This article shows you how to use an Android device as an internet access point by sharing your data connection via Bluetooth. Read on to find out how.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Activate the Bluetooth Connectivity of the Android Device
Step 1. Enter the "Settings" menu of the device
It features a gray gear icon located within the "Applications" panel.
Step 2. Choose the Bluetooth item
It is usually located at the top of the "Settings" menu, but in some cases you may need to scroll down to find and select it.
Step 3. Activate the Bluetooth slider by moving it to the right
It should turn green to indicate that the device's Bluetooth connectivity has been activated.
- The Bluetooth connection symbol (ᛒ) should appear inside the Android notification bar, located at the top of the screen.
- If the Bluetooth slider is already green, it means that the connection is already active.
Part 2 of 3: Pair the Android Device and Computer
Step 1. Activate the Bluetooth connectivity of the device you want to pair with the Android smartphone
This could be a laptop, tablet, or other smartphone. Depending on the platform in use, the procedure to follow to activate Bluetooth connectivity will vary slightly:
- iPhone / Android - start the app Settings, touch the item Bluetooth and activate the homonymous cursor by moving it from left to right;
- Windows systems - access the Settings device, click the icon Devices, select the tab Bluetooth and other devices, then activate the "Bluetooth" slider;
- Mac - access the menu Apple, choose the item System Preferences, click the icon Bluetooth, then press the button Turn on Bluetooth.
Step 2. Go to the configuration of the Android device
The "Bluetooth" menu should still be displayed on the screen. Otherwise, log in to it again before proceeding.
Step 3. Wait for the name of the device to be paired to appear in the list of those detected in the area
After a few seconds, the name of the smartphone, tablet or computer should appear in the "Bluetooth" menu of the Android device.
The name of the device to be paired varies from system to system, but is usually always made up of a combination of the manufacturer name, model and / or serial number
Step 4. Tap the name of the device to pair
This will start the pairing procedure.
If the device name does not appear among those found, try disabling and re-enabling Bluetooth connectivity
Step 5. Verify the security code when prompted, then press the Connect button (Windows systems only)
If the PIN code shown on the Android device display is the same as the one shown on the Windows system screen, you can press the button Connect or Match.
- Remember that you must perform this step quickly, otherwise the validity of the security code will expire and the pairing procedure will fail, forcing you to repeat the entire operation.
- If you are using a Mac, you may need to press the button Accept to complete the pairing procedure.
Step 6. Wait for the two devices to establish the connection
When the connection is successful, the device name will be displayed in the connected ones section of the Android "Bluetooth" menu and vice versa.
Part 3 of 3: Activate Bluetooth Tethering
Step 1. Press the "Back" button
It is located in the upper left corner of the Android device screen.
Step 2. Choose the item Other
It is located within the "Wireless & Networks" section of the "Settings" menu.
Step 3. Select the Tethering and Wi-Fi hotspot option
This is one of the options present in the submenu Other of the "Wireless and Network" section.
Step 4. Select the checkbox or turn on the Bluetooth tethering switch
It should be located at the bottom of the list of available options. Once active, a check mark will appear or it will turn green.
Step 5. Configure the Bluetooth network connection of the device paired with the Android smartphone
Since most systems are configured by default to access the internet via the network card, you will need to activate the function that allows the use of the Android device's data connection via Bluetooth. Follow these instructions:
- Android devices - tap the name of the Android system that provides web access, then select the check button Internet access;
- Windows systems - select the name of the Android device that provides the internet connection, choose the option Connect via, then click the item Access point;
- Mac - select the name of the Android device, click the gear icon in the lower left corner of the window and finally choose the option Connect to the network.
- On iPhone, the connection should be enabled automatically if Wi-Fi connectivity is disabled or unavailable.
Step 6. Verify that your internet connection is working properly
If the device is successfully connected to the Android smartphone via Bluetooth tethering, you should be able to access the web without any difficulty.
Advice
- If a Wi-Fi connection is also available, the smartphone and other electronic devices will most likely automatically use this type of connection instead of taking advantage of the one conveyed via Bluetooth.
- To be able to use tethering via Bluetooth connection in an optimal manner, the smartphone and computer must be within a few meters of each other.
Warnings
- Using Bluetooth tethering causes increased loading times for content downloaded from the web, including normal browsing.
- Make sure that the use of the tethering function is included in your tariff plan; otherwise, the telephone company will apply additional costs.
