To share a Galaxy phone’s mobile connection over USB, connect the phone to your computer with a data-capable cable, then open Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering and switch on USB tethering. If the switch is missing or greyed out, the phone is usually not detecting a USB cable, so the fixes below start there. Menu names and options vary by carrier, model and software version.
Turn on USB tethering step by step
Samsung’s US connection options guide and its India tethering article both describe the same core path. Samsung’s India article says the USB tethering option appears only after the phone is connected to a PC, so start with the cable.
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- Connect the phone to the computer with a data-capable USB cable and seat both plugs fully.
- Unlock the phone and open Settings.
- Tap Connections.
- Tap Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
- Switch on USB tethering.
When this works, the computer should register a new wired network connection and begin using the phone’s mobile data. If it does not, work through the sections below rather than repeating the steps.
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Choose a cable that fits both devices
Samsung’s US instructions list three connector combinations. No single cable is correct for every Galaxy model, so match the ends to your phone’s port and your computer’s port.
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- Type-C to Type-C: both the phone and the computer use USB-C.
- Type-A to Type-C: the computer has a standard rectangular USB port and the phone uses USB-C.
- Type-A to Micro-USB: the phone is an older model with a Micro-USB port.
A cable that only charges will not carry tethered traffic, so use a cable known to transfer data. Samsung recommends a high-quality cable, as set out in its USB cable connection troubleshooting page.
Why USB tethering is greyed out or missing
Samsung’s US guidance states the rule plainly: “The USB tethering menu is inaccessible when no USB cable is detected or the OTG adapter is connected to the device, sharing its connection.” Most cases fall into one of the three situations below.
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The phone does not detect the cable
- Unplug the cable at both ends and reconnect it until both plugs sit fully home.
- Check that the cable carries data. If the phone still does not detect it, try another high-quality cable that fits both devices.
- Return to the menu and check again.
An OTG adapter is in use
An OTG adapter plugged into the phone that is sharing its connection can make the tethering menu inaccessible. Remove the adapter, connect a standard cable directly between the phone and the computer, and check the menu again.
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If the phone reports moisture, or the port or cable looks damaged, stop using the affected cable or port. Samsung’s support pages direct you to its service guidance for port problems, since diagnosing hardware faults goes beyond what a cable swap can fix.
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The phone is charging but the computer has no internet
A charging connection only means power is flowing. It does not confirm that tethering is active or that the phone has a working data connection to share. Check these in order.
Confirm the phone has working mobile data
Load a web page on the phone itself before troubleshooting the computer. If the phone cannot reach the internet, check the SIM and your carrier service. Samsung’s troubleshooting page recommends testing the SIM as a first step.
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Check the tethering allowance
Samsung’s US Mobile Hotspot and Tethering troubleshooting page notes that tethering data can be separate from ordinary mobile data. A phone can therefore browse normally while its tethering allowance is used up. Plan rules differ between carriers, so confirm your tethering allowance and remaining data with your provider.
Confirm the tethering switch and the USB mode
Samsung says that starting with One UI 8.0 the default USB connection mode is Charging phone only. Its USB connection mode page explains how to change the mode for file transfer or Android Auto. That page describes a separate function. Samsung does not document a file-transfer mode as a requirement for tethering, so do not change the mode as a fix. Confirm that USB tethering is switched on under Mobile Hotspot and Tethering, which is the control that governs sharing.
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Restart and reconnect
Samsung’s USB troubleshooting guidance recommends restarting both connected devices and then reconnecting the cable. Run this step after the checks above, not before, so you know which fault you are clearing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Alternatives when a cable is not practical
Samsung’s US connection guide describes several ways to share a connection. USB tethering is the wired option covered in this article. The table compares the alternatives Samsung lists.
Quick Recap
| Method | Connection | Extra item needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB tethering | Wired USB from phone to computer | Data-capable USB cable | The method covered in the steps above. |
| Bluetooth tethering | Bluetooth pairing | Paired Bluetooth device; no cable | Samsung lists it as an alternative. Samsung’s pages reviewed for this article give no speed or battery figures for it. |
| Mobile Hotspot | Wi-Fi network | Wi-Fi-capable device | Carrier plan rules and battery and data use may apply. |
| Ethernet tethering | Wired Ethernet connection from the phone | Model-compatible USB-to-Ethernet adapter and Ethernet cable; the computer needs an Ethernet port or adapter | Optional. Not needed for USB tethering. |
Regional and model caveats
- Windows 7 (Samsung India): Samsung’s India article, last updated September 25, 2024, says no PC driver installation is required for USB tethering on Windows 7. That detail is dated and region-specific. It is not a statement about current Windows versions.
- Carrier plans (Samsung Singapore): Samsung’s Singapore hotspot guide says hotspot use requires a tethering plan on the service account and consumes battery and data. Check your own carrier’s terms, because this is regional guidance.
- Menus by model and software: Menu labels and available options differ by carrier, model and software version. If your menu does not match these steps, follow the instructions for your model in Samsung’s support pages.
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