Share the internet even without Wi-Fi or a hotspot! Here’s how Bluetooth tethering comes in handy..

Most people use a Wi-Fi hotspot to access the internet on a laptop or another device using their smartphone. But did you know there is another way to share your phone's internet? It is called Bluetooth Tethering. Simply put, it allows your phone to share its internet connection with another device via Bluetooth. Android phones offer options to share mobile data using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or USB. Let’s explore how Bluetooth Tethering works and when it might be beneficial to use it.

How does Bluetooth Tethering work?
To start Bluetooth Tethering, you first need to pair your phone with the other device (such as a laptop) via Bluetooth. Pairing essentially means connecting the two devices. Next, you need to go to your phone's settings and turn on Bluetooth Tethering. Once the connection is established, the other device can use your phone's internet connection.

On Android phones, you can usually find these settings here:

Go to Settings.
Open the 'Network & Internet' or 'Connections' option.
Tap on 'Hotspot & Tethering'.
Turn on 'Bluetooth Tethering'.
Keep in mind that the names or locations of these settings may vary slightly depending on the phone manufacturer.

How is it different from a Wi-Fi Hotspot?
Both Bluetooth Tethering and Wi-Fi Hotspots serve the same purpose: sharing your phone's internet with another device. However, the methods differ. Bluetooth Tethering speeds are generally slower than those of a Wi-Fi Hotspot. Therefore, a Wi-Fi Hotspot might be a better choice for tasks like downloading large files or streaming videos.

On the other hand, Bluetooth Tethering can consume less battery in certain situations. According to Motorola's support documentation, Bluetooth Tethering can be useful if the phone and the other device are close together and there are many Wi-Fi networks in the vicinity.

When should you use Bluetooth Tethering?
Suppose you want to check emails on your laptop or do some quick internet browsing; in such cases, Bluetooth Tethering can be a useful option. This method is useful when you do not wish to use a Wi-Fi hotspot and both devices are in proximity. However, if you require high-speed internet, need to download large files, or want to stream videos, using a Wi-Fi hotspot is the better option.

Things to keep in mind:
Your phone must have an active internet connection to use Bluetooth tethering. Typically, mobile data is used for this purpose, although some devices allow you to share a Wi-Fi connection via Bluetooth as well. Also, verify whether your mobile plan supports tethering. Sharing the internet will consume your mobile data, so it is advisable to turn off Bluetooth tethering once you are finished; this helps prevent unnecessary data and battery consumption.

In summary, Bluetooth tethering is an alternative method for sharing the internet. It is useful for light online tasks and devices located nearby, whereas a Wi-Fi hotspot is more effective when high-speed internet is required.

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