Does anyone know if either of these have an unlocked hotspot? As in, can you use the hotspot for tethering without paying an extra fee?
Hotspot?
- Thread starter fishmonger3
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I'm a little hesitant to call and ask somebody there because it seems like nobody seems to know. I upgraded to a Motorola X pure Edition two years ago and was able to use the hotspot feature on that phone for free. I'm looking to do the same with my next upgrade.
N4Newbie
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- Nov 15, 2012
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Well, here's how it works:
The Pixel 2 phones, like many modern Android phones, are both capable of Wi-Fi Hotspot and Bluetooth Tethering. However, either or both of these functions can be disabled by your carrier.
If you currently cannot hotspot/tether on your Verizon account, it is likely that you will continue the same status even with a new Pixel 2 / 2 XL phone.
Malathan
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- Jun 14, 2012
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I have the verizion grandfathered unlimited plan. New Pixel 2 DO perform a subscription check for tethering. What this means is that unless you have a tethering plan, you will not be able to activate the mobile hotspot on the phone. I came from the Nexus 6P, getting it replaced by Google for the OG Pixel XL due to battery issue, thinking was getting a good deal, only to find out that ONLY the Nexus 6P never checked on subscription when activating the hotspot (considered a a bad bug by carriers...considered a dream by end users). Now I have upgraded (traded in XL for the Pixel 2) and same, no tethering without subscription.
I was able to add unlimited hotspot, but it is $30 a month. Manager at Verizon customer service recommended to go online and remove the hotspot from account when not in use, then call/chat to add back when needing it. If using only 1-2x a week, it is a large hassle, but since Verizon will prorate based on days used, it can save you some money.
I was able to add unlimited hotspot, but it is $30 a month. Manager at Verizon customer service recommended to go online and remove the hotspot from account when not in use, then call/chat to add back when needing it. If using only 1-2x a week, it is a large hassle, but since Verizon will prorate based on days used, it can save you some money.
Same here: grandfathered UDP, 6P worked great, Pixel 2 does a subscription check.
CarbonOak
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- Jul 10, 2010
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I, too, had a 6P and occasionally used the hotspot. Good to know, but it's a bummer that I now have to subscribe to use it.
So, is there any way to get around paying Verizon $30 a month for a hotspot? I guess the Motorola X Pure has the same "bug" as the 6P.
Interesting, yeah I thought that since my Moto X didn't require an extra payment for hotspot on Cricket that any "non carrier" android phone would work. I switched to Project Fi so it doesn't matter now, but it's good to know.
I don't understand very much about Project Fi. How does that work? Is it worth surrendering my grandfathered unlimited data plan?
It depends on how much data you use. Less than five gigs it is well worth it. More than that then it is not.
Ugh...I'm way over that. I use the hotspot on my phone for internet at home. Thanks for the info though.
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