You can use your phone’s mobile data to connect another phone, tablet, or computer to the internet. Sharing a connection this way is called tethering or using a hotspot.
- Most Android phones can share mobile data by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB using the Settings app.
- All Pixel and some Nexus phones can also share mobile data by Wi-Fi using notifications.
- Pixel 3 and later Pixel phones can also use tethering to share a Wi-Fi connection with other devices.
Important: Some mobile carriers limit or charge extra for tethering. We recommend checking with your carrier.
Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 9.0 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
Tether by Wi-Fi hotspot
Use the Settings app
Hotspot & tethering Use notifications
Instant Tethering.Tether by Bluetooth
Important: Mac computers that runs macOS Monterey and up can't tether with Android through Bluetooth.
- Pair your phone with the other device.
- Set up the other device to get its network connection by Bluetooth. Follow the instructions that came with the device.
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet
Hotspot & tethering.
- Tap Bluetooth tethering.
Tether by USB cable
- Using a USB cable, connect your phone to the other device. A "Connected as a…" notification shows at the top of the screen.
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet
- Turn on USB tethering.
Let your hotspot turn off automatically
Important: To save battery, your hotspot turns off when no devices are connected.
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet
Hotspot & tethering
- To turn this setting on or off, tap Turn off hotspot automatically.
Tip: We recommend plugging in your devices while tethering, and turning off connections when done.