How to Turn Your Ubuntu PC into a Wi-Fi Hotspot to Share Internet Connections

Whether staying in a hotel room that provides only a single wired Ethernet connection, troubleshooting connectivity on a smartphone, or sharing a mobile broadband USB link with friends, transforming your computer into a wireless access point is immensely useful. Modern versions of Ubuntu Linux include built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot capabilities within the native GNOME network settings. With a few clicks, you can turn your laptop’s internal Wi-Fi adapter into an encrypted hotspot that broadcasts internet access to smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles.

Requirements for Hosting an Ubuntu Hotspot

Before launching a wireless hotspot from Ubuntu, ensure your setup meets these hardware prerequisites:

• A Compatible Wi-Fi Card: Most internal Intel, Atheros, and Realtek wireless cards support AP (Access Point) mode natively.
• An Active Secondary Internet Connection: Your computer needs an internet source to share, typically a wired Ethernet cable plugged into your router or a cellular USB modem. (Some modern Wi-Fi cards can receive and broadcast simultaneously, but Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi is the most stable setup).

How to Enable the Wi-Fi Hotspot in Ubuntu Settings

Activating the hotspot requires only a quick visit to the native network settings panel:

1. Click on the Quick Settings menu in the upper-right corner of your desktop (the volume/network/battery cluster).
2. Click on the Wi-Fi entry and select Wi-Fi Settings (or open Settings and click Wi-Fi from the left sidebar).
3. Click the three-dot overflow menu icon located in the top window header bar next to the Wi-Fi on/off toggle.
4. Select Turn On Wi-Fi Hotspot.
5. A configuration pop-up dialogue will appear showing the generated Network Name (SSID) and a secure randomised Password.
6. Click the blue Turn On button to begin broadcasting.

Connecting Client Devices via Password or QR Code

Ubuntu makes connecting guest smartphones and tablets remarkably effortless:

1. Once the hotspot is active, Ubuntu displays a prominent QR Code on the screen alongside the network name and security key.
2. On your smartphone or tablet, launch the camera app and scan the QR code displayed on the Ubuntu laptop screen.
3. Tap the connection prompt to connect automatically without typing lengthy Wi-Fi passwords.
4. Alternatively, open the Wi-Fi settings on your phone, choose the Ubuntu network name, and manually enter the displayed WPA2 passphrase.

How to Customise Network Name and Password

If you prefer using a memorable network name and custom security phrase:

1. Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.
2. Launch the network connection editor by running:

   nm-connection-editor

3. Select the connection named Hotspot under the Wi-Fi section and click the Gear (Settings) button.
4. Under the Wi-Fi tab, edit the SSID field to your preferred hotspot name.
5. Click the Wi-Fi Security tab, select WPA & WPA2 Personal, and set your desired custom password (minimum 8 characters).
6. Click Save to store your changes.