspot. Customers should be refered to their device manufacturer for support if data is not working properly on their devices. 

Coverage, speeds, and connections

Coverage and speeds

  • Mobile Hotspot should only be used when the device can receive speeds of 3G / 4G / 5G. 
  • Mobile Hotspot in 2G speeds or low coverage roaming areas does not provide a reliable tethering experience and it's not recommended. We cannot troubleshoot or guarantee service for customers who are roaming on a 2G network.
  • Mobile Hotspot service will work in domestic roaming areas that provide 3G/4G/5G speeds as long as the customer has not reached their domestic data roaming allotment for their plan.
  • Mobile Hotspot may or may not continue to work while placing or receiving a call based on device capability and network availability.
  • Customers using Canada & Mexico Included can use Mobile Hotspot in Mexico and Canada the same way as they do in the U.S.

Connections

  • Bluetooth Connection: Available on devices with Bluetooth capabilities. To use this option, customers must have a computer that can connect via Bluetooth and may also need to install the device manufacturer’s software on their laptop.
  • Gaming Systems and TVs: T-Mobile does not support connecting game systems, TVs, or other devices. If a computer works but these unsupported devices do not, refer customer to the device manufacturer for support.
  • Wi-Fi hotspot / sharing: This is the preferred method of connection. It allows customers to turn devices into a portable Wi-Fi hotspot so other Wi-Fi-capable devices can connect to it to gain Internet access.
  • USB connection: Allows customers to use a USB cable to connect a T-Mobile device to a laptop to gain Internet access through the T-Mobile service. This may require additional software to be installed on the laptop to make this service function.

Tethering without Mobile Hotspot / Suddenly blocked from tethering

  • If customers attempt to tether without Mobile Hotspot , they'll be blocked once verified in T-Mobile's systems as not having Mobile Hotspot on their account. Once blocked, they'll be sent an SMS about purchasing service and a memo will be added to the account.
  • Continued attempts of tethering will result in blocked access to the Internet and a blocked message in the Internet browser.

Check Usage

Mobile Hotspot usage cannot be viewed in accounts, but customers can use the Check usage: Self-Service option to view data usage.