USB tethering shares your phone’s mobile data with a computer over a cable. It can be steadier than a Wi-Fi hotspot, and it charges the phone at the same time.

Android

1. Connect the phone to the computer with a USB cable that can carry data, not a charge-only cable.
2. Open Settings, then Network & internet (or Connections), then Hotspot & tethering.
3. Turn on USB tethering. The computer should show a new network connection.

iPhone

1. Connect the iPhone to the computer with a cable and tap Trust on the phone if asked.
2. Open Settings and then Personal Hotspot, and turn on Allow Others to Join.
3. On a Windows computer you may need Apple’s device software installed before the connection appears.

Watch your data

A laptop can use far more data than a phone. Check your remaining data before you start, and see how to reduce mobile data usage on your phone. Turn off automatic updates on the laptop while you are tethered.

If it does not work

• Try another cable or another USB port.
• Make sure mobile data is on. See how to fix mobile data not working.
• Check that your plan allows tethering. Some plans limit or block it, so check with your operator.
• For a wireless option, see how to use your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Common mistakes

• Using a charge-only cable. The phone charges but the computer sees no connection.
• Leaving tethering on after you finish. It keeps using data and battery, so switch it off.
• Forgetting the computer’s own settings. If the connection is limited, check that the laptop is set to use the new network.