A Hotspot is an internet access point that allows a user to connect to a Wi-Fi network using a computer, smartphone, or any other device while you are away from a cable network. It establishes a wireless connection that allows users to connect to the internet or communicate with each other.
The main purpose of the Hotspot is to provide a connection to smartphones or other devices that don’t have direct access to a wired connection.However, there are a few reasons that you may need to disable hotspots like security concern, parental control, and others. In this article, we will provide you a comprehensive guide on how to disable hotspot permanently.
Disabling a Hotspot permanently on any device depends upon the device and operating system that a person or a business is using. Many businesses want to disable Hotspots on managed devices for several reasons. For example, they want to manage bandwidth, control costs, or comply with policies. No matter what reasons, it is critical for them to find a way to disable hotspots on multiple devices.
There are many ways can help a person or a business to disable hotspots permanently. Here I recommand using a MDM solution like AirDroid Business to do it. AirDroid Business is a complete solution for Android and Windows Device Management. With the help of AirDroid Business, organizations can control the devices and manage the networks anytime, anywhere and stay up-to-date. Here are the steps to disable multiple managed devices easily.
After sign up AirDroid Business account and enroll your devices, follow this procedure to disable Hotspot on Android fleets：
Admin Console - Policy & Kiosk - Policy & Kiosk Config Files (Here you can create a new Config file or can edit an existing file) - Click “Restrictions” - Tethering - Turn off Network Sharing.
Note : When you disable the "Tethering" function in Android fleets, the hotspot, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi features become inactive, preventing users/employees from enabling them.
What Elese Can AirDroid Business Do?
It allows you to set alert for data usage when its limit is approaching on the managed device to save cost.
It gives you a detailed view of the data usage of each app on different devices.
You will also get a report about each device's network connection.
You can monitor the device status in real time no matter where you are.
You can set policies to restrict the users from using unknown WiFi or hotspots to protect data security.
2How to turn off Hotspot?
Turning off mobile hotspots can prolong battary life, save data, and ensure mobile security. Here are the 4 methods that help you to turn off hotspots on mobile devices and destops.
1On Android
Android is a commonly used operating system in phones. One can easily disable the Hotspot from his Android phone. For this, you need to follow this procedure.
Settings - Network & Internet - Hotspot & Tethering - Wi-Fi Hotspot - Off
From here you can also control the automatic on / off function of the Hotspot. It is important to note that exact steps may vary depending on the manufacturer and Android version of your phone.
2On iPhone
iPhone gives the option to the user to turn off the personal Hotspot to control the data limit. To do this, go to “Actions” and then disable Personal Hotspot. The user will be prompted whether the user wants to withdraw the share of the personal Hotspot.
iPhone users can also block the Hotspot of his/her phone by pressing and holding the wireless section. This is on the top-left corner of the phone. Once you expand the options, the user is able to display a larger range of options. You can tap the Personal Hotspot button, this will disable your iPhone’s Personal Hotspot and will prevent further connectivity.
3On Windows
Some users run Connectify Hotspot with the built-in Windows mobile Hotspot functionality. Due to this users can face some issues. Like user may not be able to use Connectify Hotspot to broadcast Wi-Fi Hotspot. This may also cause the issue of the connection between the computer and the device.
If you want to benefit from the features of Connectify Hotspot, disable the Hotspot feature in Windows 10. Users can do this by following this procedure.
Open the setting of Windows by clicking on the start button and then tap on setting from the list of apps.
Navigate to Network & Internet and click on it.
Click Mobile Hotspot on the left side that is on the left side of the screen.
Toggle the “Allow remote connection” to turn off the access feature of the mobile Hotspot.
4On MacOS
Mac users can also disable internet sharing by turning off the Hotspot. This can be done with the following method;
Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
Open system preferences and search "Internet sharing"
Click on Internet Sharing from the left pane to turn off network connection.
A confirmation pop-up will appear, asking if you want to stop sharing your connection. Click on the "Stop" button.
Addtional Tip: What is the mobile Hotspot remote access feature?
Mobile Hotspot remote access function is found in Windows computer. In the Mobile Hotspot settings, you will see an option that calls “Allow remote connection.” If you enable this option in Windows 10 for the Bluetooth connections, the hotspot will get enabled automatically when a paired device will look for it in a range. While turning off the hotspot in an idle state can save power on the host device, it may take longer for a hotspot client to connect.
Through the remote access feature, a user can manage and control his Hotspot from a certain distance. It is useful when the main device having an internet connection is not accessible physically. With remote access, you can adjust the settings or monitor the usage of data remotely.
Mobile Hotspot remote access feature provides its users with increased flexibility and convenience to connect multiple devices to the internet but on the other side this may be dangerous in some situations especially if you are connected to a public Wi-Fi network.
3Common issues that may arise
If you disable the Hotspot, there may be several issues. Some of the common issues are:
● Loss of emergency internet access: Where your primary internet connection is down, the Hotspot may serve as an emergency backup for accessing vital services or information. When you disable the Hotspot, you cannot work in emergency situations.
● Reduced productivity: Your employees may rely on the Hotspot for remote work or some other productive tasks. When you disable Hotspot, it could lower their ability to access work-related resources.
● Communication disruptions: Users of other devices may actively use the Hotspot for communication purposes like VoIP calls, and messaging apps. When you disable the Hotspot, it will disrupt those ongoing communications.
● Inconvenience for others: If you disable Hotspot shared with other users, it may cause inconvenience to them, especially if they were relying on it for their internet needs.
To avoid such issues a business can communicate the Hotspot plan in advance with its employees. This will reduce the potential issues that may arise.
4Conclusion
With the help of a Hotspot, one device can have the access to the internet remotely. It offers better communication and productivity. Hotspot usage can be controlled on the personal and business level. AirDroid Business is one of the best solutions for businesses to manage & control attended and unattended devices.
Some of the issues that users having access to the internet through Hotspots may face are loss of internet, disruptions in communication, and limited access to shared resources. Disabling a Hotspot might be critical in certain situations, but you should always keep in mind the consequences of disabling it. A better way is to provide alternatives for better connectivity and work productivity.
People Also Ask:
1. Can I disable Hotspot on a child's iPhone/Android?
Maverick
There are some built-in parental control features on some devices that offer you to manage or restrict Hotspot use on your child’s iPhone or Android devices.
iPhone: On iOS devices, there is a feature called “Screen Time”. It offers some control over content and application usage. But you cannot disable or control the Hotspot of your child.
Android: In Android devices, there are many built-in levels of parental control features. These features may vary depending on the manufacturer and version of Android phones. Some devices offer limited control features while some like Verizon offer you to disable the Hotspot on your child’s Android phone.
Go to Settings > Cellular and make sure that Hotspot is disabled. Also, you need to go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restriction. Here you have to enter the password if it prompts. Scroll down to Cellular Data Changes and then switch to Don’t Allow.
2. Can you block personal Hotspot?
Maverick
Yes, you can block personal Hotspots through network settings and configurations. Mobile carriers also give you the authority to restrict or disable Hotspots based on their plans and settings. You should always take care of the ethical considerations of disabling Hotspots.
4. How do I remove personal Hotspot from my iPhone?
Maverick
You can do this by going to Settings, then tapping Personal Hotspot and turning it off. If you have enabled a passcode on your phone, none other than you can turn it on after this. Just keep your password safe from others.
For more than 8 years, Maverick has dig deep into IT and mobile device management. He delivers practical MDM solution tips and strategies for various endpoints management.
Leave a Reply.