Verizon's Hotspot Usage Monitoring: What You Need To Know

Verizon offers a variety of mobile plans that support hotspot use, including data-only plans and bundles that combine hotspot data with other services. The company provides different ways to check hotspot data usage, including through the My Verizon app, by calling #DATA from your wireless phone, or by visiting the Verizon website and checking the 'Usage Details' page.

How to check Verizon hotspot usage

There are several ways to check your Verizon hotspot usage.

If you have a monthly mobile account, you can check your data usage by visiting the My Usage page in My Verizon. You can also set up data usage alerts on this page. Prepaid account users can monitor their data usage in the Data Usage section of their home screen.

You can also call #DATA (#3282) from your wireless phone. You will receive a text message with a breakdown of your data usage.

If you have an iPhone, you can turn on your Mobile Hotspot by going to Settings > Personal Hotspot. For Android phones, go to Settings and hold down the "Mobile Hotspot" icon to turn it on. Then, view the Wi-Fi options in your device's settings and find your phone's hotspot name.

You can also check your data usage directly on the mobile hotspot device screen or on its admin page.

Verizon hotspot data plans

Verizon offers a range of hotspot data plans to meet different needs. Here is an overview of their hotspot data plans:

Mobile Hotspot Plans

Verizon offers three mobile hotspot plans that provide a secure Wi-Fi network for your devices, whether you're at home or on the go. These plans include:

• 150 GB Premium Mobile Hotspot Data Plan: This plan offers 150 GB of premium mobile hotspot data, 5G Ultra Wideband data, and premium streaming quality. The cost is $80 per month with an existing smartphone on an unlimited plan, with taxes and fees included.
• 100 GB Premium Mobile Hotspot Data Plan: This plan includes 100 GB of premium mobile hotspot data, 5G Ultra Wideband data, and premium streaming quality. It costs $60 per month with an existing smartphone on an unlimited plan, plus taxes and fees.
• 50 GB Premium Mobile Hotspot Data Plan: For $40 per month, plus taxes and fees, this plan provides 50 GB of premium mobile hotspot data, 5G Ultra Wideband data, and premium streaming quality. This plan requires an existing smartphone on an unlimited plan and cannot be the only line on the account.
• 15 GB Premium Mobile Hotspot Data Plan: The most basic plan, offering 15 GB of premium mobile hotspot data and premium streaming quality, is $20 per month, plus taxes and fees. It also requires an existing smartphone on an unlimited plan and cannot be the only line on the account.

Prepaid Data Plans for Hotspots

Verizon also offers prepaid data plans for hotspots, tablets, or smartwatches. These plans include:

• $100/month plan: This plan offers the most data and turns your device into a data powerhouse. It includes 5G Ultra Wideband, 4K UHD streaming on capable devices, and HD-quality streaming on 5G and 4G LTE.
• $80/month plan: Ideal for game and movie lovers, this plan provides enough data to stream and play games without limits. It also includes 5G Ultra Wideband, 4K UHD streaming, and HD-quality streaming on 5G and 4G LTE.
• $60/month plan: With this plan, you can turn your device into a Wi-Fi connection and share your data with friends and family. It includes HD-quality streaming, allowing you to stream videos up to 1080p on tablets and 720p on devices connected to mobile hotspots.
• $40/month plan: If you need enough data to send emails, stream music, and post on social media, this plan will keep you connected. It includes HD-quality streaming, similar to the $60/month plan.

Unlimited Mobile Plans with Mobile Hotspot Data

In addition to the above plans, Verizon offers unlimited phone plans that include mobile hotspot data. You can choose from various unlimited plans, such as the Unlimited Ultimate, Unlimited Plus, and Unlimited Welcome, which provide different amounts of mobile hotspot data. For example, the Unlimited Ultimate plan includes 60 GB of mobile hotspot data, while the Unlimited Plus plan includes 30 GB. You can also add an extra 100 GB/month of mobile hotspot data for $10/month with these plans.

How to turn your phone into a hotspot

If you're without a Wi-Fi connection, you can turn your phone into a hotspot over Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB cable, and use your phone as a source of internet access for laptops, tablets, and other phones. Most major carriers offer tethering services, but your ability to create a Wi-Fi hotspot will depend on your service plan and data allowance.

Tethering uses a lot of battery life and data, so it's a good idea to invest in a portable charger if you plan to use hotspot mode frequently.

IPhone and iPad

To set up a hotspot on an iPhone or iPad (Wi-Fi + Cellular), go to Settings > Personal Hotspot or Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot and enable "Allow Others to Join". If you don't see the Personal Hotspot option, contact your mobile carrier to ask about adding the feature to your plan. Make a note of the Wi-Fi password. The hotspot can also be turned on from Control Center.

