How to turn Phone Link Instant Hotspot on or off in Windows 11

Setting Up Instant Hotspot: Step-by-Step

Hardware checks are finished, meaning devices are ready for pairing. Configuring the connection requires brief setup across both devices.

Step 1Start Setup on Your Computer

Open the Phone Link app on the computer to begin configuring Instant Hotspot. Access the Settings ⚙️ menu by clicking the gear icon once the application loads.

1. Open the Phone Link app on your computer. If you don't see it on your taskbar, search for it in the Windows search bar.
2. Once the Phone Link app is open, go to Settings. You can usually find this by clicking the gear icon.
3. In the Settings menu, look for the Features tab.
4. Under Features, find and click on Instant Hotspot.
5. Click Setup Instant Hotspot.

Step 2Follow the Instructions on the Screen

Selecting "Setup Instant Hotspot" on the Windows 11 computer launches a window with further instructions. This interface manages the connection handshake between computer and phone. Choosing 'Send Notification' triggers a prompt on the phone, so leave the computer screen active.

• The pop-up window will guide you. You will likely need to choose an option to Send Notification. This sends a message to your phone.
• Keep your computer screen open because your phone needs to get this message to continue.

Step 3Approve on Your Android Device

Approve the incoming connection request from the Android phone. Tapping the incoming notification and selecting 'Allow' confirms the link. Banners appear at the top of the display or inside the primary notification panel.

• You should get a notification on your Android phone. It might show up at the top of your screen or in your notification list.
• Tap on this notification to open it.
• You will be asked to Allow the connection. Tap "Allow" to confirm. This connects your phone and computer for Instant Hotspot.

Step 4Turn On Instant Hotspot on Your Phone

Activate the Instant Hotspot feature inside the phone's Link to Windows app to finalize the connection protocol.

1. Open the Link to Windows app on your Android phone.
2. Find the Instant Hotspot setting in the app.
3. Slide the switch to ON to enable the feature.

Step 5Connect Using Your Computer's Wi-Fi Menu

Join the phone's wireless network from the Windows 11 computer to complete the procedure. Clicking the Wi-Fi icon near the system clock displays available networks. The mobile hotspot appears in the list, ready for connection.

1. On your computer, click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar (usually near the clock).
2. You should now see your phone's hotspot listed among the available Wi-Fi networks. It might have your phone's name or a general hotspot name.
3. Click on your phone's hotspot name and choose Connect.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/instant-hotspot-9c448dff-509c-4bc5-9c18-a8595511deea

Summary

Instant Hotspot in Windows 11 shares Android cellular data with a PC via the Phone Link app. Completing the setup transforms the mobile device into a portable wireless router, providing connectivity away from standard networks.