No ropes or goats are involved. Tethering is the smart new way to turn your phone into a portable Wi-Fi hotspot and connect any device to the internet.
The word tether, meaning “rope” or “chain”, is actually used to describe linking one device to another in the tech world. Essentially, tethering is a smart way to turn your phone into a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. Meaning you can connect any device to the internet, even when you’re not in a Wi-Fi zone.
How it works
Sounds great, right? So now you’ll want to know how to tether an iPhone or Android device when you’re next stuck in a spot without internet…
Your 4G smartphone should have a mobile hotspot function which means it gives off a wireless signal. Once it’s turned on, your phone will work as a pocket router and will be ready to link to your tablet, laptop, e-book or any other device that you need.
You can also use a USB cable but if you’ve left yours in your other jacket, go unplugged. It’s really easy!
How to get tethering (iPhone or android)
Not every network lets you tether – but Plusnet does. Here’s how you can tether iPhone or Android devices.
With cable:
1. Connect your phone to a laptop or device using the USB cable.
2. Open the Settings app.
3. Choose ‘More’, followed by ‘Tethering & Mobile Hotspot’.
4. Check the box for the right device.
5. Voila! The connection is now activated.
Without cable:
1. On your phone or tablet, get your hotspot's network name and password.
2. Open your device's Settings app. Under Wireless & Networks, tap ‘More’, followed by ‘Tethering & Mobile Hotspot’.
3. Tap ‘Setup Wi-Fi Hotspot’ then ‘Show Password’. See the network name and password.
4. On the other device, connect to your hotspot.
5. Open that device's list of Wi-Fi options. On that list, select the hotspot network name.
6. Enter the hotspot password to connect.
When to use mobile tethering
Tethering really comes into its own in summer, when you want to be outdoors but need to stay connected via laptop or tablet. It’s also particularly useful if you are working but you have a poor connection or are out of Wi-Fi range.
A word of warning – tethering can go through your data allowance pretty quickly
Anything you do comes out of your allowance (such as browsing, emails, streaming, snapchatting, uploading to social media, video calls etc.), so be aware not to get caught short with your mobile data when you’re out and about.
If you plan on using Plusnet tethering for a long period of time, you can also get a monthly data bolt-on.
