If USB tethering is not working on Android, first confirm that mobile data works on the phone, unlock the phone, and reconnect it with a USB cable that supports data transfer. Then open Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering and turn on USB tethering. On a Samsung Galaxy phone, go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering > USB tethering.
Those steps solve the problem when Android simply selected charging mode. If USB tethering is greyed out, the computer does not detect the phone, or the connection has no internet, use the fixes below in order. The exact menu names can differ slightly by phone brand and Android version.
Check the Simple Requirements First
USB tethering turns an Android phone into a wired network adapter for a computer. Three separate connections must therefore work:
- The phone must have a working mobile data connection.
- The USB cable and ports must support a data connection, not just charging.
- The computer must recognize the phone as a USB network device.
The phone can charge even when the second or third requirement fails. Charging alone does not prove that the cable can transfer data or that Windows loaded the necessary network adapter.
Before changing drivers or resetting anything, check the following:
- Turn off Wi-Fi on the phone and open a website using mobile data.
- Confirm that the phone has an active data plan and a usable cellular signal.
- Unlock the phone before connecting it to the computer.
- Connect directly to a USB port on the computer instead of a hub, dock, keyboard, or monitor.
- Keep the phone connected while opening the USB tethering setting.
- Disconnect other VPN or hotspot connections temporarily.
Google states that most Android phones can share mobile data through Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB, although a carrier may limit tethering or charge for it. Google also notes that Android USB tethering is not supported on Mac computers. Google Android Help
How to Turn On USB Tethering on Android
Try the standard Android method first:
- Connect the unlocked phone to the computer with a USB data cable.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Network & internet.
- Select Hotspot & tethering.
- Turn on USB tethering.
- Wait up to a minute for the computer to create the new network connection.
On a Google Pixel, this is the official path given by Google. A “Connected as…” notification should also appear after the cable is connected. Google Pixel Help
On Samsung Galaxy devices:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Connections.
- Select Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
- Turn on USB tethering.
Samsung confirms that its USB tethering option is inaccessible when the phone does not detect a suitable USB connection. Samsung Support
For Xiaomi, Redmi, OnePlus, Motorola, Tecno, Infinix, and other Android phones, search Settings for tethering if the menu is in a different location.
1. Make Sure Mobile Data Works on the Phone
USB tethering usually shares the phone’s cellular data. It cannot provide internet to the computer if the phone itself has no working data connection.
Disconnect the USB cable temporarily, turn off Wi-Fi on the phone, and load two or three websites. If they do not open:
- Turn Airplane mode on for about 15 seconds, then turn it off.
- Confirm that Mobile data is enabled.
- Check that you have not exhausted your data allowance.
- Move to an area with a stronger cellular signal.
- Restart the phone.
- If the phone has two SIM cards, select the correct SIM for mobile data.
- Check whether a data limit configured in Android has been reached.
Fix the cellular connection before returning to tethering. Our detailed mobile data not working on Android article covers the phone-side checks in more depth.
2. Replace the USB Cable
A charge-only or damaged cable is one of the most common reasons a phone charges but USB tethering does not work. Some inexpensive cables contain only the wires required for power. Others once supported data but have developed an internal fault.
Use the cable supplied with the phone or another cable that you know can transfer files. A practical test is to connect the phone and look for it in Windows File Explorer after selecting File transfer. If the computer cannot see the phone’s storage, test another cable before troubleshooting Windows.
Also check both connectors for looseness, bending, corrosion, or debris. Samsung recommends checking the cable for damage and testing another cable when a Galaxy device has USB connection problems. Samsung Support
3. Change the USB Connection from Charging to File Transfer
After connecting the phone:
- Unlock it.
- Swipe down to open the notification panel.
- Tap the notification labelled Charging this device via USB, USB for…, or similar.
- Under Use USB for, select File transfer / Android Auto.
- Return to Hotspot & tethering and enable USB tethering.
Selecting File transfer is not always required, because enabling tethering can change the USB function automatically. However, this test proves that Android recognizes a data connection and often wakes a connection that is stuck in charge-only mode.
If no USB notification appears at all, focus on the cable, phone port, and computer port.
4. Use Another USB Port and Avoid Adapters
Connect the phone directly to another port on the computer. If it is a desktop PC, try a rear motherboard port. Avoid an unpowered hub, monitor port, docking station, or questionable USB-C adapter while testing.
If a USB-C-to-USB-C connection fails, try a known-good USB-A-to-USB-C data cable if the computer supports it, or vice versa. This can bypass a port, adapter, or USB controller compatibility problem.
After changing ports, unlock the phone and watch for a new USB notification. Windows may need a short time to install the USB network device.
5. Restart the Phone and Computer
Restart both devices with the cable disconnected. After they start:
- Enable mobile data on the phone.
- Confirm that mobile internet works.
- Unlock the phone.
- Reconnect the data cable.
- Enable USB tethering.
A restart clears a stalled Android USB service, modem session, or Windows network adapter without deleting settings.
