Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Microsoft’s Phone Link app now offers the Instant Hotspot feature on select OnePlus phones, expanding beyond its previous exclusivity to Samsung devices. This feature allows users to easily connect their Windows PC to the Internet using their phone as a mobile hotspot, providing a convenient way to access the Internet on the go.
In its shift towards improving the compatibility between Android phones and Windows PCs, Microsoft has introduced new cross-device features through the Phone Link app. While the app is available for all Android devices on Google Play, some of its best features were previously limited to specific devices. The Instant Hotspot feature was initially only available on Samsung phones but has now been made accessible on certain OnePlus phones like the OnePlus Open and OnePlus 12.
Introduced in October 2022, the Instant Hotspot feature simplifies the process of connecting your PC to the Internet through your phone’s hotspot. While setting up a mobile hotspot is possible on most Android phones, Instant Hotspot eliminates the need for manual activation and password input on your PC, saving time and effort. However, not all Android phones support this feature, as indicated by a Microsoft support page specifying compatibility requirements.
Samsung was not the only Android OEM to include the Link to Windows Service app, with other brands like OPPO, OnePlus, and ASUS also bundling the app. Recent updates have enabled Instant Hotspot support on certain OnePlus devices, such as the OnePlus 12. By ensuring that the Link to Windows Service app is up to date, OEMs can unlock additional features like app streaming and cross-device copy and paste.
While Samsung devices still retain some exclusive features in the Phone Link app, such as recent apps and websites viewing and app streaming without prompts, the expansion of the Instant Hotspot feature to OnePlus phones showcases Microsoft’s efforts to enhance the Android-to-Windows PC experience. If you have any tips or information to share, contact us at news@androidauthority.com for the option to remain anonymous or receive credit.