How to Share Internet Between a Windows Computer and an iPhone/Android Phone

Updated: July 8, 2024

When you find your cellphone running out of roaming data and you still need to do something online on your phone, if you have a connected computer nearby, there are a few ways to save some money on mobile data. This article will share several methods to share the Internet between a Windows Computer and an iPhone or Android phone. Below are the detailed steps:

1. Using Wi-Fi Hotspot
2. Using USB Tethering (Android Only)
3. Using Bluetooth Tethering

Method 1: Using Wi-Fi Hotspot

1. Using Windows PC as a Hotspot

Set Up Mobile Hotspot on Your Computer

Step 1Open "Settings".

Step 2Select "Network & Internet".

Step 3Click on "Mobile hotspot".

Step 4Choose the network connection to share (e.g., Ethernet or Wi-Fi).

Step 5Configure the network name and password.

2. Connect Phone to Hotspot

Step 1On your iPhone or Android phone, open Wi-Fi settings.

Step 2Search for and connect to the Wi-Fi hotspot created by your PC.

Step 3Enter the password and connect.

2. Using Phone as a Hotspot

Turn On Personal Hotspot(For iPhone)

Step 1Open "Settings".

Step 2Tap on "Personal Hotspot".

Step 3Turn on "Allow Others to Join" and note the network name and password..

Turn On Mobile Hotspot(For Android Phone)

Step 1Open "Settings".

Step 2Tap on "Connections & sharing".

Step 3Select "Hotspot & tethering" or "Personal Hotspot".

Step 4Configure the network name and password.

2. Connect PC to Hotspot

Step 1On your Windows PC, click the Wi-Fi icon in the taskbar.

Step 2Search for and connect to the Phone's hotspot.

Step 3Enter the password and connect.

Pros and Cons:

Pros: Suitable for multiple devices, easy to set up.
Cons: Speed can be affected by interference and distance.

Method 2: Using USB Tethering (Android Only)

Connect Phone to PC:

Use a USB/Type-C cable to connect your Android phone to your Windows PC.

Enable USB Tethering:

Turn on the "USB tethering" switch on your Android phone.

Use PC's Internet:

The PC will automatically detect the phone's USB connection and share the Internet.

Pros and Cons:

Pros: Fast and stable, unaffected by wireless interference.
Cons: Requires a USB cable, reducing device mobility.

Method 3: Using Bluetooth Tethering

1. Pair Devices:

Step 1Turn on Bluetooth on both your Windows PC and your phone.

Step 2On the PC, go to Bluetooth settings, search for and pair with your phone.

2. Set Up Bluetooth Tethering:

Step 1On the Windows PC, go to "Settings" > "Devices" > "Bluetooth & other devices".

Step 2Select your phone and click "Connect".

3. Enable Bluetooth Tethering:

Step 1On your phone, open "Settings" > "Connections & Sharing" > "Personal Hotspot".

Step 2Turn on the "Bluetooth tethering" switch.

4. Use Shared Internet:

Once the Bluetooth connection is established between the PC and the phone, the phone will use the PC's Internet.

Pros and Cons:

Pros: Suitable for low-bandwidth needs, easy to set up.
Cons: Slow speeds, not suitable for high-bandwidth apppcations.

Comparison Summary

Wi-Fi hotspot is good for sharing Internet with multiple devices where speed is not a top priority. Wi-Fi 5 and above can provide relatively fast speeds, USB tethering is best for single-device connections where speed and stability are crucial. Generally the fastest and most stable method, bluetooth tethering is best for temporary, low-bandwidth needs. Speeds are slower, but it's easy to set up. For the fastest and most stable Internet haring, USB tethering is the best choice. For sharing with multiple devices and moderate speed needs, Wi-Fi hotspot is a good option. For temporary, low-speed needs, bluetooth tethering can be sufficient.

This post mainly share some methods on Internet sharing between phone and computer, using these methods, you can share the Internet between a Windows PC and an iPhone or Android phone. Choose the method that best suits your devices and needs.