How to Set Up USB Tethering on Windows 11

 

This article describes how to connect your Windows 11 device to your iPhone or Android’s internet connection using the USB tethering feature. You’ll find detailed steps for enabling tethering on mobile devices and several tips for what to do when the internet connection isn’t working correctly.

How to Enable USB Tethering on Windows 11

Here’s what you need to do to enable USB tethering on your smartphone to access its internet connection on your Windows 11 laptop, computer, tablet, or two-in-one device such as a Microsoft Surface.

Turn off Wi-Fi on your computer so it won’t connect to any other networks. The fastest way to do this is to select the Wi-Fi icon from the taskbar. Another way is through Settings > Network & internet

 

 

 

Plug your smartphone into your Windows 11 device via a compatible USB cable.

Turn on your iPhone's hotspot if your PC will be using its internet connection: Go to Settings > Cellular > Personal Hotspot, or Settings > Personal Hotspot. Then, toggle on Allow Others to Join. 

 

The steps to enable an Android hotspot are a little different: Go to Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering. Toggle on USB tethering. 

 

 

For Android, the exact phrasing of the menu items differ between devices and operating systems, but it should still be easy to find. Search through Settings for hotspot if you're having trouble.

The Ethernet icon should appear in the taskbar, near the clock, once the connection is made. You can also check the USB tethering is working properly by opening Settings > Network & internet. 

 

 

Windows 11 doesn’t have an icon or switch for Ethernet and wired internet connections in the Action Center like it does for Wi-Fi.

USB Tethering Requirements

Sharing your phone's internet via USB tethering is a feature supported by Windows, iOS, and Android devices for a long while now, so it’s likely that your devices support it.

Here's what you need to make it work:

• An active internet connection on your smartphone. Your regular 4G or 5G mobile service should be fine.
• A compatible USB cable. The USB charging cable supplied with your smartphone should work.
• A USB port on your PC. You may need to unplug a mouse or keyboard to free up a USB port if you don’t have any spare ones.

Windows 11 USB Tethering Tips and Fixes

If you’re having trouble getting USB tethering to work properly in Windows 11, there are several things you can try.

• Connect your iPhone to your Windows 11 computer. Download iTunes to your computer and open it while your iPhone is connected. Follow the instructions on-screen to connect your devices. You'll need to do this even if you’ve previously made the connection in an older version of Windows.
• Open iTunes. Sometimes opening the iTunes app on your Windows 11 device can trigger the connection to an iPhone if it’s not being detected.
• Edit Android's USB preferences. Go to Settings > Connected devices > USB, and make sure USB tethering is chosen. This won't work if a different option is selected.
• Update the operating system on both devices. Updating Windows 11, Android, and iOS can fix a host of problems and bugs.
• Update your drivers in Windows 11. Manually updating Windows drivers has been known to fix USB tethering issues.
• Use the Wi-Fi hotspot option. If you can’t get the USB tethering to work in Windows 11, try using the smartphone as a Wi-Fi hotspot.

How to Connect a Hotspot to a Laptop

FAQ

• How do I use USB tethering on Windows 10?

  To set up and use USB tethering in Windows 10, connect your iPhone or Android phone to your Windows 10 device with a USB cable. On an iPhone, turn on your Personal Hotspot; on an Android, turn on USB Tethering. Go to your Windows 10 device's Network and Internet settings to verify the connection.

• How do I increase my USB tethering internet speed?

  To increase your USB tethering internet speed, try keeping your phone as still as possible to create a more stable internet connection. Also, use a metered connection with a data limit, make sure you're using the latest USB generation, and use a manufacturer-recommended USB cable.

• How do I use USB tethering on a PS4?

  Connect your Android phone directly to your PS4 via a USB cable. To change how your PS4 detects your Android device, choose Mass Storage Device instead of Media Device to allow USB tethering.

   

  
   

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