Monitoring Kids' Online Activity When Using Hotspot

As a parent, monitoring your child's internet usage is a challenging task. While streaming on the go may be a common reason for parents to use their phone's hotspot function with their kids, it can also be a useful tool for protecting them online. By using a mobile hotspot, parents can control their children's connectivity and monitor their screen time and internet activity. This can be particularly useful when trying to ensure children have access to the internet for educational purposes. However, it is important to note that tech-savvy kids may find ways to get around parental controls, so open communication and setting clear rules and expectations are essential.

Change permission settings on your mobile hotspot

Changing the permission settings on your mobile hotspot can be a great way to monitor your children's usage and limit their screen time. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this on different devices:

IPhone:

• Go to "Settings".
• Tap "Personal Hotspot".
• Tap "Allow Others to Join". Here, you can choose whether to allow others to connect to your hotspot.
• Tap "Wi-Fi Password" to change the password for your hotspot network.
• If you want to block a specific user, go to the "Hotspot" section in your phone's settings and look for "Connected Devices". Select the user and tap "Block" to prevent them from using your hotspot.

Samsung Galaxy:

• Go to "Settings".
• Tap "Connections".
• Tap "Mobile Hotspot and Tethering".
• Tap "Mobile Hotspot" to turn it on.
• Tap "Mobile Hotspot" again, then tap "Configure" to change the hotspot password.

Google Pixel:

• Go to "Settings".
• Tap "Network & Internet".
• Tap "Hotspot & Tethering".
• Tap "Wi-Fi Hotspot" and turn it on.
• Tap "Hotspot Password" to change it if needed.

Android:

Changing hotspot settings on Android devices may require specific permissions, such as "OVERRIDE_WIFI_CONFIG", which is a system-level protected permission. You can use functions like "getWifiApConfiguration" and "setWifiApConfiguration" from the "WifiManager hidden api" to manage these settings.

Additionally, you can change app permissions on your Android device to control which apps can access your hotspot. Here's how:

• Open the "Settings" app on your device.
• Tap "Security & Privacy", then "Privacy", and finally "Permission Manager".
• Tap the permission type you want to manage, such as "Location", "Camera", or "Microphone".
• Choose the app you want to change settings for and adjust the permission settings as needed.

Don't rely on the auto-off feature

While some devices do give you the option to automatically switch off the mobile hotspot feature, it's not advisable to rely on this functionality. Some apps and updates running in the background can prevent auto-off features from working as intended. Instead, it's a good idea to get into the habit of turning off the hotspot connection yourself.

To do this, you can simply toggle the setting off when you're done using your phone as a hotspot. This can usually be done by going into your phone's settings and disabling the feature. It's also important to keep in mind that hotspot usage draws on your monthly data allowance, so it's helpful to review the details of your phone plan before turning on the hotspot function.

In addition to manually turning off the hotspot, there are other measures you can take to monitor and control your child's device usage. Parental control apps, such as Apple's Screen Time or Google Family Link, allow you to set time limits, schedule downtime, and block or limit access to specific apps. These apps can provide insights into your child's screen time habits and help enforce rules around device usage.

It's also recommended to have open conversations with your child about their device usage and set clear rules and guidelines together. This can include agreeing on what the device can be used for, where and when it can be used, and how much they can spend on usage. By involving your child in the process, you can encourage them to develop healthy and responsible habits around technology use.

Use the hotspot at home when Wi-Fi is slow

Even if you have a high-speed home internet connection, various factors like weather conditions, network congestion, or multiple people online gaming, video conferencing, or streaming high-definition videos can slow down your Wi-Fi. Using your phone as a mobile hotspot can be a good workaround in such situations. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your mobile hotspot:

Add Extra Data

If you only use a mobile hotspot occasionally, you may not need to add extra data. However, if you plan to use it more frequently or for data-intensive tasks, consider adding more data to your plan. For example, Verizon offers 100 GB of mobile hotspot data for $10 a month.

