How to Connect to Your High Speed Internet through a Cell Phone

by Deronte' Smith
Get the most out of your phone by connecting it to the Internet through your computer.

Get the most out of your phone by connecting it to the Internet through your computer.

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Learning and understanding the vast array of options available with your smart phone, Internet, and personal computer (PC) can be a cumbersome task. Tech-savvy people keep current on the latest developments allowing them to stay ahead of the curve. However, the rest of us could use a hand in simply knowing how to utilize our phones and computers. You can get the most from your mobile phone by connecting it to your high speed Internet using your computer through a process known as tethering.

Step 1

Turn on your computer and your phone. Connect the two devices using the provided USB cable.

Step 2

Go into the menu options on your phone. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled and placed in "discoverable" mode. This step can vary by carrier, be sure to consult your operating manual for specifics for this feature on your phone. The "discoverable" mode can also appear as "visible" or "find me" in certain phone menus.

Step 3

Link your computer and phone by pairing them, a process that employs Bluetooth to allow the two devices to communicate.

Step 4

Locate the system tray on your computer desktop. Click on the system icon to open the tray menu options.

Step 5

Locate the Bluetooth icon in the system tray. There is a copy of the icon in the third listing in the References section below. Click on the icon in the system tray to open a menu window, and select "Add Bluetooth device" from the menu.

Step 6

Follow the instructions on the screen to search for Bluetooth-enabled devices, and choose your phone from the list of enabled devices. Enter your personal identification number (PIN) provided by your cell phone carrier. If you do not have a PIN, you can try 0000 as an alternate.

Step 7

Enter the same PIN number into the field on your computer screen when prompted to complete the pairing process. Your Windows operating system (OS) will automatically install any necessary drivers required for your phone and computer to communicate. This may require your authorization of driver downloads.

Step 8

Set a "Dial-up" Internet connection for using your phone through your computer. You can create the dial-up connection in your Windows OS. The fourth listing in the Reference section below provides instructions for setting up this connection in Windows 7.

Step 9

Double-click the dial-up connection icon in your "Network" menu after it is installed to open the program. You can begin using your phone to browse the Internet because it will be connected.

Tip

  • Most cell phone carriers offer tethering services to their customers for a nominal monthly fee.

About the Author

Deronte' Smith began his professional writing career in 1996 with Trader Publications, writing listings for "Auto Trader Magazine." He has also worked for the "Central Kentucky News Journal" and the "Kentucky Kernel." Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Kentucky.

Photo Credits

  • Photos.com/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images