As we all know, sometimes there just isn’t a Wi-Fi network available when we need one. Maybe you’re in a crowded coffee shop where everyone is hogging the Wi-Fi, or maybe you’re on a long car ride and need to use the internet on your iPad. Whatever the reason might be, did you know that you can turn your Mac into a Wi-Fi hotspot?

This feature is built into macOS, and it’s relatively straightforward to set up. Here’s how to get started.

1. Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen, then select System Preferences.

2. Choose the option for Sharing.

3. On the left-hand side of the Sharing preferences pane, select the option for Internet Sharing.

4. From the “Share your connection from” dropdown menu, select the internet source that you want to share. For example, if you’re connected to the internet via Ethernet cable, select Ethernet. If you’re connected via Wi-Fi, select Wi-Fi.

5. From the “To computers using” dropdown menu, select Wi-Fi.

6. Click on the Wi-Fi Options button to configure your Wi-Fi hotspot settings. Choose a Network Name, select a channel if you want to, and create a password.

7. Once you’ve configured your Wi-Fi hotspot settings, click OK to save and close the Wi-Fi Options window.

8. Finally, turn on the toggle switch next to Internet Sharing to start sharing your internet connection.

You’ve now turned your Mac into a Wi-Fi hotspot! Other devices will be able to connect to your hotspot just like they would any other Wi-Fi network.

One thing to keep in mind is that sharing your internet connection will likely slow down your Mac’s internet speeds somewhat, especially if you’re sharing a cellular data network. Also, be sure to monitor your data usage, as you don’t want to exceed any data caps that your internet service provider may have.

But with those caveats out of the way, turning your Mac into a Wi-Fi hotspot can be a fantastic way to stay connected when you’re on the go. Whether you’re in a coffee shop, on a plane, or even in a hotel room that charges for Wi-Fi, you can get online with your own personal hotspot powered by your trusty Mac.