How to connect laptop to mobile hotspot via bluetooth

You can use your phone’s mobile data to connect another phone, tablet, or computer to the internet. Sharing a connection this way is called tethering or using a hotspot.

• Most Android phones can share mobile data by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB using the Settings app.
• All Pixel and some Nexus phones can also share mobile data by Wi-Fi using notifications.
• Pixel 3 and later Pixel phones can also use tethering to share a Wi-Fi connection with other devices.

Important: Some mobile carriers limit or charge extra for tethering. We recommend checking with your carrier.

Tether by Wi-Fi hotspot

Use the Settings app

Step 2: Connect another device to your phone's hotspot

1. On the other device, open that device's list of Wi-Fi options.
2. Pick your phone's hotspot name.
3. Enter your phone's hotspot password.
4. Click Connect.

Tip: You can share your phone's mobile data with up to 10 other devices via a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Use notifications

Step 2: Set up tethering using notifications

Step 1: Sign in to the same account on all devices

1. Sign in to the same Google Account on all devices. Learn how to add accounts.
2. Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Learn how to turn them on.

Step 2: Let your phone share its connection

1. Open your phone's Settings app.
2. Tap Google
   
   Instant Tethering.
3. Turn on Provide data connection.

Step 3: Let your other devices use your phone's connection

1. Open your other device’s Settings app.
2. Tap Google
   
   Instant Tethering.
3. Turn on Get data connection.

Tip: This kind of tethering is on by default for most devices that can use it.

Step 3: Tether using notifications

Step 1: Make sure your devices are ready

• Check that all devices are set up to tether via notifications (above).
• Keep your phone with mobile data nearby.
• Unlock the device that you want to connect.

Step 2: On the other device that’s not connection

Step 3: On your phone with mobile data

• When you connect, you’ll get a “Sharing data connection” notification. This notification will stay on as long as you're connected.
• To disconnect, on the notification, tap Disconnect.

Tip: When you don't use an Instant Tethering connection for about 10 minutes, it disconnects.

Tether by Bluetooth

1. Pair your phone with the other device.
2. Set up the other device to get its network connection by Bluetooth. Follow the instructions that came with the device.
3. Open your phone's Settings app.
4. Tap Network & internet
   
   Hotspot & tethering.
5. Tap Bluetooth tethering.

Tether by USB cable

Important: Mac computers can't tether with Android by USB.

1. Using a USB cable, connect your phone to the other device. A "Connected as a…" notification shows at the top of the screen.
2. Open your phone's Settings app.
3. Tap Network & internet
   
   Hotspot & tethering.
4. Turn on USB tethering.

Let your hotspot turn off automatically

Important: To save battery, your hotspot turns off when no devices are connected. 

Tip: We recommend plugging in your devices while tethering, and turning off connections when done.

Related resources

• Use your Pixel phone with any mobile carrier
• Connect to Wi-Fi networks
• Connect via Bluetooth
• Transfer files between your computer & phone

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