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Can I tether my Android phone to my laptop?

Our Broadband Expert says...

Hi Tolga,

Thanks for your question - it’s an interesting one. There certainly are ways to use your Android mobile - or any 3G phone for that matter - to get online with your laptop. It’s called “tethering” and can be a convenient way to surf the web when you’re out and about.

But before you decide to tether, there are several things to consider since you’re essentially just looking for a cheap broadband connection. Spreading your mobile data allowance across two devices could make you more likely to exceed it, which may result in extra charges.

You might want to look at some alternative options, perhaps taking out a mobile broadband subscription for your laptop instead, or even investing in a home broadband package. Which solution is best for you will depend on whether you already have the Android phone and how you intend to use the internet.

What is tethering?

Internet tethering basically means using your 3G mobile phone as a “modem” to connect your laptop or tablet to the internet while out and about. It could be seen as an alternative to using a mobile broadband dongle.

However, while you may already have a mobile internet data allowance included in your phone contract, there could be an extra monthly charge for tethering from your network provider. This is only normally applied to older, less sophisticated handsets.

Since you mentioned Android, Tolga, I’ll assume that you own or are planning to buy a smartphone like the Samsung Galaxy S II or HTC Sensation. If this is the case, tethering is much easier to set-up and you will not need to pay for a monthly add-on.

There are three main ways of sharing your Android phone’s data connection. You can tether it with a single computer via USB cable or Bluetooth, or by tinkering with your Wi-Fi settings, you can set up a wireless hotspot to share with up to eight devices at once.

USB tethering with an Android phone

As the name suggests, tethering means attaching your smartphone and another device via some form of connection - in this instance the USB cable supplied with your handset. The phone then acts like a modem, sharing its 3G connection with the laptop.

How to tether an Android phone with USB:

1. Connect the laptop and phone with your USB cable
2. On your phone, open the Settings application
3. Select the Wireless & networks option from the list
4. Place a tick beside USB tethering
5. To stop tethering, “untick” the option or disconnect the USB cable

Tethering with a USB cable has one main advantage over the other methods - it won’t drain your phone’s battery like Bluetooth tethering or creating a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. In addition, the USB connection will act as a phone charger - but remember, Tolga, if you’re not plugged into the mains, your laptop battery will suffer.

Bluetooth tethering with an Android phone

When you don’t have a USB cable to hand, tethering via Bluetooth provides another way to share your phone’s 3G connection with a compatible device. However, your laptop will need the ability to connect via Bluetooth.

Simply pair your phone with the laptop, then configure the computer to obtain its connection via Bluetooth. Don’t forget, though, that your phone’s battery power will deplete much faster when Bluetooth is switched on.

How to tether an Android phone with Bluetooth

1. Switch on you phone’s Bluetooth and pair it with your laptop
2. Configure the computer’s network settings to connect via Bluetooth
3. Open the phone’s Settings application
4. Select the Wireless & networks option from the list
5. Place a tick beside Bluetooth tethering
6. To stop tethering, “untick” the option or turn Bluetooth off

How do I create my own wireless hotspot?

More recent 3G mobiles, such as the Apple iPhone 4S and Android handsets like the HTC Sensation and Samsung Galaxy S II, allow you to turn your phone into a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. You can then connect to your phone’s internet - wherever you decide to go - with a laptop, iPad or other compatible device.

Creating a wireless hotspot with an Android phone

The following five steps explain how to create a portable wireless hotspot on a Google Android handset running version 2.2 (Froyo) or above. To find out which version of Android you are using, go to Settings > About phone > Software information.

To create your own wireless hotspot:

1. Select the Settings menu from the home screen
2. Find the Wireless & networks option, then tick its Portable Wi-Fi hotspot box
3. Now enter Portable Wi-Fi hotspot settings to obtain your password
4. On your device, select the Android phone’s hotspot from the list of available networks
5. When you try to connect, you’ll be asked to enter the password

You can now use your laptop - or up to eight compatible devices - to surf the internet using your handset’s 3G connection.

But remember, your phone battery will suffer when Wi-Fi is turned on, just like when you use Bluetooth for tethering.

What do I need for tethering?

As well as your Android phone and compatible laptop, you’ll need to be with a 3G network provider - and you’ll get faster more reliable internet when you’re receiving a stronger 3G signal. An online mobile coverage checker, which most networks provide, will help you find out what signal strength you’re likely to get at home and in other places you’ll be using your phone - like at work or down the pub. Before signing a contract, it’s a good idea to find the cheapest deals by comparing offers from multiple networks online.

Is it the best option for me?

Whether tethering a 3G connection makes a suitable alternative to mobile broadband completely depends on how you use the internet. Mobile internet allowances are usually 500MB or 1GB at most, so you could quickly reach the limit once you’re sharing the signal with a laptop.

I know you’re looking for a cheap broadband connection, Tolga, but it is sometimes worth paying that little bit more for a service which better meets your needs. If you’re more than just a light, occasional web user, it might be worth investing in a mobile broadband deal.

Mobile broadband

While tethering might allow you to access Wi-Fi without the need for a dongle, these can still be a very good option if you plan to make heavy and frequent use of your mobile internet.

Most phone contracts have a maximum data limit of just 500MB. If you want to go online with your laptop more regularly Tolga, you can get some great value mobile broadband deals for internet on the go, just like when you tether.

With Orange mobile broadband (www.Orange.co.uk), you get 500MB for £10 a month or 1GB for £15 if you want extra bandwidth - but you’ll have to pay £5 for the dongle upfront. If you happen to have an Orange mobile contract, there’s also a £5 monthly discount available.

However, if you were planning to use mobile broadband at home as well as when you’re out and about, you might want a much bigger download allowance. Three mobile broadband (www.Three.co.uk) can offer you 5GB for £15.99 a month, or 15GB for the same price if you sign an 18-month contract.

Fixed home broadband

For much heavier use of the internet, it might be worth investing in a fixed-line broadband package. There a lots of deals which allow frequent or unlimited downloads for just a little bit extra each month. However, remember that even unlimited packages are often still subject to a fair usage policy.

Plusnet broadband (www.Plus.net) will give you a generous 60GB for just £11.49 a month, provided you sign up for 12 months. Meanwhile, TalkTalk (www.Talktalk.co.uk) gives you unlimited usage on a similar 12-month contract for as little as £7.25 a month. Remember, you’ll also be paying for a phone line - though you could make savings by bundling your broadband, TV and home phone with one provider.

Virgin Media (www.Virginmedia.com) was highly commended in the BroadbandChoices.co.uk Awards 2011, for its deals on all three services. If you only wanted phone and broadband, O2 (www.O2.co.uk) was the overall winner.

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