Tethering allows you to turn your smartphone into a mobile internet source for other devices. By using your phone’s cellular data, you can connect laptops, tablets, or other phones to the internet without needing a Wi-Fi network. There are different ways to do this, including Wi-Fi hotspot, USB cable, or Bluetooth. Tethering is especially useful in situations where Wi-Fi is unavailable or unstable. Understanding how it works helps you make better use of your data plan and stay connected wherever you are.

What is Tethering?

Tethering means using your smartphone to share its mobile internet connection with other devices like a laptop, tablet, or another phone. This lets those devices connect to the internet through your phone’s cellular data, even if there is no Wi-Fi around. Tethering can be done in several ways, such as creating a personal hotspot, using a USB cable, or connecting via Bluetooth. Most modern smartphones support tethering, and it can usually be turned on from the settings menu. [1]

It is a useful feature when you need internet access on other devices but don’t have a Wi-Fi connection available. Whether you’re traveling, working remotely, or dealing with a Wi-Fi outage, tethering can help you stay connected. Keep in mind that it uses data from your mobile plan and can drain your battery quickly. Some mobile carriers may also limit or charge for tethering based on your plan, so it’s good to check their terms before using it regularly.

How Tethering Works

Tethering works by turning your smartphone into an internet source for other devices. When tethering is enabled, your phone shares its mobile data through Wi-Fi, USB, or Bluetooth. This lets laptops, tablets, or other phones connect to the internet even when there’s no regular Wi-Fi network nearby.

Most smartphones today support three main tethering methods. Each method has its own benefits depending on speed, battery usage, and device compatibility:

• Wi-Fi Tethering
  This is the most commonly used method. Your phone creates a personal hotspot, and other devices connect to it wirelessly, just like they would with any regular Wi-Fi network.

• USB Tethering
  This method uses a USB cable to connect your phone to a laptop or tablet. It offers a faster and more stable internet connection, but it requires a physical connection and usually only works with computers and some Android tablets.

• Bluetooth Tethering
  In this method, your phone shares its internet over a Bluetooth connection. It uses less battery than Wi-Fi, but the connection is slower and may not work with all devices.

Here’s a quick comparison of these tethering methods:

To turn on tethering, go to your phone’s settings and look for options like “Mobile Hotspot” or “Tethering.” Once enabled, your other device will be able to detect and connect to the shared network.

How to Tether on iPhone

To share your iPhone’s internet connection with other devices, follow these steps:

• Open Settings on your iPhone.

• Tap Personal Hotspot.

• Toggle on Allow Others to Join.

• You’ll see your Wi-Fi password displayed. Use this on the other device to connect.

• You can also connect using Bluetooth or a USB cable by following the on-screen instructions under the same menu. [2]

Note: Tethering (Personal Hotspot) must be supported by your mobile carrier and enabled in your data plan.

How to Tether on Android

Most Android phones let you share your mobile data with other devices using a hotspot, USB, or Bluetooth:

• Open Settings on your Android device.

• Tap Network & Internet or Connections, depending on your phone.

• Tap Hotspot & Tethering.

Choose a tethering method:

• Wi-Fi hotspot: Toggle it on. You can set the network name and password.

• USB tethering: Connect your phone to a computer with a USB cable and toggle this option.

• Bluetooth tethering: Pair your phone with the device and enable Bluetooth tethering. [3]

Note: The exact menu names may vary slightly depending on the Android version or device brand.

What are the limitations of tethering?

Tethering is supported by most modern smartphones, but there are important limitations to be aware of. Some mobile carriers restrict or disable tethering on certain plans, especially prepaid or basic data packages. In some cases, tethering may work technically, but using it could lead to additional charges if it's not included in your plan. Manufacturers may also disable the feature on specific devices or software versions. Additionally, tethering can quickly use up your mobile data allowance, and the data used by connected devices is counted against your limit. To avoid unexpected costs or restrictions, always check both your phone's capabilities and your carrier’s tethering policy.

What are the Pros and Cons of Tethering?

Tethering is useful in many situations, but it’s not perfect for every use case. Depending on your mobile network, connection quality, and how long you plan to use it, tethering has both strengths and limitations.

Benefits of Tethering

• Flexibility: You can connect devices like laptops or tablets to the internet without needing Wi-Fi or extra hardware. It’s ideal when you're on the go.

• Cost-Effective: If your mobile plan includes hotspot use, there’s no extra charge. Multiple devices can use one mobile data plan through your phone.

