Adjust the settings for your mobile hotspot.
For instance, if you own an iPhone, you have the option to activate the Family Sharing feature. You can input the names of individuals included in your plan and then specify whether they need to seek permission before utilizing your hotspot.
This method can facilitate the establishment of time constraints on a child’s screen time. Simply activate the hotspot when it’s permissible for them to go online, and then set a timer to alert you when it’s time to turn off the hotspot. If they require additional online time, you can either extend it or assess if other tasks such as chores or homework need attention.
Avoid relying on the automatic shutdown feature.
While some devices offer the functionality to automatically disable the mobile hotspot, certain applications and background processes may hinder the effectiveness of these auto-shutdown features. It is advisable to cultivate the habit of manually deactivating the hotspot.
Utilize the hotspot at home during periods of slow Wi-Fi.
Even with a high-speed home internet connection, external factors like weather conditions or network congestion due to simultaneous online activities—be it within the broader network or among household members engaged in online gaming, video calls, or HD video streaming—can impact the connection quality. Leveraging your mobile phone as a hotspot can serve as a viable solution.
Supplement your data plan swiftly.
If your usage of a mobile hotspot is sporadic, your existing data plan’s allocation may suffice. Jaime Livingood, a mother and photographer from Pennsylvania, shared her experience when her son, Colton, usually refrains from bringing digital devices along. However, during a cross-state journey for a funeral, they utilized her husband Matt’s phone as a mobile hotspot to entertain Colton with games and videos.
The advantage of data plans lies in their flexibility. For instance, MyPlan offers an additional 100 GB of mobile hotspot data for just $10 monthly.
Troubleshoot sluggish hotspot connections with these tips.
“Connection speed and latency are crucial factors, especially in gaming scenarios,” mentions Wisniewski. While mobile hotspots generally offer superior reliability and speed compared to Wi-Fi, perfection is elusive. If your children report a slow or intermittent hotspot connection, consider implementing these remedies:
- Encourage children to stay closer to the phone. Maintain an unobstructed line of sight between your device and theirs to ensure they remain within range without any signal interference. This also enables you to monitor their online activities effectively.
- Keep your phone charging during hotspot usage. Hotspots consume significant battery power, particularly when running other active applications like navigation while on the move.
- Regularly update your device. Updates often enhance functionality and security. While most devices support automatic updates, it’s advisable to verify that your operating system is up to date.
- Reboot your device. Sometimes, a simple restart can significantly enhance the performance of the hotspot.
Enhance your data plan with an additional 100 GB of mobile hotspot data for just $10 per month through myPlan.