How to Use Your Android Phone as a Wi-Fi Extender

Quick Tips

• Most Android phones have a built-in setting to use it as a Wi-Fi extender.
• If your phone doesn’t have it, use the NetShare app from the Play Store.

Method 1: Using Android Settings

Most modern Android smartphones already possess the tools to become a Wi-Fi hero, hidden within their settings. Here’s how to unleash the magic, depending on your Android flavor.

On Stock Android

If you use a Google Pixel, Motorola, or any other Stock Android device, finding the option is easy. Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Internet > connect to the Wi-Fi you wish to share.

Then, go back to the Network & Internet settings and tap on Hotspot & tethering. Here, enable the toggle next to the Wi-Fi hotspot. You can also tap on it to change the SSID name and password of your hotspot.

On Samsung OneUI

Samsung enthusiasts, fear not! Your OneUI experience makes Wi-Fi extension a breeze. Head to Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi and connect to the Wi-Fi network you wish to extend. Once done, tap on Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.

From here, enable the toggle for Mobile Hotspot. You can also tap on the Mobile Hotspot text if you wish to modify the hotspot settings.

On OnePlus OxygenOS

Even though OnePlus’ OxygenOS is close to Stock Android, it has its naming convention for device settings. On your OnePlus device, head over to Settings > Wi-Fi, and connect to the Wi-Fi you want to extend.

Then, head back to Settings and tap on Connection & sharing. Here, tap on Personal Hotspot.

Finally, enable the toggle for Personal hotspot. You can also tap on Hotspot settings to change the SSID name and password.

Method 2: Using Third-Party Application

If you’re using an Android device with an older build or version, it’s possible that the above method doesn’t work for you. In that case, you can resort to using a third-party application for the same. We recommend using NetShare. Here’s how to use NetShare to turn your Android phone into a Wi-Fi Extender.

Step 1: Download and install the NetShare app > launch it.

Step 2: First off, check the box for Start Wi-Fi Hotspot. The app will now request certain permissions, which you can grant.

The app will now generate a Wi-Fi name and password on its own. Note that these settings cannot be changed. Make a note of it, and you can use it to log in to other devices.

Note: In some cases, directly connecting to the Wi-Fi might not work. In those cases, NetShare also provides the proxy settings that you must use to properly use the internet connection.

For instance, on Windows, go to Settings > Network & internet > Proxy > select Set up next to Use a proxy server. Now, enable the toggle, enter 192.168.49.1 in the Proxy IP address box > enter 8282 in the Port field.