Before we can answer the above question, ‘Does Straight Talk have hotspot?’, we need to make sure that you know what hot spot is.
Hotspot stands for a wireless signal that receives a mobile signal and distributes it into the WiFi signal, which is then used by other devices. All internet access and data download are done through the hotspot device.
Generally, there are two most common options to create hotspots; you can use smartphones that have this option (all latest smartphones have this ability) or you can use a separate hotspot device that uses SIM card and serves to receive mobile signal and convert it into WiFi.
That said, we will focus on the Straight Talk WiFi hotspot as we move along. We will first cover the Straight Talk WiFi hotspot options. Then we will take a look at how to activate the Straight Talk hotspot on Android, on iPhone, and other options. We will also take a closer look at Straight Talk WiFi hotspot plans and 5 best Straight Talk mobile hotspot reviews.
We will also explain Straight Talk WiFi hotspot and tethering options, and explain why you should use Straight Talk hotspot. We will wrap things up by answering some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Straight Talk Hotspot on the phone and in general.
Are you ready to dig in? Let’s do this.
Does Straight Talk Have Mobile Hotspot?
Does Straight Talk have mobile hotspot? This is a very common question and the answer is YES, it does.
There are, of course, many Straight Talk phones with mobile hotspot, however, you are limited to one exact plan, if you were to use that option that is Straight Talk hotspot on phone. This means that only if you select that exact plan, you are able to use mobile data via hotspot. On plans that don’t support hotspot use, you won’t be able to use your phone to create a hotspot. As such, it is extremely important to choose the right plan if you want to use your Straight Talk phones with mobile hotspot (more on plans in one of the following sections).
Moreover, Straight Talk also offers a separate hotspot device that enables you to use Straight Talk mobile signals to access the internet with your WiFi-enabled devices. These may be a better option since it offers a wide range of plans and thus more choices than the Straight Talk hotspot on phone option.
How to Activate the Straight Talk Hotspot?
To activate your service, go to Straight Talk’s homepage or call 1-877-430-2355 from another phone. To complete the process successfully, you will need the Serial Number located on the front of the Activation Card and a Straight Talk Mobile Hotspot Service Plan to complete your activation. As promised above, we will take a closer look at Straight Talk hotspot service plans in the next section.
Whether you decide to activate your phone online or by calling the support, you will need to enter your phones IMEI and your SIM card number. If activating by phone, you may be asked for some personal data to confirm your identity.
Here are the step-by-step instructions regarding the Straight Talk hotspot activation online:
- Purchase the Hotspot device and plan and receive it by mail.
- Visit the Straight Talk home page and click the ‘ACTIVATE’ option in the top menu bar.
- This will lead you to a page where you need to choose what kind of device you are activating. In this case click the ‘ACTIVATE’ button under the Mobile Hotspot. (If you have chosen the right plan (see below) and plan to use your mobile phone (new or existing one) as a hotspot device, click the ‘ACTIVATE’ button either under the ‘Straight Talk Phone’ option or the ‘Bring Your Own Phone or Tablet’.)
- On the next page enter your hotspot’s Serial number in the “Serial Number/MEID/DEC” box. To obtain your device’s serial number, check either the back of the hotspot or the included Straight Talk red card.
- Enter the zip code where you will be using your hotspot.
- Enter the pin from your data card in the “Service Pin” box. To use the hotspot, you will need a Straight Talk data card, which you should have already purchased when you purchased the device (see plan options below). You can purchase it direct from Straight Talk if you do not have one during the activation process. Don’t worry about waiting to receive it because Straight Talk will automatically apply it in the process.
- Enter your existing Straight Talk account email and password. You can select the Create Account option if you are new to Straight Talk.
- This is it, Straight Talk will now activate your hotspot. It may take 5-10 minutes for the activation to take place.
Activating Your Straight Talk Hotspot On Android Phone
In order to activate the Straight Talk hotspot on your Android phone, you will need to follow the universal steps, which are essentially very similar to the ones presented above (instead of a hotspot device, you need to activate your phone). If you have the right plan and have activated it, you will be able to turn on the hotspot on your device.
Activating Your Straight Talk Hotspot on iPhone
There is no difference in activating your iPhone. You must also follow the general phone activation steps and first make sure that you have a plan that enables you to use the hotspot.
Completing the Hotspot Setup
To complete the hotspot setup (on your phone), you typically have a shortcut available in the phone’s dropdown menu, which can also be accessed via settings and connectivity (or similar).
As you use your hotspot for the first time, you will have the ability to make the WiFi network locked or unlocked, and in the case of former, use automatically generated access code or create your own passcode. Once that is set up, you may use your laptop or other WiFi-enabled devices to connect to the WiFi network that operates based on the Straight Talk mobile data.
It is slightly different to setup your hotspot device; here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Turn on your Straight Talk Hotspot device. You will also need your computer, a smartphone, or a tablet to complete the setup.
