Share a wired Internet connection via Wi-Fi without a router
While Wi-Fi hotspots seem to be popping up everywhere, at times Ethernet can still be the best (or only) option. Often, you’ll find hotel room Wi-Fi is weak based on distance to the router, and you might want to use the direct, in-room Ethernet connection instead. But, how can you get your iPad, Kindle, smartphones and other Wi-Fi-only devices onto the hotel’s Ethernet connection?
With Connectify Hotspot installed on your PC laptop, you can turn your computer into a Wi-Fi hotspot and easily share Internet from your wired Ethernet as Wi-Fi. With just a few clicks, iPhones and other mobile devices can get online, no matter where you are.
Wired in, Wi-Fi out
No router? Connectify Hotspot makes your Windows PC the router.
A Windows PC with a working connection already has everything a router has. Connectify Hotspot takes the connection coming in over the cable and hands out a Wi-Fi network your other devices can join.
Wired in Wi-Fi out
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At the office
A desk with a network port and no wireless you are allowed to join. The Windows PC on that port can put your phone on the same connection.
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In a hotel room
Older rooms still have an Ethernet socket behind the desk and little else. One cable covers everything you travelled with.
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At home
A modem with no Wi-Fi built in. The Windows PC already plugged into that modem can hand out a network to the rest of the house.
Available for Windows 10 and 11
If the setup becomes something you use daily rather than once, Connectify Hotspot PRO drops the 60-minute session limit.
How to share the Internet from an Ethernet connection through Wi-Fi
Step 1: Download and install Connectify Hotspot.
Step 2: Make sure your Ethernet connection is selected from the ‘Internet to Share’ dropdown. Icons next to each adapter tell you what kind of Internet connection you’re selecting – with Connectify Hotspot you can actually share any kind of Internet connection, including Wi-Fi and 4G/LTE dongles.
Step 3: Give your hotspot a name (SSID) and password. The hotspot name is the network name that other devices will see and connect to using your unique password – feel free to use emojis and Unicode characters to make it stand out. Your Connectify Hotspot is a real, working hotspot that you use just like any other wireless network.
Also – make sure the ‘Ad blocker’ option is selected, as you will save a lot of bandwidth, time, money and battery life for your mobile devices through the universal ad blocker included in Connectify Hotspot.
Step 4: Click the ‘Start Hotspot’ button to begin sharing your Ethernet Internet connection with your iPad and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
Connect your Wi-Fi-only devices to the Internet
Step 1: Once the list of available Wi-Fi networks populates on your mobile device, you should see your Connectify Hotspot’s SSID broadcasting the Ethernet network. Connect to that network.
Step 2: You will be prompted for the password that you gave your Connectify Hotspot. Enter your password to join the network and get online!
Getting your iPhone and other Wi-Fi-only devices onto Ethernet is simple with Connectify Hotspot. Download it now for FREE – no email sign-up necessary!
Free, PRO or MAX
Which version of Connectify Hotspot you need
The free version of Connectify Hotspot covers the setup in this guide. The only limit you will hit is the 60-minute session, and restarting the session takes one click.
Recommended: MAX adds Connectify Hotspot's Repeater Mode and Bridging Mode, which is what most people come back for later.
Available for Windows 10 and 11