How to Stream On Your TV With a Mobile Hotspot: A Cost-Saving Guide

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Follow me on X.

TV Answer Man, my cable bill is nearly $300 a month because I get TV and the Internet and the phone. The Triple Play. How can I cut this stuff out and just watch TV without paying so much? Specifically, can you watch streaming with a Hotspot? We have one on the phone so it would be great if we could use that to stream. – Shelley, Manhattan Beach, California.

Shelley, that’s a great question. Streaming can be less expensive than a cable or satellite service, but when you factor in the cost of a high-speed Internet service, the monthly bill can be even more than what you were paying for a traditional pay TV service.

But there is a way to get around paying for an expensive Internet plan although it comes with some risk. The workaround is a mobile hotspot.

Can You Rely On a Mobile Hotspot For TV Streaming?

The mobile hotspot can offer varying signal strength when connected to a TV, which could mean you would experience more buffering and picture freezing. But it should be noted that many consumers say they have no issues. So it might be worth a try if your monthly Internet bill is getting out of control. However, before you cancel your Internet plan, give the mobile Hotspot an extended tryout. If it seems to work well for a few weeks, then you can proceed with giving your Internet plan the ax.

How to Set Up a Mobile Hotspot For TV Streaming

Below is a step-by-step guide to using a mobile hotspot to stream on TV. Enjoy.

Step 1: Set up your mobile hotspot.
The first step is to set up your mobile hotspot. This will vary depending on your device and carrier, but generally, you can find the mobile hotspot settings in your device’s settings menu. You’ll need to turn on the mobile hotspot and configure any settings, such as the network name and password.

Step 2: Connect your TV to the mobile hotspot.
Once your mobile hotspot is set up, you’ll need to connect your TV to it. Most modern TVs have Wi-Fi connectivity built-in, so you can connect to your mobile hotspot just like you would connect to any other Wi-Fi network. You may need to consult your TV’s user manual for specific instructions on how to connect to a Wi-Fi network.

Step 3: Choose your streaming app.
Next, you’ll need to choose the app you want to use for streaming. This could be a popular streaming service like Netflix or Hulu, or it could be a specific app for streaming live TV, like Sling TV or YouTube TV. You’ll need to download and install the app on your TV, which may require creating an account or signing in with an existing account. (Note that some streaming services may not be compatible with hotspots. For instance, Hulu Live is not. Hulu, however, does say it might work with its subscription Video on Demand plans which start at $6.99 a month.)

Step 4: Start streaming.
With your TV connected to the  mobile hotspot and your streaming app installed, you’re ready to start streaming. Just open the app and select the content you want to watch. Again, depending on the quality of your cellular connection, you may experience some buffering or lower-quality  video, so don’t be surprised if the video quality is not always the best.

Tips and tricks for using a mobile hotspot for streaming
* Keep an eye on your data usage: Streaming video can use a lot of data, so be sure to keep track of how much data you’re using and adjust your plan accordingly.

* Use a strong password: Since you’ll be using your mobile hotspot to connect to the internet, it’s important to use a strong password to prevent unauthorized access.

Shelley, a mobile hotspot could be your ticket to a lower monthly bill. But beware that it can be less reliable than a cable Internet connection and some streaming services are not compatible with hotspots for TV viewing.

Hope that helps. Happy viewing and stay safe!

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Have a question about a favorite show, streaming service or new TV product? Send it to The TV Answer Man at swann@tvanswerman.com. Please include your first name and hometown in your message.

The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered television for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.