- From your computer, tablet, or phone, scan for Wi-Fi networks. Make sure your wireless is turned on. The name of the Hotspot device is normally UMX$ and the last three digits of the Hotspot Serial Number. (e.g.: UMX$123)
- Open up an internet browser screen once your computer, phone, or tablet is connected.
- Enter 192.168.1.1 in the browser’s address bar.
- The Hotspot will prompt you for a username and password once the page loads. (Username: admin; Password: 12$(the last 3 digits of your hotspot serial number). (NOTE: It is recommended you DO NOT change this admin password because it cannot be reset easily if you forget it.)
- Your hotspot will show a large “Setup” button the first time you activate it. Go ahead and click it.
- It may take about a minute but eventually, the hotspot will show “Setup Complete” once activation is done.
- Before using it any further, you will want to secure your WiFi. By default, the Hotspot is open for anyone to connect. Go to the “WiFi” tab (you may need to refresh the 192.168.1.1 web page after the “setup complete” to see the WiFi tab), select one of the security options, and follow the steps.
With the above steps, you have successfully set up your Hotspot device and can now fully enjoy its benefits.
Straight Talk Mobile Hotspot Service Plans
As mentioned above, there are two ways to use hotspot with Straight Talk – you can have the right plan that enables you to create a hotspot using your phone or you can use a separate hotspot device that enables you to choose among several plans.
Straight Talk Hotspot Plan for Phones
Among all Straight Talk phone plans, the Unlimited Nationwide $55 plan is the only one that lets you use your phone as a hotspot device.
- Unlimited Nationwide $55 plan:
- 30 Days
- No Contract
- Unlimited Nationwide Talk and Text
- Unlimited Data
- 10GB Hotspot data (not authorized with AT&T compatible SIMs). Text HOTSPOT to 611611 to check compatibility.
- Video typically streams at DVD quality
- At 60 GB, Straight Talk reserves the right to review your account for usage in violation of Straight Talk’s terms and conditions
Straight Talk Hotspot Plans for the separate hotspot device
Straight Talk offers 5 different hotspot plans. They are all presented below. Keep in mind that some are 30-day plans, while others are 60-day plans.
- Data Plan $15:
- 30 Days
- No Contract
- 1GB of Data
- Data Plan $25:
- 30 Days
- No Contract
- 2GB of Data
- Data Plan $40:
- 60 Days
- No Contract
- 4GB of Data
- Data Plan $50:
- 60 Days
- No Contract
- 5GB of Data
- Data Plan $75:
- 60 Days
- No Contract
- 7GB of Data
Top 4 Best Straight Talk Mobile Hotspot Reviews
In this section, we will cover 5 Straight Talk Mobile Hotspot devices that you can purchase via Straight Talk official website https://www.straighttalk.com (their online store).
Note: Not all 4 models are available in all areas. Some of the below-listed devices are also available in recondition state, which can be a great option to save some additional money.
Mobile Hotspot (ZTE Z288L) 4G LTE
The ZTE Z288L mobile hotspot device provides up to 4G speeds for your compatible Wi-Fi® enabled devices. Whether you’re on your commute or just relaxing at home, you can access the Internet whenever you need it with up to five devices. Setup is quick and easy-just power on the Z288L device and finds it in the Wi-Fi list of the device you wish to connect. Then you’re ready to go, wherever you are. Plus, the LCD screen conveniently shows your data usage, device signal strength, new messages, and more.
Main Features:
- SPEED: 4G LTE Connectivity
- DISPLAY: 1.77” LCD Display
- USAGE TIME: In use time up to 8 Hrs
- STORAGE: Internal Memory: 256MB RAM/128MB ROM. Supports MicroSDHC card up to 32GB (not included).
- DIMENSIONS: 3.87” (H) x 2.26” (W) x 0.76” (D)
ZTE Mobile Hotspot (ZTE Z289L)
The ZTE Mobile Hotspot (ZTE Z289L) is an advanced and rather popular Wi-Fi hotspot device with a display for easy setup. It offers 4G connectivity and this ensures very solid speed. It supports download speed of 21 Mbps and upload speed of 5.76 Mbps. The ZTE Z289L offers a rather solid browsing time, which is set at up to 13 hours. When in standby mode, the battery can go on for up to 10 days. It packs a Lithium-Ion battery, measures 3.87” x 2.26” x 0.76” and weighs 4.13 ounces.
Main Features:
- SPEED: 4G LTE Connectivity
- DISPLAY: 1.77” LCD Display
- USAGE TIME: In use time up to 13 Hrs
- STANDBY TIME: up to 10 days
- PROCESSOR SPEED: 550MHz
- UPLOAD SPEED: 5.76 Mbps
- DOWNLOAD SPEED: 21 Mbps
- STORAGE: Internal Memory: 128MB RAM; Supports MicroSDHC card up to 32GB (not included).
