What is Tethering? How to Share Your Phone's Internet

Tethering is a feature in Android and iOS to share mobile data with other devices. It is like the bridge between data sharing and connected devices. It is the ideal solution to access data when you struggle to find a flexible internet connection.

People generally confuse the terms tethering and hotspot. Are they the same? In this article, I will break down the details about data tethering. Are tethering and hotspotting the same, and how can tethering be beneficial for you?

What is Tethering?

Tethering connects different devices and enables one to share mobile internet with others. The sharing source acts as the internet modem to let other devices access data. While tethering mobile phones are used as the source of data for smartphones, computers, and tablets. 

It is a quick data connection fix during travels or when WiFi is unavailable. It works when the device can’t establish its own connection. Most of the Android phones, iOS, and macOS are compatible with tethering.   

How Does Tethering Work?

Tethering devices create a hotspot to share a data connection via WiFi, USB cable, or Bluetooth. Don’t get confused with the trem hotspot and the tethering. Actually, a hotspot is a type of tethering through WiFi.

Tethering is essential when no nearby WiFi network or WiFi hotspot is available. But be conscious, tethering with limited data plans is like an ice cube in a hot glass of water.  

Types of Tethering: WiFi vs USB vs Bluetooth 

Your mobile phone can share data with other devices via WiFi, USA cable, or Bluetooth connection. 

WiFi Tethering

WiFi tethering allows you to share the network with multiple devices. It lets you connect smartphones, laptops, and tablets. It is the most convenient and fastest way to share data. However, while device linking, your phone's battery drains faster. 

Bluetooth Tethering

It is also a wireless way to share the data connection via Bluetooth. Multiple devices can connect to the data source. Compared to WiFi, the data connection is slower, but it drains less battery.

USB Tethering 

This type of tethering requires the USB to make the connection between devices. USB tethering allows sharing data with a single device. It provides a stable internet and charges your phone at the same time. 

When Should You Use Tethering?

In the following conditions, you can use WiFi network sharing. 

• No WiFi available: When you are in the area, no WiFi connection available nearby. You can use tethering to connect other devices to your data plan. 
• Work on the go: You can tether with a laptop or tablet in the office for urgent tasks. 
• Public WiFi restriction: If the public WiFi charges for connecting multiple devices, you can use the tethering service. 
• Charging connection: The reliable option to connect one device is USB tethering. With network sharing, it charges your device as well. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Data Tethering

Benefites

• Portable: To tether data, you don’t need to carry any hardware. 
• Accessibility: It allows connecting with smartphones, tablets, and laptops anywhere without restriction. 
• Improved security: Compared to public WiFi, tethering is private and encrypted. 
• Quick activation: You can simply enable tethering in a few steps. 

Drawbacks

• Battery drainage: Tethering devices' battery drains faster; it's ideal to keep it charges. 
• Fast data consumption: Hotspot sharing consumes your mobile data quickly. 
• Low speed: Compared to WiFi, the tethering speed of other types is slower. 
• Interruption: Tethering can interrupt your mobile phone functionality. 

How to Enable Tethering on Your Device?

Here are the steps you can follow to enable tethering.

• Open the Settings menu on your device. 
• Click on Network & Internet, then Hotspot &Tethering. 
• Select your preferred type of tethering. 
• Enable Hotspot if using WiFi.
• Now the other devices can connect to your data plan. 

Tethering Vs Mobile Hotspot: Key Differences

Tethering is the feature used for another device for internet access. A mobile hotspot creates a WiFi network from the phone and shares data. 

Connection method

Tethering: It refers to sharing a network via WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB. 

Mobile Hotspot: Like a tradition WiFi router, it creates a wireless WiFi connection to access the internet. 

Security

Tethering: USB tethering is secure without any unauthorised access. 

Mobile Hotspot: It relies on the passwords to secure the data connection. 

Number of devices

Tethering: Tethering creates links with a few devices. 

Mobile Hotspot: Multiple devices can connect to a personal hotspot. 

Troubleshooting Common Tethering Problems

While tethering, you might face some issues. Here are some potential issues with troubleshooting.

• Failed network connection: The network connection fails when data signals are weak or unavailable. In such a case, turn on the data and again enable it. 
• USB tethering greyed out: The damaged port or the faulty cable will not work. Try another USB cable or the port. 
• Carrier restriction: Your carrier may restrict tethering or require a specific plan. Contact your carrier and confirm the details. 
• Data saver conflict: If the data saver is enabled, it might block tethering. Check your device settings and disable the data saver mode. 
• Data plan restriction: If using the limited data plans, update your plan. You can use the eSIM card's unlimited data plans to access a flexible connection. 

Conclusion 

Tethering is the feature that lets other devices access the internet. You can share the internet via WiFi, Bluetooth, or a USB cable. You can use it when no WiFi network is available nearby. During travel, it is a handy solution to share data with your friends and family.

In the article, I have mentioned the steps to enable tethering to make sure the device is the data source. Moreover, I have covered the benefits and drawbacks of tethering to let you understand it better. 

FAQs

How many devices can I connect through tethering?

It generally depends on your device and the mobile plan. Typically, 5 to 10 devices are allowed to connect through tethering. 

Is tethering free, or does it cost extra?

Tethering is not free; it depends on the carrier's plans. Some carriers charge an extra fee for sharing data or have a tethering allowance. 

How can I check how much data tethering uses?

Open Settings > Network & Internet > Data Usage. Here you can check how much data the connected devices are consuming.