Connect Your Computer to WiFi Using Your Phone: A Cost-Effective Solution

Are you facing the challenge of connecting your computer to WiFi without having a WiFi adapter? Are you considering buying a new dongle to upgrade your PC's internet capabilities? Consider using your phone as a WiFi adapter. It is not only a convenient solution but also a practical and cost-effective one.

The Process of Using Your Phone as a WiFi Adapter for Your Computer

Yes, you can indeed use your phone as a WiFi adapter for your computer. This solution can be particularly useful if your computer lacks a WiFi adapter or if you are in an area with limited WiFi options. Here's how you can achieve this for both Android and iOS devices.

For Android Devices

Connect your phone to WiFi: Make sure your phone is connected to the WiFi network you want your computer to use. Enable USB Tethering: Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable. Then follow these steps: Go to Settings > Network internet > Hotspot tethering. Turn on USB tethering. Configure your computer: Your computer should automatically recognize the connection. If not, select the new connection in your network settings.

For iOS Devices

Connect your phone to WiFi: Ensure your iPhone is connected to the desired WiFi network. Enable Personal Hotspot: Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot. Turn on Allow Others to Join: This will enable the hotspot feature. Since your phone is already connected to WiFi, your computer will use that connection. Connect your computer: Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer. Your computer should recognize the connection and use it to access the internet.

Pros and Cons of Using Your Phone as a WiFi Adapter

Performance: The performance may vary based on your phone's capabilities and the speed of the WiFi connection. However, generally, this method works well for most users.

Data Usage: Although you are connecting through WiFi, you are not using your mobile data. However, be aware of any limitations that your phone plan may have regarding tethering.

Why It’s a Good Idea to Use Your Old Phone

Did you know that you can use your old phone as a WiFi adapter? This is particularly useful if you upgraded your mobile device and kept the old one instead of buying a new WiFi adapter for your computer. Here’s a real-life example that illustrates this point.

I recently upgraded to a new smartphone, keeping my old Huawei Y3 from 2017. While the older phone’s storage and RAM were not sufficient for running the latest apps, it still serves a useful purpose. I have an older computer running Windows 7, which was unable to handle the intensive tasks required for video editing and playing HEVC video. Upgrading to Windows 10, with its more powerful hardware, was a natural next step. The old Belkin dongle, however, was not compatible with Windows 10, leading me to wonder if I could use my old phone as a WiFi adapter. To my delight, I discovered that this was indeed possible.

Here’s how I did it:

Connected my phone to WiFi. Plugged my phone into my PC's USB port. Enabled USB tethering within my phone. Now, my computer had internet access as if I had just plugged in a USB dongle.

This method not only solves the connectivity issue but also provides a practical use for my old phone. Instead of letting it sit idle or contributing to electronic waste by disposing of it or buying a new dongle, I am making the most out of it. This is a win-win situation, as I save money and help reduce unnecessary consumerism.

Conclusion

Using your phone as a WiFi adapter is a straightforward and effective solution when you need to connect your computer to WiFi. It is a cost-saving measure that can be beneficial in many situations, especially if you have an old phone lying around. By reusing your device in this way, you contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. So, the next time you upgrade your phone, consider keeping it around for this purpose—or even repurpose an old one to save money and resources.