Enable Mobile Hotspot on Ubuntu Linux

This article describes the steps to turn on or off mobile hotspots in Ubuntu Linux.

Ubuntu Linux devices with built-in mobile hotspots can share their internet connection with other devices over Wi-Fi.

This is useful when you are in a remote area with a mobile (cellular) network only and wish to share your internet connection with other devices so they can connect.

With your cellular-equipped device, you can turn your Wi-Fi adapter into a wireless hotspot so others can connect to it, sharing the same mobile internet connection. However, beware, you share your cellular internet; your network data plan will be used and may cost a lot depending on your location.

Once you share your Wi-Fi adapter as a hotspot, other devices will see it as a regular Wi-Fi network that they’re used to.

How to turn on mobile hotspot in Ubuntu Linux

As mentioned above, Ubuntu Linux can share its network with other devices using hotspots. Therefore, your internet as a hotspot will appear like a regular Wi-Fi network to other devices.

Below is how to turn it on in Ubuntu Linux.

Ubuntu Linux has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. From system configurations to creating new users and updating, all can be done from the System Settings panel.

Alternatively, click on the System menu at the top-right corner of the top bar on your desktop.

On the System menu, select Settings, as highlighted below.

In the Settings app, click on the Wi-Fi tile to open the panel.

In the System Settings -> Wi-Fi panel, click on the vertical ellipses to show additional Wi-Fi options.

Then select Turn on Wi-Fi Hotspot as highlighted below.

Next, please type in the name of the network you want others to see as they connect to your shared Wi-Fi network.

Then, type in the password to authenticate to the Wi-Fi you shared from your device.

Finally, click the Turn On button to turn on Wi-Fi Hotspot on your device.

Once enabled, you should be able to see its status and turn it off from the System menu as highlighted below.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Enabling your Wi-Fi hotspot in Ubuntu Linux allows you to share your internet connection with other devices over Wi-Fi.
• Be mindful of your network data plan, as sharing your cellular internet may incur additional costs depending on your location.
• You can easily manage your hotspot settings through the System Settings panel in Ubuntu Linux.
• Sharing your Wi-Fi adapter as a hotspot allows other devices to connect to it as they would to a regular Wi-Fi network.
• Disabling the Wi-Fi hotspot is as simple as turning it on, accessible through the System menu in Ubuntu Linux.