How to Tether a Laptop to Your Phone

Tethering shares your phone's mobile data with your laptop. Here is exactly how to do it on iPhone and Android, over Wi-Fi and over USB.

To tether a laptop to your phone, turn on the phone hotspot and connect the laptop to it, or connect a USB cable and enable USB tethering for a steadier link. With a Citrus Mobile eSIM on the phone, your laptop then has mobile data across 200+ countries, pay as you go.

What tethering means

Tethering is simply sharing your phone's internet connection with another device. Your phone is online through a mobile network, and tethering lets your laptop use that same connection. With a Citrus Mobile eSIM on the phone, you get affordable data in 200+ countries, and your laptop rides along on it. There are two ways to tether, over Wi-Fi and over a USB cable.

Tether an iPhone (Wi-Fi)

1
Open Personal Hotspot
Settings, then Personal Hotspot, then turn on Allow Others to Join. Note the Wi-Fi password shown there.
2
Connect the laptop
On the laptop, open the Wi-Fi menu, pick your iPhone, and enter the password. On a Mac with the same Apple ID, it often connects without one.
3
Confirm you are online
A link icon appears on the iPhone while a device is connected.

Tether an Android phone (Wi-Fi)

1
Open hotspot settings
Settings, then Network and internet, then Hotspot and tethering, then Wi-Fi hotspot.
2
Turn it on and set a password
Enable the hotspot and set or note the password.
3
Join from the laptop
Pick the hotspot name in the laptop Wi-Fi menu and enter the password.

Tether over USB (the steadiest way)

USB tethering is faster and more stable than Wi-Fi, especially in crowded places, and it charges your phone while you work. It is the best choice for video calls and large uploads.

1
Connect the cable
Plug the phone into the laptop with a USB or USB C cable.
2
Enable tethering
iPhone: Personal Hotspot works over the cable automatically once connected. Android: turn on USB tethering under Hotspot and tethering.
3
Trust the device if asked
On iPhone, tap Trust if prompted. The laptop then uses the phone connection.

Wi-Fi or USB?

Use Wi-Fi tethering for quick, casual use and when you want the laptop a little away from the phone. Use USB for long calls, big uploads, busy venues, and to keep the phone charged.

Tips for a smooth tether

Keep the phone charged. Hotspots use a lot of power. Plug in or use USB so the phone charges while it shares data.
Stay close on Wi-Fi. Distance and walls slow a Wi-Fi hotspot. Keep the phone near the laptop.
Watch background data. Set the laptop connection as metered on Windows, and pause cloud backups, so updates do not drain your balance.
Lock screen drops. If a Wi-Fi tether drops when the phone locks, keep it awake or use USB.

Why use a Citrus Mobile eSIM to tether

Tethering only helps if the phone has good, affordable data. A Citrus Mobile eSIM gives you that in 200+ countries on one balance, switching to a strong local carrier automatically as you travel. Pay as you go from $4, no contract. Check rates on the rates page.

Why Citrus Mobile keeps you online anywhere

The whole point is simple. Get one Citrus Mobile eSIM, and it gives you a working internet connection almost anywhere on earth, as long as some carrier nearby has coverage.

Switches carriers automatically

Your eSIM is not locked to one network. It hops to whichever local carrier has the strongest signal, so you stay online when a single network would drop.

Works in 200+ countries

One eSIM covers the whole trip. Land in a new country and you are connected, with no new SIM to buy and no roaming surprises.

Pay as you go

Top up from $4 and only pay for the data you actually use. No fixed plans, no expiry, and your balance never burns down on a timer.

Built for working, not just maps

Reliable 4G and 5G data that holds up for video calls, large uploads, and a full day of remote work, not just checking directions.

Frequently asked questions

How do I tether my laptop to my phone?

Turn on your phone hotspot and connect the laptop to it like a Wi-Fi network, or connect a USB cable and enable USB tethering. With a Citrus Mobile eSIM on the phone, the laptop then has mobile data.

Is USB tethering better than a Wi-Fi hotspot?

For stability and heavy use, yes. USB tethering is steadier and lower latency, and it charges the phone. Wi-Fi tethering is more convenient for light, casual use.

How do I tether a laptop to an iPhone?

On the iPhone, open Settings, Personal Hotspot, and turn on Allow Others to Join, then pick the iPhone in your laptop Wi-Fi menu. A Mac on the same Apple ID often connects without a password.

How do I tether a laptop to an Android phone?

Go to Settings, Network and internet, Hotspot and tethering, turn on Wi-Fi hotspot, and join it from the laptop. Or use USB tethering from the same menu.

Why does my tether keep dropping?

Often because the phone locks or is too far away on Wi-Fi. Keep the phone awake and close, or switch to a USB cable for a stable connection.

Does tethering use a lot of battery?

Yes, hotspots are power hungry. Keep the phone plugged in or tether over USB so it charges while sharing data.

How do I stop tethering from using too much data?

Set the laptop connection as metered on Windows, pause cloud backups, and keep video at standard definition. This prevents background updates from eating your balance.

Do I need a special data plan to tether?

You just need data on the phone. A Citrus Mobile eSIM gives you pay as you go data in 200+ countries, which is ideal for tethering while traveling.

Keep reading

Connect a Laptop AnywhereThree practical ways to get any laptop online, anywhere.Use a Laptop Without Wi-FiGet a laptop online when there is no Wi-Fi around.eSIM for LaptopGet any laptop online anywhere, native eSIM or phone hotspot.eSIM for MacBookWhy MacBooks have no eSIM slot, and the workaround that actually works.

Get data for tethering

Works in 200+ countries. Top up from $4. No contracts, no expiry.