If you’re an avid techie, you must have come across the term “tethering“. In layman language, tethering means to tie something with a rope, usually animals. However, we can’t be talking about animals on a tech website. So, what are we talking about? We’re talking about mobile tethering.
Here’s everything you need to know about mobile tethering: Its various methods, how to set it up, its benefits, and its downsides.
So read on and enrich your knowledge.
Mobile Tethering Explained
Before we dive into other details, let’s briefly go over the rudiments.
What is mobile tethering?
Mobile tethering means sharing your cellphone’s mobile data with another device – perhaps a laptop or a tablet.
But, more importantly…
When is Mobile Tethering Required?
Mobile tethering is required and can be set up in the following situations:
- You are at a place where you don’t have access to a wi-fi connection, but mobile data is available.
- You want to share your internet connection with your colleagues or friends, who have maxed out their data usage.
- A group of businesspeople, who want to finish a presentation while on the go.
- It can provide connectivity for a home-based office when the wi-fi isn’t working.
These are just a few examples of instances where the need for mobile tethering arises.
In short, tethering can be used whenever a wi-fi connection is unavailable, but an internet connection is required to complete a task.
Talking of using your data for the internet, I’m sure you’re wondering about the cost!
Cost of Mobile Tethering
Another common query regarding tethering is the cost. People want to know whether they will be charged for tethering or not?
The answer to this question depends on your mobile carrier. Some carriers charge extra for tethering, while some may not notice it at all. However, they might notice the difference in web traffic as it differs between a mobile and a laptop. In this case, they will charge you for the additional GBs used.
But if you’re lucky, your tethering can go unnoticed by the carrier and you won’t be charged a penny.
With the basics sorted, let’s get straight to the different methods of mobile tethering.
Mobile Tethering Methods
There are three known tethering methods. We will go over the details of each method complete with steps on how to set it up for your better understanding.
1. Wi-Fi Tethering
Tethering via Wi-Fi is the easiest and most convenient way, as it is a breeze to set up and is compatible with almost all devices.
It is a fusion of software, hardware, and network, to transform your phone into a modem or router. This enables anyone within range to go online, as long as they know the password.
| PROS | CONS |
| ✔ It’s quick and easy ✔ It’s compatible with almost all devices ✔ There’s no limit to the number of devices connected ✔ No speed issues ✔Wireless | ✕ May have security issues ✕ Drains the battery real fast |
You can easily enable Wi-Fi tethering on your phone by following these simple steps:
- On your phone, go to “Settings > Wireless and Networks > Tethering and Portable Hotspot.”
- Select “Set-up Wi-Fi Hotspot.”
- Here it will give you the option to name your network and set the password.
- In the end, tap the toggle to switch it on.
Although settings may differ from phone to phone, the above-mentioned steps will give you a general idea of how to go about it.
2) Bluetooth Tethering
Tethering via Bluetooth is another excellent method. It allows you to connect multiple devices to your phone, just like Wi-Fi tethering.
The setup is a bit complicated as compared to Wi-Fi, but if you’re willing to configure it, it is the ideal way to go.
| PROS | CONS |
| ✔ Consumes less battery ✔Compatible with most devices ✔Can connect multiple devices simultaneously ✔Wireless | ✕ Setup is a bit complicated ✕ May have security issues ✕ Apple devices cannot connect to other non-apple devices |
Following are step-by-step instructions on how to set up Bluetooth tethering:
- On your phone, go to “Settings > Wireless and Networks > Tethering and Portable Hotspot.”
- Tap the “Bluetooth Tethering” checkbox to enable Bluetooth internet sharing on your device.
- Pair the other Bluetooth devices to your phone.
- On your PC/laptop, go to “Settings Devices” and make sure your Bluetooth is turned on.
- Click on “Add Bluetooth or Other Device“
- Click on”Bluetooth” and then select your phone.
- Click on “Connect” and if you receive a prompt on your phone to pair your PC, click on “Yes”
Now, let’s get to the third mobile tethering method.
3) USB Tethering
Tethering via USB is the last resort for sharing your mobile internet with another device. When Wi-Fi and Bluetooth tethering goes in vain, it’s time to whip out a USB cable and get connecting!
Any device that can be connected to your phone or tablet via USB cable, can easily share your mobile internet. In this method, battery drainage is not an issue, as your phone keeps on charging while it’s connected to the laptop.
| PROS | CONS |
| ✔The USB cable keeps your phone charging ✔It provides a solid connection | ✕ It is slower than the other two tethering methods ✕ You can connect only one device at a time ✕ Both devices may require special configuration✕ Both devices may require custom software |
Following are the steps for setting up USB tethering:
- Connect your mobile or tablet to your laptop via USB cable.
- Go to “Settings > Wireless and Networks > Tethering and Portable Hotspot” on your phone.
- Turn the toggle on for “USB Tethering.”
- Open “Network Settings” on your laptop and connect it to your phone’s hotspot.
While mobile tethering via USB has its pros, a few factors can act as deal breakers, like the quality of the USB cable.
Does the Quality of a USB Cable Matter?
Yes, it does!
A USB cable is multi-purpose. It can be used for charging, transferring files, and, as we discussed above, mobile tethering.
The quality of a USB cable plays quite an important role. The latest 3.1 USB cable is the latest and best technology. It pumps out 100 watts of power and enables 10GB/s transfer speeds.
But is that all that matters?
No, it isn’t!
The certification and build quality of a USB cable is also worth mentioning.
High-quality cables can pass more current than low-quality cables. But if you crumple up the USB cable, the flow of current reduces, even if it is made of gold!
Also, company-certified cables are reliable and safe, as compared to local-made chargers available at every nook and cranny.
So, this is why the quality of USB cable matters and makes a difference.
How to Identify a Quality Cable?
We know that the quality of a USB cable is important, but how can we differentiate a high-quality cable from a low-quality one? Following are some pointers you should look for when buying a USB cable:
- Always choose a 28/24 gauge cable
- USB 2.0 support or more
- Braided-nylon fiber jacket and anodized aluminum shell for durability
- High speed 480 Mbps data transfer rate
If you want some quality cables, you can check out Syncwire’s range of USB cables, for efficient and fast USB tethering.
Comparison Chart
| Tethering Method | Wireless | Multiple Device Connectivity | Compatibility✕ |
| Wi-Fi Tethering | ✔ | ✔ | Almost all devices |
| Bluetooth Tethering | ✔ | ✔ | All devices except Apple can connect to each other Apple cannot connect to non-apple devices |
| USB Tethering | ✕ | ✕ | Only devices with USB ports |
Conclusion
All three tethering methods have their pros and cons, and we have gone over them in this article. We hope that you understand how each works and can choose the one that seems best for you.
For other queries related to various iPhone features, visit our blog.
