It is very easy to enable Internet access (data access over a mobile network) on Android handset and then convert it to a modem. With the 3G and 4G networks, we do not need to rely on just DSL connection for faster Internet access. With a 3G or 4G network we can access faster Internet connection on our computers by using an Android handset as a modem. This tutorial explains the steps to convert a Smartphone into a modem by tethering and access the Internet on a computer. There are different types of tethering but this tutorial explains USB tethering to convert mobile handset to a modem. Here, the entire procedure is divided into two parts.
Step by step instructions to activate mobile Internet service (Data Access) on mobile handset are provided below.
After you check the option "Data Enabled", your phone starts pick up the data signal either Edge or 3G depends on the service you have. Now we are going to the second part of the tutorial. This section explains how to use the Android feature tethering to connect the phone to your laptop or computer and access the Internet directly from the phone.
Now the procedure is complete and your Android phone is acting as a modem for your computer. However, rarely users see issues with tethering. Let us check some common issues which prevent you from tethering Android phone.
- Enable Internet on Android Phone
- Convert Android Phone to Modem
Step by step instructions to activate mobile Internet service (Data Access) on mobile handset are provided below.
1. Enable Data Access on Android Phone
- Click on Application
- Go to Settings
- Click on Wireless and Networks
- Go to Mobile networks
- Check the option "Data enabled"
After you check the option "Data Enabled", your phone starts pick up the data signal either Edge or 3G depends on the service you have. Now we are going to the second part of the tutorial. This section explains how to use the Android feature tethering to connect the phone to your laptop or computer and access the Internet directly from the phone.
Use Tethering to Connect Android Phone as a Modem
- Connect Phone to PC using a USB cable
- Cancel the prompt to use the device as a USB storage
- Click Applications
- Click on Settings
- Click Wireless & networks
- Click Tethering & Portable hotspot
- Select USB tethering
Now the procedure is complete and your Android phone is acting as a modem for your computer. However, rarely users see issues with tethering. Let us check some common issues which prevent you from tethering Android phone.
Common Tethering Problems and Solutions
- Internet Service Provider Blocks Tethering
As I said before, tethering enables a user to use his phone as modem and access Internet on his computer. However, this practice is not encouraged by Mobile service providers because high data transfer through the mobile network can make a network busy. So to avoid this issue, some mobile service providers block users from using the feature tethering. One of the practical solutions to the service provider's tethering block is to pay extra as they demand. I have been using Idea, BSNL and Docomo mobile broadband services without having any tethering trouble. If you face any issues to use a smartphone as a modem, you may comment here for further assistance.
- Phone Prompts to Connect as USB Storage
When you connect your Android phone to your computer using a USB cable, you may be prompted to select it as a USB storage device. You can cancel it by pressing the exit button (any button on your handset which let you escape this prompt). Now you can follow the instructions provided in this tutorial.
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