Now, open the Wi-Fi menu on the device that needs internet access and look for the sharing device's name. Select it, then enter the password to connect. Devices using the same Apple account will automatically connect.

To connect over Bluetooth, ensure it's turned on for both devices and select the phone from the list of Bluetooth devices. You may need to turn on Maximize Compatibility to make these connections work, but keep in mind that the quality of your connection may be impacted. For a USB connection, connect the phone to your computer, permit access, and make sure it's accessible in iTunes or Finder.

If you use Family Sharing, your hotspot can be set up so family members can join it automatically without a password. Open Settings > Personal Hotspot > Family Sharing and enable the feature. Tap the name of your family members, then determine if they must ask for approval or can join automatically.

Android Devices

The way you access hotspots on Android devices will depend on the phone you have and the version of Android you're running. You can generally open the pull-down shade and turn on your mobile hotspot from there, or find it in the settings. Where exactly it is and what it's called will differ depending on your phone's manufacturer.

Samsung phones hide it in Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering > Mobile Hotspot. Google's Pixel has it under Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > Wi-Fi hotspot. Those with a Motorola phone can open Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering. USB and Bluetooth tethering options are also available from these menus.

You can probably find it quicker on your specific device by searching for "hotspot" or "tether". Once the hotspot has been enabled, there should be a network name and password displayed in the settings screen. Enter those credentials in the other device's Wi-Fi settings and join the hotspot as you would for any other network.

How to connect to a Verizon hotspot

To connect to a Verizon hotspot, you'll first need to make sure your device has a mobile hotspot feature. This is pre-installed on all Verizon smartphones and basic phones. The feature may be named differently depending on your device, for example:

• Personal Hotspot (iOS)
• Internet Sharing (Windows)
• Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot (Google Nexus devices)

Once you've located the mobile hotspot feature on your device, follow these steps:

For Android devices:

• Go to your Settings menu.
• Find the Connections section and select Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
• Tap on Mobile Hotspot.
• If it's your first time setting up a hotspot, you'll need to name your new Wi-Fi network and assign a password. Tap Save.
• Go back to the Mobile Hotspot and Tethering screen and tap the switch next to Mobile Hotspot to turn it on.

For iOS devices:

• Open your Settings menu and tap on Personal Hotspot.
• Set a password for your hotspot.
• Tap the switch to the right of Personal Hotspot to turn it on.

After setting up the hotspot on your phone, you can connect other devices to it. Here's how:

• Open the Wi-Fi settings on the device you want to connect.
• Scan for available networks. Your Mobile Hotspot name (SSID) should appear in the list.
• Select the name of your Mobile Hotspot.
• If requested, enter the Mobile Hotspot password.
• Tap Join or Connect.

How to improve hotspot security

Mobile hotspots can be a convenient way to get internet access, but they also pose multiple security risks. Here are some ways to improve hotspot security:

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN is an encrypted tunnel that connects you to the internet. It adds a crucial layer of security by encrypting your traffic and protecting your personal information. However, it's important to note that a VPN on a mobile hotspot device will not protect your tethered device. To secure your tethered device, you need to install a VPN on that device as well.

Enable WPA2 or WPA3 Encryption and Set a Strong Password: When setting up a mobile hotspot, you can improve security by selecting WPA2 or WPA3 encryption. WPA2 is more secure than the older WPA and Wired Equivalent Privacy standards. WPA3 is even more secure, but not all devices offer this option. In addition to encryption, set a strong password for your hotspot to ensure only authorized users can access it.

Set Up Guest Networks: For medium and large companies, IT admins can offer individual employee and guest Wi-Fi networks to control access to company data. Alternatively, they can provide remote or contract users with the email and password of a sponsoring employee to access the network with their approval.

Keep Device Antivirus Software Up to Date: Ensure that any devices connecting to the mobile hotspot have up-to-date antivirus software. This helps protect against potential security threats.

Disallow Mobile Hotspots on Corporate Devices: Organizations can limit the use of hotspots and control access to corporate VPNs and enterprise mail services from remote networks. They may also choose to disallow mobile hotspot tethering on corporate-owned or managed devices to reduce security risks.

Use 5GHz Frequency for Short Distances: The 5GHz frequency provides faster connection speeds for devices that are close to your smartphone. This can be adjusted in the WiFi Band settings on your device.

Use Mobile Data Plan Instead of Public Wi-Fi: While public Wi-Fi is convenient, it is often insecure. Using your mobile data plan for your hotspot is generally safer, although it may result in data charges.

By following these measures, you can significantly improve the security of your mobile hotspot and protect your devices and data from potential threats.

Frequently asked questions