Enable Mobile Hotspot on Ubuntu Linux
Mobile hotspot on Ubuntu Linux turns your computer into a wireless router so you can share your wired Ethernet, Wi-Fi , or cellular internet connection with nearby devices. This built-in network feature broadcasts a brand-new Wi-Fi signal directly from your PC to phones, tablets, and laptops.
Setting up a password protects your shared network so only people with the correct key can join. You need a working wireless card inside your computer that supports access point mode to broadcast the connection successfully.
Click the System Menu in the top-right corner and toggle the Hotspot button. For custom settings like network name and password, open System Settings, navigate to Wi-Fi , and click the Wi-Fi Hotspot button.
How to turn on mobile hotspot in Ubuntu Linux
This is the most efficient method for everyday users.
Using Quick Settings
- Click the System Menu (the battery/network icon) in the top-right corner of your screen.
- Look for the Hotspot button. Click it to toggle the feature on or off instantly.
Configuring Hotspot Settings
Configuring your Ubuntu Linux mobile hotspot requires choosing a network name and a secure password inside the main system settings. This process lets you share your computer’s internet connection with nearby phones, tablets, or other laptops by turning your wireless card into a local Wi-Fi router. You can update these connection details at any time if your devices fail to connect.
- Open your %📂%LNK0%% System Settings.
- Click the Wi-Fi tab in the sidebar.
- 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.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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