How to use your new iPad as a hotspot

A hotspot is an area where Internet access is made readily available to several different devices at once via a wireless local area network. Typically, a hotspot uses Wi-Fi technology to share the connection among the wireless computers, cell phones, and other devices in the area.

If you've ever connected to the Internet at a coffee shop, hotel, or other public establishment, you have likely used a hotspot. One of the remarkable new features of the new iPad is the ability to transform it into a hotspot so that up to five nearby devices can share its data connection. Follow the simple steps below to turn your iPad into a hotspot.

1. On the Home screen, tap Settings-->General-->Network-->Set Up Personal Hotspot. If Cellular Data connection is not already turned on, also turn it on at this time.

2. Tap the large Setup button so that your device can check if the hotspot feature is enabled. If it is not, a message will appear informing you that you cannot use your device as a hotspot. If it is enabled, however, a button will appear that you can press to switch the hotspot feature on.

3. Decide whether you want to share your iPad's data connection via Wi-Fi, USB, or Bluetooth. The instructions for using each method should currently be displayed on your screen beneath the switch you used to turn Personal Hotspot on in step 2. Follow the instructions provided onscreen, and you're all set.

Your status bar at the top of your iPad should now be blue, and it should display the number of devices that are currently connected via your hotspot. When you're ready to turn the hotspot feature off, simply return to the Home screen and tap Settings-->Personal Hotspot. Turn the switch back into the off position, and return to this screen to turn the hotspot back on the next time you want to use the feature.