In this article, we explain how to configure a smartphone or tablet to relay an Internet connection to an offline computer for NI product activation. This is useful when a music computer is set up in a location where an internet connection is not directly available.
Hardware Requirements
- The offline computer must be equipped with a wireless network card or adapter.
- The mobile device (smartphone or tablet) must have Wi-Fi Hotspot capabilities.
- A tablet must be equipped with Cellular services.
Note: Please contact your mobile carrier or device manufacturer for more info.
Hotspot Setup on a Smartphone or Tablet
See the instructions below to configure the Wi-Fi hotspot on your smartphone or tablet.
iPad or iPhone
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot > On.
- Make note of the hotspot Wi-Fi password that is displayed, as this is needed at the offline computer.
Note: You also have the option to enter a custom password for the hotspot.
To learn more about hotspot setup and troubleshooting on iOS, please use the following Apple Support resources:
Android Phone or Tablet
- Go to Settings > More... > Tethering & portable hotspot.
- Set up the hotspot by tapping Set up Wi-Fi hotspot. This option shows up as Configure Wi-Fi hotspot on some Android devices.
- Type in the name of the Wi-Fi network and the password, then tap Save.
- Tap Portable Wi-Fi hotspot to switch on the hotspot.
The hotspot setup may vary depending on the Android device being used. To learn more about hotspot setup and troubleshooting on Android devices, please see this article or contact your device's manufacturer.
Hotspot Setup on Legacy Mobile Devices
Click to expand the section below for instructions with your legacy mobile device.
Windows Phone
- Go to Settings > Internet Sharing.
- Tap the edit icon (pencil) at the bottom to configure the hotspot.
- Tap Broadcast Name to change the name of the network (if desired) and enter a password in its field below.
- Tap the tick mark to finish the configuration.
- Slide the Internet Sharing lever across the screen to On.
Blackberry
- Swipe down from the top of the screen.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Network Settings > Mobile Hotspot > Next
- You will see four warning prompts (data use, monitor users on hotspot, battery usage and inactivity timer). Tap Next for each prompt.
- Type a password for the Wi-Fi network you are about to create and tap Next
- Tap Configure. You can change the name of the network if needed.
- Tap Save to finish creating the hotspot.
Hotspot Setup for the Offline Computer
Once your Wi-Fi hotspot is set up and you're finished installing your NI product, make sure the offline computer's Wi-Fi or AirPort services are active and working properly.
Note: If needed, update your wireless card or adapter drivers. Please contact your computer's manufacturer for more assistance.
macOS
- Make sure that the mobile device's hotspot is enabled and place it near the offline computer.
- At the offline computer, click the Wi-Fi symbol on the upper right area of the screen. All available networks will be displayed.
- Click the network name for the personal hotspot from your mobile device.
Note: If the hotspot does not appear in your list of networks, click Network Preferences to locate it manually or contact Apple Support for assistance.
- Enter the hotspot password when prompted to connect.
Windows
- Make sure that the mobile device's hotspot is enabled and place it near the offline computer.
- At the offline computer, click the Wi-Fi network symbol on the Taskbar at the lower right area of the screen. All available networks will be displayed.
- Click the network name for the personal hotspot from your mobile device.
Note: If the hotspot does not appear in your list of networks, click Network & Internet Settings to locate it manually or contact Microsoft Support for assistance.
- Enter the hotspot password when prompted to connect.
Your offline computer is now connected to the Wi-Fi hotspot network and you can proceed to activate your NI product with Native Access.