Mobile internet

What is USB tethering? A quickfire guide

USB tethering shares data between two devices via a physical cable. Learn how it works, discover pros and cons, and find hotspot alternatives.

Do you need internet on your laptop but the WiFi is spotty? Connecting your devices via a USB cable isn’t just for transferring files anymore, it’s also a straightforward way to share your phone’s internet connection. This blog will explain what USB tethering means, guide you through the setup process, and explore convenient alternatives so you can stay connected on your terms. Let’s get connected!

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What is USB Tethering?

In a nutshell, USB tethering is the process of sharing your mobile phone’s cellular data connection with another device, like a laptop or tablet, using a USB cable. Think of your phone acting like a modem, providing internet access to the connected device. It’s a direct, wired connection for internet access.

How does USB tethering work?

Essentially, when you enable USB tethering, your phone bridges its mobile data connection to your computer through the USB cable. Your computer recognizes the phone as a network interface and can access the internet using your phone’s data plan.

Here’s how to quickly enable USB tethering (steps might vary slightly depending on your phone’s operating system):

Connect your phone to your second device using a USB cable.
On your phone, go to Settings.
Look for options like “Connections,” “Network and Internet,” or similar.
Find “Tethering and portable hotspot.” The cost of your hotspot will depend on your chosen data plan.
Toggle the switch for “USB tethering” to turn it on.

Your second device should now be connected to the internet via your phone’s data.

Pros and cons of USB tethering

Let’s quickly explore whether USB tethering is the right choice for you by comparing its key advantages and disadvantages:

Feature	Pros	Cons
Security	Generally more secure (wired connection)	Requires physical cable connection
Speed	Can offer stable and fast speeds	Dependent on phone’s cellular signal strength
Battery	Can charge your phone while tethering	Can still drain battery with heavy usage
Convenience	Simple to set up if you have a USB cable	Only connects one device at a time via cable

Alternatives to USB tethering

While USB tethering is useful, there are other ways to share your phone’s internet:

Personal hotspot (WiFi tethering): This creates a WiFi network using your cell phone’s mobile data that other devices can connect to wirelessly. To activate your hotspot, find the hotspot settings in your phone’s network or connection menu and enable it – you’ll need to make sure that your hotspot is functioning correctly.
Mobile hotspot (pocket WiFi): A separate, portable device that provides a WiFi connection. This is a popular choice when needing to connect many devices, but can be costly.

Connect multiple devices with Holafly Connect

USB tethering is a great way to connect two of your devices, like your phone and laptop. However, there are limitations in a tethering vs. hotspot comparison.

What if you’re on vacation and need to hotspot yourself, and your friends and family? Investing in a pocket WiFi device isn’t the only solution.

Holafly Connect’s monthly eSIM data plans offer significant value, covering over 170 destinations in one package. You can choose a plan that aligns with your data consumption and renews automatically, all with 5G speed, 25/7 customer support and global coverage. Choose between:

Unlimited data with unlimited hotspot ($64.90/month) for remote workers and digital nomads who need constant connectivity.
25 GB plan with 25 GB hotspot ($49.90/month) for video calls, work tools, and seamless browsing.

Plans that may interest you

Rebeca Ortiz

I’m a communications professional with over 17 years of experience in the social justice sector. Eight years ago, I started working as a freelance content writer and strategist. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the chance to work with a mix of social enterprises, NGOs, government agencies, and corporate clients. I have lived and worked in Australia, Austria, Mexico, and Indonesia. I love crafting content that resonates across cultures and tells a meaningful story.

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