Sometimes your PC may already be connected to the internet but your mobile phone has no access. In such cases, instead of purchasing extra mobile data or struggling with poor connectivity, you can simply share your PC’s internet connection with your phone.
This method not only saves cost but also ensures you make full use of the internet you’re already paying for. This process is known as WiFi Hotspot or Internet Connection Sharing (ICS).
In this Techparley’s guide, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide for both Windows and Mac users, showing you exactly how to set up and customise your hotspot securely.
Why Share PC Internet to Mobile?
- Save mobile data: use your PC’s broadband or LAN connection.
- Stay connected anywhere: handy during mobile network downtime.
- Multiple devices: connect several phones or tablets at once.
- More stable browsing: benefit from your PC’s wired internet speed.
Method 1: Share PC Internet via WiFi on Windows 10/11
Windows has a built-in feature called Mobile Hotspot.
- Go to Settings → press `Win + I`.
- Select Network & Internet.
- Click Mobile Hotspot (on the left menu).
- Under Share my Internet connection from, choose your active connection (e.g., Ethernet or WiFi).
- Click Edit to set a Network name (SSID) and Password.
- Toggle Mobile Hotspot ON.
- On your phone → open WiFi settings, find your hotspot name, enter the password, and connect.
Method 2: Share PC Internet via WiFi on Mac
Mac users can also turn their laptop into a WiFi hotspot.
- Click the Apple menu → System Preferences → Sharing.
- Select Internet Sharing from the left panel.
- Under Share your connection from, choose your active source (e.g., Ethernet).
- Under To computers using, tick Wi-Fi.
- Click Wi-Fi Options → set Network name, channel, security, and password.
- Tick Internet Sharing to enable.
- On your phone → connect to the new WiFi network using the password.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps
If built-in tools don’t work, you can use software like:
- Connectify Hotspot (Windows) – easy UI and extra features.
- MyPublicWiFi (Windows) – free hotspot creator.
- HoRNDIS (Mac, older versions) – allows USB tethering if WiFi isn’t available.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If your phone won’t connect, disable VPNs or firewalls temporarily.
- Make sure your PC’s WiFi adapter supports Hosted Network (older adapters may not).
- Restart both PC and phone if you can’t see the hotspot name.
- Always set a strong password to prevent unauthorised access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my PC internet to more than one mobile?
Yes, both Windows and Mac allow multiple devices to connect at once.
Do I need mobile data for this?
No, the PC’s internet (LAN, broadband, or modem) is what gets shared.
Will my phone get full internet speed?
It depends on your PC’s internet speed and WiFi adapter capacity.
Can I do this with a desktop PC without WiFi?
You’ll need a WiFi adapter (USB or built-in) to create a hotspot.
Is it safe to share internet this way?
Yes, as long as you set WPA2/WPA3 password security.
