Tethering is a term frequently used by mobile networks and technology websites. But what does it actually mean? How does it work? And can you use it on your smartphone without paying extra?
What is tethering?
Simply put, tethering turns your smartphone into a mobile hotspot or portable Wi-Fi router.
Turning on your phone's tethering feature creates a small, localised wireless internet connection. You can then use this to get online with Wi–Fi–enabled gadgets such as tablets, PCs, and laptops.
What is tethering useful for?
Tethering is very handy when you can’t access Wi-Fi, especially because 4G is every bit as snappy as standard, fixed-line broadband. Findings from our mobile phone statistics study show the UK’s 4G network to have a 95% reliability rating.
Tethering really comes into its own when you need to tinker with work documents and spreadsheets on a device larger than a smartphone. It also works when you want to watch shows on Netflix or BBC iPlayer while you're on the go but don't have a mobile data contract for your tablet.
How tethering works
Most modern smartphones enable tethering via Wi-Fi. However, you can also connect your tablet or laptop via Bluetooth or USB (the latter only works for tablets using Android).
Turning on tethering essentially creates a Wi-Fi hotspot, which will appear in the list of available Wi-Fi networks on your paired device.
Connecting via Wi-Fi gives you faster speeds than Bluetooth, although a USB connection is even quicker.
How to tether on iPhone
Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Personal Hotspot. Then, press the toggle at the top of the screen to turn it on.
On the same screen, you’ll see a password that is required the first time you connect your laptop or tablet to your phone.
You’ll also be given the option to tether your phone via Bluetooth or USB.
Once connected, choose your iPhone from the list of available Wi-Fi networks, enter the password, and you’re good to go.
How to tether on Android
Head into the Settings app, tap Wireless and Networks, and then click the More tab. Here, you’ll find a Tethering and Portable Hotspot option.
Turn it on, and you’ll be able to name your personal hotspot and choose a password.
Make sure you pick the WPA2 security option – this makes it very hard for people to steal your mobile network while out and about.
How does tethering affect battery life?
Tethering can really drain battery life, so only use it when you have easy access to a power source.
However, if you tether via USB, remember your phone will charge up via your laptop or PC. So you’ll be powering up your phone and sharing your connection at the same time.
Tethering cost breakdown
Depending on your contract, some networks don’t allow you to tether your smartphone. And if your network does allow you to tether, there are some pitfalls you need to be aware of.
That's because tethering is often not included in your monthly data allowance, so it can be very expensive.
Tethering uses more data when connecting to laptops and tablets because websites often load in full desktop rather than in pared-back smartphone mode.
How do the costs break down?
We take a look at all the major networks' policy and pricing for tethering.
EE
EE includes tethering as part of its monthly data plans, but it pays to remember that it can use much more data than when browsing the web and using Internet services on your phone.
You can also make calls whilst you're tethering.
Three
Three lets all its new Pay Monthly phone and SIM only customers use tethering (which it calls Personal Hotspot) as part of their plans. If your plan has data limitations, any Personal Hotspot usage time will be included in your monthly allowance.
If you're on an unlimited data deal, you can tether your phone as much as you want at no extra cost.
People on Three’s Essential and Pay As You Go contracts have to pay extra to tether their phones. Bolt-ons are available.
Take a look at our best Three deals
Vodafone
Likewise, Vodafone includes tethering in its contracts as standard and won’t charge you more unless you go over your monthly data allowance.
However, some older contracts may not have tethering as standard. If you’re worried your deal doesn’t include tethering, give Vodafone a call and check before you connect.
O2
O2 suggests its customers should avoid using their phones for tethering, saying it can be a big drain on data and that smartphones are not designed to be used as personal hotspots.
However, the network does allow users to put their data allowance towards tethering, so it can be done if you really need to.
Sky Mobile
Sky Mobile also allows its customers to use tethering as part of their mobile plans, so while it won't cost any extra money, it will use up data. Remember, Sky Mobile is very flexible about data and any data you haven't used at the end of the month is automatically rolled over and stored in your Piggybank.
Check out our Sky Mobile SIM only deals
For more information, check out our mobile guides.
