Share a mobile connection by tethering or hotspot on Pixel
You can use your Pixel 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.
Important: Some mobile operators limit or charge extra for tethering. We recommend checking with your operator.
Tether by Wi-Fi hotspot
If you've turned on Data Saver, turn it off to tether by Wi-Fi. Learn how to turn off Data Saver.
Use the Settings app
You can share your phone’s mobile data with up to 10 other devices via a Wi-Fi hotspot.
- On the other device, open that device's list of Wi-Fi options.
- Pick your phone's hotspot name.
- Enter your phone's hotspot password.
- Click Connect.
Use notifications
Pixel phones can let other devices use their mobile data via notifications.
Selected phones and tablets can receive that shared mobile data:
- Pixel phones
- Pixel C tablet
- Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6 and Nexus 9
This kind of tethering is on by default for most devices that can use it. You can turn it off or back on at any time.
Step 1: Sign in to the same account
On all your devices that will share connections:
- Sign in to the same Google Account. Learn how to add accounts.
- Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Learn how to turn them on.
Step 2: Let your phone share its connection
- Open your phone's Settings app
.
- Tap Google
Instant Tethering.
- Turn on Provide data connection.
Step 3: Let your other devices use your phone's connection
- Open your other device’s Settings app
.
- Tap Google
Instant Tethering.
- Turn on Get data connection.
When your devices are set up to tether via notifications, your phone with mobile data is nearby, and you unlock a device with no connection:
Step 1: On your other device
- You get a 'Wi-Fi hotspot available' notification. Tap it and follow the on-screen steps.
- To connect later without the notification, open your Settings app and tap Google
Instant Tethering
your phone
Connect.
- If you see a network verification notification, tap Continue.
Step 2: On your phone
When you connect, you get a 'Sharing data connection' notification.
- The notification stays as long as you're connected.
- To disconnect, on the notification, tap Disconnect.
- When you don't use an Instant Tethering connection for about 10 minutes, it disconnects.
Tether by Bluetooth
- Pair your phone with the other device. Learn how to pair devices.
- 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
Important: Mac computers can't tether with Android by USB.
- 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
Hotspot & tethering.
- Turn on USB tethering.
Let your phone turn off your hotspot for you
Tethering can use a lot of battery. By default, your hotspot turns off when no devices are connected. You can change this setting.
- Open your device's Settings app
.
- Tap Network & Internet
Hotspot & tethering
Wi-Fi hotspot
Advanced.
- Tap Turn off hotspot automatically.
We recommend plugging in your devices while tethering, and turning off connections when finished.