USB Tethering Is Greyed Out
When USB tethering is greyed out, Android usually has not detected a compatible USB data connection. This is different from a tethering connection that turns on but has no internet.
Try these fixes:
- Unlock the phone before connecting it.
- Test a confirmed data-capable cable.
- Connect directly to a different computer USB port.
- Tap the USB notification and select File transfer / Android Auto.
- Clean the phone’s port carefully.
- Remove an OTG adapter connected to the phone.
- Restart both devices and reconnect.
- Test the phone on another computer.
The switch may remain unavailable when the cable is connected to a charger rather than a host device. It may also be disabled by a work profile, device-management policy, carrier restriction, or manufacturer feature such as an incompatible desktop mode.
USB debugging is not required. Enabling it exposes additional developer access and is not a normal fix for a greyed-out tethering switch.
USB Tethering Is Connected but Has No Internet
If the USB tethering switch turns on and Windows shows a new connection but websites do not load, the USB link is probably working. Concentrate on the source of the internet connection and how traffic is routed.
Turn Off Wi-Fi on the Phone
Some phones can share a Wi-Fi connection, while others expect tethering to use cellular data. Turn off Wi-Fi and confirm that the phone can browse through mobile data. Then reconnect tethering.
Disable VPN Apps Temporarily
A VPN, firewall, ad blocker, antivirus, or local filtering app can stop tethered traffic even while internet continues to work on the phone. Disconnect the VPN and temporarily pause apps that create a local VPN connection.
If this solves the problem, check whether the VPN supports tethered devices or split tunnelling. Do not permanently remove protection merely to keep tethering active.
Set Private DNS to Automatic
Open Settings > Network & internet > Private DNS and choose Automatic or Off temporarily. A private DNS hostname that cannot be reached over the current network can make the connection appear offline.
Restore your preferred setting after testing.
Check the Carrier’s Tethering Rules
Some mobile plans block tethering, require a separate hotspot allowance, or reduce speed after a threshold. This is especially likely when:
- Mobile data works normally on the phone.
- USB tethering connects successfully.
- No tethered device can reach the internet.
- Wi-Fi hotspot also fails or displays a carrier message.
Check the account or contact the mobile network. Do not assume that an “unlimited” phone plan includes unlimited tethering. Samsung’s troubleshooting information likewise advises confirming that the carrier and data plan support hotspot or tethering. Samsung Support
Select the Correct Data SIM
On a dual-SIM Android phone, open Settings > SIMs, SIM manager, or Mobile network. Make sure the active data SIM has a working plan. If Android asks which SIM to use, choose the mobile-data SIM.
Reset the APN to Default
An incorrect Access Point Name can permit some phone traffic but interfere with tethering on certain networks.
The usual path is:
- Open Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
- Select the active SIM.
- Tap Access Point Names.
- Open the menu and choose Reset to default.
- Restart the phone.
On Samsung, use Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > Access Point Names.
Do not copy random APN values from an unrelated carrier. If the default does not work, obtain the correct settings from your mobile network.
Android USB Tethering Is Not Detected by Windows
When Android shows that tethering is active but Windows does not create a network, the USB network adapter may be disabled, missing, or using a bad driver.
Look for the USB Network Adapter
- Right-click Start and open Device Manager.
- Expand Network adapters.
- Look for an entry containing Remote NDIS, RNDIS, USB Ethernet, the phone manufacturer’s name, or Mobile Device.
- Also check Other devices for an item with a yellow warning icon.
If the device is disabled, right-click it and select Enable device. If it has an error, disconnect and reconnect the phone with tethering enabled.
Reinstall Only the Tethering Adapter
If the correct USB network device has a warning icon:
- Right-click that specific adapter.
- Choose Uninstall device.
- Do not select an option to remove drivers unless you have a replacement driver available.
- Disconnect the phone.
- Restart Windows.
- Reconnect the phone and enable USB tethering.
Be careful not to uninstall the computer’s Wi-Fi or Ethernet adapter by mistake. If Windows reports a broader driver problem, see Windows could not find a driver for your network adapter.
Disable and Re-enable the Connection
- Press Windows + R.
- Type
ncpa.cpland press Enter. - Find the connection created by the Android phone.
- Right-click it and choose Disable.
- Wait a few seconds, then choose Enable.
If Windows labels it as an unidentified network, disconnect VPN clients and temporarily disable Internet Connection Sharing on unrelated adapters before reconnecting the phone.
Run the Windows Network Troubleshooter
On Windows 11, open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Network and Internet and run the troubleshooter. Apply only changes relevant to the tethered connection.
Use Network Reset as a Late Fix
Network reset removes and reinstalls Windows network adapters and returns many networking settings to their defaults. It can also remove saved configurations used by VPN software or virtual machines, so leave it until simpler fixes fail.
Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset, select Reset now, and restart the PC.
USB Tethering Keeps Disconnecting
An unstable tethered connection usually points to a physical USB interruption, power management, heat, or weak cellular service.
Try the following:
- Replace the cable even if charging remains stable.
- Use a direct computer port instead of a hub.