Improve Cell Reception

Strong cell reception is crucial for a fast and reliable hotspot connection. Ensure you have a 5G LTE or 4G LTE signal, indicated by a 5G or 4G label next to the signal meter on your phone. Keep your hotspot elevated, preferably in an open and central area, to improve line-of-sight with the cell tower. Place it near a window and avoid obstructions like bags, pockets, or thick walls.

Switch to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi Frequency Band

Your hotspot broadcasts Wi-Fi on two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 5 GHz band offers significantly faster speeds but has a shorter range. If you stay close to your hotspot, switching to this band can provide a significant speed boost.

Turn Off Battery Saving Mode

Battery saving mode intentionally lowers your phone's performance, including hotspot performance. Disabling this mode will help improve your hotspot speed.

Stay Close to the Hotspot

Mobile hotspots have a limited range, so it's important to keep the connected device within five feet of the hotspot, especially when using the 5 GHz frequency band.

Eliminate Wi-Fi Obstructions and Interference

Certain materials, such as metal, tile, stone, and water, can interfere with Wi-Fi signals. Keep your hotspot away from these materials and ensure a clear line of sight between your device and the hotspot. Also, keep your devices away from electronics that emit waves, such as microwaves, baby monitors, and garage door openers.

Update and Restart Your Devices

Keep your phone and connected devices updated with the latest software to ensure optimal performance. Additionally, restarting your devices can help clear any glitches or issues impacting your hotspot speed.

Add extra data

If you're providing your child with a mobile hotspot, you may need to add extra data to your plan. This is because streaming, gaming, and watching videos can use up a lot of data.

Verizon's myPlan offers 100 GB of mobile hotspot data for $10 a month. This can be a good option if you need to add extra data to your plan. It's important to review the details of your phone plan before turning on your hotspot function to understand how it will impact your data allowance.

If you only use a mobile hotspot on special occasions, you may not need to add extra data. This can be the case if your child doesn't use digital devices regularly. However, for longer trips or special circumstances, you may want to consider adding more data to your plan.

Adding extra data can provide peace of mind and ensure that your child can stay connected without worrying about data limits. It's a convenient way to manage your child's internet usage while on the go.

Try tricks to improve a slow hotspot connection

There are several reasons why your hotspot may be slow, and many ways to improve your hotspot speed. Here are some tricks to try:

Check your data allowance

Your hotspot may be slow because you've run out of data on your mobile plan. Even if you have a plan that advertises unlimited data, mobile companies typically throttle your speeds after you use a certain amount of data. Be sure to read the fine print on your mobile plan and check your data usage.

Optimize your device settings

You can make several adjustments to your phone's settings to boost hotspot speeds.

• Close apps you're not using: When several apps are open on your phone simultaneously, it divides its resources among several tasks. By closing apps you're not using, you can improve your phone's performance and help it focus on the hotspot.
• Turn off low power mode: Your phone's Low Power Mode can negatively impact your mobile hotspot performance since it takes priority away from certain activities to keep your phone's core functions working. It's best to turn the setting off while using your hotspot.
• Switch to the 5 GHz frequency band: Hotspots use two different frequency bands to broadcast Wi-Fi: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz frequency band is best for longer distances, but the 5 GHz frequency band delivers faster speeds over shorter distances.

Don't let your device overheat

You may experience slower speeds and a laggy connection when your device overheats. If your phone feels hot, it's time to cool it down. To prevent your device from overheating, take regular breaks during heavy usage, make sure your phone isn't sitting in direct sunlight, and turn off any features you're not currently using.

Consider your hotspot placement

Keep your hotspot close by, as the signal will weaken over longer distances. It's best to keep your hotspot within 5 feet of you. Elevate your hotspot and avoid setting it on the floor. When possible, place your hotspot near a window without any obstructions.

Other tips

• Restart your devices: Improving your hotspot speed could be as simple as powering down your devices and then turning them back on.
• Check your cell reception: For a decent connection, you want to have a 5G LTE or 4G LTE signal. Use the signal bars on your device to determine your signal strength, and try to keep it at three bars and above.
• Update your devices: Updating your devices is essential to ensuring your hotspot runs quickly and smoothly. If your devices run on older software, it could be causing slow speeds or other connectivity issues.

Frequently asked questions