USB tethering on Android
USB tethering lets an Android phone share its mobile data connection with a computer over a USB cable; the computer sees the phone as a wired network adapter. It is useful when a PC has no working network driver, because Windows 10 and 11 include a generic driver (RNDIS) for this connection.
1Where the switch is
Pixel and most phones close to stock Android: Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > USB tethering.
Samsung Galaxy (One UI): Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering > USB tethering.
Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO (MIUI and HyperOS): Settings > Connection & sharing > USB tethering; on some versions under Portable hotspot or More connectivity options.
Huawei (EMUI): Settings > Mobile network > Tethering & portable hotspot > USB tethering.
Menu names change between versions; the settings search box finds 'USB tethering' on all of them.
2Requirements
A data-capable USB cable (some charging cables carry power only), mobile data turned on, and a carrier plan that allows tethering. The switch stays grey until the cable is connected.
3Rescuing a PC without network drivers
After a clean Windows install the Wi-Fi or Ethernet driver may be missing. USB tethering gives the PC internet through the generic driver, so Windows Update can then download the missing drivers.
How to turn on USB tethering
- Connect the phone to the computer with a data USB cable.
- On the phone, open Settings and search for 'USB tethering'.
- Turn on USB tethering.
- On the PC, wait until a new network connection appears, then open a website to test.
Cautions
- Tethering uses your mobile data allowance; Windows Update can download several gigabytes.
- If the switch stays grey, try another cable or USB port.
Related articles
- Developer options and USB debuggingHow to turn on Android developer options, what USB debugging allows, and why to switch it off when you do not need it.
- Battery Saver and Adaptive BatteryWhat Android's Battery Saver and Adaptive Battery do, what they limit, and how to check which apps use the most battery.
- Android version and security patch levelHow to see which Android version and security patch your phone has, how to update, and why the patch date matters.
Sources
- Share a mobile connection by hotspot or tethering on Android (Android Help) support.google.com
- Share a mobile connection by tethering or hotspot on Pixel (Pixel Help) support.google.com
Note: Rain Recovery Link uses a phone connection like this to bring a PC without network drivers back online.
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