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Samsung

Samsung: Turn USB Tethering On or Off

If your laptop or PC does not pick up an internet connection after you plug in your Samsung phone, USB tethering is probably still switched off. This feature routes your mobile data through the USB cable instead of Wi-Fi, which helps when public Wi-Fi is blocked, slow, or unavailable. Without the toggle enabled, the computer detects the cable but never actually goes online.

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Step 1 of 4: Tap on **Settings**

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Android 11 · One UI 3
Turn USB Tethering On or Off – One UI 3: step 1 – Tap on Settings
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Samsung

Turn USB Tethering On or Off auf Samsung

USB tethering lets a Samsung phone or tablet share its mobile data connection with a computer through a physical USB cable. Unlike a Wi-Fi hotspot, the connection stays wired, so it works even when Wi-Fi is disabled by a network policy or simply unreliable.

The setting sits inside the same menu as Mobile Hotspot, but it only activates once the device is actually connected to a computer by USB. Plugging in the cable alone is not enough if the toggle itself is off.

Where to find USB tethering

Tap on SettingsTap on ConnectionsTap on Mobile Hotspot and TetheringEnable or disable USB tethering

Once enabled, the connected computer should recognize a new network adapter and route its traffic through your phone's mobile data plan.

Turn the toggle off again after you finish sharing the connection. Leaving USB tethering on drains the battery faster, even without an active USB link, since the phone keeps the network interface ready.

If you only need internet on other phones or a laptop without a cable, a Wi-Fi hotspot is usually the better option. USB tethering makes more sense when Wi-Fi is restricted, unstable, or when you want to keep the connection wired for stability.

Frequently asked questions

Check that USB tethering is actually switched on under SettingsConnectionsMobile Hotspot and Tethering. The cable alone only charges the phone; the toggle has to be active for the data connection to pass through.

Compatible devices

Tap your device — opens its hub with matching guides.

Android 11 · One UI 3

No compatible devices are listed for this version.