Tethering is the process of using your Android device, or any mobile device, as a modem. By connecting your PC to your Android, you can now harness that 3G or 4G connection in order to surf the Internet, or anything else the connection allows, from your desktop or laptop.

Note #1: Android users also use tethering to describe the process in reverse, which is giving Internet access to your Android device via a PC. However, this involves “rooting” the phone (gaining super-user privileges), which has some dangers associated with it, and is beyond the scope of this how-to.

Note #2: This how-to describes the process of connecting a single device to your Android in order to access the network. In order to tether multiple devices you often have to purchase an advanced connection plan. Alternatively, you can circumvent the need by rooting the Android device.

Warning #1: Some carriers do not permit tethering, so by doing so you could be breaking your service contract. However, carriers will not be aware that you are tethering, but they will take notice if you begin to download an abundant amount of data.

STEP 1: Download and install the PdaNet app.

Supporting USB and Bluetooth, PdaNet gives you full Internet access through your Android device, and it keeps your device charged at the same time, which is an issue with tethering. There is a PdaNet trial period, at which point the free version blocks access to secure websites. If this is an issue, the full version costs ~$24. There are free alternatives, but those that are as functional as PdaNet involve rooting the phone.

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