Key takeaways
- Tethering means using your phone's mobile data to connect another device, such as a laptop or tablet, to the internet.
- You can tether via WiFi (a hotspot), Bluetooth or a USB cable. WiFi is the easiest, and USB is usually the most stable and keeps your phone charged.
- Tethering uses your normal data allowance, and some networks limit it or charge extra, so check your plan first. With SMARTY, tethering is allowed on every plan.
The broadband's down, a video call starts in ten minutes, and the nearest café's WiFi is a gamble. This is when people turn to tethering.
It's a clunky term for a simple idea: a phone sharing its mobile data with another device. Here's what tethering means, the three ways to do it, and what to check before you start.
What does tethering mean?
Tethering means sharing your phone's mobile data with another device so it can connect to the internet through your phone. The other device could be a laptop, a tablet, a games console or another phone.
Phone tethering, mobile tethering and tethering a phone all mean the same thing.
Tethering vs hotspot: what's the difference?
Think of tethering as the concept, and a hotspot as the most popular way to do it. Tethering covers any way of sharing your phone's connection: WiFi, Bluetooth or USB. A hotspot is the WiFi version, where your phone creates its own WiFi network that other devices can join.
In everyday use, people swap the two words all the time, and that's fine. If you want the full story on hotspots, our guide to what a mobile hotspot is covers it.
The three ways to tether
So how does a phone actually share its data? There are three ways: WiFi, Bluetooth, or a USB cable.
| Method | How it connects | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi (hotspot) | Wirelessly, over a WiFi network your phone creates | Several devices at once |
| Bluetooth | Wirelessly, once the two devices are paired | One device, light use like email and messages |
| USB | Through a cable between your phone and the device | A laptop, or a long session |
What is WiFi tethering?
WiFi tethering is another term for using your phone as a hotspot. Your phone creates a WiFi network, and your laptop or tablet connects to it like any other network.
What is Bluetooth tethering?
Bluetooth tethering shares your phone's data over Bluetooth rather than WiFi. Pair the two devices first, then turn on Bluetooth tethering in your phone's hotspot and tethering settings. On an iPhone, Personal Hotspot can also use Bluetooth.
What is USB tethering?
USB tethering shares your phone's data through a cable connected to a laptop or computer. Connect the cable, then turn on USB tethering in your phone's hotspot and tethering settings. On an iPhone, it runs through Personal Hotspot with the cable connected.
Does tethering cost extra?
Tethering uses your normal data allowance. It's the same data, just used on another device. A laptop can use more than a phone because it loads full websites and runs background updates.
The catch is that not all networks treat tethering the same way. Some limit it, some charge for it, and older contracts may not include it. Before you rely on it, check your plan's terms or ask your provider.
Prefer to give a laptop or tablet its own connection? A data only SIM is another option.
Quick tips for tethering
- Check how much data you have left before a long session, especially on a laptop. If you're unsure how much you use, here's how to work out how much data you need.
- Keep your hotspot password secure, and switch tethering off when you've finished.
- For a long session, plug your phone in or use a USB cable so the battery doesn't run flat.
Tethering with SMARTY
On SMARTY, tethering works on every plan, and your full data allowance is yours to use however you like. One thing to know: EU roaming has a fair-use limit of 12GB per month.
If you tether a lot, our data only SIM gives a laptop or tablet its own data, so your phone's allowance stays untouched. And if you'd rather not count gigabytes at all, the Unlimited plan is there for that.
FAQs
Is tethering the same as a hotspot?
A hotspot is one type of tethering, the WiFi type. Tethering also includes sharing a phone's mobile data over Bluetooth or a USB cable.
What is USB tethering?
USB tethering shares a phone's mobile data with a laptop or computer through a USB cable. It is usually more stable than WiFi or Bluetooth, and the phone charges while the cable is connected.
How do I tether my phone to a laptop?
Turn on tethering in the phone's settings, then connect the laptop over WiFi, Bluetooth or a USB cable. WiFi is the quickest to set up, and USB suits a long session because the connection stays steady and the phone keeps charging.
