In the area of smartphones and devices, Android OS is definitely the go to Operating System and as such, we’ll try our best to keep the updates on this OS rolling down here. This post is a brief guide on how to use the USB tethering feature found on android smartphone.
When it comes to tethering, Wi-Fi hotspot has always been in vogue, only a small percentage of android users know about USB tethering and even a smaller percentage of those who know about it have considered using it.
I’m very sure that there are so many users out there who do not know about some features on their device(s), they just do the basic tasks like calls, messaging, chats, gaming etc. while others are just too scared to step out of their comfort zone and explore the device they possess, and in so doing, fail to make maximum use of the product they paid for.
Well, enough of the boring talks. Let’s get down to the main points for this post; you need to have an internet connection before you can think of tethering let alone USB tethering, if you don’t have an internet connection, your phone will still tether but you won’t be able to browse on the internet which I am sure is one of the reason if not the only reason for tethering.
Before I go in detail, I will love to state here that there will be no difference or added advantage if you choose to tether via USB, I mean if your network is restricted, you still have to work it out with your network normally or maybe you bypass such restriction. Okay, for the sake of the non-technical guys and those who want to learn, I have to made this guide easy to understand and descriptive.
Read Also: How To Turn PC ON or OFF With Android Phones
Steps to Setup USB Tethering on Android Mobile Phones
1. Switch on the data connection on your android phone/tablet by simply swiping down the quick notification pane. Tap the data connection icon to switch it on or you go to Settings > Wireless & Networks > Mobile Networks. Then enable it from there.
2. Make sure you turn on USB debugging mode. If you are not sure if it‘s switched on, go to Settings > Developers > Options to double-check.
3. After that is done, simply connect the android to your PC by means of the USB cable. Be sure to use a good USB cable, your computer should detect that a phone has been plugged in. If it doesn’t change the USB cable and try it again until the phone is detected. If your phone is being connected to this particular PC for the first time, a driver will be installed.
4. Once the driver installation is through, a pop-up will appear on your notification bar, tap USB tethering. if it doesn’t appear for some reasons, go to Android Settings > Wireless & Networks > Tethering & Portable Hotspot then click on USB Tethering to enable.
5. It usually takes a few seconds for the PC to configure your IP and it should be connected. You can verify if it has connected by looking at the network icon at the bottom right corner or the system tray. The network icon which is normally has the shape of a service bar will change and start looking like a small monitor.
This is a sign that your phone and your PC is connected. If not connected, kindly check if your drivers are installed, if it persists then repeat steps 1 – 4 again.
