How to Get Internet With a Bluetooth-Enabled Cell Phone
Using your Bluetooth-enabled cell phone as a modem for internet access on your laptop is great in a pinch when there’s no Wi-Fi service available or your regular internet service goes down. However, all the data downloaded to and uploaded from your laptop is using your phone’s data plan. Keep an eye on data usage to avoid unexpected overage surcharges or data caps. This method pairs your phone with your computer, connecting them over a Personal Area Network (PAN).
What You Need
Only a few things are needed to get your laptop up and running with internet from your phone: If you’re on an iPhone, turn on Bluetooth from Settings > Bluetooth. Android devices enable Bluetooth through the drop-down menu at the top of the screen. Pull down the menu and tap the Bluetooth icon. On iPhone, turn on Personal Hotspot in the Settings app. The Wi-Fi hotspot option on Android devices is in the Network & Internet settings. If you can’t find it, search the settings for hotspot or tether. In Windows, open the Run dialog box with the Win+R keyboard shortcut, and then enter control bthprops.cpl to open the Bluetooth settings. On a Mac, click the Bluetooth icon at the top of the screen and choose Turn Bluetooth On. If you don’t see that option, go into System Preferences > Bluetooth and enable the Show Bluetooth in menu bar option. In Windows 10, for example, the option is called Add Bluetooth or other device. On a Mac, go to System Preferences and then Bluetooth. If you’re prompted for a PIN code, type whatever is shown on your laptop, or try some standard PINs like 0000 or 1234 or check your device’s manual.
Bluetooth-enabled cell phone Bluetooth adapter (built-in or external dongle) for your laptop Data plan from your mobile provider
