You can’t share a Wi-Fi connection via a Wi-Fi hotspot on Mac. Well, not natively. This may sound weird but Windows has had this functionality for a while and even the latest Android smartphones let you do that. In this article, we’ll create a WiFi hotspot on Mac using a Wi-Fi adaptor. Let’s Begin.
For example, if you want to share your internet connection over Wi-Fi, select Wi-Fi. If you share your internet connection using Wi-Fi, click Wi-Fi Options, give your network a name, click the Security pop-up menu and choose WPA2 Personal, enter a password, then click OK. Select the Internet Sharing checkbox. Baidu WiFi Hotspot allows you to create a wireless network directly from your computer with their free app.The connection will have no data sharing limitations, and you will be able to connect any device to your computer to piggy bank off of the computer’s wifi connection.
Before we begin
Let’s understand the problem first.
Macs, unlike Windows and Android, can not share a single Wi-Fi adapter. In simple words, the WiFI adapter on Mac only works in a single-mode, i.e. either it’ll be connected to a Wi-Fi network or creates its own WiFI hotspot. But it can’t do both at the same time.
We can get around this problem using a simple Wi-Fi adaptor. For this article, we are using this TP-Link Nano USB Wifi Dongle which costs around $13 on Amazon. Once you buy it, all the tools you need to share your Mac’s Wi-Fi connection are built right in.
Must Read: How to share Hotel Wi-Fi with multiple devices
Create and Share a Wi-Fi hotspot on a Mac
Grab your Wi-Fi adaptor and plug it to your Mac. If it isn’t detected automatically, install the appropriate drivers from the website of your product.
Once you have the drivers and the application installed, open the application and connect to your home Wi-Fi network using the Wi-Fi adaptor. In my case, I have the application sits on the Menubar and I can access it easily.
![Wifi Share For Mac Wifi Share For Mac](/uploads/1/1/9/8/119868266/967232114.png)
Read: Best Calendar Apps that you can access from Menubar
![Wifi Wifi](/uploads/1/1/9/8/119868266/235719516.jpg)
Now, we have the TP-Link wireless adaptor acting as a WNIC so we’ll use it to access the internet and share the internet access using Macbook’s WiFi. Open System Preferences on the computer and select Sharing.
Under Internet Sharing, select 802.11 NIC from the drop-down menu against “Share your connection from”. Now Wifi will appear in the box below. Check the box against Wi-Fi under “To computers using”.
Now click on “Wi-Fi Options“. Here you can edit the name, password, and security of your Wi-Fi adaptor. After making the changes click “OK”.
Make sure you turn the Internet Sharing option. Check the Internet Sharing box to enable Wi-Fi sharing and you have a hotspot with active internet.
Also Read: Keyboard shortcuts for Mac that every user should know
This was a quick way to create a Wi-Fi hotspot on your Mac. The Wi-Fi adapter is an inexpensive way to achieve this, however, I’ll keep looking if we can achieve this without using any external hardware whatsoever. Try this on your Mac and let me know if you face any problems, I’d be happy to help you out.
There are times when I need to wirelessly share files between Mac and PC. It happens with me both at work and home as not everyone is using macOS. Though not so plain sailing, there is a way to bridge the gap without the help of any third-party app.
As for requirements, you need to have the access to the IP address that you can easily get. Besides, you have to enter your user account and password to confirm the process. Once the connection is made, all the shared folders will be readily available at your disposal.
How to Transfer Files between macOS and Windows Computer Wirelessly
Note: Ensure that both of your Mac and Windows PC are connected to the same network.
Step #1. Launch System Preferences on your Mac.
Share Wifi Mac To Android
Step #2. Now, click on Sharing.
Step #3. Next, you need to check the box next to File Sharing.
Then, click on Options…
Then, click on Options…
Step #4. Next up, you have to check box for the user account you want to share with a Windows computer.
Then, enter your Mac password and click on Done.
Step #5. Up next, press option key and click on Wi-Fi icon. Then, note down the IP address.
Step #6. Now, you need to press Windows+R on your PC to quickly access Run. Then, enter “” followed by the IP Address you have just noted down. Then, click on OK.
Next, enter your Mac account and password. Once done, you will be able to access the files of the shared account on your PC with ease.
Wifi Share For Pc
The process of sharing files from PC to Mac is just as simple, once you have done the workaround…
How to Share Files from PC to Mac Wirelessly
Note: Be sure your Windows PC and Mac are connected to the same network.
Step #1. Open the “Command Prompt” on your PC and enter “ipconfig”.
Step #2. Now, check out the value, which is next to “IPv4 Address”. It’s the internal IP Address of your computer. Make sure to note it somewhere.
Step #3. Next, open Finder on your Mac.
Then, press and hold “Command + K”. Then, enter “smb://” and the IP Address of your PC. Next, hit the Enter.
Step #4. Next up, you have to enter your username and password of the Windows PC.
Step #5. Now, Choose Users and then click on OK.
After that, you will get the access to the Shared folders on your macOS device.
That’s done!
Wrapping up:
I wish the process were a bit more upfront. Until we have a better solution, use this workout to remove the barrier. If you have to often share files, I would suggest you use an efficient file-sharing app like Dropbox. It also offers seamless collaboration and is available for free.
Have any questions? Do let us know that in the comments below.
You might want to refer these posts as well:
The founder of iGeeksBlog, Dhvanesh, is an Apple aficionado, who cannot stand even a slight innuendo about Apple products. He dons the cap of editor-in-chief to make sure that articles match the quality standard before they are published.
Share Wifi Password For Mac
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/dhvanesh/
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/dhvanesh/
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/dhvanesh/
- https://www.igeeksblog.com/author/dhvanesh/