- Keep both connectors still and check whether movement breaks the connection.
- Remove a thick phone case if it prevents the plug from seating fully.
- Turn off Battery Saver on the phone while testing.
- Keep the phone cool and out of direct sunlight.
- Move to an area with a stronger cellular signal.
- Update Android and Windows.
- In Device Manager, open the relevant USB hub or tethering adapter properties and, if available, clear Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
USB tethering charges the phone while its cellular modem and processor are active, which can produce heat. If the phone becomes unusually hot, stop tethering, remove it from insulating surfaces, and allow it to cool.
Clean the USB Port Safely
Pocket lint can allow charging pins to make contact while interfering with a secure data connection.
Turn off the phone and inspect the port under good light. Remove loose debris gently with a dry, non-metallic tool or soft brush. Do not pour liquid into the port, scrape its contacts with metal, or force the connector.
If Android shows a moisture warning, let the port dry fully before reconnecting. A loose, burned, corroded, or physically damaged port needs professional repair.
Reset Android Network Settings
Use a network reset only when mobile data, hotspot, or other network features are also misbehaving. It may remove saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and customized cellular settings.
The typical path is:
- Open Settings > System > Reset options.
- Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
- Confirm the reset.
- Restart the phone and test mobile data before tethering.
On a Samsung Galaxy phone, open Settings > General management > Reset > Reset mobile network settings or Reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings, depending on the One UI version.
Update Android, Windows, and Computer Drivers
Install pending Android system updates from Settings > System > Software update. Samsung places the option under Settings > Software update > Download and install.
On Windows, install normal Windows Update items and check the computer manufacturer’s support page for chipset and USB controller updates. Prefer drivers supplied by Windows Update or the PC manufacturer over downloads from unofficial driver sites.
Restart both devices after installing updates.
Test Which Device Is Causing the Problem
If none of the fixes has worked, use substitution tests:
| Test | What the result suggests |
|---|---|
| Same phone and cable on another Windows PC | Failure points to the phone, cable, plan, or carrier |
| Same phone with another data cable | Success confirms the original cable was faulty |
| Another Android phone on the same PC | Failure points to Windows, its USB port, or its drivers |
| Wi-Fi hotspot from the same phone | Failure points to mobile data, carrier tethering, VPN, or APN |
| File transfer through the same USB connection | Failure points to the cable, port, or basic USB detection |
These tests are more reliable than repeatedly changing unrelated settings.
What to Do If USB Tethering Still Does Not Work
Use the phone’s Wi-Fi hotspot as a temporary alternative. If that also fails, the problem is unlikely to be the USB cable or Windows RNDIS adapter. Follow our Android hotspot not working fixes and verify tethering access with the carrier.
Bluetooth tethering can work in an emergency, but it is generally slower than USB or Wi-Fi. A separate mobile hotspot device may be better for long sessions.
Contact the phone manufacturer or a repair technician if multiple data cables and computers fail to detect the phone for both file transfer and tethering. Contact the mobile carrier if the USB connection activates but neither USB nor Wi-Fi tethering can access the internet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my USB tethering option greyed out?
Android normally enables the option only after it detects a USB data connection to another device. Unlock the phone, replace the cable with a data-capable one, select File transfer from the USB notification, and test another computer port.
Why does my phone charge but USB tethering does not work?
Charging uses different cable contacts from USB data. The cable may be charge-only, damaged, or loosely connected. Windows may also have failed to load the phone’s USB network adapter.
Does USB tethering require USB debugging?
No. USB tethering is a normal Android networking feature and does not require Developer options or USB debugging. Leave USB debugging off unless you need it for a separate development task.
Why does USB tethering say connected but provide no internet?
The likely causes are failed mobile data, an exhausted allowance, a carrier tethering restriction, the wrong data SIM, a VPN, Private DNS, or incorrect APN settings. First turn off phone Wi-Fi and confirm that mobile data works directly on the phone.
Why is Android USB tethering not working on Windows 11?
Test the cable and USB mode first. If Android says tethering is active, check Device Manager for a Remote NDIS, RNDIS, USB Ethernet, or manufacturer-labelled network adapter. Enable or reinstall only that adapter, then reconnect the phone.
Can I use Android USB tethering with a Mac?
Google’s current Android help states that Mac computers cannot tether with Android through USB. Use a secured Wi-Fi hotspot or another supported connection method instead.
Is USB tethering faster than a Wi-Fi hotspot?
It can provide a stable wired link and avoids local Wi-Fi interference, but internet speed still depends mainly on the phone’s cellular signal, network congestion, plan limits, cable, and computer.
Does USB tethering use mobile data?
Usually, yes. Data used by the connected computer counts against the phone plan’s data or tethering allowance. Computers can consume data quickly through updates, cloud synchronization, streaming, and downloads, so monitor usage during a metered connection.
Start with the mobile-data test and a known-good data cable. If tethering then turns on but Windows remains offline, the symptom has already narrowed the problem to the carrier, phone network configuration, or Windows USB network adapter.
