How To Set Up Instant Hotspot on iOS 8.1 Devices

With the release of the latest iOS 8.1 software update, there are many people who are looking forward to the Continuity features that have just become available on their device. One of these features is Instant Hotspot, which users can use not only on their iPhone devices but also on their other iOS devices running on the same iOS 8.1 software. Through this, you can be a more productive user as you can easily connect your Mac with your other iOS devices such as your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.

Along with AirDrop, Handoff, SMS Relay, and iPhone Cellular Calls, these are just some of the new Continuity features that you can use with your iOS 8.1 capable device. Just as its name suggests, Instant Hotspot enables your iPod Touch, iPad, or Mac to connect with your iPhone’s personal hotspot signal in the event that the area you are in does not have Wi-Fi service. Sounds primitive but there are actually some areas that still do not offer Wi-Fi or only offer this for a fee.

While Instant Hotspot seems like a feature that has been available for years, there’s more to it than what you already know. The good thing about Instant Hotspot is that it allows you to connect automatically to your iPhone’s internet connection without setting up or entering the password. Once your approved devices have been approved, they will instantly gain access to the internet through your phone. The best part about this is that when you won’t use your phone’s hotspot feature, the device will automatically disconnect so that it helps you save your battery juice. And the next time you don’t have Wi-Fi, your phone’s hotspot will connect your devices automatically.

If you would like to use Instant Hotspot on your devices, you will have to meet these requirements:

You need to have an iPhone or iPad operating on iOS 8.1 with a Lightning Connector.
A cellular connection should be enabled
A 2012 or newer Mac, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini or a 2013 Mac Pro.

If your data plan does not include mobile hotspot, you will need to get in touch with your carrier to make this available for you. Keep in mind, however, that there may be additional fees to enable this feature.

How to Activate Instant Hotspot

In order to connect your devices with your iPhone, you need to make sure that these are all signed into a similar iCloud account. The good thing about this is that your iPhone does not have to be awake to enable Instant Hotspot. All you have to do is:

On your Mac, click on the Wi-Fi symbol on the upper right hand corner of the menu bar.
Pick out your Personal Hotspot network.
You’re done!

You no longer need to enter the password on your Mac. With this, you can easily gain access to the internet as long as your iPhone is nearby. Are you excited to use Instant Hotspot? Let us know in the comments below.