How to Enable USB Tethering on Android and iPhone Devices

USB tethering lets a smartphone share its cellular data connection with a computer over a USB cable, offering a more stable link and the added benefit of charging the phone while connected. It is useful in crowded venues such as airports or convention centers and keeps the network invisible to nearby users.

Android phones can tether to Windows PCs but not to macOS; iPhones can tether to both Windows and macOS computers. To activate Android tethering, connect the phone, open Settings → Network & Internet → Hotspot & tethering (or Settings → Connections → Hotspot & tethering), and toggle USB tethering on. For iPhone, connect the device, trust the computer if prompted, go to Settings → Personal Hotspot, and enable “Allow Others to Join.”