- DIMENSIONS: 3.87” (H) x 2.26” (W) x 0.76” (D)
- WEIGHT: 4.13 ounces
ZTE Mobile Hotspot (Z291DL) 4G LTE
Straight Talk Mobile Hotspot provides quality wireless internet access on the go or at home. You can connect your Tablet, Laptop, or Smartphone. You’ll be able to check emails, watch videos, play games, surf the web, and stay connected. Connect up to 10 Wi-Fi Enabled Devices. LED Icon Indicators. Wi-Fi® Power-Save Options. Compact – Fits in your Pocket. Enjoy No Contract Internet Connection.
Main Features:
- SPEED: 4G LTE Connectivity
- DISPLAY: 1.77” 128 x 160 LCD. The LCD Screen shows data usage, signal strength, new messages, and more.
- USAGE TIME: Battery in use time up to 14 hours.
- STORAGE: Internal Memory: 256 MB RAM/512 MB ROM
- DIMENSIONS: 2.36”(H) x 4.13”(W) x 0.63”(D)
Franklin Mobile Hotspot (F900HSVL)
Having the F900HSVL at your fingertips will allow you to access the 4G LTE network for fast uploads and downloads. You can also connect up to eight Wi-Fi-capable devices to the Internet at once – laptops, tablets, eReaders, gaming consoles, and more – and experience ten times faster speeds of solid 4G LTE, without dropping down to 3G or other slower speed technologies. It lets you connect up to 8 Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously in 4G LTE coverage. Typical download speeds of 5-12 Mbps and upload speeds of 2-5 Mbps are sustained. Its 2100 mAh Li-Ion rechargeable battery powers it for up to 8 hours of continuous use. It also packs a 1.3” Integrated OLED status display, which helps you stay on top of things.
Main Features:
- SPEED: 4G LTE Connection Only (No 3G fall back) | Wi-Fi connection up to 8 devices
- DISPLAY: 1.3” OLED Display (128×40) for status indication
- USAGE TIME: Up to 8 hours
- STORAGE: Internal Memory: 64MB RAM/128MB ROM. Supports MicroSDHC card up to 32GB (not included).
- DIMENSIONS: 2.34”(H) x 3.46”(W) x 0.57”(D)
Straight Talk Wi-Fi Hotspot & Tethering
Many people do not differentiate between hotspot and tethering, while there in fact it is a difference. Using hotspot means, that you use either a mobile phone or a separate device that is connected to a mobile network (typically 4G) and enables other devices to connect to that network through the Wi-Fi network emitted by that same device. However, the hotspot is also known as ‘tethering by Wi-Fi hotspot’.
Tethering on the other hand generally refers to the use of cable (USB) or Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi to connect to the device that is connected to the mobile network.
Why Should You Use Straight Talk Hotspot
Straight Talk is a highly reputable and widely used wireless network. They offer great plans and services for less than most other leading wireless providers. They offer great phones, a great network, and great deals. The most common benefits that make Straight Talk worth using and are also the selling point used by Straight Talk itself, include no contract, no credit check, and no activation fees, best coverage, great and highly affordable unlimited talk &text plans with high-speed data, great selection of new and refurbished phones from older to latest models, and a great Bring Your Own Phone option.
Reliability
Since Straight Talk operated on networks of four leading wireless providers, they offer high reliability and great coverage. That way you can always rely on getting online when you need to. The last thing you want is to be using an internet connection that is likely to let you down when you most needed. Aside from internet speed, reliability is the most important factor.
Longer Battery Life
All Straight Talk WiFi hotspot devices offer a very solid battery life, which will ensure you get all things done even when you have no access to chargers. Check the above-presented features to see the exact operation time. All devices are able to deliver at least up to 8 hours f continuous operation.
Tethering to Multiple Devices
These days we all have several devices. Moreover, there might be your friend, partner, or colleague with you that also needs internet access. As such, it is important to go with hotspot devices that are capable of connecting multiple devices simultaneously. Most reputable Straight Talk WiFi hotspot devices support 8 or even 10 devices simultaneously. Keep in mind that download speed and upload speed will be shared among those devices. Meaning that if one device takes on difficult tasks (that demand a lot of data), others will feel the consequences.
FAQ
How secure is Straight Talk Personal Hotspot?
Phone hotspots and hotspot devices are known to be relatively secure and safer than regular WiFi networks. You also get to choose your own connection passcode, which provides additional control over which devices get to connect.
How fast is Straight Talk Wi-Fi?
Typical download speeds are 5-21 Mbps and upload speeds of 2-5 Mbps.
Can you get unlimited data with Straight Talk?
The straight talk offers an unlimited data plan for phones. However, when it comes to hotspots, they do not offer an unlimited amount of data. Thought the use of the mobile phone (Unlimited Plan), the hotspot portion is limited to 10 GB/mo, while the plans for Straight Talk WiFi hotspot devices offer a maximum of 7GB/60 days.
There is no unlimited plan, however, you can tap up your account as much as you want, though it would be very costly if the amount of data would get to 100s GB per month.
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