Android's Instant Hotspot Feature Now Enabled by Default — A Quiet Revolution in Connectivity

For years, Android users have admired Apple's Continuity features—from seamless file transfers to effortless tethering. Among them, Instant Hotspot stood out as the ultimate convenience. Now, Android has quietly caught up—and perhaps even surpassed it—with a feature that makes switching between devices as simple as turning them on.

The Feature You Didn't Know Android Already Had

Unbeknownst to many users, Android's Instant Hotspot has existed since September of last year. Hidden within a relatively obscure menu under Cross-Device Services, this functionality allowed one Android device to automatically share its data connection with another—no manual hotspot setup required.

But here’s the kicker: until now, users had to manually navigate deep into settings and toggle features most had never heard of. Even tech-savvy users and Android enthusiasts often overlooked it. That changes today.

Google Flips the Switch: Instant Hotspot Is Now On by Default

Thanks to a quiet update in the Google Play System, Google now enables Cross-Device Services—including Instant Hotspot—by default during the setup of new Android phones.

When setting up a phone like the realme GT 7 Dream Edition, users are automatically enrolled in a Cross-Device ecosystem. No deep menu dives, no technical jargon—just a simple notification that a nearby device is ready to share its data, and you’re connected.

This change isn’t limited to realme phones. Most new Android phones—provided they ship with the latest Play Services—should now offer this experience out of the box.

How It Works: A Hands-Free Tethering Experience

Imagine walking away from your home Wi-Fi with a secondary Android phone that doesn’t have its own data plan. As long as your main device is nearby and logged into the same Google account, the secondary phone receives a pop-up: “Use your phone’s hotspot?”

One tap—and you’re online. No passwords. No toggles. No taking the primary phone out of your pocket. Just instant internet access, the way it should be.

If seamless connectivity between Android devices excites you, then Smart Transfer is the perfect companion app. As a trusted third-party simple transfer solution, Smart Transfer allows users to instantly transfer mobile photos, videos, contacts, and files between devices—even across Android and iOS platforms. I was able to copy my data without any hassle. 

Whether you're setting up a brand-new Android phone or testing the waters with a secondary device, Smart Transfer ensures your content moves with you. When combined with Instant Hotspot, it creates a complete ecosystem where connectivity and content flow naturally—no cables, no headaches, just freedom.

A Step Closer to Apple-Like Continuity—With a Twist

With Google now enabling Cross-Device Services by default, Android finally matches—and in some ways outperforms—Apple’s famed Continuity ecosystem. But there are still a few things to keep in mind:

• Primary Device Requirements: Your main phone needs to have Cross-Device Services enabled, or else your new device won’t have a hotspot source.
  
  

• Software Compatibility: This feature works best on newer Android phones that ship with the latest Google Play Services out of the box.
  
  

• Privacy Considerations: While you can locate your phone using Google’s “last known location,” don’t expect it to join the full Find My Device network unless you opt in. Google remains committed to giving users control over their privacy settings.

The Future Is Connected—and Effortless

Though the rollout has been slow and under the radar, Google's decision to enable Instant Hotspot by default is a game-changer. It means Android users won’t have to dig through obscure settings just to get two phones talking to each other. It just works—exactly how it should.

And when you're ready to move your files to a new phone, don’t forget that Smart Transfer is there to make the transition smooth, quick, and hassle-free.

Android’s Quiet Win in the Cross-Device Race

With Cross-Device Services maturing and features like Instant Hotspot now turned on by default, Android users are finally stepping into a world of frictionless digital transitions. No longer second fiddle to Apple, the Android ecosystem is proving it can deliver magic too—sometimes silently, but powerfully.

Ready to upgrade your experience? Try the Instant Hotspot on your new device—and make your data journey smoother with Smart Transfer.