How to setup and manage a Mobile Hotspot connection on the BlackBerry 10, Blackberry 7.1 and in Blackberry KeyOne smartphone?

How to setup and manage a Mobile Hotspot connection on the BlackBerry

Mobile hotspot is a great feature which enables your smartphone to get the internet connection so that other Wi-Fi enabled devices can use the mobile network connection of the BlackBerry smartphone. If you are a newbie to mobile hotspot and wish to set up and manage connection on Blackberry 10, Blackberry 7.1 and in Blackberry KeyOne smartphone then here is how to do it.

How to enable Mobile Hotspot On BlackBerry 10

First you need to go to and open Settings.

Then Tap Network and Connections >  Mobile Hotspot.

Blackberry 10 hotspot

If Mobile Hotspot mode has not yet been used, complete the setup as indicated in the on-screen instructions.

Blackberry 10 mobile hotspot

Read the screens carefully as they provide important information about the Mobile Hotspot feature.

Also, be sure to remember the Mobile Hotspot password for later.

Blackberry 10 hotspot

Set the Mobile Hotspot switch to On.

If Activation Required is displayed when attempting to enable the Mobile Hotspot feature on the BlackBerry smartphone, the smartphone is not provisioned to use the feature. Contact the wireless service provider for assistance.

After Mobile Hotspot mode is enabled on the smartphone, connect to the mobile hotspot with a Wi-Fi enabled device in the same fashion as connecting to a Wi-Fi router like your PC or a laptop.

To manage Mobile Hotspot Connections on the smartphone:

  • Open Settings.
  • Tap Network and Connections > Mobile Hotspot.
  • Tap the configure icon.

How to enable mobile Hotspot on BlackBerry OS 7.1

Blackberry 7.1 hotspot

To enable Mobile Hotspot on the smartphone first Open Manage Connections.

Then select Wi-Fi.

Now select Mobile Hotspot.
If Activation Required is displayed when attempting to enable the Mobile Hotspot feature on the BlackBerry smartphone, the smartphone is not provisioned to use the feature. Contact the wireless service provider for assistance.

After Mobile Hotspot mode is enabled on the smartphone, connect to the mobile hotspot with a Wi-Fi enabled device in the same fashion as connecting to a Wi-Fi router.

Once the Mobile Hotspot has been enabled, by default a WPA2 Password must be created to secure the network

If prompted with an Activation Required message, ensure that you have the correct data plan to use this feature.

To manage Mobile Hotspot Connections

  • Open Options.
  • Select Network and Connections > Mobile Hotspot Connections > Options.
  • Within the Mobile Hotspot Connection options the user will be able to:
  • Change the Network Name (SSID).
  • Select a Security type. The available options are None, WEP, WPA2 Personal and WPA/WPA2

Disabling security the network should only be done when troubleshooting a connection issue. An unsecured network can lead to high data usage and charges.

  • Select the Band. The available options are 802.11g and 802.11bg.
  • Select the option to allow or disallow connected devices to exchange data with each other over the network.
  • Set the Auto Shutoff Timer. This enables the Mobile Hotspot to automatically shut off if no device has connected to the network in a predetermined length of time. The available options are Never up to 1hr (in 5 minute increments).

If the BlackBerry smartphone is on a CDMA network, when a call is placed or received, the smartphone suspends the Mobile Hotspot session until the end of the call.

Five devices can be connected at one time. The network owner can prevent any additional devices from connecting by enabling Don’t allow any more devices to connect, from the Mobile Hotspot main screen.

For BlackBerry OS 7.1, the ability to use the Mobile Hotspot feature or to connect multiple devices is controlled by the wireless service plan, so you need to contact the wireless service provider for more information. If the device is on a BlackBerry Enterprise Server, there may be restrictions in place by the administrator. If this is the case, contact the administrator for assistance.

How to setup a mobile Hotspot on the BlackBerry KeyOne

Blackberry KeyOne Mobile Hotspot

First swipe down from the top of your screen and tap the gear icon

Tap More. Then tap Tethering & Mobile Hotspot

Tap Set up Mobile Hotspot

Enter the details for your wireless hotspot here. Choose a name and set the password, as well as the security and AP Band. Tap Save.

Tap the toggle next to Mobile Hotspot to turn on your wireless hotspot.

Now you can connect to your Wi-Fi network and get things done.

Blackberry KeyOne mobile hotspot

Using mobile hotspot on your device is a great solution to slow or non-existent Wi-Fi networks when you’re on the go. You don’t have to worry about bringing along another piece of tech to stay connected, and with stellar battery life on Blackberry smartphones, and also about charging up often when utilizing the hotspot feature.