What is a Mobile Hotspot?
A mobile hotspot is a portable hardware device that serves as a wireless access point for connecting devices to the internet. It offers Wi-Fi capabilities similar to a home wireless router, enabling nearby devices such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones, to interface with the mobile hotspot much as they do with other wireless routers. However, the mobile hotspot connects to the internet via a wireless cellular signal,
rather than relying on a standard data signal.
Library cardholders may borrow a mobile hotspot for up to 3 weeks. Renewal may be possible when demand can accommodate further use.
Getting Started With Your Mobile Hotspot
Before using a CHPL mobile hotspot, ensure that the battery is fully charged. Be sure to only use the charger that came with the device.
- The battery discharges faster as more devices connect to your mobile hotspot.
- Battery life depends on the network, signal strength, features, temperature, and active connection time.
- When charging, keep the device near room temperature.
- It normally takes 3 – 5 hours to charge the device, depending on the power source and device status, to fully charge the battery.
- Do not open the battery cover or remove the device battery.
To take advantage of the Wi-Fi access provided by a CHPL mobile hotspot, you must first connect to the device. The following instructions may vary slightly, depending on the model of mobile hotspot borrowed.
- Power on the hotspot with the device you wish to connect nearby. (You may need to recharge the hotspot before use.)
- After the “Welcome” message appears, the hotspot may take a few seconds to fully start up. When prompted, tap the Power button again to display the Wi-Fi Name. Find this name under the list of available connections on your device and select it.
- Tap the Power and/or navigation button again to display the hotspot’s Password. Enter the password on your device.
Depending on the model of mobile hotspot used, tapping the Power button may display additional information on its connection status, signal strength, power supply, and settings.
When powered on and fully charged, the CHPL mobile hotspot may allow as many as 20 connections to Wi-Fi-capable devices.
General Troubleshooting
The Library cannot guarantee the flawless operation or connectivity of the mobile hotspot you have borrowed. If the device is found inoperable, you may place a request for a replacement and will receive it when our supply allows.
Common reasons a hotpot may not work include bad signal strength – the mobile hotspot requires mobile data or Wi-Fi, and if it is unavailable in your area, you may be unable to connect.
If the device randomly powers off, it may be due to battery depletion or overheating from excessive use or exposure to high temperatures. To restore power, manually press and hold the Power button until the device powers on. If the battery is depleted, charge the hotspot with the provided charging device.
Important Reminders
CHPL hotspots come with a device-compatible charger. Please use this provided charger only.
Customers with pacemakers should keep the mobile hotspot at least 6 inches from their pacemaker when the device is powered on.
Do not leave the hotspot in an unattended vehicle or other environment where uncontrolled temperatures may cause the device or its battery to overheat.
If the mobile hotspot is not returned by the customer on or before its due date, a non-negotiable $50 charge will be applied to their account and they will be subject to contact by the Library’s materials recovery partner.
In cases where a mobile hotspot is returned damaged, a non-negotiable $50 charge will be applied to the customer’s account and they will be subject to contact by the Library’s collection agency.
Failure to return the accompanying hotspot case and/or charging device will result in a replacement charge.
