The Instant Hotspot feature first popped up in the Phone Link app back in October 2022. It lets you connect your Windows PC to the internet by turning your phone into a mobile hotspot without touching your phone. No need to manually turn on the hotspot or enter a password either. Initially, it was exclusive to Samsung running One UI 4.1.1 or later. But now, it’s starting to roll out to other smartphone brands like Oppo and OnePlus and should be available to all Android phones soon.
According to Android Authority, to get Instant Hotspot up and running, you might need to have Windows 11 and Windows Service app (version 2.24014.5.35.0 or later) on your phone. It is mainly supported on newer phones from brands like OnePlus, such as the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Open. But, if you’re rocking an older model like the OnePlus 10 Pro, you might be out of luck – there’s no Instant Hotspot support because it’s still running Link to Windows Service version 2.23103.5.18.0.
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Now, you might be wondering why it took Microsoft so long to bring this feature to other Android brands and why it’s still not available on all Android phones. The deal is that Android only allows system apps to start a mobile hotspot. So, the Windows Service app needs to be preinstalled by the phone manufacturer for Instant Hotspot to work. Since Samsung bundles Microsoft’s Link to Windows Service app with One UI, their users have enjoyed this feature for a while now.
So, make sure to check if your smartphone brand supports the Link to Windows Service app. And just a heads up – you won’t get this update through the Play Store. It requires an OTA update from the OEM.
How to Use Instant Hotspot on Phone Link
If your phone supports Instant Hotspot, setting it up is a breeze. Here’s how:
- Open the Phone Link app on your PC.
- Head to Settings > Features and flip on the Instant Hotspot toggle.
- Click the Send Notification button when it asks for permission to show hotspot settings on your Android phone.
- On your phone, give all the necessary permissions it asks for.
Note: Be sure to enable the Instant Hotspot feature in the Link to Windows app on your Android phone. You can find this option in the app’s settings.
Once you’re done setting up, you’ll start seeing your phone’s name in the Wi-Fi network list in the Action Center. Just click Connect, and your phone’s hotspot will turn on and connect automatically. Easy peasy!
And that’s it, folks.
