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 operators limit or charge extra for tethering. We recommend checking with your operator.
Important: Some of these steps work only on Android 9 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.
The Pixel battery continuously learns your behaviours and optimises itself based on your most recent app usage. When you set up a new device or after a factory reset, optimisation may take up to a few weeks to take full effect. For best results keep Adaptive Battery and Battery Optimisation on.
It's normal for your Pixel battery to drain a little more than usual after a software update. This is because the phone is working hard to download and optimise the new software and get everything up and running.
If you still experience unusual battery drain after a few days, please let us know and we'll be happy to help.
Tether by Wi-Fi hotspot
Use the Settings app
Important: If you've turned on Data Saver, turn it off to tether by Wi-Fi. Learn how to turn off Data Saver.
- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap Network and Internet Hotspot and tethering Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Turn on Wi-Fi hotspot.
- To see or change a hotspot setting, such as the name or password, tap it.
Tip: If you don't want your hotspot to require a password, pick None under 'Security'.
- 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.
Tip: You can share your phone's mobile data with up to 10 other devices via a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Use notifications
Make sure that your phone can receive shared mobile data via notifications. Eligible phones include:
- Pixel phones
- Pixel C tablet
- Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6 and Nexus 9
Step 1: Sign in to the same account on all devices
- Sign in to the same Google Account on all devices. 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.
Step 1: Make sure that your devices are ready
- Check that all devices are set up to tether via notifications (above).
- Keep your phone with mobile data nearby.
- Unlock the device that you want to connect.
Step 2: On the other device that’s not connected
- 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 3: On your phone with mobile data
- When you connect, you’ll get a 'Sharing data connection' notification. This notification will stay on as long as you're connected.
- To disconnect, on the notification, tap Disconnect.
Tether by 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 and Internet Hotspot and 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 and Internet Hotspot and tethering.
- 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 and Internet Hotspot and tethering Wi-Fi hotspot.
- To turn this setting on or off, tap Turn off hotspot automatically.