How to Share Internet from an Android Phone

Modern Android smartphones can not only receive internet but also share it with other devices like laptops, tablets, or other phones. This can be particularly helpful when there's no Wi-Fi network around, but you have mobile data. In this guide, we'll show you how to share internet from your Android phone via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB.

Method 1: Share Internet via Wi-Fi (Mobile Hotspot)

This is the most common and convenient method, as it allows multiple devices to connect to your smartphone just like a regular Wi-Fi network.

  1. Go to your phone’s “Settings”.
  2. Open the “Network & Internet” or “Connections” section (this may vary depending on your phone model).
  3. Select “Hotspot & Tethering”.
  4. Enable the “Wi-Fi Hotspot” option.
  5. If needed, customize your hotspot by setting a network name (SSID) and password.

Now your phone is broadcasting Wi-Fi, and you can connect to it like any regular network.

Tip:

To save battery life, turn off the hotspot when it’s not needed.

Method 2: Share Internet via Bluetooth

This method is less common but can be useful if you want to share your internet connection with devices that support Bluetooth tethering.

  1. Activate Bluetooth on both your phone and the device you want to connect.
  2. Go to “Settings” → “Network & Internet” → “Hotspot & Tethering” on your phone.
  3. Enable the “Bluetooth Tethering” option.
  4. On the receiving device, find your phone in the list of Bluetooth devices and establish a connection.
  5. Once connected, choose the option to “Use for Internet” (the wording may vary).

Your internet connection is now shared via Bluetooth.

Method 3: Share Internet via USB

This method is perfect if you want to connect your internet to a laptop or desktop computer that doesn’t have Wi-Fi capability.

  1. Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable.
  2. On your phone, go to “Settings” → “Network & Internet” → “Hotspot & Tethering”.
  3. Enable the “USB Tethering” option.
  4. Your computer should automatically detect the new connection and start using your phone’s internet.

This method also allows you to charge your phone while sharing its internet connection.

Common Issues and Solutions

  • Why isn’t my phone sharing internet? — Make sure mobile data is enabled and there are no restrictions from your carrier.
  • What to do if the internet speed is too slow? — Try moving to a location with better signal, or reduce the number of connected devices.
  • How to avoid excessive mobile data usage? — Disable automatic app updates and monitor your data usage regularly.