Using your phone's data connection from a PC is called "tethering". Why do you want to link your phone to your computer? Well, obviously the reason is so that you can use your cellular provider and Internet plan data on your computer when you are away from a wired or Wi-Fi connection.
Seems like it would be easy to do right? Is there an app for this? Well, yes and no … Is it legal? Again: yes and no. Pretty confusing already, isn't it? The truth is, "it depends" … While this article is not meant to fully educate you on the ever-changing tethering policies of each individual service provider, or to walk you through the sometimes difficult steps of rooting your phone, it will (hopefully) enlighten you a little. on how to make the actual connection once the preparation has been taken care of.
Steps
Step 1. Determine if your phone can create a WiFi hotspot
If you don't know the answer to this question, search for "Android phones with hotspot" and add your phone's model number and you should quickly figure out if your phone can be hotspot.
Step 2. Download, search and launch your Hot Spot application
Follow the onscreen directions to set up your hotspot (there is almost always an additional monthly fee that you have to agree to).
Step 3. Select "start tethering" in your application
Your phone has just become a WiFi hotspot!
Step 4. Make sure your Wi-Fi card is enabled on your laptop or desktop computer
Sometimes it is a button, for someone it is a soft switch (usually it is located in the toolbar tray in Windows). You can also check this in Control Panel - Networking. Step 5. Update wireless networks.
You should see a name like "Android Phone" or "Android Tether" on your list of wireless networks.
Step 6. Connect to the tethering network in Android just like any other WiFi connection
Step 7. Open your favorite browser and enjoy surfing wherever there is a cell phone service
Method 1 of 1: Free Rooting Method
Step 1. Specially study and research the methods of getting root-rights on your phone
Don't blindly choose the first one you find. Make sure you know your options and what will happen to your phone. In most cases, rooting your phone will "void" your warranty.
Step 2. Start up your phone
Again, the scope of this article is not large enough to delve into the specifics of the ever-changing legal and semi-legal applications and methods of obtaining root rights on the phone. Please do some research on which modern app / method to use to root your phone. # * It's not that hard these days, but there are no apps available in the Android Market, so you'll have to do some research.
Step 3. Install the Wireless Tether app
Again, probably not on the Android Market. Search for it and install it manually or using an alternative Market like AppBrain.
Step 4. Launch the Wireless Tether app and click on the big WiFi icon in the middle to start pairing
Your phone has just become a WiFi hotspot.
Step 5. Make sure your Wi-Fi card is enabled on your laptop or desktop computer
Sometimes it's a button, some it's a soft switch (usually on a toolbar in Windows). You can also check in Control Panel - Networking. Step 6. Update wireless networks.
You should see a name like "Android Phone" or "Android Tether" in the list of wireless networks.
Step 7. Connect to the tethering network in Android just like any other WiFi connection
Step 8. Open your favorite browser and enjoy surfing wherever there is a cell phone service
Advice
- While it sounds pretty technical, rooting an Android phone is pretty easy these days. With several off-market applications, rooting can be done in just 3 to 5 steps. Just do your research …
- 3G modem can be slow and tedious at times, as it is a lower connection speed than you have at home or work, so downloading full length movies and streaming videos can overload your connection and can overheat your phone if you use it for several hours in a row. The modem is best used for quick email or checking information.
Warnings
- While technically illegal, some cellular operators do not approve of rooting or tethering phones, and many have recently "done away" with unlimited data packages or switched to offering bandwidth charges or an "unlimited type" plan (which drops bandwidth after using a certain amount).
- Rooting your phone will usually void your warranty. Root at your own peril and risk.