Connect to the internet using your cell phone and laptop computer

Connecting your laptop to the internet using your cell phone can be easy , if you have the right phone, the right cell service provider, and a simple connection cable. You can connect anywhere, anytime, just one button to click.
1 answer

Using USB tethering, wireless hotspot or Bluetooth connection

USB tethering

USB tethering is the best if you are only connecting one device to your phone, and that device has a USB port. If you are connecting multiple devices, or connecting a tablet with no USB port, you will want to use a wireless hotspot.

->Connect your phone to your laptop via the USB cable. You can ignore any pop ups on your computer about browsing files.
->Open your Settings. Either press your Menu button and select Settings, or open the Settings app in the App Drawer.
->Under “Wireless and network”, click “Tethering and portable hotspot”.You may have to click “More Settings” in order to find this option. Different Android systems will be structured in different ways, but the general steps are the same.
-> Check the “USB tethering” box. This will begin sending network data to your laptop. A blue connection icon will appear in your phone’s notification bar. If you are running Windows XP, you will need to download the “tetherxp.inf” file from the Android website. The file will need to be installed when you connect your phone to your computer for the first time.
-> Uncheck the box to stop sharing. You can also disconnect the USB cable to stop sharing.

Create a wireless hotspot

If you need to connect more than one device to your phone’s data plan, you will want to create a wireless hotspot. Be aware that this is less secure than using USB tethering. Also you must be aware that anyone with the password can connect and start using your data.

-> Open your Settings. Either press your Menu button and select Settings, or open the Settings app in the App Drawer.
-> Under “Wireless and network”, click “Tethering and portable hotspot”.You may have to click “More Settings” in order to find this option. Different Android systems will be structured in different ways, but the general steps are the same.
-> Check the box labeled “Portable Wi-Fi hotspot”. Depending on your device, this may be a slider labeled “Mobile Hotspot” or something similar. Slide it to turn it on. Once the device is broadcasting, a blue wireless icon will be added to your phone’s notification bar.
-> Tap the “Portable Wi-Fi hotspot settings” button to configure the name of your wireless network, as well as the security. It is highly recommended that you secure your network to keep unwanted users from accessing the network and draining your data plan.

Bluetooth connection

1)Set up your cellphone's Bluetooth connection so the phone is recognized by your laptop. Enabling your phone's Bluetooth setting allows the phone to send a Bluetooth signal to your laptop long enough for the computer to recognize the signal and find the cellphone.
2) Click "Start," then click "Control Panel."
3) Click on "Printers and Other Hardware," then click "Bluetooth Devices."
4) Click on "Add," then follow the instructions your PC provides.
5) Choose PAN (Personal Area Network).
6) If prompted for a PIN code, try 0000 or 1234 and enter it on both the mobile device when prompted and your computer.

Macbook laptop
1) Set up your cellphone's Bluetooth connection
2) Open the "Applications" folder, click on "Utilities," then click on "Bluetooth Setup Assistant."
3) Choose the "Mobile Phone" device option.
4) Follow the prompts on your laptop and complete the pairing/tethering procedure.