Need to connect your laptop on the go but there’s no WiFi? With mobile tethering, your smartphone becomes a personal internet hub. Whether you’re traveling or working remotely, tethering is a practical way to stay online fast, secure, and with no additional equipment required.
This article explains what is tethering, how it works, its pros and cons, and when it’s better to use other solutions like Pocket WiFi or a global eSIM plan.
What is tethering?
Tethering is the act of sharing your smartphone’s mobile data connection with other devices. This turns your phone into a portable access point, giving internet access to your laptop, tablet, or even another phone all without needing a router or external device.
It’s an easy and flexible option for getting online when you’re away from home or without access to traditional WiFi.
What are the different types of tethering?
Depending on your needs and the devices you’re using, you can tether in different ways:
- WiFi tethering (Mobile hotspot): Your phone creates a private WiFi network for other devices to join.
- Bluetooth tethering: Shares internet via Bluetooth more battery-efficient, but slower.
- USB tethering: A physical connection via a USB cable, offering the most stable and fast performance.
Each method has pros and cons depending on speed, battery consumption, and convenience.
How does tethering work?
Here’s a simplified breakdown of how tethering works:
- Your smartphone connects to a mobile data network (e.g., 4G or 5G).
- You enable tethering via WiFi, Bluetooth, or USB.
- The connected device uses your phone’s mobile data as its own internet connection.
That’s it no extra apps or hardware needed. However, the effectiveness of tethering depends on your data allowance, signal strength, and whether your mobile carrier allows it.
Tethering vs. hotspot: what’s the difference and which one is better?
The terms tethering and mobile hotspot are often used interchangeably, but there’s a subtle difference:
- Tethering is the general term for sharing mobile data.
- Hotspot usually refers to WiFi-based sharing.
In practice, WiFi tethering (mobile hotspot) is the most common form. It’s ideal when you need to connect multiple devices quickly and wirelessly. Meanwhile, USB or Bluetooth tethering may be better for single-device connections or saving battery.
What are the pros and cons of tethering?
Advantages of tethering
- No extra devices needed: Everything is built into your smartphone.
- Quick setup: Just a few taps, and you’re online.
- Private and secure: You control who connects, and the network is encrypted.
- Great for emergencies: Perfect when there’s no WiFi around.
Disadvantages of Tethering
- Battery drain: Tethering can significantly shorten your phone’s battery life, especially on WiFi.
- High data usage: Streaming, downloading, or video calling on tethered devices can quickly eat up your data.
- Possible limitations: Some carriers limit or throttle tethering speeds or charge extra.
- Limited connectivity: Most phones only allow 1 to 5 connected devices at a time.
How to set up tethering on your phone?
Tethering is simple here’s how to do it on iPhone and Android.
Tethering on iPhone
- Open Settings > Personal Hotspot.
- Tap Allow Others to Join.
- Set a secure password and connect from other devices via WiFi, USB, or Bluetooth.
Tethering on Android
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Hotspot & Tethering.
- Choose your tethering method (WiFi, USB, or Bluetooth).
- Customize your hotspot name and password as needed.
Always check with your carrier to make sure your plan includes tethering.
What are the alternatives to mobile tethering?
While tethering is convenient, it’s not always the best choice for every situation. If you’re planning to travel or stay connected across multiple devices for long hours, consider these alternatives:
- Pocket WiFi
A small, portable router that creates a personal WiFi hotspot using its own SIM card. Perfect for sharing data across multiple devices especially when traveling in groups.
Learn more: pocket wifi
Orange Travel eSIM World
For hassle-free international connectivity, global esim from Orange Travel is a smart and flexible solution.
It works just like a physical SIM but is installed digitally with no need to remove your main SIM card. You can activate it before your trip and enjoy local rates in multiple countries.
- Local SIM cards
Great if you’re staying in one country for a while. They often offer affordable data plans but your phone must be unlocked.
- Public WiFi
Available in cafés, hotels, and airports, but often slow and unsecured.
So, what is tethering? It’s a simple way to share your phone’s mobile data with other devices, offering a quick, secure internet connection when you’re on the move.
Tethering is best when:
- You need short-term access on one or two devices.
- You want a fast, secure connection without carrying extra gear.
- You’re in a location without public WiFi.
