How to Restrict a Device from Your Computer's Mobile Hotspot

Setting up a mobile hotspot on your computer allows you to share your internet connection with other devices. However, at times you may want to grant access to only specific devices while restricting others. In this blog post, we will guide you on restricting a device from your computer's mobile hotspot.

Step 1: Access Mobile Hotspot Settings

The first step is to access the mobile hotspot settings on your computer. These settings are usually found in the network or wireless settings section of your operating system. Open the settings panel and look for an option related to mobile hotspot or internet sharing.

Step 2: Identify the Device to Restrict

Before you can start restricting a device, you need to identify its unique identifier, usually the MAC address. The MAC address is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to each device. To find the MAC address of the device you want to restrict, access the network settings on that device.

Step 3: Enable MAC Filtering

Once you have the MAC address of the device you want to restrict, go back to your computer's mobile hotspot settings. Look for an option called "MAC filtering" or "Device filtering." Enable this option to restrict devices based on their MAC address.

Step 4: Add the Device's MAC Address

After enabling MAC filtering, you will usually find a list or a field where you can add the MAC addresses of devices you want to allow or restrict. Enter the MAC address of the device you wish to restrict and save the settings.

Step 5: Test the Restriction

Now that you have added the device's MAC address to the restriction list, it's time to test if the restriction is working. Disable the Wi-Fi on the device you want to restrict, and then turn on the mobile hotspot on your computer. Try connecting the restricted device to the hotspot and check if it can access the internet. Ideally, it should be unable to connect or receive no internet access.

Step 6: Review and Adjust Restrictions

After testing the restriction, review the settings to ensure the desired device is restricted from accessing your mobile hotspot. If everything is working as expected, you have successfully restricted the device. If the device can still access the internet, revisit the settings and double-check the MAC address you added or consult online forums for troubleshooting tips specific to your operating system.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have learned how to restrict a device from your computer's mobile hotspot. This method allows you to control which devices can access your hotspot, improving security and ensuring optimal connectivity for authorized devices.