{"id":230,"date":"2021-09-25T13:15:24","date_gmt":"2021-09-25T13:15:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/?p=230"},"modified":"2021-09-25T17:46:34","modified_gmt":"2021-09-25T17:46:34","slug":"what-is-usb-tethering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/what-is-usb-tethering\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is USB Tethering? (Explained For Beginners)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Are you going somewhere that you know won\u2019t have Wifi? USB tethering may be your solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My library\u2019s internet service has recently become very unstable. So, after a bit of research, I set up USB tethering instead. Let\u2019s look at what this is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6601aa1099d9a\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6601aa1099d9a\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/what-is-usb-tethering\/#What_Is_USB_Tethering\" title=\"What Is USB Tethering?\">What Is USB Tethering?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/what-is-usb-tethering\/#Some_Disadvantages_Of_USB_Tethering\" title=\"Some Disadvantages Of USB Tethering\">Some Disadvantages Of USB Tethering<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/what-is-usb-tethering\/#Other_Types_Of_Tethering\" title=\"Other Types Of Tethering\">Other Types Of Tethering<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/what-is-usb-tethering\/#How_To_Set_Up_USB_Tethering_On_Your_Phone\" title=\"How To Set Up USB Tethering On Your Phone\">How To Set Up USB Tethering On Your Phone<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/what-is-usb-tethering\/#How_Much_Does_It_Cost\" title=\"How Much Does It Cost?\">How Much Does It Cost?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_USB_Tethering\"><\/span>What Is USB Tethering?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>USB tethering involves connecting two devices with a USB cable in order to let them share an internet connection.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The most common scenario is connecting a laptop to a cell phone via USB. This means that the phone\u2019s internet connection can be used to browse online with the laptop.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"427\" height=\"304\" src=\"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/usb_cables.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-231\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/usb_cables.jpg 427w, https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/usb_cables-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 427px) 100vw, 427px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Saving your phone battery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One big advantage over wireless tethering is that the USB cable powers the phone from the laptop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This keeps the phone battery from draining as fast as it would with other methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Better security<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another advantage over wireless is that USB tethering is more secure than using an internet hotspot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your data is passed between laptop and phone through a cable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Some_Disadvantages_Of_USB_Tethering\"><\/span>Some Disadvantages Of USB Tethering<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you rush to set up USB tethering, here are the main disadvantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Limited phone use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You usually can\u2019t use your cell phone to make and receive calls while you\u2019re using it for USB tethering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Extra configuration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Using a wifi hotspot is usually a simple matter of a few taps on your screen to connect. But using USB tethering may require extra configuration on your phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, some phones now have the feature built-in and ready to go. Samsung is an example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Limited devices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike Wifi, not all devices have a USB connection. For example, many tablets don\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aside from that, you can only tether one device at a time. If you\u2019re with a friend, you can\u2019t share the USB connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Be careful of thieves<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to the cable, the laptop has to be within a short distance of your phone. That usually isn\u2019t the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The issue comes from keeping the phone on a table as you tap away on your laptop. It can be a target for snatching by a passer by.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Other_Types_Of_Tethering\"><\/span>Other Types Of Tethering<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve mentioned Wifi a few times, so let\u2019s consider your other options for tethering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Wifi tethering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The advantage is that the use of a Wifi connection is already configured on most electronic devices. So, you won\u2019t have to mess around with extra software or set-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You also don\u2019t have the short-distance limitation of a USB cable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nor do you have something to accidentally knock out of a connection port as you lean over for your mug of coffee!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, wifi tethering is less secure than using a cable as you\u2019re sending data to travel through the air. There will usually be extra security precautions built into the software, but it is still more available for capture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bluetooth tethering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This has the same advantages as Wifi when it comes to distance and not needing a cable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, Bluetooth usually needs as much configuration and set-up as a USB connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you spent many annoying minutes trying to get a new bluetooth device recognized by your laptop?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve felt like hurling fancy new headphones at the wall! Before I eventually realized that there was an extra switch to turn on (whoops, my bad!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But here\u2019s the bad news. USB tethering can be just as finicky with setting up. Read on for how to get this enabled on your phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_To_Set_Up_USB_Tethering_On_Your_Phone\"><\/span>How To Set Up USB Tethering On Your Phone<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I have a Samsung but the details will be similar for other phones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may need to use the USB cable that came with your phone. I couldn\u2019t get this to work with a different cable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the steps I followed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol type=\"1\"><li>Connect the phone and the laptop via your USB cable.<\/li><li>Turn on mobile data usage on your phone.<\/li><li>Open your phone connection settings and find the option for Mobile Tethering.<\/li><li>Enable mobile tethering<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>You shouldn\u2019t have to install any software or drivers on your laptop to get this to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Does_It_Cost\"><\/span>How Much Does It Cost?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The costs largely depend on whether you use Wifi or your cellular data plan. But you may not be sure which option is in use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/does-usb-tethering-use-hotspot-or-cellular-data\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"240\">whether your USB tethering uses Wifi, a Mobile Hotspot or a cellular connection<\/a>. We have lots of advice on how to ensure you get what you want.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you going somewhere that you know won\u2019t have Wifi? USB tethering may be your solution. My library\u2019s internet service has recently become very unstable. So, after a bit of research, I set up USB tethering instead. Let\u2019s look at what this is. What Is USB Tethering? USB tethering involves connecting two devices with a &#8230; <a title=\"What Is USB Tethering? (Explained For Beginners)\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/what-is-usb-tethering\/\" aria-label=\"More on What Is USB Tethering? (Explained For Beginners)\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/230"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=230"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/230\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":243,"href":"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/230\/revisions\/243"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=230"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=230"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bandittracker.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=230"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}