• No Extra Equipment: No need for mobile routers or modems. Your phone handles everything.

Disadvantages of Tethering

• Slower Connection: Tethered internet, especially over Bluetooth, is often slower than regular Wi-Fi or mobile broadband.

• Battery Drain: Tethering uses a lot of power. Your phone battery may run out quickly, especially during long sessions.

• Possible Data Limits: Some carriers restrict or charge for tethering, so check your plan to avoid unexpected fees.

Using Tethering with Roamless eSIM

A Global eSIM like Roamless supports unlimited use of tethering, allowing you to share your mobile internet connection with smartphones, laptops, tablets, or other mobile devices without restrictions. Here are some ways you can use Roamless with tethering:

• Wireless sharing over Wi-Fi: Turn on your phone’s hotspot to share Roamless data with multiple devices like a tablet or second phone.

• Battery-friendly connection via Bluetooth: Use Bluetooth tethering for light browsing or messaging while saving battery.

• Faster speeds with USB tethering: Connect your phone to a laptop with a USB cable for stable and fast internet.

• Switching between devices easily: Move your eSIM to another phone and continue tethering without reconfiguration.

• Ready to use without setup: Tethering works out of the box on iOS and Android with no APN changes or support needed.

Tethering is available on all Roamless plans with no speed limits, hidden fees, or setup requirements.

In addition, You can open the Roamless app and enter a valid promo code at checkout. To get the latest offers and extra data on your first purchase, visit our eSIM promo code page.

Tethering allows you to turn your smartphone into a mobile internet source for other devices, making it a reliable option when Wi-Fi is unavailable. With different methods like Wi-Fi, USB, and Bluetooth, it offers flexibility across many devices. Both iPhone and Android phones support tethering, and global eSIM services like Roamless make the process even more seamless. While it’s convenient and cost-effective, tethering can impact battery life and data usage. Knowing how to set it up, when to use it, and what limitations to expect helps you make the most of this feature wherever you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does tethering affect battery life?
- Tethering can significantly reduce your phone’s battery life. When you share your mobile internet connection with other devices, your phone stays active and uses more power, especially with Wi-Fi tethering or when multiple devices are connected.

What is the difference between tethering and a mobile hotspot?
- Tethering is the general term for sharing your phone’s internet connection with other devices. A mobile hotspot is one specific method of tethering that uses Wi-Fi.

For a detailed explanation, you can read our article on the Tethering vs Hotspot: What Is the Difference?.

Can I tether multiple devices at once?
- Yes, if your phone and data plan support it, you can connect several devices at the same time. Keep in mind that this will increase data usage and drain your battery more quickly.

Can I still use my phone for calls and texts while tethering?
- Yes, most modern smartphones allow you to make calls and send texts while tethering. However, performance may vary slightly depending on your device and network.

Does tethering use more data than regular browsing on my phone?
- Data usage depends on how you use the connected device. If you do the same tasks as on your phone, the data usage will be similar. But using larger screens may lead to more streaming or downloads, which can increase total data consumption.

Can I tether my phone to a computer using Bluetooth?
- Yes, if both your phone and computer support Bluetooth, you can pair them and use Bluetooth tethering. This method is slower than Wi-Fi or USB but may save battery.

Does tethering work internationally?
- It depends on your mobile carrier and plan. Some carriers allow tethering while roaming, while others restrict it or charge extra. Always check your plan details before using tethering abroad.

Is there a way to tether without using my mobile data?
- Tethering relies on your mobile data. If you want to share internet without using data, your phone must be connected to a Wi-Fi or wired network, and you would need a different type of network sharing setup, not traditional tethering.

Can I use tethering to improve my home internet connection?
- Tethering can be used as a short-term backup if your home internet is down. However, it is not a suitable long-term replacement due to data limits, speed restrictions, and higher mobile costs.

Does tethering work on all mobile networks?
- Tethering is supported by most mobile networks, but not all plans include it. Some carriers block it on prepaid or limited plans, or may require an add-on. Check with your carrier to confirm it is allowed on your plan.

Sources:

[1] Android Developers. “TetheringManager.” Android https://developer.android.com/reference/android/net/TetheringManager

[2] Apple Support. “Share your internet connection with Personal Hotspot.” Apple.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204023

[3] Google Support. “Share a mobile connection by hotspot or tethering.” Android Help. https://support.google.com/android/answer/9059108