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To connect a phone hotspot to a computer by USB, use USB tethering on Android or Personal Hotspot on iPhone. Android-to-Windows and iPhone-to-Windows/Mac are supported by the guidance below; Google says Android phones cannot tether to a Mac over USB. Your phone shares its cellular connection, so carrier support, plan limits, and fees may apply.
First, check your phone and computer combination
| Phone and computer | What to do | Important requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Android to Windows PC | Connect by USB, then turn on USB tethering in the phone’s hotspot or tethering controls. | Menu names vary by Android version and manufacturer. Google notes some steps apply only to Android 14 and later. |
| iPhone to Windows PC | Turn on Personal Hotspot, connect by USB, and approve any trust or accessory prompts. | Install Apple Devices or iTunes for Windows. |
| iPhone to Mac | Turn on Personal Hotspot, connect by USB, and approve any prompts. | If it does not connect, check that the iPhone appears in Finder or iTunes and in Network settings as an iPhone USB service. |
| Android to Mac | Use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth tethering instead, where available. | Google’s Android Help says Mac computers cannot tether with Android by USB. |
Connect an Android phone to a Windows PC
- Connect the phone and PC with a USB cable that fits both devices. A notification may appear on the phone.
- Open the phone’s hotspot or tethering controls. On many phones, swipe down from the top of the screen, then touch and hold Hotspot.
- Turn on USB tethering. Depending on your phone, the control may be under a menu such as Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering; wording and paths differ by manufacturer and Android version.
- Wait for Windows to establish the connection, then try opening a webpage. If the computer remains offline, try another USB port or a cable that supports data, and temporarily disconnect the PC from other networks.
On a Xiaomi phone, the documented route is Settings > Portable hotspot > USB tethering. Follow any prompt that appears on the PC.
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Connect an iPhone to a Windows PC
- On the iPhone, open Settings > Personal Hotspot or Settings > Mobile > Personal Hotspot, then turn on Allow Others to Join.
- Install the latest Apple Devices app or iTunes for Windows.
- Connect the iPhone to the PC with a cable that matches the ports on both devices.
- If Windows asks to allow the accessory, approve it. If the iPhone asks whether to trust the computer, tap Trust.
- Give Windows a moment to connect, then check whether the PC can reach the internet.
Connect an iPhone to a Mac
- On the iPhone, open Settings > Personal Hotspot or Settings > Mobile > Personal Hotspot and enable Allow Others to Join.
- Connect the iPhone and Mac with a cable that fits both devices.
- Tap Trust This Computer on the iPhone if asked. On the Mac, allow the accessory to connect if prompted.
- Wait for the Mac to connect and test internet access.
Why Android-to-Mac USB tethering will not work
Google’s Android Help explicitly states that “Mac computers can’t tether with Android by USB.” If your phone is Android and your computer is a Mac, choose Wi-Fi or Bluetooth tethering instead, if your devices support it. Android supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB tethering on most phones, but availability and settings can vary.
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Fix a USB hotspot that will not connect
- Check the phone’s connection and plan. Confirm the phone itself can access the internet and that cellular data is on. If Personal Hotspot is unavailable on iPhone, Apple advises checking with your carrier that the feature is supported by your plan.
- Confirm tethering is enabled. Android requires USB tethering to be switched on after connecting the cable. On iPhone, Personal Hotspot and Allow Others to Join must be enabled.
- Check the cable and port. Use a cable with connectors that fit both devices and that can carry data, not just charge. Try another cable or USB port if the connection does not appear.
- Handle approval prompts. Accept the iPhone trust prompt or computer accessory prompt when shown. For iPhone and Windows, make sure Apple Devices or iTunes is installed.
- Check whether another network is interfering. If the computer shows a connection but cannot load pages, temporarily disconnect it from other network connections. Check whether the phone can open the same site.
- For iPhone and Mac, verify the USB network service. Update macOS, then confirm the iPhone appears in Finder or iTunes. Open System Settings > Network and look for iPhone USB. If it is absent, add the iPhone USB network service; if it is present, Apple advises toggling the service inactive and active.
- Restart or update if basic checks fail. Apple also suggests restarting both devices and updating their software. Resetting network settings is a more disruptive option: it clears saved Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, VPN, and APN settings.
Remember cellular data and turn tethering off afterward
USB tethering shares the phone’s cellular connection, so computer activity uses cellular data. Carrier support, data allowances, and possible fees depend on your carrier and plan. When you finish, turn off tethering or Personal Hotspot; a computer may connect through an iPhone’s Personal Hotspot while the phone is plugged in to charge if the feature remains enabled.
Quick Recap
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