Verizon charges for hotspot separately, even on unlimited data plans

Verizon's unlimited data plans do not include hotspot at no extra cost. If you want to use your phone as a hotspot to share internet with other devices, you pay an additional monthly fee on top of your base plan. The amount depends on which unlimited plan you have and whether you add hotspot as a standalone feature or bundle it with other services.

The key distinction: your phone's data allowance and your hotspot allowance are tracked separately on Verizon's network. You can have truly unlimited phone data but still hit a hotspot limit or pay extra for the ability to use hotspot at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Verizon's base unlimited plans (Start, Play, Do More, Get More) do not include hotspot; you must add it separately for $10 to $20 per month depending on the plan.
  • The Get More plan includes 50 GB of hotspot per month at no extra charge, making it the only unlimited plan with built-in hotspot.
  • Once you use your monthly hotspot allowance, Verizon slows your hotspot speed to 600 kbps unless you pay for more data.
  • Hotspot data counts against your phone's overall data allowance on some plans but is tracked separately on others.
  • Prepaid and older plan structures may have different hotspot rules, so checking your specific plan details is necessary before assuming you have hotspot access.

What hotspot costs on each Verizon unlimited plan

Verizon offers four main unlimited plans: Start, Play, Do More, and Get More. Start, Play, and Do More do not include hotspot in the base price. You can add hotspot to any of these three plans for $10 per month on Start, $15 per month on Play, or $20 per month on Do More.

The Get More plan is the exception. It includes 50 GB of hotspot per month at no additional cost. If you use more than 50 GB of hotspot in a month, your hotspot speed drops to 600 kbps for the rest of that billing cycle. You can purchase additional hotspot data in 1 GB increments if you need faster speeds after hitting the limit.

These prices and inclusions can change, so confirm your plan details in the My Verizon app or by calling Verizon directly before making a decision.

How hotspot data is counted and limited

On Verizon's unlimited plans, hotspot data is tracked separately from your phone's data usage. This means you can use unlimited data on your phone itself while having a separate, limited hotspot allowance. For example, on the Do More plan, you get unlimited phone data but must pay $20 per month to add hotspot, and that hotspot is then limited to a certain amount per month.

Once you reach your monthly hotspot limit, Verizon throttles your hotspot speed to 600 kbps. This speed is slow enough to make video streaming and large downloads impractical, but text-based browsing and email remain usable. You can continue using hotspot at this reduced speed for the rest of your billing cycle, or you can purchase additional hotspot data to restore full speed.

The Get More plan's 50 GB hotspot allowance resets each month on your billing date. Any unused hotspot does not roll over to the next month.

When hotspot makes sense to add

Adding hotspot is worth the cost if you regularly share your phone's internet with a laptop, tablet, or other device. Common scenarios include working from coffee shops, traveling, or using your phone as a backup internet source when your home WiFi is down.

If you use hotspot occasionally and lightly, the $10 to $20 monthly fee may not be worth it. Instead, you could use your phone's hotspot feature without paying for it, but Verizon will throttle your speed significantly after a small amount of data. The exact threshold for free hotspot before throttling varies by plan and changes periodically, so this is not a reliable long-term option.

If you use hotspot heavily every month, the Get More plan's 50 GB inclusion may save you money compared to paying $20 per month to add hotspot to Do More and then buying extra data when you exceed the limit.

Hotspot on Verizon prepaid and older plans

Verizon's prepaid plans have different hotspot rules than postpaid unlimited plans. Prepaid plans typically include a set amount of hotspot data as part of the plan, and once that data is used, hotspot is throttled or disabled. Check your specific prepaid plan's details to see how much hotspot is included.

If you have an older Verizon plan that is no longer actively sold, your hotspot terms may differ from the current unlimited plans. Some older plans included hotspot at no extra charge, while others charged for it. Your bill or the My Verizon app will show whether hotspot is included in your current plan.

How to add or remove hotspot on your account

You can add hotspot to your Verizon plan through the My Verizon app, the Verizon website, or by calling Verizon customer service at 611 from a Verizon phone or 1-908-559-4899 from any phone. Changes typically take effect within a few minutes.

To remove hotspot, use the same methods. If you remove hotspot, your phone will no longer be able to share its internet connection with other devices, even at throttled speeds.

Before adding hotspot, confirm the exact monthly cost for your plan tier. Prices can vary based on promotions, plan bundles, or account-specific offers.

Alternatives to paying for Verizon hotspot

If Verizon's hotspot costs are too high, consider using a separate mobile hotspot device with its own data plan. Some carriers offer cheaper standalone hotspot plans than Verizon charges to add hotspot to a phone plan. You would carry two devices, but the monthly cost might be lower.

Another option is to use WiFi calling and messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage when you need to stay connected away from home. These apps use less data than traditional phone calls and texts and work over any WiFi network.

If you have home internet, you could also tether your phone to a laptop or tablet using a USB cable instead of wireless hotspot. This uses the same data as wireless hotspot but does not require you to pay for hotspot service on Verizon's network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use hotspot without paying for it on Verizon?

You can turn on hotspot without paying for it, but Verizon will severely throttle your speed after a small amount of data. The exact threshold is not published and changes by plan. Paying for hotspot removes this throttle and gives you a monthly allowance.

Does hotspot data count toward my unlimited phone data?

No. Hotspot data is tracked separately from your phone's data usage on Verizon's unlimited plans. You can have unlimited phone data and still hit a hotspot limit.

What happens if I go over my hotspot limit?

Your hotspot speed drops to 600 kbps for the rest of your billing cycle. You can still use hotspot at this reduced speed, or you can purchase additional hotspot data in 1 GB increments to restore full speed.

Is the Get More plan worth it just for the hotspot?

That depends on how much hotspot you use. If you use more than 20 to 30 GB of hotspot per month, Get More's 50 GB inclusion may cost less than paying $20 per month for hotspot on Do More plus buying extra data. Compare your typical monthly usage to the plan prices to decide.

Can I add hotspot to a prepaid Verizon plan?

Prepaid plans include a set amount of hotspot data, and you cannot add more hotspot beyond what the plan includes. Once you use that data, hotspot is throttled. Check your prepaid plan's details to see how much hotspot is included.