How to Turn Your Android Into a Router

Set Up the Wireless Network

1. Go to the 'Home' screen on your Android device. Most Android devices have a 'Home' button for this, and it has the picture of a house on it; if your phone has an 'End call' key, you can press that to get to the 'Home' screen.

2. Open the list of apps by selecting the 'Apps' icon. This is usually near the bottom of your screen, and often the icon has the image of four squares on it. This brings up all the apps and settings available on your device.

3. Select the 'Settings' option.

4. Select 'Wireless & networks,' then 'Tethering & portable hotspot,' then 'Portable Wi-Fi hotspot settings.'

5. Select 'Configure Wi-Fi hotspot.'

6. Type in a network name in the section labeled 'SSID.' You can use any name.

7. Choose a security type. You could keep the network open-access by choosing 'open' or 'none,' but anybody within range would be able to log onto your network, and that could be a serious security problem. The 'WPA2' security type is the strongest security choice, which will prompt you to create a password at least eight characters long if you select it.

8. Select the 'Save' option.

Activate the Wireless Network.

9. Go back to the 'Home' screen, and then press the 'Menu' button.

10. Select the 'Apps' icon again, and then select 'Settings.'

11. Choose 'Tethering & portable hotspot,' and then select the 'Portable Wi-Fi hotspot' option. This will put a check in the box next to that option, and your device will start broadcasting the wireless network in just a moment.