Enable Mobile Hotspot on Ubuntu Linux

You enable a mobile hotspot on Ubuntu Linux by turning your PC into a Wi-Fi router, sharing its internet connection with other devices.

A mobile hotspot allows you to share your existing internet connection, whether it’s Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular-whenever-wi-fi-is-poor-in-windows-11/" class="sal-link" rel="noopener" target="_blank" data-sal-id="30047">cellular data, wirelessly. This is incredibly useful when you need to connect devices like your smartphone, tablet, or another laptop to the internet but only have one primary connection available on your Ubuntu machine.

Your Ubuntu computer will then broadcast a Wi-Fi signal that other devices can detect and connect to, just like any standard wireless network. You set a password for this network to control who can join.

How to turn on mobile hotspot in Ubuntu Linux

The fastest way to manage your hotspot in 2026 is through the Quick Settings menu. This is the most efficient method for everyday users.

Using Quick Settings

1. Click the System Menu (the battery/network icon) in the top-right corner of your screen.
2. Look for the Hotspot button. Click it to toggle the feature on or off instantly.

Configuring Hotspot Settings

To set your network name, password, or security options, follow these steps:

1. Open your %📂%LNK0%copy% System Settings.
2. Click the 📶 Wi-Fi tab in the sidebar.
3. Click the 📶 Wi-Fi Hotspot button located at the top right of the panel.

A window will pop up. Here you can configure your connection:

• Network Name: Give your hotspot a name so you can find it.
• Password: Create a strong password to keep your connection secure.
• Security: Set this to WPA3 for the best modern protection. If you have older devices that cannot connect, you may need to switch to WPA2.
• Band: Choose 5 GHz for faster speeds if you are close to your computer. Choose 2.4 GHz for better range and compatibility with older devices.

Once you have entered your details, click Turn On. Your computer will now act as a wireless access point.

You can see the status of your connection at any time by opening the System menu at the top of your screen. You can also turn the hotspot off from there when you are finished.

That is all there is to it! You are now sharing your internet connection securely with your other devices.