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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →To share your internet connection, first check what connection the source device has and whether it can share it: Windows PCs and Macs can share a network connection, while iPhone Personal Hotspot shares cellular data only. Then choose a method both devices support—usually Wi‑Fi, or Bluetooth or USB tethering where available.
Choose the source connection and sharing method
A computer can share an available Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, or cellular connection, depending on its settings and the method supported by the receiving device. A phone hotspot generally shares the phone’s mobile data; iPhone Personal Hotspot cannot rebroadcast a Wi‑Fi network the iPhone joined. Cellular tethering uses your mobile plan, so check its limits and any fees with your carrier.
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| Source device | Connection it can share | Ways to connect | Important limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 or 11 PC | Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, or cellular | Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth | Sharing cellular data uses that plan. Windows 10 support ended October 14, 2025. Microsoft Support |
| Mac | The connection selected in Internet Sharing | Wi‑Fi or another available output method | Some configurations using the same port as the local network can disrupt network settings. Apple Support |
| iPhone | Cellular data | Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, or a suitable USB cable | Availability, fees, and the number of connected devices depend on carrier and model. Apple Support |
| Android phone | Mobile data | Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, or USB | Carriers may limit tethering or charge extra; Google says Mac computers cannot tether to Android by USB. Google Android Help |
There is no established, like-for-like speed ranking across these methods. Pick based on source connection, compatibility, whether you need a cable, and any cellular-plan restrictions.
Share a Windows PC’s internet connection
Windows 10 and Windows 11 include Mobile hotspot. You can share a Wi‑Fi, Ethernet, or cellular connection over Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth.
#1 Best Overall
- 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 – This compact USB Wi-Fi adapter provides long-range and lag-free connections wherever you are. Upgrade your PCs or laptops to 802.11ac standards which are three times faster than wireless N speeds.
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- Open Settings > Network & internet > Mobile hotspot.
- Under Share my internet connection from, choose the connection the PC should share.
- Under Share over, choose Wi‑Fi or Bluetooth.
- Open Properties and select Edit if you want to change the network name, password, or band.
- Turn on Mobile hotspot.
- On the receiving device, open its Wi‑Fi settings, select the PC’s hotspot, and enter the displayed password. If Windows offers a QR code, you can use that to join instead.
In Windows 11, the Mobile hotspot button in Quick Settings is a shortcut to turn sharing on or off. For more details, see Microsoft’s Mobile hotspot instructions.
Windows 10 support status
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and recommends moving to Windows 11. The Mobile hotspot feature is included in Windows 10, but the end-of-support date matters if you are choosing which PC to rely on.
Rank #2
- AC1300 Dual Band Wi-Fi Adapter for PC, Desktop and Laptop. Archer T3U provides 2.4G/5G strong high speed connection throughout your house.
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- Usb 3.0 provides 10x faster speed than USB 2.0, along with mini and portable size that allows the user to carry the device everywhere.
- World's 1 provider of consumer Wi-Fi for 7 consecutive years - according to IDC Q2 2018 report
- Supports Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP/ Mac OS X 10.9-10.14
Share a Mac’s internet connection
- Open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Sharing.
- Turn on Internet Sharing and click Configure.
- Choose the connection to share, then choose how other devices can access it.
- If Wi‑Fi is the output, set the network name and password, and adjust the channel if needed.
- For Wi‑Fi security, Apple recommends WPA3 Personal when every receiving computer supports it, or WPA2/WPA3 Personal if some support only WPA2.
Apple warns that sharing through the same port used by the local network can, in some cases, affect network settings; it gives a cable-modem setup as an example. If the Mac is on a managed or shared network and you are unsure how its ports are configured, check with the network administrator before enabling an unfamiliar setup. If sharing causes an unexpected disruption, turn Internet Sharing off and review the selected source and output configuration. See Apple’s Internet Sharing guide.
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Turn on Personal Hotspot on an iPhone
- Open Settings > Personal Hotspot.
- Turn on Allow Others to Join, if that option appears. Follow any setup prompt if the feature has not been configured.
- Review or set the Wi‑Fi password on the same screen.
- On the other device, open Wi‑Fi settings, select the iPhone’s device name, and enter the hotspot password. A Mac or Windows computer can also connect through Bluetooth or a suitable USB cable.
