How to connect mobile data to pc via usb

Tethering is a solid way to provide Internet access to another gizmo, such as a laptop or a desktop computer. Follow these steps to set up Internet tethering:

  1. Connect the phone to a computer or laptop by using the USB cable.

    The best success with this operation is when the computer is a PC running Windows.

  2. Open the Settings app.

  3. Choose More, and then choose Tethering & Mobile Hotspot.

  4. Place a check mark by the USB Tethering item.

    Internet tethering is activated.

The other device should instantly recognize the phone as a “modem” with Internet access. Further configuration may be required, which depends on the computer using the tethered connection. For example, you may have to accept the installation of new software when prompted by Windows.
  • When tethering is active, a Tethering or Hotspot Active notification icon appears. Choose that notification to further configure tethering.

    How to connect mobile data to pc via usb

  • Unlike creating a Wi-Fi hotspot, you don’t need to disable the Wi-Fi radio to activate USB tethering.

  • Sharing the digital network connection incurs data usage charges against your cellular data plan. Be careful with your data usage when you’re sharing a connection.

    Sometimes it's more convenient to use your Android smartphone's connection and share it with your PC. This article will show you the steps to connect your PC to an Android smartphone using a USB cable.

    Step 1: Make sure you have an active Internet connection on your Android smartphone - either Wi-Fi or mobile data.
    To do this, you can usually swipe down on the notification bar and tap on the Wi-Fi and/or cellular data connection. Or, you can go to the Settings screen and toggle the switch on.

    How to connect mobile data to pc via usb

    Step 2: Connect (or “tether”) your Android smartphone to your PC using a USB cable.
    Go to the Network Settings area on your Android smartphone - you should find there a section on Tethering. Tap on that and toggle the USB tethering switch on.

    How to connect mobile data to pc via usb

    Step 3: Make sure your PC connected successfully to your tethered Android smartphone.
    On your computer, the tethered connection will appear as a wired connection, having a computer icon in the lower right section of the taskbar (systray). Click on that computer icon and you should see a wired connection named “Network X” which should be connected. That is your tethered Android phone.

    How to connect mobile data to pc via usb

    This article explains how to set up USB tethering on Windows 10 devices, which allows you to create a Wi-Fi hotspot to access the internet even when no network connection is available. Troubleshooting tips are also included if something isn't working right.

    How to Set up USB Tethering on Windows 11

    How to Set Up USB Tethering on Windows 10

    Before you begin, make sure both your phone's operating system and your computer's operating system are updated to the latest versions. Also, depending on your mobile carrier, you may be charged a flat fee for tethering a laptop to a mobile device. Check with your carrier if you're worried about extra costs.

    To set up USB tethering between your mobile device and your Windows 10 computer:

    1. Connect your mobile device to your laptop via USB cable.

      For Android phones, use a USB-to-micro USB or USB-to-USB-C connector. For iPhones, use the standard lightning connector.

    2. Open your phone's settings and go to Network & Internet > Hotspot & tethering (Android) or Cellular > Personal Hotspot (iPhone).

    3. turn on USB tethering (on Android) or Personal Hotspot (on iPhone) to enable. Your laptop should now be able to access the internet through your phone's mobile plan.

      Make sure to disable automatic wireless connections so your computer doesn't try connecting with other networks you can't access.

    4. Open your computer's Network and Internet settings in the Windows taskbar to make sure you're connected. Depending on your device, it may say that you're connected via LAN.

      If you're having trouble with the connection, try plugging your phone into a different USB port, or using a different cable.

      How to connect mobile data to pc via usb
      How to connect mobile data to pc via usb

    Troubleshooting Windows 10 USB Tethering

    If USB tethering isn't working in Windows 10, it could be because the driver for the network adapter is outdated. To fix this problem:

    1. Right-click the Start Menu and select Device Manager.

      How to connect mobile data to pc via usb
      How to connect mobile data to pc via usb

    2. Expand the Network adapters tab, then right-click your network adapter and select Update driver.

      How to connect mobile data to pc via usb
      How to connect mobile data to pc via usb

    3. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.

      How to connect mobile data to pc via usb
      How to connect mobile data to pc via usb

    You must restart the computer after installing the driver. If the Device Manager says that you already have the latest driver, then the problem could be with your connection, your phone, or your mobile data.

    What Is USB Tethering?

    Tethering is the process of sharing your phone's mobile data to access the internet on another device, such as a laptop. You can tether using Bluetooth or NFC, but USB tethering is the fastest and most effective method. That said, USB tethering can't compete with the speeds of a solid Wi-Fi connection.

    Be careful about how much data you use when tethered. Since many data plans charge incremental amounts based on data usage, watching videos or downloading files on a tethered connection can quickly increase your phone bill. In some cases, it's possible to reverse tether and share Wi-Fi from your computer to your phone to save on data.

    FAQ

    • Why is USB tethering not working?

      If USB tethering isn't working, you have a connection problem. To fix it if USB tethering is not working, try disabling Wi-Fi, ensuring the USB cable is functional and connected properly, testing a different USB port, and restarting your device. You can also try updating the Windows tethering driver.

    • Why can't I turn on USB tethering?

      It's possible that you've changed carriers, and USB tethering was a function of your prior carrier. It's also possible that the devices aren't recognizing each other because of a faulty USB cable or port or another glitch.

    • How do I set up USB tethering in Windows 11?

      First, turn off Windows 11’s Wi-Fi and connect your smartphone via a USB cable. On your iPhone, activate your Personal Hotspot (or turn on Mobile Hotspot on Android). The Ethernet icon will appear in the taskbar near the clock after the connection is made. 

      How can I use mobile data through USB?

      Step 1: First, connect your mobile to the computer system by the USB Cable. Step 2: On your smartphone, go to 'Settings', and select 'Portable Hotspot Settings'. Step 3: Under Portable Hotspot Settings, you will see the option 'USB Tethering'. Turn On that USB Tethering toggle switch.

      How do I connect my phone's data to my PC?

      Make sure your phone's data is turned on > go into your phone's Settings > tap “Mobile hotspot and tethering” and turn on “Bluetooth tethering”. Now that your phone's Bluetooth is live for tethering, search for the Bluetooth device on your computer and connect.