Benchmark Reviews

Android USB Tethering Shared Internet Access

Android Phone USB Tethering for Shared PC Internet Access

Believe it or not, Google engineers were thoughtful enough to include an easy way to tether your Android-based SmartPhone to a computer and share the Internet through your data plan. Most folks think you need a special app for that, but this free feature already resides on your Android phone. In this tutorial guide, Benchmark Reviews walks you through a few simple steps to use an Android SmartPhone to tether with a computer for shared Internet access using the USB cable.

This is a very simple guide, and does not require 'rooting' your phone or downloading software. It just requires your USB cable, the same one used to charge the phone, and a computer in need of Internet access.

Google Andriod, logo

Android Tether Instructions

  1. Connect your Google Android phone to a computer via USB cable
  2. Open Settings then select Wireless & Networks
  3. Scroll down and select Tethering & portable hotspot
  4. Select USB tethering to enable the USB tethering service

That's it, you're done! At this point, your computer will automatically treat the phone as a network Internet source. There are no special settings or configuration needed. Please note that Internet speeds will depend on your phone's data plan, and wireless coverage in your area. Benchmark Reviews also offers a guide on how to configure your Android phone as a portable Wi-Fi hotspot.

Benchmark Reviews invites you to leave constructive feedback below, or ask questions in our Discussion Forum.


Reader comments from the original article

16 comments were posted before commenting closed. They are preserved as written. Original avatars no longer resolve and are shown as a placeholder.

  1. Thank you Bill Egge Permalink:

    Thank you, this is very helpful. We travel a lot in the car and my daughter likes to watch netflix on her netbook. Now she can do it in the car. Also, I would be able to connect to my office network when out. I will forward this post to my computer friend who also has an android phone.

  2. not every carrier godrilla Permalink:

    Feature does not work on tmobile phones though tried it on my g2. My wifi hotspot feature works and is free of charge.

  3. Works great on my T-Mobile Phone Hank Tolman Permalink:

    I have the Galaxy S through T-Mobile and it works great. I use it all the time. I have a traditional plan and the data slows down after I use 5GB, though. With a new unlimited plan, it will slow down after 2GB on T-Mobile. -Hank

  4. For an additional charge, of course... opckieran Permalink:

    I mean seriously, it's a shame that U.S. ISPs think they can get away with this nonsense. That plus data usage caps makes tethering nearly useless.

  5. RE: Android USB Tethering Shared Internet Access Daryl Greene Permalink:

    I don't know about anyone else, but my Incredible doesn't have "Tethering & portable hotspot" under Wireless & Networks,

  6. RE: RE: Android USB Tethering Shared Internet Access Olin Coles Permalink:

    I think that the HTC Incredible uses an old version of Andriod, so if you update the OS it could be possible.

  7. RE: Android USB Tethering Shared Internet Access Rob Permalink:

    What about going the OTHER way? I have a WiFi only tablet and my work does not have a wireless network in place. I'd like to connect my tablet to the 'net through my computer. Is THAT possible?

  8. shame on u mr android vinod Permalink:

    i was always a nokia coustomer but i bought my first android phone lg gt 540 the worst phone that i have ever used coz connecting my phone with pc have lots of prob i can't share my mobile internet with pc for that either i have to pay a lots off money for purchasing that bull # pdanet... nokia is the best they have their best pc suit we can explore each and every feature without any troubel

  9. how dosr connect internet from mobile to pc kapil Permalink:

    I'm use htc explorer. I cannot connect the internet mobile to pc

  10. RE: how dosr connect internet from mobile to pc Nikhil Permalink:

    there is usb tethering or not?

  11. computer internet sharing Nikhil Permalink:

    how to share a computer internet to android phone? pls give answer............

  12. how to use computer internet in android phone? lokhaanand Permalink:

    how to share my pc internet with my android phone i use samsung galaxy ace it is easy to use the mobile network in pc but i need its inverse pc inter net in mobile can u help me out with this if have answer for this plz give me the answer i have a broad band connection in my pc but my mobile network cost me more so if possible to use the pc internet in mobile share with me that trikes thank u i hope u will find me away for this thanks again...

  13. RE: Android USB Tethering Shared Internet Access hesham Permalink:

    thank you ...really helpful.

  14. ila ila Permalink:

    plz help...is that work on HTC DesireS?

  15. hai siva Permalink:

    hai boss thankyou very much

  16. does not works with xp os harpal barot Permalink:

    It is not poccible to tether between ur mobile n windows xp os.. we must have windows 7 or upper version