Sharing an internet connection from an Android smartphone is both simple and practical. This allows you to use data from your mobile plan on your tablet or computer. In this tutorial, we’ll go step-by-step so you can immediately set up internet connection sharing from your smartphone to another device.
Useful option on Android, link sharing allows you to turn your smartphone into a modem or an access point. Your computer or tablet can use your smartphone’s data plan to connect to the internet, provided you have an adequate data plan.
Also read: The smartphone is the favorite device of 46% of French people to connect to the internet.
Connection sharing on Android: how does it work?
Android, like iOS, makes it easy to turn your smartphone into a WiFi, Bluetooth and USB router. Then we can use 3G/4G mobile data as an internet connection and share it with the devices you want. WiFi, Bluetooth, USB… each connection mode has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages that must be considered on a case-by-case basis.
one Connection sharing over WiFi your smartphone creates a private wireless network where you can choose the name and password. Other devices connect to it like any other wireless router. The advantage of this connection mode is its simplicity. The downside is that you can’t really control what connects to it. This can cause excessive data consumption.
most Bluetooth tethering based on the characteristics of this technology. The range of the Bluetooth signal is relatively short, which limits the risk of unwanted connections. You also need to pair the devices to connect to your Bluetooth network. Generally, only one device can be connected via Bluetooth.
most USB tethering Changes the behavior of the USB-C port on your smartphone. So when you connect your smartphone to your computer, it detects a new network card and installs the drivers, at least during the first connection. Once configured, the connection can be established. This method is the most secure, as it is impossible to connect via USB without your knowledge, and the absence of a wireless network limits the risk of hacking.
note : The USB connection is only compatible with Windows and Linux computers.
How to tether on Android
To do this, first check that airplane mode is disabled and data is enabled. The following steps are very simple:
- enter inside Settings
- enter inside Other > Connection Sharing, Network and Internet > Access point and connection sharingor a similar word, find a menu with words of purpose share the line in settings
The rest depends on whether you want to share your smartphone’s internet connection via WiFi, Bluetooth or USB.
Wireless
- Do not touch wireless hotspot
- Tap if necessary Configure Wi-Fi hotspot to select the name, password and security of the access point
note : strongly recommended to be selected, even if the interface allows Any for key security. As at home, choose something more or less secure like WPA2 TKIP-AES. And a sufficiently complex switch, especially in public places.
- Activate wireless hotspot
Bluetooth
- Activate Bluetooth tethering
USB
- Activate USB tethering
How to connect a device
There is nothing simpler after enabling the respective link sharing!
Wireless
- Find the WiFi network created by your smartphone and connect with the password and security you configured
Also read: WiFi connection problems – what to do if your smartphone no longer connects?
Bluetooth
- Pair the device with your smartphone (on your smartphone Connected devices > Connection preferences > Bluetooth)
- Configure the device to connect to the internet via the Bluetooth network. The procedure depends on the device and operating system: refer to the manufacturer’s or operating system documentation.
Also read: Bluetooth – pairing a headset on Android now connects it to your other devices at the same time
USB
- Connect your smartphone to computer via USB
- The rest is automatic: your connection will be ready in a few seconds
Also read: USB type C is all about the universal connector of the future
Link sharing: how to limit the impact on autonomy?
Sharing your internet connection from a smartphone consumes a lot of battery. Some smartphones can limit this by automatically disabling the hotspot when no device is connected. In other cases, to give some autonomy:
- Charge your smartphone as soon as possible with mains or external battery
- Manually turn off tethering when no longer needed
Also read: how to optimize your smartphone battery life
Did you find this guide helpful? Comments to improve it? Share your views in the comments!
