How to tether (interconnect) cell phone and computer/tablet

This page provides a quick guide on how to tether (interconnect) a mobile phone and a laptop, PC, or tablet. Tethering (sometimes called "Personal Hotspot") will allow to share phone's connection to the Internet (through the cellular data plan) with other computers or devices.

Before using tethering check with your cell phone provider to make sure your cellular plans allows and supports tethering and if there will be any additional usage charges, etc.

iPhone (Wi-Fi) | iPhone (USB) | Galaxy S III (Wi-Fi)

iPhone (through Wi-Fi connection)

To share iPhone cellular connection to the Internet enable Personal Hotspot:

Tap Settings
Select Personal Hotspot
To turn on Personal Hotspot slide the Personal Hotspot switch into the ON position
To set up password tap on Wi-Fi Password. When completed, tap Done

Wi-Fi hotspot is now operational. The name of the Wi-Fi network is the same as the iPhone name. You can check and if required change the name using Settings -> General -> About -> Name.

Connect your PC or tablet to the iPhone Wi-Fi network. When there is an active connection iPhone displays a banner message, for example, Personal Hotspot: 1 Connection.

To turn off Personal Hotspot:

Tap Settings
Select Personal Hotspot
Slide the Personal Hotspot switch into the OFF position

iPhone (through USB connection)

Note: iTunes have to be installed on the computer to support iPhone tethering through USB connection.

To turn on Personal Hotspot follow the steps described above. Connect iPhone to the computer with a USB cable.
When there is an active connection iPhone will display a banner message, for example, Personal Hotspot: 1 Connection.

To turn off Personal Hotspot follow the steps described above.

Galaxy S III (through Wi-Fi connection)

To turn on portable Wi-Fi hotspot:

Tap Settings
Scroll to the Wireless and networks section and tap More settings
Tap Tethering and portable hotspot
Switch Portable Wi-Fi hotspot switch into the ON position. A warning message will be displayed, tap OK to continue.
To find more details about Wi-Fi network name and password tap Portable Wi-Fi hotspot. If you want to change network name, password, or security settings tap Configure at the bottom of the screen. Available security options are Open, WPA PSK, WPA2 PSK
Tap on Allowed device list to restrict access to the hotspot by MAC address. By default all devices are allowed to connect

Connect your PC or tablet to the phone Wi-Fi network. When there are active connections phone displays a list of connected devices.

To turn off portable Wi-Fi hotspot:

Tap Settings
Scroll to the Wireless and networks section and tap More settings
Tap Tethering and portable hotspot
Switch Portable Wi-Fi hotspot switch into the OFF position