How to Use Your Laptop's Internet Connection on Your Phone

Whether you need internet access while traveling, working remotely, or simply not carrying a mobile device, you might find it convenient to share your laptop's internet connection with your phone. This guide provides detailed instructions on how to set up and use your laptop to share internet with your phone using Wi-Fi and USB tethering methods. Follow these easy steps to stay connected whenever and wherever you need to.

iPhone Wi-Fi Tethering

iPhone users can easily share their internet connection with third-party devices using Wi-Fi Tethering. Here’s how to set it up:

Step 1: On your iPhone's Home Screen, locate and tap the Settings app, which has a gear icon. Step 2: Scroll down and tap on Personal Hotspot. Step 3: Toggle the Personal Hotspot switch to the On position to turn it on. Step 4: To change the password, tap the Password text next to the Personal Hotspot switch. Step 5: On a Windows computer, click on the Start menu, then go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings. Right-click on your wireless connection (Wi-Fi) and select Properties > Manage Wireless Networks > Add > Browse > Home > Manually create a network profile. Step 6: Name your Wi-Fi and set the security type (usually WPA2 Personal). Step 7: Enter your iPhone's hotspot password and select the security key. Step 8: Choose OK and Apply. Step 9: On the window that pops up on your computer, click Next or Join to connect to your iPhone's hotspot.

Once connected, you can use your phone's internet connection on your computer without any issues.

iPhone USB Tethering

For iPhones, USB tethering can be an effective way to transfer internet from your computer to your phone. Follow the simple steps below:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer using the USB charger cable that came with your device. Step 2: On your iPhone, open the Settings app. Step 3: Tap Personal Hotspot. Step 4: Toggle the Personal Hotspot switch to On. Step 5: Open your computer’s USB settings to establish the tethering connection. Generally, you won't need to do anything further on the computer side.

USB tethering is particularly useful when your external hard drive or other devices require direct internet access from the computer.

Android Wi-Fi Tethering

A similar process can be followed for Android devices to share internet through Wi-Fi. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open your Android's Settings app (gear icon). Step 2: Tap More to expand the options. Step 3: Tap on Tethering portable hotspot. On a Samsung device, tap on Wi-Fi hotspot instead. Step 4: Tap Set up mobile hotspot. On a Samsung device, tap Place hotspot > Set up hotspot. Step 5: Enter the hotspot name, select a security type (usually WPA2 Personal), and set your password. Step 6: Tap Save and then slide the OFF switch to On. Step 7: On your computer, click the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom-right corner (Windows) or top-right corner (Mac). Step 8: Click your phone’s network name to connect and enter the password you set earlier. Step 9: Click Next or Join to complete the connection.

Wi-Fi tethering is a flexible and efficient way to keep your phone connected to the internet even when you're using a different device.

Android USB Tethering

Similarly, Android USB tethering can be used to transfer internet from your computer to your phone. Here’s how:

Step 1: Connect your Android to your computer using the USB charger cable. Step 2: On your Android, open the Settings app. Step 3: Tap More. Step 4: Tap Tethering portable hotspot. On a Samsung device, tap on Wi-Fi hotspot > Place hotspot. Step 5: Slide the USB tethering switch to On. Step 6: On your computer, the USB icon should appear in the top-left corner of the screen, indicating that the internet connection has been established.

USB tethering is particularly useful in situations where you need to transfer files or use specific applications that require a wired internet connection.

Both Wi-Fi and USB tethering methods offer various advantages and can be chosen based on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you're traveling, working from home, or simply need an extra internet connection, these methods can help you stay connected seamlessly.