Using my Cell Phone's data plan as a Hotspot

This documentation will support you turning your cell phone's data plan into a hotspot that can be accessed by a tablet, Chromebook, or computer. This is only recommended to use when a home Wi-Fi is not accessible or available. Please know that this is an option if your service plan allows for it.

Please know, this only will work with a data plan. Ensure your data plan has enough Gb (gigabytes) so you are not charged overage fees.

For iPhone users:
1. Start by using your iPhone

○  Click on Settings
○  Choose Personal Hotspot or Cellular

■if you choose Cellular, click on Personal Hotspot on the next screen ○ Slide the bar to Allow Others to Join

• This turn your cell phone’s hotspot feature on
• Customize the password if you choose

• This can be helpful as the default passwords can be hard to remember

1. Next, go to the device you want to connect to your iPhone’s hotspot

○  Open up your device's network settings and connect to your iPhone’s name through Wi-Fi
○  You will be prompted to enter in the default or custom password.
○  Click Connect to access your iPhone’s data plan.

1. Remember to go back into Settings and turn off the hotspot feature when you are not using it so you do not waste your allowed data plan.

For Android users:
1. Start by using your Android cell phone

○  Click on Settings
○  Choose ‘Network & internet,’ then click on ‘Hotspot & tethering,’ finally click on ‘Wi-Fi hotspot’

■Turn on ‘Wi-Fi Hotspot’

•  To see or change a hotspot setting, like the name or password, tap it. If needed, first tap Set up Wi-Fi hotspot.
  ●  If you don't want to have a password, pick None under Security.

1. Next, go to the device you want to connect to your android cell phone’s hotspot

○  On the other device, open that device's list of Wi-Fi options and select hotspot.
○  Enter your phone's hotspot password.
○  Click Connect.

1. Remember to go back into Settings and turn off the hotspot feature when you are not using it so you do not waste your allowed data plan.

If you need assistance with this please email Schoology@hcpak12.org or call the main office at 651-209-8002

Ways to get free internet in the Twin Cities.

Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone:Xfinity WiFi hotspots located in businesses and outdoor locations across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi . Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots and then launch a browser.

Internet Essentials Free to New Customers: As announced yesterday, it’s even easier for low-income families who live in a Comcast service area to sign-up for Internet Essentials, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. New customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service, which is normally available to all qualified low-income households for $9.95/month. Additionally, for all new and existing Internet Essentials customers, the speed of the program’s Internet service was increased to 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream. That increase will go into effect for no additional fee and it will become the new base speed for the program going forward. Go to www.internetessentials.com

Free Wi-Fi in Minneapolis:

USI opened their WiFi network in Minneapolis for those that may need temporary internet access.
       ●  Look for the “ City of Minneapolis Public WiFi” or “ USI Wireless” networks on your mobile device and

you will be connected. The process is similar to using Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or the airport.
       ●  No password or credit card is required to sign in.
       ●  Contact USI Internet support for more information or to get help over the phone.

○ Note:You need to be within 50 feet of the hotspots. Signal strength varies indoors. Please contact USI Internet support if you are experiencing problems.