For USB tethering to a Windows computer, Apple says Apple Devices or iTunes must be installed. A cable must match the ports on both devices; Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth connections do not require one.
Rank #3
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- Strong 2.4G/5G connection allows the user to use the Internet with lag-free experience.
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- Industry leading support: 2-year and free 24/7 technical support
- This network transceiver supports Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, XP/ Mac OS X 10.9-10.14
Why can’t I see Personal Hotspot?
Make sure Cellular Data is on. If Personal Hotspot still is not offered, Apple advises contacting your carrier to ask whether the feature needs to be added to your plan. Carrier availability, fees, and the maximum number of connected devices vary by carrier and iPhone model. Read Apple’s Personal Hotspot instructions.
Connect using Instant Hotspot
For Apple’s Instant Hotspot feature, Apple lists Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth enabled on both devices and a distance of no more than 30 feet (10 meters). Signing in to the same Apple Account can make connecting faster. A VPN configuration that blocks local networking can interfere with Continuity features. If an iPhone suggests Maximize Compatibility, Apple cautions that enabling it may reduce performance for connected devices.
Rank #4
- Fast 1300Mbps USB WiFi Adapter - Nineplus wifi adapter provides long-range and stable wifi connections,Upgrade your desktop or laptop wifi Technology with our AC1300Mbps usb wireless Adapter. Whether your desktop pc's wifi usb is malfunctioning or you’re looking to upgrade to faster dual-band 5GHz and 2.4GHz speeds, this pc wifi adapter is the ideal choice. It’s a budget-friendly way to extend your device’s life and experience the benefits of modern WiFi technology
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- Compatibility Systems: This Wi-Fi usb adapter is compatible with Windows11/10/8.1/8/7/XP,not supports Mac OS or Chromebook or Linux. Most Windows 11/10 systems will automatically detect and install the drivers. If the system does not detect the driver, you will need to download it from our website. For Windows 7, you will need to manually install the driver for this wifi card.or you go to the website online-setup support,we do online-setup for you.
Share an Android phone’s mobile connection
- Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap Hotspot. If the button is missing, edit Quick Settings to add it.
- Touch and hold Hotspot to configure the network name and password or choose Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, or USB tethering.
- On the other device, open its network settings, select the phone’s hotspot, and enter the password.
Menu names can differ by phone maker; Google notes that some steps apply only to Android 14 and later. Google says a Wi‑Fi hotspot can share mobile data with up to 10 other devices. Carriers may restrict tethering or charge extra. Android USB tethering is not supported for Mac computers, so use Wi‑Fi or another supported method for an Android-to-Mac connection. See Google’s Android hotspot and tethering guide.
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- Wifi 6 High-speed Transmission: The WiFi adapter supports the new generation of WiFi6 technology with transmission speeds of up to 600 Mbps on 5 GHz + 287 Mbps on 2.4 GHz, enabling lightning-fast transmission of video at ultra-high speed and low latency
- Dual-band Connection: The AX900 USB WiFi adapter under the AX standard, the 5G band rate can reach 600Mbps, and the 2.4G band can reach 286Mbps. Note: Use WiFi 6 Router to achieve AX900 speed
- Built-in Drivers for Windows 10/11: The WiFi Adapter for Desktop PC just supports Windows 10/11 which CPU architecture is X86/X64, supports CD-free installation, no need to download drivers, saving time and worry. Please note this Adapter doesn't support MacOS/Linux/Win 8, 8.1, 7, XP
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- Stay Safe Online: The wifi dongle supports WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, WPA/WPA2 mixed encryption modes. Note: Make sure that the distance between the adapter and router should be within 30ft
What to check if a device will not connect
- Windows: Confirm the source connection and sharing method under Settings > Network & internet > Mobile hotspot. Join using the shown password or QR code.
- iPhone: If Personal Hotspot is missing, check that Cellular Data is on, then ask the carrier whether hotspot access is included or needs to be added.
- Android to Mac by cable: Switch to Wi‑Fi or another supported method; Google says USB tethering does not work for Mac computers.
- Mac network disruption: Turn Internet Sharing off and check the selected source and output port configuration.
- Any phone hotspot: Verify that the receiving device supports the chosen connection method and that you have the correct hotspot password.
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