Mobile hotspot device FAQs

Unlike the built-in Mobile Hotspot feature or app in your smartphone or tablet, a mobile hotspot device (e.g., Verizon Jetpack, Inseego MiFi, etc.) is a separate device that lets you wirelessly share your Verizon network connection with other Wi-Fi capable devices.

You can visit our online store to shop for mobile hotspot devices.

You can shop online for mobile hotspot devices on a standard plan or prepaid mobile hotspots for a prepaid plan.

To learn about plans for your mobile hotspot device, visit our Connected device plans FAQs or our Prepaid data plans page.

Besides the mobile hotspot device, you also need:

• An eligible plan on which to activate the mobile hotspot device
• A strong signal to our network
• The wall charger and USB cable that comes with the mobile hotspot to use when its battery needs to be recharged
• For USB-Tethered Mode* - The micro USB or USB-C cable that came with the mobile hotspot device and a compatible device to connect it to

*Not available on all mobile hotspot devices.

These are reasons to consider using a mobile hotspot device instead of your smartphone or tablet:

• Battery life – A mobile hotspot device has its own battery so won't drain the battery on your smartphone or tablet.
• Flexibility – If you're sharing your network connection with others, you can leave the mobile hotspot device behind for them to continue using instead of your smartphone or tablet.
• Convenience – When you have a mobile hotspot device, you can use a phone that's not HD voice-capable at the same time you're using your mobile hotspot.
• Privacy – If your smartphone is being used as a mobile hotspot you have to stay within 30 feet of the devices connected to it. But not if you're using a mobile hotspot device.
• Connect more devices - Most mobile hotspot devices allow you to connect 10-15 Wi-Fi devices, depending on the model.

A mobile hotspot device (e.g., Verizon Jetpack, Inseego MiFi, etc.) provides a wireless internet connection to multiple devices simultaneously. You can connect all kinds of devices to a mobile hotspot device, including smartphones, tablets, wearables and more.

USB modems, PC Cards and ExpressCards are only for notebook computers. They require a physical connection and work with only 1 notebook a time.

A mobile hotspot device is portable and shares your Verizon network connection with other devices. Your home Wi-Fi router is stationary and shares your home broadband internet connection with other devices.

Many mobile hotspot devices can operate as a USB Modem (with a USB Cable) and/or as a mobile hotspot, eliminating the need for a wired connection or power outlet connection.