How to set up Xbox Series X with a hotspot

Maybe your Wi-Fi is out or you're on the go—but you still want to play online. Good news: your Xbox Series X™ can connect to a mobile hotspot from your phone, letting you stay in the game even without home internet.

At Asurion, we know gaming because many of us are gamers ourselves. Our experts help customers set up their consoles in all kinds of situations, and using a hotspot is easier than you might think. Here’s how to set up your Xbox Series X with a mobile hotspot.

Step 1: Turn on your mobile hotspot

On your smartphone (Note: Exact paths may vary slightly depending on your phone's make, model, and operating system version):

• Open Settings > Personal Hotspot or Mobile Hotspot.
• Turn on the Hotspot toggle.
• Note the Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password.
• Make sure your phone has a strong mobile data signal—gaming can use a lot of bandwidth, especially for online multiplayer or updates.

Step 2: Connect Xbox Series X to your hotspot

• Press the Xbox button on your controller.
• Go to Profile & system > Settings.
• Select General > Network settings.
• Choose Set up wireless network.
• Select your hotspot’s Wi-Fi name from the list.
• Enter the password and confirm.
• Once connected, you’ll return to the Network screen where you can test the connection.

Step 3: Test your connection

After connecting:

• Choose Test network connection to make sure everything’s working.
• You can also test Multiplayer connection and NAT type if you’re planning to play online.
• If the test fails or the signal is weak, move your phone closer to the Xbox and avoid walls or interference.

What to know before using a hotspot

• Data usage: Online gaming can use 40–150 MB per hour. Game downloads or updates use much more.
• Speed: You’ll need at least 3 Mbps download speed and 0.5 Mbps upload speed for online play.
• Battery drain: Hotspots use a lot of battery. Plug in your phone if you’re gaming for a while.
• Carrier restrictions: Some plans may throttle speeds or charge extra for hotspot use. Check with your carrier if you're unsure.

FAQ

Can I use a hotspot to play Xbox online?

Yes. As long as your mobile data connection is strong enough, you can play online games using a mobile hotspot.

Will a hotspot work for downloading games?

It can, but downloads can be several gigabytes in size, which can use up a lot of data. If you're on a limited data plan, stick to lighter tasks.

What if my Xbox won’t connect to the hotspot?

Double-check the hotspot name and password. Also, try restarting both the phone and the console, then reconnect.

Can I stream or chat while using a hotspot?

It depends on your connection strength. Voice chat may work fine, but streaming or cloud gaming can lag if your data speed isn’t strong enough.

Is using a hotspot safe?

Yes. As long as your hotspot is password-protected and you recognize the connection, it's generally safe. Avoid using open, unsecured hotspots.