When you don’t have access to Wi-Fi, Instant hotspot uses your Android phone’s mobile data to automatically connect your Pixelbook to the internet through a simple notification shown on your Pixelbook.
Instant hotspot requirements
For your Pixelbook, you'll need:
- A connected, compatible Android phone with Android version N-MR1 and up.
- To be signed in to the same Google Account as your phone.
To learn how to connect your Android phone and sign in with a different Google Account, go to Related articles.
For your phone, you'll need:
- Android version N-MR1 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
- Hotspot enabled on your mobile data plan.
Important: Some mobile carriers limit or charge extra for hotspot. We recommend checking with your carrier. - Bluetooth turned on.
Use Instant hotspot
- If you haven't already, connect your phone to your Chrome OS device. To learn how, go to Related articles.
- When you unlock your device and there is no internet connection available, you should find a notification that a data connection is available from your Android phone (this notification will appear once per user session).
- Select Connect to use your phone's mobile data to get your device online.
Pixelbook | How to Use Instant Tethering
Turn off Instant hotspot
To disconnect from Instant hotspot once you have an internet connection, tap Disconnect in the notification on your device or phone.
To disable Instant hotspot on your Chrome OS device:
- At the bottom right, select the time to open your status area.
- Select Settings
.
- Under "Connected devices," select the arrow
next to your Android device.
- Select the toggle next to "Instant hotspot" to turn it off.
Troubleshoot issues with Instant hotspot
If you're having trouble using Instant hotspot, try these steps:
Step 1: Check to make sure your phone has Bluetooth turned on.
shows when Bluetooth is on.- Open your phone's Settings app
.
- Tap Connected devices
Connection preferences
- Tap the “On” toggle to turn it on.
Learn more about connecting via Bluetooth on your Pixel phone.
Step 2: Make sure Google Play Services notifications are enabled on your phone.
- Open your phone's Settings app
- Tap Apps & notifications
All apps.
- Find Google Play services and tap to open.
- Tap Notifications.
- Check that app notifications are on. If not, tap the toggle to enable.
Step 3: Check that you're signed in with the same Google Account as your phone.
For Instant hotspot to work, your Pixel phone must use the same Google Account you're using on your device.
To determine the account you're using, select the time at the bottom right to open the status area. Your signed-in account appears at the top of the status area.
If you're signed in with a different account than the one you use on your phone, you'll need to sign out and sign back in using the same account as your phone.
To learn how to sign in with a different Google Account, go to Related articles.
Step 4: Check that your phone has an active SIM card.
Step 5: Verify that your phone has reception.
Step 6: Restart your phone's Bluetooth and turn your device off and on again.
- Open your phone's Settings app
- Tap Connected devices
- Tap the “On” toggle to turn it off. Tap it again to turn it back on.
To turn your Chrome OS device's power off and on:
- At the bottom right, select the time to open the status area.
- Select "Power"
to turn off your device. (Note that you need to power the device off. Simply restarting won't help resolve this issue.)
- Press the power button on the side of your device to turn it back on.
If you're still having issues with Instant hotspot after trying the above steps, contact support by selecting Contact us at the bottom of the page.