# USB tethering on Android

> How to share an Android phone's mobile data with a computer over a USB cable, with the menu paths on Pixel, Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei.

USB tethering lets an Android phone share its mobile data connection with a computer over a USB cable; the computer sees the phone as a wired network adapter. It is useful when a PC has no working network driver, because Windows 10 and 11 include a generic driver (RNDIS) for this connection.

## Where the switch is

Pixel and most phones close to stock Android: Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > USB tethering.

Samsung Galaxy (One UI): Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering > USB tethering.

Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO (MIUI and HyperOS): Settings > Connection & sharing > USB tethering; on some versions under Portable hotspot or More connectivity options.

Huawei (EMUI): Settings > Mobile network > Tethering & portable hotspot > USB tethering.

Menu names change between versions; the settings search box finds 'USB tethering' on all of them.

## Requirements

A data-capable USB cable (some charging cables carry power only), mobile data turned on, and a carrier plan that allows tethering. The switch stays grey until the cable is connected.

## Rescuing a PC without network drivers

After a clean Windows install the Wi-Fi or Ethernet driver may be missing. USB tethering gives the PC internet through the generic driver, so Windows Update can then download the missing drivers.

## How to turn on USB tethering

1. Connect the phone to the computer with a data USB cable.
2. On the phone, open Settings and search for 'USB tethering'.
3. Turn on USB tethering.
4. On the PC, wait until a new network connection appears, then open a website to test.

## Cautions

- Tethering uses your mobile data allowance; Windows Update can download several gigabytes.
- If the switch stays grey, try another cable or USB port.

## Sources

- [Share a mobile connection by hotspot or tethering on Android (Android Help)](https://support.google.com/android/answer/9059108)
- [Share a mobile connection by tethering or hotspot on Pixel (Pixel Help)](https://support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/2812516)

Last updated: 2026-10-08
URL: https://raincleaner.eu/wiki/android/usb-tethering