How to Turn Your Mac Into a Wi-Fi Hotspot

Written by

Ojash

Reviewed by

Hashir Ibrahim

Last updated: September 14, 2024

Expert verified

I’ve run into connection issues more times than I’d like to admit. Over time, I figured out how to turn my Mac into a Wi-Fi hotspot, and it’s been a simple solution that I wish I knew sooner.

How to Enable Internet Sharing on Mac

Enabling Internet Sharing allows you to turn your Mac into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Here’s a step-by-step guide to enable Internet Sharing on your Mac:

1. Click the Apple menu at the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.

2. Click General and select Sharing.

3. In the right pane of the Sharing window, toggle on the Internet Sharing option.

4. Click Start on the pop-up window to confirm you want to turn on Internet Sharing.

5. Click the small i next to Internet Sharing.

6. In the Share your connection from dropdown menu, select the internet source you want to share. It could be Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or any other connected network device.

7. In the To computers using list, check the box next to Wi-Fi. This will allow you to share the connection via Wi-Fi.

How to Configure Your Hotspot on Mac

Your Mac can’t receive and broadcast Wi-Fi simultaneously, so it needs to get its internet from a different source, like Ethernet, before sharing it via Wi-Fi. Follow these steps to configure your hotspot based on the connection type you’ve chosen.

1. For Ethernet

Here’s how to share an Ethernet connection via Wi-Fi on Mac:

1. Click the Apple menu at the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings.

2. Click General and select Sharing.

3. Click the small i next to Internet Sharing.

4. In the Share your connection from dropdown menu, select Ethernet. (The option will appear when you have an Ethernet cable connected to your Mac).
5. Check the box next to Wi-Fi to use it as the sharing protocol in the To computers using list.
6. Click the Wi-Fi Options button and configure your hotspot connection.
7. Click Start to activate the connection.

2. For USB Wi-Fi Adapter

Here are the steps to share an internet connection from a USB network adapter over Wi-Fi on Mac:

1. Plug in and set up your USB Wi-Fi adapter following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
2. In the Share your connection from section, choose your USB adapter.
3. Check the Wi-Fi box to use it as the sharing protocol.
4. Click the Wi-Fi Options button and configure your connection settings.
5. Press Start to activate the shared connection.

3. For Bluetooth

Here’s a step-by-step guide to sharing your internet connection using Bluetooth PAN on Mac:

1. In the Share your connection from section, choose the desired source protocol.
2. Check the Bluetooth PAN box to designate it as your sharing method.
3. Press Start to initiate the shared connection.

After you have followed the instructions for your chosen connection type, connect your other devices to the Wi-Fi network you’ve created or directly via Bluetooth, and enjoy your Mac’s shared internet connection.

Create a Mac Hotspot and Start Surfing

Using your Mac as a hotspot can be a lifesaver if you’re working somewhere with limited connectivity options or trying to conserve mobile data. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily set up a secure and reliable Wi-Fi network for your devices.

Here are some more tips to get the most out of your MacBook:

• If your Mac isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi, fix the Wi-Fi issue first before setting up the hotspot.
• For internet connection problems, consider resetting your Mac’s network settings.
• If your Mac is slow after enabling the hotspot, check tips to speed up a slow Mac.

Frequently Asked Questions