Speed up your hot spot with these tips to significantly improve your connection

Tech expert Kurt Knutsson talks about how to improve slow hot spot speeds by boosting the signal, using 5G, updating devices and managing data.
Are you tired of sluggish hot spot speeds? You’re not alone in this digital dilemma, as many people rely on mobile hot spots for their internet needs. Ben recently reached out with this frustrating situation:
“I don’t have hardwired Wi-Fi in my house. I use my phone’s hotspot (sic) when I need to use my laptop. The whole Wi-Fi process is always very slow. I have even changed laptops twice, and the process is always slow. I have even changed phone carriers (not for this reason), and it’s the same thing. Do you have any suggestions?”
Ben, I feel your pain. Slow internet is incredibly frustrating, especially when you’re relying on a hot spot for all your online needs. Let’s break down some solutions to get your hot spot humming along.
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A man frustrated by his hot spot (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
First things first, your hot spot is only as good as your cell signal. Since hot spots rely on cellular data, a weak signal means slow speeds. Here are some quick fixes:
Find the sweet spot: Move to an area with better reception, ideally near a window or upstairs.
Elevate your phone: Get it off the ground and away from obstructions.
Consider a signal booster: These devices can amplify your cellular signal, giving your hot spot a much-needed boost.
Man using hot spot near window for faster speed (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
AVOID PUBLIC WI-FI BY USING YOUR IPHONE AS A HOT SPOT
Now, let’s look at some settings and optimizations:
If your phone supports it, use the 5G frequency band for zippier connections.
For iPhone
Steps to use the 5G frequency band on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
For Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer. 
If you don’t see the exact options listed, your device might have slightly different terminology or menu structures.
If you have turned it on, turn off the battery-saving mode because it intentionally lowers your phone’s performance, including hot spot performance.
For iPhone:
Steps to turn off battery-saving mode on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
For Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer. 
Steps to turn off battery-saving mode on Android (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
HOW TO SET UP A PERSONAL HOT SPOT SO YOU CAN STAY CONNECTED FROM ANYWHERE
Keep your laptop near your phone when using the hot spot to ensure a strong connection. Your hot spot isn’t a long-distance runner, so stay within about five feet for the best connection.
Woman keeping her laptop close to her hot spot (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
CELLPHONE BOOSTERS VS MOBILE HOT SPOTS: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE, HOW DO YOU CHOOSE?
Keeping your devices up to date can improve their performance.
For iPhone:
Steps to update iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
For Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer. 
Steps to update iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Sometimes, a simple restart of both devices can work wonders in improving your hot spot speeds.
For iPhone:
For Android:
A woman restarting her phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET
Your phone might be working overtime on other tasks, slowing down your hot spot. To clear digital clutter on your iPhone and Android device, follow these steps:
iPhone:
Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.
iPhone:
Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.
iPhone:
Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.
By following these steps, you can reduce the digital clutter on your device and potentially improve your hot spot’s performance.
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A woman managing her data on her phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Check your data situation to make sure you haven’t hit your data cap, which can lead to throttled speeds, and while it saves data, ditch data-saving mode as it can also slow down your hot spot. To address data dilemmas on both iPhone and Android devices, follow these steps:
iPhone
Android
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.
iPhone
Android
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer.
When it comes to staying connected on the go, you have options: activating a hot spot on your phone or investing in a separate mobile hot spot device. While many phone plans allow you to use your phone as a hot spot, this depends on your carrier and plan specifics. A dedicated mobile hot spot device can offer better connectivity, support more devices, and preserve your phone’s battery life. This can be particularly beneficial for those who travel frequently, work remotely or need a reliable internet connection in areas with spotty Wi-Fi. Check out our top mobile hot spots to find the best in speed, security and convenience for your needs.
I hope these tips help you squeeze every last bit of speed out of your hot spot. While these tips should help improve your speeds, it’s worth noting that a mobile hot spot might never quite match the consistency and speed of a hardwired connection. If these solutions don’t cut it, you might want to explore other internet options available in your area. Some cellular providers offer dedicated home internet services that could provide a more stable connection than a phone hot spot.
What are your go-to solutions for staying connected and efficient while traveling or working remotely? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.